US 2018/0345591 A1 · METHOD OF CREATING LARGE COMPLEX COMPOSITE PANELS USING CO-CONSOLIDATION OF THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL SYSTEMS

Abstract

A method of constructing a large, complex composite panel involves connecting smaller compression molded thermoplastic subpanels, edge to edge using a thermoplastic co-consolidation method. The edges of adjacent subpanels are given complementary surface configurations. The surface configurations are overlapped and heat and pressure are applied to the overlapping surface constructions to co-consolidate the surface constructions in forming a large, composite panel of two or more subpanels.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of constructing a large panel, the method comprising:

producing a first subpanel;
constructing a first constructed surface along an edge of the first subpanel;
producing a second subpanel;
constructing a second constructed surface along an edge of the second subpanel;
positioning the first constructed surface on the first subpanel against the second constructed surface on the second subpanel;
heating the first constructed surface and the second constructed surface;
and,
cooling the first constructed surface and the second constructed surface.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

15/608,245Filed 30 May 2017

Published

6 Dec 2018

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification32 codes

B29C 66/435
Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles: making large sheets by joining smaller ones or strips together
B29C 43/021
Of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles: characterised by the shape of the surface
B29C 65/02
Joining or sealing of preformed parts , e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor: by heating, with or without pressure
B29C 66/0384
Covering the joint by a coating material: the coating material being in tape, strip or band form

Method of creating large complex composite panels using co-consolidation of thermoplastic material systems

Life of this patent

Method of creating large complex composite panels using co-consolidation of thermoplastic material systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20