Method of manufacturing curved composite structural elements
US9630390B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 18, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/108
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of manufacturing curved composite structural elements can include fabricating a web ply in a flat curve over a removable substrate and laying up the ply on a curved web surface of a manufacturing tool. The method also can include laying up a diagonal ply with fibers oriented at +/−45° from the centerline of the web surface. The method further can include cutting a unidirectional composite tape into segments and laying up the tape segments to form a cross ply with a fiber orientation normal to the centerline of the web surface. One or both edges of the diagonal and cross plies may be folded over one or two sides of the manufacturing tool to form one or two flange surfaces. Additionally, a cap ply can be laid up on one or both flange surfaces using composite tape. The structural element layup can then be inspected and any excess composite material can be trimmed away.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.