Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections
US8418740B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1795
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.