Bonded patches with bond line control
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsSteven Donald Blanchard, Aydin Akdeniz, John Spalding, David M. Anderson, Michael W. Evens
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A patch may be used to rework a composite structure in the field. The patch is bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive and includes perforations that allow the escape of air from the adhesive as the patch is compressed against the structure. A spacer may be introduced between the patch and the structure to control the thickness of the adhesive layer.
Claims19
A method of bonding a patch on structure, comprising:
- placing the patch on the structure;
- placing a layer of bonding adhesive between the patch and the structure;
- placing a caul plate over the patch;
- pressing the patch against the structure by applying pressure to the caul plate;
- using an anti-caul plate to limit the pressure applied to a periphery of the patch by the caul plate;
- and
- placing a non-reversible temperature indication strip on the anti-caul plate.
Apparatus for adhesively bonding a patch on a structure surface, comprising:
- a caul plate adapted to be placed on and apply pressure to the patch during a bonding operation;
- and
- an anti-caul plate between the caul plate and the structure surface, the anti-caul plate configured to limit an applied pressure to a periphery of the patch by the caul plate;
- and
- a non-reversible temperature indication strip on the anti-caul plate.
A method of reworking a composite aircraft structure in the field, comprising:
- preparing an area of the structure to be reworked;
- forming a patch including forming perforations in the patch;
- applying a layer of adhesive to one of the patch and the structure;
- controlling a thickness of the adhesive layer by placing a spacer between the patch and the structure;
- applying the patch to the structure;
- placing a caul plate over the patch;
- placing an anti-caul plate between the caul plate and the structure;
- placing a non-reversible temperature indication strip on the anti-caul plate;
- installing a pressure applicator over the combination of the patch, the caul plate and the anti-caul plate;
- using the pressure applicator to apply pressure to the patch through the caul plate;
- using the anti-caul plate to limit the pressure applied by the caul plate to a periphery of the patch;
- installing a heat pack over the patch;
- and
- using the heat pack to cure the adhesive.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.