An apparatus (80) for controlling a composite fabric (44) having internal axial tows (46) includes a support member (82) configured to engage the fabric substantially up to a composite component form. The support member includes a nonslip portion (84) directly engaging a first outer surface of the fabric. The apparatus further includes a primary securing member (86, 86', 86'') engaging and applying pressure on the fabric at a second outer surface of the fabric opposite the first outer surface. Upon displacement of the axial tows of the fabric relative to the first and second outer surfaces, the support member and the primary securing member substantially maintain original configurations of the first and second outer surfaces of the fabric engaged between the support member and the primary securing member.
An apparatus for controlling a composite fabric having internal axial tows includes a support member configured to engage the fabric substantially up to a composite component form. The support member includes a nonslip portion directly engaging a first outer surface of the fabric. The apparatus further includes a primary securing member engaging and applying pressure on the fabric at a second outer surface of the fabric opposite the first outer surface. Upon displacement of the axial tows of the fabric relative to the first and second outer surfaces, the support member and the primary securing member substantially maintain original configurations of the first and second outer surfaces of the fabric engaged between the support member and the primary securing member.
B29B 11/16 - Making preforms characterised by structure or composition comprising fillers or reinforcements
B29C 70/32 - Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or coreShaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core on a rotating mould, former or core
B29C 70/44 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using isostatic pressure, e.g. pressure difference-moulding, vacuum bag-moulding, autoclave-moulding or expanding rubber-moulding
D01D 10/04 - Supporting filaments or the like during their treatment
An apparatus for forming a flange has a laminate component and a drum supporting the laminate component. A forming tool selectively engages the laminate component. A diaphragm member extends between the drum and the laminate component and selectively engages the forming tool. Movement of the diaphragm member deforms the laminate component away from the drum about an edge of the forming tool, and the laminate component maintains a substantially uniform thickness.
An apparatus for forming a flange has a laminate component and a drum supporting the laminate component. A forming tool selectively engages the laminate component. A diaphragm member extends between the drum and the laminate component and selectively engages the forming tool. Movement of the diaphragm member deforms the laminate component away from the drum about an edge of the forming tool, and the laminate component maintains a substantially uniform thickness.
B29C 70/48 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs and impregnating the reinforcements in the closed mould, e.g. resin transfer moulding [RTM]
B29C 70/54 - Component parts, details or accessoriesAuxiliary operations
B29C 57/06 - Belling or enlarging, e.g. combined with forming a groove using mechanical means elastically deformable
B29C 70/44 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using isostatic pressure, e.g. pressure difference-moulding, vacuum bag-moulding, autoclave-moulding or expanding rubber-moulding
B29K 105/08 - Condition, form or state of moulded material containing reinforcements, fillers or inserts of continuous length, e.g. cords, rovings, mats, fabrics, strands or yarns
B29L 31/30 - Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
5.
METHOD FOR INFUSING RESIN INTO A COMPOSITE LAMINATE
A method of infusing a preform with a resin for the formation of a composite laminate in which the preform is placed between a mold and a vacuum bag. An offset tool is placed outside of the vacuum bag so as to permit the vacuum bag to lift away from a surface of the preform in a controlled amount. A charge of the resin is injected between the vacuum bag and the preform so as to lift the vacuum bag off the surface of the preform and move the vacuum bag toward the offset tool, so that the resin occupies a volume between the vacuum bag and the surface of the preform. The preform is infused with the resin by applying a super-atmospheric pressure to an outer surface of the vacuum bag to transport the resin from the volume between the vacuum bag and the surface of the preform into a volume within the preform. The resin in the preform is cured, thereby forming the composite laminate.
B29C 70/44 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using isostatic pressure, e.g. pressure difference-moulding, vacuum bag-moulding, autoclave-moulding or expanding rubber-moulding
B29C 70/54 - Component parts, details or accessoriesAuxiliary operations
A fan spacer for placement between a pair of adjacent blades in a fan assembly and a related method of making. The fan spacer has a spacer body including an airflow surface shaped to direct air between the pair of adjacent blades in which the airflow surface is shaped on opposing sides to correspond to the pair of adjacent blades. An over molded feature is molded onto the airflow surface of the spacer body in which the over molded feature both includes an erosion coating on the airflow surface and, on the two opposing sides, seals configured to seal against, the pair of adjacent blades on the opposing sides of the airflow surface.
A fan spacer for placement between a pair of adjacent blades in a fan assembly and a related method of making. The fan spacer has a spacer body including an airflow surface shaped to direct air between the pair of adjacent blades in which the airflow surface is shaped on opposing sides to correspond to the pair of adjacent blades. An over molded feature is molded onto the airflow surface of the spacer body in which the over molded feature both includes an erosion coating on the airflow surface and, on the two opposing sides, seals configured to seal against the pair of adjacent blades on the opposing sides of the airflow surface.
F01D 11/00 - Preventing or minimising internal leakage of working fluid, e.g. between stages
B29C 45/14 - Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mouldApparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
B29C 70/68 - Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers
8.
Composite laminate having a flexible circuit bridge and method of manufacture thereof
In a composite component having a laminate body, a conductive layer and a connector can be joined to one another using an intermediate flexible circuit. Among other things, this flexible circuit places the conductive layer and the connector in electrical communication with one another. Furthermore, during the forming process and because of its thinness, the flexible circuit integrates well with the layers of the laminate body and can accommodates some spatial displacement of the connector and conductive material relative to one another.
