Apparatus and methods for forming composite stiffeners and reinforcing structures
US7767128B2 · kind B2 · utility
8Cited by
41References
13Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2008 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 25, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24995
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Method of forming a curved composite structure are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting at least one ply of preimpregnated material on a first surface of a curved mandrel. The first surface of the mandrel has a first radius of curvature. The mandrel further has at least one second surface that has a second radius of curvature. A tension gradient is introduced on the ply adjacent to the first radius of curvature and the ply is then pressed over the curved mandrel to form the curved composite structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.