Semi-rigid tool having sections that vary from one another in rigidity
US8353696B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49036
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a manufacturing tool (13, 14) and method for use in forming polymer matrix composite products such as carbon fiber composite products. The tool comprising a first and a second portion defining a cavity (15) therebetween in which the product is built before curing. The rigidity of the second portion (13) of the tool is selected based on the required deflection of the second portion of the tool under the curing conditions, in order to maintain pressure on the laminate during the entire cure. The second upper portion (13) is shown haring varying thicknesses (16A, 16B and 16C) which results in different rigidity of these regions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.