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US 7,422,714 B1Granted
Method of using a shape memory material as a mandrel for composite part manufacturing
AssigneeCornerstone Research Group, Inc.
InventorsPatrick J. Hood, David E. Havens, Matthew C. Everhart
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of fabricating and using a removable, inflatable mandrel of shape memory polymer for use in manufacturing composite parts including the steps of providing a processed pre-form of shape memory polymer, replicating a mold with the shape memory polymer, using the mold as a mandrel in the creation of composite parts, and removing the shape memory mandrel quickly and easily from the part without damage to the finished part.
Claims2
A method for manufacturing composite parts with a mandrel comprising:
- a) providing a processed shape memory polymer with a memorized shape and a transition temperature;
- b) a means for deforming said processed shape memory polymer into various geometric shapes resulting in a deformed shape memory polymer wherein said deformed shape memory polymer has an exterior side and interior side;
- c) a means for creating a composite part on the exterior side of said deformed shape memory polymer;
- d) a means for inducing said deformed shape memory polymer to relax to said memorized shape such that said processed shape memory polymer is removable from within said composite part;
- and
- e) said processed shape memory polymer is in the form of particle, foam or gel.
3 more elements
A method for manufacturing composite parts with a mandrel comprising:
- a) providing a processed shape memory polymer with a memorized shape and a transition temperature;
- b) a means for deforming said processed shape memory polymer into various geometric shapes resulting in a deformed shape memory polymer wherein said deformed shape memory polymer has an exterior side and interior side;
- c) a means for creating a composite part on the exterior side of said deformed shape memory polymer;
- d) a means for inducing said deformed shape memory polymer to relax to said memorized shape such that said processed shape memory polymer is removable from within said composite part;
- and
- e) said processed shape memory polymer is reinforced with a fibrous material including chopped fiber, continuous fiber, or any type of stretchable or non-stretchable textile fabric.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.