Fabric handling apparatus and method for composite manufacture
US7601237B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1788
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and accompanying method for handling fabrics used in the construction of composite components and in particular those used in aircraft includes a movable, gantry-type frame assembly having a movable robotic arm attached thereto. A drum assembly, attached to the robotic arm has one or more vacuum ports disposed along the surface of the drum. When vacuum from within the drum is applied to the ports and the drum is moved to contact flexible fabric material—such as the reinforcement fabric used for composite manufacture—an end of the fabric may be picked up through the effect of the applied vacuum and the fabric rolled-up around the drum. The movable gantry and/or the robotic arm may then move the drum to a desired location where the fabric is unrolled and prepared for composite manufacture. Variations to the vacuum ports permit the rolling and transport of a variety of materials and shapes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.