Method and apparatus for forming a nacelle leading edge
AssigneeRohr, Inc.
InventorAlan R. Douglas
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for forming a nacelle leading edge includes an actuation assembly, a punch, and a die. The punch is in communication with the actuation assembly and annularly disposed about a first axis. The punch is configured to mate with an interior surface of a preform. The die is in communication with the actuation assembly and disposed within the first axis. The die is configured to retain an exterior surface of the preform. The actuation assembly is configured to effect relative motion between the punch and the preform. The actuation assembly is configured to offset the punch so that the punch is annularly disposed about a second axis, different than the first axis.
Claims20
A method for forming a nacelle leading edge, comprising:
- positioning a preform between a punch and a die, the punch and the die annularly disposed about a first axis;
- moving, relatively, at least one of the punch and the preform towards the other of the punch and the preform along the first axis so that a portion of the preform is formed over a leading edge of the punch;
- and
- rotating the punch so that the punch is annularly disposed about a second axis, different than the first axis.
An apparatus for forming a nacelle leading edge, comprising:
- an actuation assembly;
- a punch in communication with the actuation assembly and annularly disposed about a first axis, the punch configured to mate with an interior surface of a preform;
- and
- a die in communication with the actuation assembly and annularly disposed about the first axis, the die configured to retain an exterior surface of the preform;
- wherein the actuation assembly is configured to effect relative motion between the punch and the preform;
- and
- wherein the actuation assembly is configured to rotate the punch so that the punch is annularly disposed about a second axis, different than the first axis.
An apparatus for forming a nacelle leading edge, comprising:
- an actuation assembly;
- a punch in communication with the actuation assembly and annularly disposed about a first axis, the punch configured to mate with an interior surface of a preform;
- and
- a die in communication with the actuation assembly and annularly disposed about the first axis, the die configured to retain an exterior surface of the preform;
- wherein the actuation assembly is configured to rotate the punch so that the punch is annularly disposed about a second axis, different than the first axis;
- and
- wherein the actuation assembly is configured to at least one of effect relative movement between the die and the preform along the first axis and effect relative movement between the punch and the preform along one of the first axis and the second axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.