Forming Tool And Methods For Forming A Curvature Into A Composite Stiffener
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsJonathan Y. Ahn, Davis Tran, Long Ly
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods of forming a curvature into a composite stiffener and a forming tool are presented. The composite stiffener is positioned in a forming region created by a base assembly and an upper assembly. A first airflow is applied through the material of the base assembly. A second airflow is applied through the material of the upper assembly. A plurality of brackets of the upper assembly is moved relative to each other to change a curvature of the forming region along a length of the forming region to form the curvature into the composite stiffener.
Claims30
A forming tool comprising:
- a base assembly formed by a plurality of segments and a material for distributing a first airflow to a forming region created by the base assembly and an upper assembly, the first airflow providing an air bearing or a holding force;
- the upper assembly comprising a plurality of brackets and material for distributing a second airflow to the forming region in an opposite direction to the first airflow;
- and
- actuators connected to the plurality of brackets and the plurality of segments, the actuators configured to move each of the plurality of segments relative to each other to change a curvature of the forming region along a length of the forming region.
(canceled)
A method of forming a curvature into a composite stiffener, the method comprising:
- positioning the composite stiffener over a segment of a base assembly;
- placing a pair of brackets of an upper assembly over the composite stiffener to form a forming region having a cross-section;
- and
- moving the segment and the pair of brackets within a manufacturing environment while maintaining the cross-section of the forming region to form the curvature into the composite stiffener.
(canceled)
A method of forming a curvature into a composite stiffener, the method comprising:
- positioning the composite stiffener in a forming region created by a base assembly and an upper assembly;
- applying a first airflow through a material of the base assembly;
- applying a second airflow through a material of the upper assembly;
- and
- moving a plurality of brackets of the upper assembly relative to each other to change a curvature of the forming region along a length of the forming region to form the curvature into the composite stiffener.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.