US 11,090,845 B1 · Manufacturing system for expandable aerial vehicle components

Abstract

Manufacturing systems for expandable components may include a controller, a heat and/or pressure source, and a transfer line. For example, the expandable components may be configured to transform from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration upon application of heat and/or pressure. In addition, the controller may activate the heat and/or pressure source to release heat and/or gases that are directed to the expandable components via the transfer line. Further, the manufacturing system may also include an igniter, a manifold, and a valve to further control the release of heat and/or gases. Moreover, at least a portion of the heat and/or gases may be recaptured in a closed chamber and redirected to additional expandable components in other closed chambers. Furthermore, various post-processing may be performed on the components in their expanded configurations.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A manufacturing system for an expandable component, comprising:

a controller;
an igniter;
at least one sodium azide initiator;
at least one manifold connected to the at least one sodium azide initiator and comprising at least one valve;
and
at least one transfer line configured to connect the at least one manifold to at least one transfer point of an expandable component, the expandable component comprising a carbon fiber structure, an adhesive bladder disposed within the carbon fiber structure, and an expanding foam disposed within the adhesive bladder;
wherein the controller is configured to at least:
activate the igniter to initiate the at least one sodium azide initiator;
and
control the at least one valve of the at least one manifold to direct at least one of heat or pressure generated by the at least one sodium azide initiator to the at least one transfer point of the expandable component via the at least one transfer line;
wherein the expandable component expands and cures responsive to application of the at least one of heat or pressure.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Manufacturing system for expandable aerial vehicle components

Life of this patent

Manufacturing system for expandable aerial vehicle components

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15