Bonded patches with bond line control
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsSTEVE BLANCHARD, Aydin Akdeniz, John Spalding, David M. Anderson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A patch may be used to rework a composite structure in the filed. The patch is bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive and includes perforations that allow the escape of air from the adhesive as the patch is compressed against the structure. A spacer may be introduced between the patch and the structure to control the thickness of the adhesive layer.
Claims26
A method of reworking an area of a structure, comprising:
- preparing a patch, including forming a plurality of perforations the patch;
- placing a layer of viscous bonding adhesive between the structure and the patch;
- pressing the patch against structure;
- and
- using the perforations in the patch to allow air and/or adhesive to be squeezed out from the patch as the patch is pressed against the structure.
A method of bonding a patch on structure, comprising:
- placing the patch on the structure;
- placing a layer of bonding adhesive between the patch and the structure;
- placing a caul plate over the patch;
- pressing the patch against the structure by applying pressure to the caul plate;
- and,
- using an anti-caul plate to limit the pressure applied to the periphery of the patch by through the caul plate.
A patch for use in reworking an area of a structure, comprising:
- a generally planar member adapted to be pressed against the structure and bonded thereto by a layer of adhesive, the planar member including a plurality of perforations therein allowing air between the patch and the structure to escape through the planar member as the planar member is pressed against the structure.
Apparatus for adhesively bonding a patch on a structure surface, comprising:
- a caul plate adapted to be placed on and apply pressure to the patch during a bonding operation;
- and
- means for limiting the pressure applied to the periphery of the patch by the caul plate.
A method of reworking a composite aircraft structure in the field, comprising:
- preparing an area of the structure to be reworked;
- forming a patch including forming perforations in the patch;
- applying a layer of adhesive to one of the patch and the structure;
- controlling the thickness of the adhesive layer by placing a spacer between the patch and the structure;
- applying the patch to the structure;
- placing a caul plate over the patch;
- placing an anti-caul plate between the caul plate and the structure;
- installing a pressure applicator over the combination of the patch, the caul plate and the anti-caul plate;
- using the pressure applicator to apply pressure to the patch through the caul plate;
- using the anti-caul plate to limit the pressure applied by the caul plate to the periphery of the patch;
- installing a heat pack over the patch;
- and
- using the heat pack to cure the adhesive.
A patch for reworking a composite aircraft structure, comprising:
- a generally planar member adapted to be pressed against the structure and bonded thereto by a layer of adhesive, the planar member including a plurality of perforations therein allowing air between the patch and the structure to escape through the planar member is pressed against the structure;
- a substantially uncompressible screen adapted to be placed between the planar member and the structure for controlling he uniformity of the adhesive layer;
- a layer of adhesive bonding the planar member to the structure;
- and,
- beads in the adhesive layer for controlling the thickness of the adhesive layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.