Forming a shaped sandwich panel with a die and a pressure vessel
AssigneeRohr, Inc.
InventorBrian Norris
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process for manufacturing a shaped sandwich panel includes arranging a sandwich panel adjacent a die. The sandwich panel includes a core layer arranged between and connected to a first layer and a second layer. The core layer includes a plurality of apertures that extend through the core layer to the first layer. The first layer engages the die. Fluid within the apertures is pressurized to a pressure adequate to at least partially form the sandwich panel to a geometry of the die.
Claims11
A process for manufacturing a shaped sandwich panel, comprising:
- arranging a sandwich panel adjacent a die, wherein the sandwich panel includes a core layer arranged between and connected to a first layer and a second layer, the core layer includes a plurality of apertures that extend through the core layer to the first layer, and the first layer engages the die;
- heating the sandwich panel;
- and
- pressurizing fluid within the apertures to a pressure adequate to at least partially form the heated sandwich panel to a geometry of the die.
A process for manufacturing a shaped sandwich panel, comprising:
- arranging a sandwich panel adjacent a die, wherein the sandwich panel includes a core layer arranged between and connected to a first layer and a second layer, the core layer includes a plurality of apertures that extend through the core layer to the first layer, and the first layer engages the die;
- and
- pressurizing fluid within the apertures to a pressure adequate to at least partially form the sandwich panel to a geometry of the die;
- wherein the fluid comprises an inert gas.
A process for manufacturing a shaped sandwich panel, comprising:
- arranging a sandwich panel adjacent a die, wherein the sandwich panel includes a core layer arranged between and connected to a first layer and a second layer, the core layer includes a plurality of apertures that extend through the core layer to the first layer, and the first layer engages the die;
- connecting a pressure vessel panel to the first layer to form a pressure vessel in which the core layer and the second layer are located;
- and
- pressurizing fluid within the pressure vessel and the apertures to a pressure adequate to at least partially form the sandwich panel to a geometry of the die.
A process for manufacturing a shaped sandwich panel, comprising:
- arranging a sandwich panel adjacent a die, wherein the sandwich panel includes a core layer arranged between and connected to a first layer and a second layer, the core layer includes a plurality of apertures that extend through the core layer to the first layer, and the first layer engages the die;
- directing fluid through perforations in the core layer into the apertures;
- and
- pressurizing the fluid within the apertures to a pressure adequate to at least partially form the sandwich panel to a geometry of the die.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.