# US 2014/0196833 A1 · Method and system of vacuum assisted resin transfer moldings for repair of composite materials and structure > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0196833 A1 - Document ID: US20140196833A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 14/115,886 - Filed: 2012-05-04 - Published: 2014-07-17 - Earliest claimed: 2011-05-06 - Assignees: Purdue Research Foundation - Applicants: Purdue Research Foundation - Inventors: Pipes R. Byron; Ian Cameron Coker; Douglas Edward Adams; Ronald Sterkenburg; Jeffrey P. Youngblood - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140196833A1 ## CPC - B29C 73/02: using liquid or paste-like material (B29C73/16 takes precedence) - B29C 70/443: {and impregnating by vacuum or injection} - B29C 73/10: using patches sealing on the surface of the article (B29C73/14 takes precedence) - B29C 73/12: Apparatus therefor, e.g. for applying (B29C73/30 takes precedence) - B29C 35/02: Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing {during moulding, e.g. in a mould}(cold vulcanisation B29C35/18 {; vulcanising tyres, presses therefor B29D30/0601}) - B29C 73/34: for local heating - B29C 2073/262: {for polishing, roughening, buffing or sanding the area to be repaired} - B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00) ## Abstract The present disclosure provides a method of repairing a damaged portion of a panel formed of composite material. The method includes preparing the damaged portion for repair and applying a pressure responsive adhesive layer to substantially cover the damaged portion. The method also includes disposing a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding repair patch assembly to substantially cover the damaged portion and substantially covering the repair patch assembly with a vacuum bag assembly. Resin is introduced into and impregnates the repair patch assembly. The repair patch assembly is cured after being impregnated. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of repairing a damaged portion of a panel formed of composite material, comprising: preparing the damaged portion for repair; applying a disposable protective adhesive layer to substantially cover the damaged portion; disposing a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding repair patch assembly to substantially cover the damaged portion; positioning scrim material between the damaged portion and repair patch assembly; substantially covering the repair patch assembly with a vacuum bag assembly; introducing resin into the repair patch assembly; impregnating the repair patch assembly; and curing the repair patch assembly. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the preparing step comprises removing the damaged portion from the panel. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the preparing step comprises replacing the damaged portion with a honeycomb core material. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising cleaning the damaged portion and nearby area with a cleansing tool. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the pressure responsive adhesive layer after the curing step. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising disposing a heat blanket over the repair patch assembly. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising: preheating the repair patch assembly to a desired temperature; and removing air or volatile material from the repair patch assembly. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising: mixing the resin in a cartridge; and coupling the cartridge to an inlet side of the repair patch assembly. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising discontinuing the impregnating step when resin begins to pass through an outlet side of the repair patch assembly. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling the introducing step by opening or closing an inlet valve or outlet valve. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the curing step comprising increasing the temperature of the repair patch assembly to a temperature greater than 100° C. ### Claim 12 A vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding repair system for a damaged composite panel, comprising: a repair patch assembly including a plurality of layers, the assembly including an adhesive layer for coupling to the panel and a first vacuum bag having an inlet; a scrim material configured to be disposed between the repair patch assembly and panel; a cartridge adapted to contain resin; a pump having a port, the port being coupled to the inlet; an inlet valve and outlet valve; a first tube coupled between the cartridge and an inlet side of the repair patch assembly, the first tube including the inlet valve configured to control an amount of resin dispersed into the repair patch assembly; a second tube coupled to an outlet side of the repair patch assembly, the second tube including the outlet valve; and a third tube coupled between the pump and port for delivering a pressure response to the repair patch assembly. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The system of claim 12, further comprising a heat-generating assembly coupled to the repair patch assembly, the heat-generating assembly including a heat bonder apparatus, a temperature sensor, and a heat blanket disposed near the repair patch assembly for delivering a temperature response thereto. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The system of claim 12, wherein the repair patch assembly comprises a transfer medium configured to facilitate resin flow, an injection plate, and the scrim material adapted to increase thickness and strength to the adhesive layer. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, further comprising a computer, digital tablet, or controller for operably controlling the system. ### Claim 16 A system for a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding repair, comprising: one or more repair patch assemblies; a piece of scrim material; at least one resin cartridge; a surface preparation tool; and a repair equipment tool. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The system of claim 16, wherein the one or more repair patch assemblies includes a plurality of layers comprising a transfer medium configured to facilitate resin flow, an injection plate, and the piece of scrim material. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The system of claim 16, wherein the surface preparation tool comprises a writing utensil, a sander, sandpaper, acetone, or alcohol. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) The system of claim 16, wherein the repair equipment tool comprises a glove, safety glasses, tack spray, vinyl hosing, a vacuum port, a ruler, a roller, a compass, a shear tool, a cutting tool, tape, vacuum bagging, or tape. ### Claim 20 (depends on 16) The system of claim 16, further comprising a container for housing the one or more repair patch assemblies, the at least one resin cartridge, the surface preparation tool, and the repair equipment tool.