Methods and systems for fabricating composite stiffeners with a rigid/malleable SMP apparatus
US8815145B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29D99/0014
- 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 tool and as a bladder. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. The composite material may be applied onto the SMP apparatus and then placed into a rigid external mold and heated to composite cure temperatures at which the SMP apparatus is malleable. In some embodiments, an impermeable sheet of material may also be placed over portions of the composite material to compress it against the SMP apparatus. A pressure differential may be induced which urges the SMP apparatus to compress the composite material against the rigid external mold. When the composite material is cured, the pressure differential may be equalized and/or reversed and the malleable SMP apparatus may be removed from within the composite part.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.