US 12,379,059 B2Granted

Quick connect manifold for flowable material delivery to a part-forming fixture and associated systems and methods

AssigneeThe Boeing Company

InventorsSantiago M. Mejia, Samantha Eberhardt, James R. Kendall, Byron J. Autry, Brian T. Peters, David H. Curry, III, David M. Raines

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

patentgrep

Loading patent…

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and methods for providing flowable material to a part-forming fixture. The apparatus comprising a tool manifold and a fixture manifold. The tool manifold comprises a tool-manifold base and a plurality of tool fittings extending through the tool-manifold base. The fixture manifold comprises a fixture-manifold base and a plurality of fixture fittings extending through the fixture-manifold base. An interface end of each one of the plurality of tool fittings is removably attachable to an interface end of a corresponding one of the plurality of fixture fittings such that, when attached, a seal is created between the tool fittings and the corresponding fixture fitting and flowable material is flowable from each one of the tool fittings into the corresponding one of the fixture fittings.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus for providing flowable material to a part-forming fixture, the apparatus comprising:

a tool manifold, comprising:
a tool-manifold base comprising a tool surface and a fixture-interface surface, opposite the tool surface;
and
a plurality of tool fittings extending through the tool-manifold base and each comprising a hose end, extending from the tool surface, and an interface end, extending from the fixture-interface surface;
a fixture manifold comprising:
a fixture-manifold base comprising a fixture surface and a tool-interface surface, opposite the fixture surface;
and
a plurality of fixture fittings extending through the fixture-manifold base and each comprising a hose end, extending from the fixture surface and an interface end, extending from the tool-interface surface;
and
a rotary union comprising a plurality of outlet ports and a plurality of inlet ports, wherein:
the interface end of each one of the plurality of tool fittings is removably attachable to the interface end of a corresponding one of the plurality of fixture fittings such that, when attached, a seal is created between the tool fitting and the corresponding fixture fitting and flowable material is flowable from each one of the tool fittings into the corresponding one of the fixture fittings;
the plurality of outlet ports are rotatable relative to the plurality of inlet ports;
the plurality of outlet ports are fluidically coupled with the plurality of tool fittings;
the tool-manifold base is co-rotatable relative to the plurality of outlet ports and rotatable relative to the plurality of inlet ports;
and
when the interface end of each one the plurality of tool fittings is attached to the interface end of the corresponding one of the plurality of fixture fittings, the tool manifold and the fixture manifold are co-rotatable.

13 more elements

A system for providing flowable material to a part-forming fixture, the system comprising:

a tool manifold, comprising:
a tool-manifold base comprising a tool surface and a fixture-interface surface, opposite the tool surface;
and
a plurality of tool fittings extending through the tool-manifold base and each comprising a hose end, extending from the tool surface, and an interface end, extending from the fixture-interface surface;
a hose management tool comprising a plurality of tool hoses and the tool manifold coupled to the hose management tool, wherein the hose end of each one of the plurality of tool fittings is configured to be removably attachable to a corresponding one of the plurality of tool hoses of the hose management tool;
a fixture manifold comprising:
a fixture-manifold base comprising a fixture surface and a tool-interface surface, opposite the fixture surface;
and
a plurality of fixture fittings extending through the fixture-manifold base and each comprising a hose end, extending from the fixture surface and an interface end, extending from the tool-interface surface;
a fixture comprising a plurality of ports, the fixture manifold coupled to the fixture, wherein the hose end of each one of the plurality of fixture fittings is configured to be removably attachable to a corresponding one of the plurality of ports via one of a plurality of fixture hoses;
at least one flowable-material source removably attachable to the plurality of tool hoses and configured to provide flowable material to the plurality of tool hoses;
and
a control system communicatively coupled with the at least one flowable-material source to control the flow of the at least one flowable-material source,
wherein:
the interface end of each one of plurality of tool fittings is removably attachable to the interface end of a corresponding one of the plurality of fixture fittings such that, when attached, a seal is created between the tool fitting and the corresponding fixture fitting and the at least one flowable-material source is configured to supply flowable material from at least one of the plurality of tool hoses to at least one of the plurality of ports;
and
the hose management tool and the tool manifold are movable relative to the fixture manifold.

14 more elements

A system for providing flowable material to a part-forming fixture, the system comprising:

a tool manifold, comprising:
a tool-manifold base comprising a tool surface and a fixture-interface surface, opposite the tool surface;
and
a plurality of tool fittings extending through the tool-manifold base and each comprising a hose end, extending from the tool surface, and an interface end, extending from the fixture-interface surface;
a hose management tool comprising a plurality of tool hoses and the tool manifold coupled to the hose management tool, wherein the hose end of each one of the plurality of tool fittings is configured to be removably attachable to a corresponding one of the plurality of tool hoses of the hose management tool;
a fixture manifold comprising:
a fixture-manifold base comprising a fixture surface and a tool-interface surface, opposite the fixture surface;
and
a plurality of fixture fittings extending through the fixture-manifold base and each comprising a hose end, extending from the fixture surface and an interface end, extending from the tool-interface surface;
a fixture comprising a plurality of ports, the fixture manifold coupled to the fixture, wherein the hose end of each one of the plurality of fixture fittings is configured to be removably attachable to a corresponding one of the plurality of ports via one of a plurality of fixture hoses;
at least one flowable-material source removably attachable to the plurality of tool hoses and configured to provide flowable material to the plurality of tool hoses;
and
a control system communicatively coupled with the at least one flowable-material source to control the flow of the at least one flowable-material source,
wherein:
the interface end of each one of plurality of tool fittings is removably attachable to the interface end of a corresponding one of the plurality of fixture fittings such that, when attached, a seal is created between the tool fitting and the corresponding fixture fitting and the at least one flowable-material source is configured to supply flowable material from at least one of the plurality of tool hoses to at least one of the plurality of ports;
the fixture is rotatable;
and
the tool manifold and the fixture manifold, when coupled together, co-rotate as the fixture is rotated.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 17/665,846Filed 7 Feb 2022
Published: US 2023/0250911 A110 Aug 2023
Granted: 5 Aug 2025
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification10 codes

B29C 70/54
Shaping operations therefor: component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations , e.g. feeding or storage of prepregs or SMC after…
F16L 41/03
Branch units, e.g. made in one piece, welded, riveted: comprising junction pieces for four or more pipe members
B29C 70/446
Using isostatic pressure, e.g. pressure difference-moulding, vacuum bag-moulding, autoclave-moulding or expanding rubber-moulding: moulding…
F16L 39/04
Joints or fittings for double-walled or multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies: allowing adjustment or movement