Systems and methods for compacting a charge of composite material
US9314976B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2043/3605
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for compacting a charge of composite material. These systems and methods may utilize a vacuum compaction device to compact the charge of composite material on a supporting surface. The vacuum compaction device may be reusable and may be configured to define an enclosed volume when positioned on the supporting surface and may include a barrier structure and a sealing structure that is configured to form a fluid seal when compressed between the supporting surface and the barrier structure. The vacuum compaction device also may include a vacuum distribution manifold that is in fluid communication with and configured to selectively apply a vacuum to the enclosed volume. Application of the vacuum to the enclosed volume may decrease a pressure within the enclosed volume and transition the vacuum compaction device from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration, thereby compacting the charge of composite material on the supporting surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.