Composite forming apparatus, methods, and systems
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsBrian G. Robins, Kurtis S. Willden
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A composite forming apparatus includes an end effector and a forming feature that is coupled to the end effector. The end effector moves the forming feature relative to a forming tool to form a composite ply over a forming surface of the forming tool or over previously formed composite material on the forming surface of the forming tool. The composite forming apparatus further includes a positioning member engaged with the forming feature. The engagement between the positioning member and the forming feature facilitates a position between the forming feature and the composite ply to promote uniform application of compaction force over the forming surface of the forming tool.
Claims20
A composite forming apparatus for manipulating a composite material, the composite forming apparatus comprising:
- a stomp foot selectively moveable between a stomp position and another position, the stomp foot pressing a composite ply against a forming surface of a forming tool in the stomp position;
- a forming feature selectively moveable to a sweeping position, the forming feature engaging with the composite ply in the sweeping position after the composite ply is pressed against the forming surface and sweeping the composite ply relative to the forming tool away from the stomp foot and toward a ply support member beyond the forming tool to form the composite ply over the forming tool;
- and
- a positioning member selectively moveable in relation to the forming feature and positioning the forming feature in relation to the composite ply during the sweeping in response to selective movement of the positioning member.
A composite forming apparatus for manipulating a composite material, the composite forming apparatus comprising:
- a stomp foot selectively moveable between a stomp position and another position, the stomp foot pressing a composite ply against a forming surface of a forming tool in the stomp position;
- a forming feature selectively moveable to a sweeping position, the forming feature engaging with the composite ply in the sweeping position after the composite ply is pressed against the forming surface and sweeping the composite ply relative to the forming tool away from the stomp foot and toward a ply support member beyond the forming tool to form the composite ply over the forming tool;
- and
- a positioning member selectively moveable in relation to the forming feature and manipulating at least one of a position, a profile, and an orientation of the forming feature in relation to the composite ply during the sweeping in response to selective movement of the positioning member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.