In-Tool Compaction for Composite Structures
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorThomas Karl Tsotsis
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Abstract
An in-tool system for compacting an out-of-plane feature of a composite structure. The in-tool system comprises a cavity formed in a tool, a stiffener preform, and an insert. The cavity has an angled surface. The stiffener preform includes an out-of-plane feature, where the out-of-plane feature has a compaction surface. The insert comprises a first face complementary to the angled surface of the cavity and a second face complementary to the compaction surface of the out-of-plane feature. The first face is opposite the second face.
Claims21
An in-tool system for compacting an out-of-plane feature of a composite structure, comprising:
- a cavity formed in a tool, the cavity comprising an angled surface;
- a stiffener preform comprising an out-of-plane feature, the out-of-plane feature comprising a compaction surface;
- and
- an insert comprising a first face complementary to the angled surface and a second face complementary to the compaction surface, the first face opposite the second face.
A method for in-tool compaction of an out-of-plane feature of a composite structure, the method comprising:
- forming a stiffener preform;
- placing an insert adjacent an out-of-plane feature of the stiffener preform;
- inserting the stiffener preform and the insert into a cavity of a tool, wherein the insert comprises a first face complementary to an angled surface of the tool and the insert comprises a second face complementary to a compaction surface of the stiffener preform;
- and
- applying a force on the stiffener preform or the insert such that the second face of the insert transmits a compression force on the compaction surface of the stiffener preform.
A stiffener preform assembly for in-tool compaction of out-of-plane features of a stiffener preform, the assembly comprising:
- a stiffener preform comprising an out-of-plane feature, the out-of-plane feature comprising a compaction surface;
- an insert comprising a first face complementary to an angled surface of a cavity of a tool and a second face complementary to the compaction surface, the first face opposite the second face;
- and
- a preform holding fixture having a cross section complementary to the angled surface of the cavity of the tool and the first face of the insert.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.