Sandwich panel for angular forming
OwnerStephen R. Tremain, Robert S. Fullerinventors
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Abstract
A foldable composite panel (1) comprising an inner layer (2) formed from a first material having a relatively high plasticity at least in compression, bonded to at least one adjacent outer layer (3) formed from a second material having a relatively low plasticity. The composite panel (1) can be permanently folded without failure at ambient temperature through an angle substantially greater than that through which the outer layer (3) alone could be folded without failure under comparable conditions.
Claims37
A foldable composite panel comprising an inner layer comprising a first material bonded to at least one adjacent outer layer comprising a second material, wherein the first material has a greater plasticity in compression than the second material, such that the composite panel can be permanently folded without failure at ambient temperature through an angle substantially greater than that through which the outer layer alone could be folded without failure under comparable conditions.
A method of folding a composite panel comprising the steps of forming a line of weakness along one of the outer layers, applying a bending moment to the composite panel thereby causing the panel to fold along the line of weakness, and forcing the excess material of the inside skin to buckle progressively uniformly into the core material to form a relatively straight fold line defining the inside edge of the fold.
A method of folding a composite panel comprising the steps of forming a substantially planar composite panel, machining a substantially straight generally V-shaped groove into the panel, applying an adhesive in or around said groove, and folding the panel to substantially close said V-shaped groove whereby upon curing, the adhesive retains the panel in the folded configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.