Systems, tools, and methods for forming corrugated structures and apparatuses including corrugated structures

US9023265B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Daniel M. Rotter · Lake Forest Park, US
• Brian G. Robins · Renton, US
• Kurtis S. Willden · Kent, US
• Stephen Lee Metschan · Black Diamond, US
• Brad Andrew Coxon · Everett, US
• Stephen Keith Kirchmeier · Bothell, US
• Joseph D. Anderson · Union City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 2013
• Grant date: May 5, 2015
• Expiry date: Dec 23, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/3082
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Tools for forming a corrugated structure from a pliable blank include a plurality of forming blocks that laterally move relative to each other, a compaction mechanism configured to selectively conform the pliable blank to the forming blocks, and a block translating mechanism configured to reconfigure the tool from a pre-formed configuration to a post-formed configuration, in which the forming blocks are positioned closer together than when the tool is in the pre-formed configuration. Associated systems, methods, and apparatuses also are disclosed herein.