Method for reinforcing a fibre composite component and a vacuum mat and arrangement for producing a reinforced fibre composite component

A method for reinforcing a fibre composite component for aviation and space flight, with the following method steps:

• configuring a vacuum mat, the vacuum mat comprising:
• at least one receiving portion for receiving at least one reinforcing element, wherein the at least one receiving portion has a recess for receiving the reinforcing element and at least one incision joined to the recess for removal from the mould;
• a peripherally arranged, self-sealing portion for sealing the vacuum mat from an atmosphere when positioned against an associated contact surface;
• and
• at least one contact portion for cooperating with an associated vacuum mat transportation device;
• introducing the at least one reinforcing element into the at least one receiving portion of the vacuum mat;
• reproducibly applying the vacuum mat with the at least one introduced reinforcing element by the vacuum mat transportation device to the fibre composite component to be reinforced in a sealed manner to form a mould portion, the arrangement comprising:
• a base plate for supporting the fibre composite component to be reinforced;
• the vacuum mat;
• and
• the vacuum mat transportation device with at least one gripper for cooperating with the at least one corresponding contact portion on the vacuum mat to transport the vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element into a predetermined position relative to the fibre composite component to be reinforced;
• wherein the base plate and the vacuum mat transportation device have mutually corresponding centring element for a reproducible positioning of the vacuum mat relative to the fibre composite component to be reinforced and the base plate and the vacuum mat have mutually corresponding sealing elements for an encircling sealing of the vacuum mat from the atmosphere;
• curing the formed mould portion to connect the at least one reinforcing element to the fibre composite component;
• and
• removing the vacuum mat from the reinforced fibre composite component by the vacuum mat transportation device, wherein the incision of the receiving portion is widened and facilitates a gaping of the recess to release the at least one reinforcing element arranged therein.