Fiber preform with mistake-proof positioning element and use thereof

Abstract

A fiber preform is provided for use in an overmolding process that includes a fiber bundle arranged in a predetermined pattern and attached to itself by a plurality of stitches of a thread to form at least one preform layer. At least one positioning element is associated with the at least one preform layer, the at least one positioning element configured to engage with at least one corresponding alignment element on a mold to indicate proper positioning of the fiber preform within the mold. A process of overmolding is also provided in which the at least one positioning element of the fiber preform engages with the at least one corresponding alignment element on the mold to indicate proper positioning. The mold cavity is then filled with a resin to permeate the fiber preform engaging the mold in a unique orientation to yield an article upon resin cure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.