Methods for void-free debulking of adhesive bonded joints
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMegan Nicole Watson, Joseph L. Hafenrichter, Mary H. Vargas, Michael W. Evens
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for fabricating adhesive bonded joints while minimizing the voids and/or porosity found in the cured bondline. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus comprises an evacuation chamber combined with a pressure inducing device to produce bonded joints that are both void free and thoroughly compacted. The surfaces to be bonded are continuously evacuated throughout the bonding process (pre-mating, mating, debulking and cure). Continuous evacuation is provided via standard vacuum, while the induced pressure can be pneumatically or mechanically provided.
Claims17
A method for forming a bonded joint, comprising the following steps:
- (a) placing a first component on a support surface;
- (b) applying adhesive on at least one of a bonding surface of the first component and a bonding surface of a second component, wherein said adhesive applying step can be performed before or after step (a);
- (c) supporting the second component in a position above and separated by a gap from the first component with the adhesive therebetween;
- (d) placing a frame over the first and second components, the frame standing on the support surface;
- (e) placing flexible air-impervious material over the frame;
- (f) sealing the flexible air-impervious material to the support surface to enclose a space;
- (g) maintaining vacuum pressure within space enclosed by the flexible air-impervious material;
- (h) while vacuum pressure within space enclosed by the flexible air-impervious material is being maintained, mating the bonding surfaces of the first and second components;
- and
- (i) while vacuum pressure within space enclosed by the flexible air-impervious material is being maintained, pressing the first and second components together with the adhesive therebetween prior to a cure cycle.
A method for forming a bonded joint, comprising the following steps:
- (a) applying adhesive on at least one of a bonding surface of a structure and a bonding surface of a repair component;
- (b) supporting the repair component in a position above and separated by a gap from the structure with the adhesive therebetween;
- (c) placing a frame over the repair component, the frame standing on the structure;
- (d) placing flexible air-impervious material over the frame;
- (e) sealing the flexible air-impervious material to the structure to enclose a space;
- (f) maintaining vacuum pressure within space enclosed by the flexible air-impervious material;
- (g) while vacuum pressure within space enclosed by the flexible air-impervious material is being maintained, mating the bonding surfaces of the structure and the repair component;
- and
- (h) while vacuum pressure within space enclosed by the flexible air-impervious material is being maintained, pressing the repair component against the structure with the adhesive therebetween prior to a cure cycle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.