Shape-distorting tooling system and method for curing composite parts
US8986484B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/082
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tooling system may include a cure tool and a biasing element. The cure tool may have a cure tool coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and may be configured for curing a composite article formed of two or more components having dissimilar component CTEs. The biasing element may be fixedly attached to the cure tool and has a biasing element CTE that may be different than the cure tool CTE. The biasing element may be configured such that a combination of the cure tool CTE and the biasing element CTE causes a heat-up displacement in the cure tool when heated and the composite article is cured in a distorted shape. When the cured composite article is cooled, the cured composite article may substantially assume an as-designed shape.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.