Method and system for forming composite geometric support structures
US8313600B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 11, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0425
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for fabricating a geometrically versatile composite lattice support structure having a seamless three-dimensional configuration. The lattice support structure is created by forming two or more cross supports, such as helical, longitudinal, circumferential and/or lateral cross supports, which intersect to form a plurality of multi-layered nodes. The lattice support structure may be designed without any protrusions extending outward from the overall geometry, thus enabling efficient tooling, and thus enabling ease of mass production. The lattice support structure may comprise a completely circumferentially closed geometry, such as a cylinder, ellipse, airfoil, etc. The method for fabricating the lattice support structure comprises laying up a fiber material, in the presence of resin, within rigid channels of a rigid mold, thus creating a green, uncured three-dimensional geometry of unconsolidated cross supports and multi-layered nodes where these intersect. Subjecting these to a curing system functions to consolidate the cross supports and multi-layered nodes to produce the composite lattice support structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.