Joint molding apparatus
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsWilliam Peter Zivich, Ashley J. Norris, Matthew Grant Swain
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A joint molding apparatus for molding joints between composite panels comprising inflatable molding bladders connectable to a source of pressurized fluid. A bladder support structure supports the bladders in respective positions adjacent an intersection of panels where, when inflated, the bladders support a joint formed at the intersection of panels while an uncured portion of the joint is curing to hold the joint in a desired configuration at the panel intersection.
Claims12
A joint molding apparatus for molding a joint at a panel intersection, the apparatus comprising:
- four inflatable molding bladders connectable to a source of pressurized fluid;
- and
- a bladder support structure that supports the bladders in respective positions adjacent an intersection of panels where, when inflated, the bladders support a joint formed at the intersection of panels while an uncured portion of the joint is curing to hold the joint in a desired configuration at the panel intersection, the bladder support structure including:
- backing members arranged to brace the bladders against outward movement and cause the bladders to expand inwardly against respective corresponding portions of the joint;
- and
- two end caps that engage and retain opposite ends of the backing members against outward movement away from the joint;
- the bladder support structure being configured to support the four bladders in respective panel joint quadrants where, when inflated, the bladders apply radially inwardly-directed pressure to the joint from each joint quadrant while the uncured portion of the joint is curing.
A joint molding apparatus for molding a joint at a panel intersection, the apparatus comprising:
- at least two inflatable molding bladders connectable to a source of pressurized fluid;
- and
- a bladder support structure that supports the bladders in respective positions adjacent an intersection of panels where, when inflated, the bladders support a joint formed at the intersection of panels while an uncured portion of the joint is curing to hold the joint in a desired configuration at the panel intersection, the bladder support structure including:
- backing members arranged to brace the bladders against outward movement and cause the bladders to expand inwardly against respective corresponding portions of the joint, and
- two end caps that engage and retain opposite ends of the backing members against outward movement away from the joint;
- the bladders being configured to support, when inflated, a Pi joint at the panel intersection while an uncured composite resin portion of the Pi joint is curing to hold the Pi joint in a desired configuration at the panel intersection.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.