US 6,211,497 B1Granted

Induction consolidation system

AssigneeThe Boeing Company

InventorsMarc R. Matsen, Paul S. Gregg, Howard Martinson, Robert Snyder

Life of this patent

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Abstract

An apparatus for forming and consolidating organic matrix composites. An organic matrix composite panel comprising laid-up prepregs is placed between sheets of a susceptor material that is susceptible to inductive heating to form a workpiece. The resulting workpiece is placed within upper and lower dies formed of a material that is not susceptible to inductive heating. An induction coil embedded within the dies is energized and inductively heats the susceptor sheets surrounding the panel. The sheets in turn conductively heat the organic matrix composite panel. A pressure zone between the workpiece and one of the dies is pressurized to form the workpiece to the contour of a forming surface on one of the dies. The pressure in the pressure zone is maintained on the workpiece until the organic matrix composite panel is fully consolidated and formed.

Claims5

Dependent claims

Apparatus for making consolidated, reinforced resin matrix composites, comprising

(a) a die set having at least two dies made of cast, insulative ceramic, each having a contoured mold surface defining a pressurizing cavity;
(b) an induction coil having segments cast within at least one die and lie longitudinally adjacent in a proximity to the mold surface;
(c) means for opening and closing the die set to permit access to the mold surface;
(d) active cooling means associated with the coil for circulating coolant when the coil is energized;
(e) a power supply electrically coupled with the coil for providing time-varying energy to the coil;
(f) a susceptor, inserted within said cavity, responsive to the time varying energy of the coil for heating when the power supply is energized;
(g) gas pressure means for applying a forming or consolidating pressure while the coil is energized and the die set is closed;
and
(h) optionally, a vacuum pump for evacuating a region around the composite when the coil is energized.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/465,289Filed 5 Jun 1995 · division
Priority: 5 Apr 1991
Granted: 3 Apr 2001
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification80 codes

B22F 3/105
Sintering only: by using electric current other than for infrared radiant energy, laser radiation or plasma ; by ultrasonic bonding
B21D 26/021
By applying fluid pressure: deforming sheet bodies
B21D 26/025
Deforming sheet bodies: means for controlling the clamping or opening of the moulds
B21D 26/053
By applying fluid pressure: characterised by the material of the blanks

Family

Application07/681,004Parent of this division · filed 5 Apr 1991
Application07/777,739Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 15 Oct 1991
Application08/092,050Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 15 Jul 1993
Application08/169,655Parent of this division · filed 16 Dec 1993
Application08/169,655Parent of this continuation-in-part
US 5,410,132 AParent of this continuation-in-part
US 5,410,133 AParent of this continuation-in-part
Application08/092,050Parent of this division
US 5,229,562 AParent of this division
US 5,530,227 ARelated patent
US 6,211,497 B1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.