Composite backing layer peel starter
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsTravis Adams, Adam David Martinez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A composite backing layer peel starter and methods of use are presented. A method of beginning removal of a backing layer from a composite material is presented. An impact force is applied to a corner of the backing layer with a polymeric material contact surface of a striker to adhere the polymeric material to the backing layer. The striker is pulled away from the backing layer to apply a lifting force to the backing layer.
Claims24
A method of beginning removal of a backing layer from a composite material, the method comprising:
- separating a corner of the backing layer away from the composite material by impacting, cyclically along a rotational axis of a first cylindrical rod, a polymeric material forming a contact surface of a striker connected to an end of the first cylindrical rod into the backing layer at a frequency breaking an adhesion between the backing layer and the composite material, wherein the first cylindrical rod is:
- rigid and applies a force along the rotational axis at a frequency breaking an adhesion between a backing layer and a composite material;
- and
- is connected to a second cylindrical rod that is rigid and comprises a diameter, greater than a diameter of the first cylindrical rod, that tapers to connect with the first cylindrical rod, wherein the second cylindrical rod comprises a contact surface, on an end of the second cylindrical rod opposite a tapered end connected to the first cylindrical rod, that comprises a polymeric material that comprises a flexibility and an adhesive property;
- and
- applying, from the second cylindrical rod, a lifting force pulling the backing layer away from the composite material.
A composite backing layer peel starter that comprises:
- a first cylindrical rod that is rigid and comprises a rotational axis, wherein the first cylindrical rod is configured to cyclically apply a force along the rotational axis at a frequency that breaks an adhesion between a backing layer and a composite material;
- and
- a second cylindrical rod that is rigid and comprises a diameter, greater than a diameter of the first cylindrical rod, that tapers to connect with the first cylindrical rod, wherein the second cylindrical rod comprises a contact surface, on an end of the second cylindrical rod opposite a tapered end connected to the first cylindrical rod, that comprises a polymeric material that comprises a flexibility and an adhesive property.
A method of beginning removal of a backing layer from a composite material, the method comprising:
- cyclically applying an impact force, to a corner of the backing layer cyclically along a rotational axis of a first cylindrical rod connected to a second cylindrical rod comprising a contact surface comprising polymeric material, at a predetermined frequency and thereby breaking adhesion between the backing layer and the composite material, wherein the second cylindrical rod comprises a diameter, greater than a diameter of the first cylindrical rod, that tapers to connect with the first cylindrical rod, wherein the second cylindrical rod comprises the contact surface on an end of the second cylindrical rod opposite a tapered end connected to the first cylindrical rod and the polymeric material comprises a flexibility and an adhesive property;
- and
- applying a lifting force away from the composite material to the backing layer by pulling the contact surface away, along the rotational axis, from the backing layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.