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US 10,538,040 B2Granted
Method using low volume autoclave having configurable shape
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsSergey Barmichev, Kevin Matthew Retz
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Abstract
An autoclave may be reconfigured to accommodate differently shaped parts by relatively rotating portions of the autoclave.
Claims20
A method, comprising:
- configuring a shape of an autoclave to accommodate a number of differently shaped parts by rotating a first portion and a second portion of the autoclave relative to each other so that a first longitudinal axis of the first portion and a second longitudinal axis of the second portion are unaligned, wherein:
- the first portion and the second portion are coupled by an adjustable joint;
- the adjustable joint is configured to rotationally unlock while a portion of the first portion and the second portion remain connected and in contact;
- and
- one part of the number of different shaped parts is cured in the autoclave while the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are unaligned.
2 more elements
A method of autoclaving a part, wherein the part is any of a plurality of differently shaped composite aircraft parts, the method comprising:
- determining a geometric envelope of the part;
- configuring a shape of an autoclave to accommodate the part, by rotating a first portion and a second portion relative to each other so that a first longitudinal axis of the first portion and a second longitudinal axis of the second portion are unaligned, wherein:
- the first portion and the second portion are comprised of a number of adjacent portions;
- the first portion and the second portion are coupled by an adjustable joint;
- and
- the adjustable joint is configured to rotationally unlock while a portion of the first portion and the second portion remain in contact with each other;
- locking the first portion and the second portion in a desired rotational relationship with each other, including engaging interlocking cogs on the number of adjacent portions;
- opening the autoclave to receive the part, including separating a certain number of adjacent portions;
- after opening the autoclave, placing the part into the autoclave;
- after placing the part into the autoclave, closing the autoclave by joining and locking the certain number of adjacent portions;
- securing the number of adjacent portions against movement relative to each other when the autoclave is pressurized by connecting a brace between the number of adjacent portions;
- and
- after pressurizing the autoclave, curing the part in the autoclave while the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are unaligned.
10 more elements
A method, comprising:
- rotating a first portion of an autoclave and a second portion of the autoclave relative to each other such that a first longitudinal axis of the first portion and a second longitudinal axis of the second portion are unaligned;
- placing a part in the autoclave;
- coupling the first portion and the second portion with an adjustable joint, wherein the adjustable joint is configured to rotationally unlock while a portion of the first portion and the second portion remain connected;
- and
- curing the part in the autoclave while the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are unaligned.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.