Back to results
US 10,309,726 B2Granted
Hinged baffle for autoclave that deploys at a target temperature during a run cycle
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKeith Daniel Humfeld, Steven Shewchuk
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for operating an autoclave. One embodiment includes a baffle located in an autoclave during a run cycle of the autoclave. A release mechanism secures the baffle in a retracted position during the run cycle, and automatically releases the baffle to a deployed position during the run cycle, when a temperature inside of the autoclave reaches a target temperature, to alter airflow within the autoclave.
Claims31
An apparatus comprising:
- a baffle located in an autoclave during a run cycle of the autoclave;
- and
- a latch that secures the baffle in a retracted position during the run cycle, and releases the baffle to a deployed position during the run cycle when a temperature inside of the autoclave reaches a target temperature to alter airflow within the autoclave.
An apparatus comprising:
- an autoclave;
- and
- at least one baffle element installed within the autoclave;
- wherein the at least one baffle element includes:
- a baffle;
- a hinge mechanism that attaches the baffle to a surface inside of the autoclave, wherein the baffle is configured to pivot via the hinge mechanism from a retracted position to a deployed position to alter airflow within the autoclave;
- and
- a latch that secures the baffle in the retracted position during a run cycle of the autoclave, and automatically releases the baffle to the deployed position during the run cycle when a temperature inside of the autoclave reaches a target temperature.
5 more elements
A method of operating an autoclave, the method comprising:
- performing a thermal-analysis of the autoclave;
- selecting a location for a baffle element within the autoclave based on the thermal-analysis;
- installing the baffle element at the location, wherein the baffle element includes a baffle that attaches to a location inside of the autoclave via a hinge mechanism, and that pivots between a retracted position and a deployed position via the hinge mechanism;
- selecting a target temperature for deploying the baffle during a run cycle of the autoclave;
- securing the baffle in the retracted position with a latch;
- initiating the run cycle;
- and
- releasing the baffle to the deployed position with the latch during the run cycle when a temperature inside the autoclave reaches the target temperature.
5 more elements
A method of controlling heat within an autoclave, the method comprising:
- initiating a run cycle of the autoclave;
- and
- deploying a baffle within the autoclave during the run cycle from a retracted position to a deployed position to alter airflow within the autoclave and change heat transfer from the airflow to at least one region of a workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.