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US 2023/0398750 A1Published application
Composite manufacturing method and tool
AssigneeAirbus Operations S.L.
InventorJose Manuel MENENDEZ MARTIN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and a tool for manufacturing a composite structure by integrating and curing together semi-finished components by heat and pressure.
Claims16
A method for manufacturing a composite structure, the method comprising the following steps:
- a) providing at least two partially cured fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) parts;
- b) forming an ensemble by joining the at least two partially cured FRP parts by bringing into contact a first bonding portion of a first partially cured FRP part with a second bonding portion of a second partially cured FRP part;
- c) providing a mold comprising a first mold part and a second mold part configured for coupling with each other, such that an inner chamber is defined when the first and second mold parts are coupled to each other, said inner chamber being configured to house the ensemble inside, wherein
- the first mold part is provided with a first pressing surface, and
- the second mold part is provided with a second pressing surface, such that the first and second pressing surfaces are configured to be arranged facing each other when the first and second mold parts are coupled to each other;
- d) coupling the first and second mold parts such that the ensemble is housed within the inner chamber defined by said first and second mold parts, wherein
- the first pressing surface presses against the first bonding portion of the first partially cured FRP part, and
- the second pressing surface presses against the second bonding portion of the second partially cured FRP part,
- such that a pressure exerted by the first and second pressing surfaces presses the first and second bonding portions against each other;
- e) producing a vacuum in the inner chamber;
- and
- f) curing the ensemble under vacuum and temperature.
9 more elements
A manufacturing tool for manufacturing a composite structure, wherein this manufacturing tool comprises:
- at least first and second mold parts configured to couple to each other such that an inner chamber is defined when the first and second mold parts are coupled to each other, and
- means to apply vacuum to the inner chamber;
- wherein the first mold part is provided with a first pressing surface,
- wherein the second mold part is provided with a second pressing surface, such that the first and second pressing surfaces are configured to be arranged facing each other when the first and second mold parts are coupled to each other, and
- wherein the first, the second, or both mold parts are provided with a pneumatic circuit configured to air-tightly communicate the means to apply vacuum with the inner chamber through at least one vacuum valve arranged on the first, the second, or both mold parts.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.