Method for epoxy application control overpresses
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsMichael L. Hestness, Richard A. Luepke, Gregory S. McKee, Allen D. Mader
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for placing a resin layer or shim on a frame member uses an overpress. The overpress has an inner surface with protruding nubs. The operator places a bead of liquid resin on the inner surface of the overpress, then clamps the overpress to the frame member. The clamps force the nubs of the overpress into contact with the frame member and allows the nubs to define a clearance between the overpress and the frame member. The liquid resin spreads throughout the clearance and cures. After the resin has cured, the overpress is removed from the frame member, leaving a layer of cured resin bound to the frame member. This layer is then machined to a desired thickness.
Claims20
A method for placing a resin layer on a selected surface of a metal frame member of an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an overpress having an inner surface with a plurality of nubs protruding therefrom;
- (b) placing liquid resin on one of the surfaces of the overpress or the frame member;
- then
- (c) forcing the nubs of the overpress in contact with the selected surface of the frame member, causing the liquid resin to spread across the said one of the surfaces and allowing the nubs to define a clearance between the overpress and the frame member that fills with the liquid resin;
- then
- (d) allowing the liquid resin to cure into a layer of cured resin that bonds to the frame member, then removing the overpress from the selected surface of the frame member and the layer of cured resin;
- and
- (e) leaving the layer of cured resin bonded to the selected surface of the frame member, the layer of cured resin having hollow spaces where the nubs previously were located.
A method for placing a resin layer on a selected surface of a metal frame member of an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an overpress having an inner surface and one or more lateral edges, the overpress further having a plurality of nubs protruding from the inner surface of the overpress, the nubs located at the lateral edges;
- (b) placing liquid resin on the inner surface of the overpress;
- then
- (c) forcing the nubs of the overpress in contact with the selected surface of the frame member by securing a plurality of clamps between the overpress and the frame member, the nubs defining a clearance between the overpress and the frame member;
- (d) after the liquid resin has cured, removing the overpress from the selected surface of the frame member, thereby, leaving a layer of cured resin bonded to the selected surface of the frame member, the layer of cured resin having hollow spaces where the nubs were previously located;
- then
- (e) filling the hollow spaces with a resin or an epoxy and machining the layer of cured resin while remaining bonded to the frame member.
A method of attaching a composite skin to a metal frame member of an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an overpress haying an inner surface with a plurality of nubs protruding therefrom at a uniform distance from the inner surface;
- (b) placing a bead of liquid resin on the inner surface of the overpress between the nubs;
- then
- (c) clamping the nubs of the overpress in contact with the selected surface of the frame member, the nubs defining a clearance between the overpress and the frame member into which the bead of liquid resin spreads;
- (d) allowing the liquid resin to cure into a layer of cured resin with a thickness the same as the clearance, then removing the overpress from the selected surface of the frame member and the layer of cured resin, thereby leaving the layer of cured resin bonded to the selected surface of the frame member, the layer of cured resin having hollow spaces previously occupied by the nubs;
- (e) filling the hollow spaces with a resin or epoxy, then machining the layer of cured resin to a lesser thickness while the layer of cured resin remains bonded to the frame member;
- then
- (f) attaching the skin to the frame member of the aircraft, the layer of cured resin being between the skin and the frame member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.