Composite Fabrication System with Alternating Air Pressure Control
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorJuergen Dostal
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for fabricating a composite structure is provided. A first vacuum bag is laid down on a surface of a tool. A composite material is positioned on top of the first vacuum bag on the tool. A second vacuum bag covers the composite material. Vacuum pressure is applied to the first vacuum bag and the second vacuum bag. The composite material is cured to form the composite structure. The first vacuum bag is inflated with compressed air to lift the composite structure from the tool.
Claims20
A method for fabricating a composite structure, the method comprising:
- laying down a first vacuum bag on a surface of a tool;
- positioning a composite material on top of the first vacuum bag on the tool;
- covering the composite material with a second vacuum bag;
- applying vacuum pressure to the first vacuum bag;
- applying the vacuum pressure to the second vacuum bag;
- curing the composite material to form the composite structure;
- and
- inflating the first vacuum bag with compressed air, wherein the compressed air lifts the composite structure from the tool.
A composite fabrication system comprising:
- a tool;
- a first vacuum bag positioned over a surface of the tool;
- and
- an air pressure control system associated with the first vacuum bag and configured to alternate between vacuum pressure and compressed air, wherein the compressed air inflates the first vacuum bag to lift a composite structure off the tool.
A method for fabricating a composite structure for an aircraft, the method comprising:
- laying down a first vacuum bag on a surface of a tool;
- positioning a composite preform on top of the first vacuum bag on the tool;
- covering the composite preform with a second vacuum bag;
- infusing the composite preform with resin;
- applying vacuum pressure to the first vacuum bag and the second vacuum bag;
- curing the composite preform and the resin to form the composite structure;
- and
- inflating the first vacuum bag with compressed air, wherein the compressed air lifts the composite structure from the tool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.