Apparatus, system, and method for manufacturing of composite structures
AssigneeUniversity of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
InventorHenry James Edward Tingle
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method, system, and apparatus are provided for creating complex-geometry composite parts with dissolvable internal support structures. Methods include: forming a core from a dissolvable material; layering composite material layers over the core; curing the composite material layers; and dissolving the core to leave cured composite layers of the composite part. Forming the core from the dissolvable material may include using three-dimensional printing to form the core. The dissolvable material may include polyvinyl alcohol. The core can include a channel formed therein, where layering composite material layers includes layering composite material layers within the channel of the core.
Claims18
A method for forming a composite part comprising:
- forming a core from a dissolvable material and defining a channel formed therein;
- layering composite material layers over the core and into the channel;
- inserting a spar core into the channel having the composite material layers therein;
- layering additional composite material layers over the core and spar core disposed within the channel;
- curing the composite material layers and the additional composite material layers;
- and
- dissolving the core to leave cured composite layers of the composite part.
A system for forming a composite part comprising:
- a core formed from a dissolvable material and defining a channel formed therein;
- composite material layers layered over the core and into the channel;
- and
- a spar core received within the channel having the composite material layers therein;
- additional composite material layers are layered over the core and the spar core;
- wherein the composite material layers and the additional composite material layers are cured, and
- wherein the core is dissolved to leave cured composite material layers of the composite part.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.