Multifunctional Mandrel End Cap and Method
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsPeter J. Lockett, Manning J. Scarfe
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multifunctional mandrel end cap for the fabrication of composite parts having an end cap core operatively connected to a mandrel and substantially sealed using a bonding agent or end cap sheath. The end cap sheath substantially encloses the end cap core and seals engage perimeter sealing features of the end cap core. The end cap core has a passageway fluidly connecting the mandrel with a vacuum source. The vacuum source is engageable by a vacuum conduit having one or more vacuum conduit perimeter sealing features.
Claims20
A mandrel assembly for use in manufacturing composite parts, comprising:
- a mandrel extending along a mandrel axis and including a mandrel end;
- an end cap core operatively coupled to and covering the mandrel end, the end cap core extending beyond the mandrel end along the mandrel axis;
- and
- a non-permeable film encasing the mandrel and the end cap core thereby to substantially seal the mandrel and the end cap core.
A method of fabricating a composite part using a mandrel having a mandrel end, the method comprising:
- operatively coupling an end cap core to the mandrel end, the end cap core covering the mandrel end;
- encasing the mandrel and the end cap core with a non-permeable film;
- sealing the non-permeable film to the mandrel and the end cap core to create a mandrel assembly;
- and
- fabricating the composite part using the mandrel assembly.
A mandrel assembly for use in manufacturing composite parts, comprising:
- a mandrel extending along a mandrel axis and including a mandrel end;
- an end cap core operatively coupled to and covering the mandrel end, the end cap core extending beyond the mandrel end along the mandrel axis, the end cap core defining a passageway extending through the end cap core to fluidly communicate with the mandrel and at least one trim guide attachment point configured for attachment to a trim guide tool;
- and
- a non-permeable film encasing the mandrel and the end cap core thereby to substantially seal the mandrel and the end cap core.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.