Patent · US Active

Automated drape-forming device

US8871050B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
6References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 20, 2010
Grant dateOct 28, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 5, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB29B11/16
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to an automated device for implementing a drape-forming step to form a laminated fibrous preform, which is then impregnated with resin to produce a part made of composite material. The invention relates more particularly to the production of preforms for manufacturing parts such as panels, in particular very thick panels, that extend basically in two dimensions. The device of the invention comprises a manipulator able to move and orient in space a tape laying head, said tape laying head comprising: a drum comprising a suction orifice leading to its surface and able to individually grasp a length of fabric on a mounting outside the tool and the tape laying head; means designed to subsequently place this length of fabric on the preform comprising means of compacting; and means of heating the length of fabric.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.