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US 12,623,425 B2Granted
Method and apparatus for making a gap filler having a variable cross-section
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorChristian Gordon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A forming die has a continuously configurable nip allowing a composite preform to be formed into continuous composite gap filler that has a variable cross-section along its length.
Claims20
A method of making a composite gap filler having a varying cross-section, comprising:
- drawing a composite preform through a nip in a die;
- changing a shape of the nip;
- and
- heating the composite preform to a softening temperature before the composite preform is drawn through the die,
- wherein changing the shape of the nip includes:
- synchronously rotating a plurality of die members such that they remain in contact along their edges, wherein each of the plurality of die members is eccentrically mounted for rotation about an axis and having a die face defining a section of the nip.
3 more elements
A method of making a composite gap filler having a cross-section that varies along its length (L), comprising:
- heating a composite preform to a softening temperature sufficient to allow the composite preform to be shaped;
- drawing the composite preform through a die configured to form the composite preform into a composite gap filler having a desired cross-section;
- changing the cross-section of the composite gap filler as the composite preform is drawn through the die by altering the die,
- wherein changing the cross-section of the composite gap filler includes:
- synchronously rotating a plurality of die members such that they remain in contact along their edges, each of the plurality of die members eccentrically mounted for rotation about an axis and having a die face defining a section of the cross-section of the composite gap filler.
2 more elements
Apparatus for making a continuous, composite gap filler formed of a composite material and having a cross-section that varies along its length (L), comprising:
- a die having a nip through which a composite preform may be drawn, the die including a plurality of die members eccentrically mounted for rotation about an axis and configured to form the composite preform into a desired cross-sectional shape, each of the plurality of die members having a changeable die face configured to vary the cross-section of the composite gap filler as the plurality of dies members are synchronously rotated such that they remain in contact along their edges and the composite preform is drawn through the nip;
- and
- a heater configured to heat the composite preform to a forming temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.