Methods and systems for fabricating composite parts using a SMP apparatus as a rigid lay-up tool and bladder
US8734703B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/139
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite part with a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus usable as both a rigid lay-up tool and as a bladder. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. For example, cavities may be formed into the SMP apparatus for nesting components therein to co-bond or co-cure with the composite part. The composite material may be applied onto the SMP apparatus in the rigid tool configuration and then placed into a rigid external tool and heated to composite cure temperatures at which the SMP apparatus is malleable. A pressure differential may be induced which urges the SMP apparatus to compress the composite material against the rigid external tool. When the composite material is cured, the SMP apparatus may be urged away from the cure composite material and removed from within the composite part.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.