Composite stringer assembly machine

Abstract

A machine (34) for use in assembling a stringer (32) from two C-shaped charges (22), each channel charge being draped about a mandrel (20), is disclosed. The machine includes a framework (36) having a first platform (40) for supporting the mandrels and C-shaped charges such that the C-shaped charges are back to back. A U-shaped anvil (48), connected to the framework, is rotatable between an engaged position overlying the mandrels and the C-shaped charges, and a disengaged position away from the mandrels and C-shaped charges. The anvil (48) includes a side bladder (58) for compacting the C-shaped charges against one another by pressing the mandrels and C-shaped charges together and against a wall of the anvil opposite to the side bladder, and a top bladder (62) for aligning the mandrels and C-shaped charges by compressing the mandrels and C-shaped charges against the platform. The machine further includes a rotation mechanism for moving the mandrels and C-shaped charges from the first platform to a second platform and rotating the mandrels and C-shaped charges through 180 degrees as they are moved to invert the mandrels and the C-shaped charges draped over the mandrels. Also included with the machine are alignment devices (42) for aligning the ends of the mandrels and the C-shaped charges with one another.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.