Method and system for forming a complex monolithic thermoset part
US8377248B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2010 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/737
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for forming a hollow, complex, monolithic composite part. Composite material may be placed around the mandrel, then an internal impermeable membrane may be placed into and/or through tunnels formed in the mandrel. Next, an external impermeable membrane may be placed around the composite material and sealed against itself and the internal impermeable membrane such that the mandrel and the composite material are both contained in an airtight manner between the internal and external impermeable membranes. Air may then be removed from within the sealed impermeable membranes, compressing the impermeable membranes against the mandrel and/or the composite material. The consolidated composite material may be hardened to form the composite part. Finally, the impermeable membrane may be removed from around the hollow composite part and from within the mandrel, followed by removal of the mandrel from within the composite part by breaking it up into smaller pieces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.