Lightweight multi-layer composite panel
AssigneeCrane Composites, Inc.
InventorsWenping Zhao, Robert A. Barney
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a composite panel and a method of manufacturing the composite panel. The composite panel includes first and second fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) layers. The composite panel also includes a core layer disposed between the first and second FRP layers. The core layer includes one of: a honeycomb material and a foam material. The composite panel further includes an exterior layer disposed on a surface of the first FRP layer opposite the core layer and an interior layer disposed on a surface of the second FRP layer opposite the core layer. The layers are cured together in one processing step.
Claims16
A composite panel, comprising:
- a first fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) layer;
- a second FRP layer;
- a core layer disposed between the first and second FRP layers, the core layer having first and second outer surfaces respectively facing the first and second FRP layers, and containing air pockets, the air pockets being sealed from the outer surfaces of the core layer;
- and
- an exterior layer disposed on a surface of the first FRP layer opposite the core layer.
A vehicle comprising:
- a chassis;
- a power train;
- a plurality of wheels;
- and
- a cargo area comprising at least one composite panel, each of the at least one composite panel comprising:
- a first fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) layer;
- a second FRP layer;
- a core layer disposed between the first and second FRP layers, the core layer comprising one of a honeycomb material and a foam material, and the core layer having first and second outer surfaces respectively facing the first and second FRP layers, and containing air pockets, the air pockets being sealed from the outer surfaces of the core layer;
- an exterior layer disposed on a surface of the first FRP layer opposite the core layer;
- and
- an interior layer disposed on a surface of the second FRP layer opposite the core layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.