Patent · US Active

System and method of manufacturing a composite structure in a closed cavity mold

US9381679B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
7References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 24, 2012
Grant dateJul 5, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 25, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB29L2031/082
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The present application relates to a method and system that can be utilized to manufacturing composite structures in a closed cavity mold. The tool system includes a closed cavity tool with spring members that when in compression apply pressure to a preform located within the closed cavity mold. During a curing cycle, the spring members provide substantially constant pressure to the preform, thereby preventing voids and porosity in the cured composite structure. Further, the substantially constant pressure, provided by the spring members, acts to more effectively conform the preform to the geometry defined by a void in the closed cavity mold during the curing cycle.

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