Flexible mat for providing a dynamically reconfigurable double-curved moulding surface in a mould

Abstract

A flexible mat (1) for providing a dynamically reconfigurable double-curved moulding surface (40) in a mould. The flexible mat (1) comprises a system of rhomboid flat elements (10, 10′, 26, 26′) of an elastic deformable material arranged mutually movably in two or more relatively rotated layers (10, 10′), surrounded by a first upper cloth (6) of an elastic deformable material and a second lower cloth (8) of an elastic deformable material. The cloths (6, 8) are imperviously joined along their lateral limits and form an adjustable impervious chamber. The flexible mat (1) is adapted to be mechanically connected to the free ends (42) of a number of actuators (3) in such a way that the position of a given point on the surface (40) formed by the flexible mat (1) is determined on the basis of the position of the free end (42) of an associated given actuator (3). The mat (1) is capable of forming a uniform, continuous double-curved surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.