System and method for facilitating fluid movement in close-molded composite parts

US9199419B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Brett I. Lyons · Chicago, US
• Lisa Christina Carlson · Auburn, US
• Stanley W. Stawski · Seattle, US
• Robert Miller · Albuquerque, US
• Matt Wallen · Vail, US
• Jens Rossfeldt · Green Valley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 31, 2012
• Grant date: Dec 1, 2015
• Expiry date: Dec 23, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/3085
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vacuum bagging system may include a layer assembly defining a fluid flow channel. The layer assembly may include a contact layer mounted to a composite part positionable within an outer mold line (OML) tool. The contact layer may have a contact layer width defined by opposing contact layer side edges. The layer assembly may further include an inner layer mounted to the contact layer and having inner layer side edges located between the contact layer side edges. The fluid flow channel may extend along at least a portion of the composite part to at least one part end. The vacuum bagging system may include an internal vacuum bag positionable against the inner layer. An inner mold line (IML) tool may support the internal vacuum bag. The contact layer width may be less than an IML tool width.