Composite honeycomb sandwich panel splicing
OwnerKevin Patrick Kelleher, Aaron Golden Cooninventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for joining composite parts is present. A first composite part is aligned with a second composite part to form an aligned structure with a splice line. An adhesive layer may cover the splice line. A composite material is placed on the adhesive layer. The aligned structure is cured with the adhesive layer and the composite material to form a joined structure.
Claims23
A method for joining composite parts, the method comprising:
- aligning a first composite part with a second composite part to form an aligned structure with a splice line;
- placing an adhesive layer on the splice line;
- placing a composite material on the adhesive layer;
- curing the aligned structure with the adhesive layer and the composite material to form a joined structure.
A method for manufacturing a composite honeycomb sandwich panel, the method comprising:
- aligning a first composite honeycomb sandwich panel with a second composite honeycomb sandwich panel to form an aligned structure with a splice line;
- placing an epoxy film on the splice line, wherein the epoxy film covers the splice line;
- placing a fabric with an embedded resin on the epoxy film, wherein the aligned structure has a first side and a second side, wherein the epoxy film and the fabric with the embedded resin are placed on the first side and the second side, wherein the fabric is selected from one of a fiberglass fabric and a carbon fabric, and wherein the resin is selected from one of a phenolic resin and an epoxy resin;
- placing the aligned structure with the epoxy film and the fabric with the embedded resin in a die, wherein the die covers the splice line;
- heating the aligned structure in the die under pressure to form a joined structure;
- and
- applying a decorative layer on the joined structure, wherein the completed structure is selected from one of a composite panel, a wall panel, and a light shield.
An apparatus comprising:
- a first composite part aligned with a second composite part to form an aligned structure with a splice line;
- an adhesive layer covering the splice line;
- a composite material located on the adhesive layer;
- a tool capable of holding the aligned structure with the adhesive layer covering the splice line and the composite material located on the adhesive layer.
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the aligned structure is an aircraft part.
An apparatus for splicing honeycomb composite parts, the apparatus comprising:
- a first composite honeycomb sandwich panel aligned with a second composite honeycomb sandwich panel to form an aligned structure with a splice line;
- an epoxy film located on the splice line;
- a fabric with an embedded resin located on the epoxy film;
- a tool capable of holding the aligned structure with the epoxy film located on the splice line and the fabric with the embedded resin, wherein the tool is a match mold die capable of receiving the aligned structure and capable generating pressure on the aligned structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.