Low-cost method of assembling structures with 3-D woven connectors
OwnerPatrick D. Sheahen, Ronald P. Schmidtinventors
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Abstract
A method uses a three-dimensional, woven preform to assemble two components, the preform having at least a pair of legs extending from a base. The woven preform is infused with a resin, and at least one surface of one of the components is bonded to the legs of the preform using the resin within the preform. The other of the components is then attached to the preform by adhering the component with the resin in the preform. The preform is squeegeed into place, ensuring that air pockets are eliminated and a continuous bond line is created. Resin systems providing for oven or room-temperature curing may be used.
Claims20
A method for bonding a first component to a second component, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a multi-layered, three-dimensional preform of woven fabric having a base portion and at least one pair of legs extending therefrom, defining a slot between the legs;
- (b) infusing the preform with a resin;
- (c) inserting at least one surface of the first component into the slot and adhering the legs of the preform to the first component using the resin;
- (d) adhering the base portion of the preform to at least one surface of the second component using the resin;
- and then
- (e) curing the resin without maintaining compaction pressure on the preform.
A method for bonding a first component to a second component, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a multi-layered, three-dimensional preform of woven fabric having abase portion and at least two pairs of legs extending therefrom, defining a first slot between one of the pairs of legs and a second slot between the other of the pairs of legs;
- (b) infusing the preform with a resin;
- (c) inserting at least one surface of the first component into the first slot and adhering the legs defining the first slot to the first component using the resin;
- (d) inserting at least one surface of the second component into the second slot and adhering the legs defining the second slot to the second component using the resin;
- and then
- (e) curing the resin without maintaining compaction pressure on the preform.
A method for bonding a first component to a second component, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a resin-free, multi-layered, three-dimensional preform of woven fabric having a base and at least one pair of legs extending therefrom, defining a slot between the legs;
- (b) applying an amount of resin to at least one surface of the first component;
- (c) applying an amount of resin to at least one surface of the second component;
- (d) inserting the at least one surface of the first component into the slot and adhering the legs of the preform to the first component using the resin on the first component;
- (e) adhering the base portion of the preform to the second component using the resin on the second component;
- then
- (f) applying additional resin onto the preform to fully wet fibers of the preform;
- and then
- (g) curing the resin without maintaining compaction pressure on the preform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.