Joint Molding
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsWilliam Peter Zivich, Ashley J. Norris, Matthew Grant Swain
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Abstract
A joint molding apparatus for molding joints between composite panels comprising inflatable molding bladders connectable to a source of pressurized fluid. A bladder support structure supports the bladders in respective positions adjacent an intersection of panels where, when inflated, the bladders support a joint formed at the intersection of panels while an uncured portion of the joint is curing to hold the joint in a desired configuration at the panel intersection.
Claims14
A joint molding apparatus for molding a joint at a panel intersection, the apparatus comprising:
- at least two inflatable molding bladders connectable to a source of pressurized fluid;
- and
- a bladder support structure configured to support the bladders in respective positions adjacent an intersection of panels where, when inflated, the bladders support a joint formed at the intersection of panels while an uncured portion of the joint is curing to hold the joint in a desired configuration at the panel intersection.
A method for molding joints between composite panels, the method including the steps of:
- forming at an intersection of panels a joint comprising uncured composite resin;
- supporting the bladders in respective positions adjacent the intersection of panels;
- and
- forming the joint into a desired configuration at the panel intersection by inflating the bladders until the bladders are supporting the joint while an uncured portion of the joint is curing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.