Inspection methods and systems for detecting leaks in vacuum bag assemblies
US9976926B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C70/44
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Inspection methods and systems for detecting leaks in a vacuum bag assembly used in the manufacture of a composite part based on spraying helium over the vacuum bag and detecting the helium drawn by the vacuum inside the vacuum bag through a leak. The inspection methods comprise creating a local helium atmosphere in a chamber over the vacuum bag assembly by zones, following a programmed zonal sequence, for a first leak detection test of each zone and a subsequent second leak detection test if the first test gives a positive result. The inspection systems comprise a helium spraying system and helium detecting equipment arranged to implement the inspection methods.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.