Method of inserting Z-axis reinforcing fibers into a composite laminate
US8002919B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2008 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB32B2305/024
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of inserting z-axis reinforcing fibers into a multi-layer composite laminate. Layers of material made up of z-axis fiber and y-axis fibers are automatically transported into a z-fiber deposition machine having a housing with upper and lower surfaces. Z-axis apertures are formed in the respective upper and lower surfaces. An elongated solid rod having a tapered front tip is aligned in close proximity to the aperture in the bottom surface. The rod is first rotated by a motor and then actuated upwardly completely through the thickness of the layer of x-y material by an actuator. A first hollow tube having a z-axis is axially aligned with the aperture in the top surface and a fiber bundle is threaded downwardly through a first hollow tube to a position adjacent its bottom end. The z-fiber deposition machine has structure to feed a predetermined length of the fiber bundle downwardly through the first hollow tube so that it follows the pathway in the x-y material formed by the rod which is now withdrawn downwardly through the aperture in the bottom wall. The z-axis fiber is thus deposited into the x-y material. The top end of the z-axis fiber is then severed and the x-y material…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.