Compaction roller for a fiber placement machine
US7810539B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1795
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Tools for compacting composite parts are disclosed. These tools are used while layers of composite material, such as tows or laminae, are being deposited onto a fabricating surface, such as a mold or other forming tool. The compacting tool is typically divided into a series of narrow segments, each segment able to advance or retreat individually so as to conform to the surface of a composite part being formed. Pressurized fluid, such as air or hydraulic fluid, or non-pressurized internal bladders with incompressible fluid, are used to evenly apply pressure to the segments in order to compact the material with which the tool and the segments are in contact. The compacting tool thus helps eliminate voids and helps the material conform to the desired shape on the forming tool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.