H01R 43/20 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
H05B 3/06 - Heater elements structurally combined with coupling elements or with holders
H05K 1/14 - Structural association of two or more printed circuits
H05B 3/34 - Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs
H01R 12/59 - Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
B64D 15/12 - De-icing or preventing icing on exterior surfaces of aircraft by electric heating
A method is disclosed of directing bias tows of a fabric to be wrapped around a form to create a fabric preform. The fabric includes at least a first set of bias tows that are generally parallel with one another and a second set of bias tows that are generally parallel with one another but that are not parallel with the first set of bias tows. An edge strip is attached to ends of the first set of bias tows at a first lateral edge of the fabric relative to a feed direction of the fabric onto the form. The edge strip is moved to direct the first set of bias tows. The fabric is wrapped around the form by rotating the fabric and form relative to one another about the central axis of the form to create the fabric preform.
A method of forming a fabric preform for a composite component from a fabric having a plurality of hoop tows is disclosed. One end of the fabric is received on the form such that the hoop tows of the fabric extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a central axis of the form. The fabric is wrapped around the form and at least some of the hoop tows are separated into hoop tow segments while the fabric is under a tension to enable a space to develop between ends of adjacent hoop tow segments along the length of the hoop tow. This separation of adjacent hoop tow segments accommodates increased deformation of the fabric during formation of the fabric preform while still maintaining a presence of hoop tow segments in at least portions of the fabric.
D06H 7/14 - Cutting fabrics by cutting the weft or warp threads while making special provision to avoid cutting warp or weft threads, respectively, adjacent to the cut
11.
BIAS FIBER CONTROL DURING WRAPPING OF A FABRIC PREFORM FOR A COMPOSITE COMPONENT
A method is disclosed of directing bias tows (48, 50) of a fabric (44) to be wrapped around a form (54) to create a fabric preform (20). The fabric (44) includes at least a first set of bias tows (48) that are generally parallel with one another and a second set of bias tows (50) that are generally parallel with one another but that are not parallel with the first set of bias tows (48). An edge strip (78a, 78b, 78c, 78d) is attached to ends of the first set of bias tows (48) at a first lateral edge (80, 82) of the fabric (44) relative to a feed direction of the fabric (44) onto the form (54). The edge strip (78a, 78b, 78c, 78d) is moved to direct the first set of bias tows (48). The fabric (44) is wrapped around the form (54) by rotating the fabric (44) and form (54) relative to one another about the central axis (C-C) of the form (54) to create the fabric preform (20).
B29C 70/54 - Component parts, details or accessoriesAuxiliary operations
B29C 70/32 - Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or coreShaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core on a rotating mould, former or core
B65H 23/00 - Registering, tensioning, smoothing, or guiding webs
B29B 11/16 - Making preforms characterised by structure or composition comprising fillers or reinforcements
B29C 70/56 - Tensioning reinforcements before or during shaping
12.
HOOP TOW MODIFICATION FOR A FABRIC PREFORM FOR A COMPOSITE COMPONENT
A method of forming a fabric preform (20) for a composite component from a fabric (44) having a plurality of hoop tows (46) is disclosed. One end of the fabric (44) is received on the form such that the hoop tows (46) of the fabric (44) extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a central axis of the form. The fabric (44) is wrapped around the form and at least some of the hoop tows (46) are separated into hoop tow segments (87) while the fabric (44) is under a tension to enable a space (100) to develop between ends of adjacent hoop tow segments (87) along the length of the hoop tow (46). This separation of adjacent hoop tow segments (87) accommodates increased deformation of the fabric (44) during formation of the fabric preform (20) while still maintaining a presence of hoop tow segments (87) in at least portions of the fabric (44).
B29C 70/32 - Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or coreShaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core on a rotating mould, former or core
B29C 70/54 - Component parts, details or accessoriesAuxiliary operations
B29C 70/22 - Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements using fibres of substantial or continuous length oriented in at least two directions forming a two dimensional structure
13.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A COMPACTION PRESSURE TO A FABRIC PREFORM DURING WRAPPING
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for applying a compaction pressure to a fabric (44) during formation of a fabric preform (20). One end of the fabric (44) is applied to the form (104) having a central axis (D-D). The form (104) with the fabric (44) applied thereto is at least partially surrounded with a film (106). This film (106) extends along a film path to the form (104) and around at least a portion of the form (104). The fabric (44) and the film (106) are fed onto the form (104) such that the fabric (44) is wrapped around the form (104) to create the fabric preform (20) while the film (106) is fed around the form (104). A vacuum is drawn to evacuate a gas from between the form (104) and the film (106), thereby pressing the film (106) onto the fabric (44) and applying the compaction pressure to the fabric (44).
B29C 70/32 - Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or coreShaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core on a rotating mould, former or core
B29C 70/44 - Shaping or impregnating by compression for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using isostatic pressure, e.g. pressure difference-moulding, vacuum bag-moulding, autoclave-moulding or expanding rubber-moulding
14.
Method for forming a fabric preform for a composite material by separately tensioning tows
Disclosed are methods and devices for the formation of fabric preforms that may be subsequently impregnated with a resin to form a composite component. One end of the fabric is received on the form such that the axial tows of the fabric extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a central axis of the form. At least some of the plurality of axial tows are separately tensioned on an end of the fabric not attached to the form and the fabric is wrapped around the form by rotating the fabric and form relative to one another about the central axis.
B29B 11/16 - Making preforms characterised by structure or composition comprising fillers or reinforcements
D03D 13/00 - Woven fabrics characterised by the special disposition of the warp or weft threads, e.g. with curved weft threads, with discontinuous warp threads, with diagonal warp or weft
D03D 41/00 - Looms not otherwise provided for, e.g. for weaving chenille yarnDetails peculiar to these looms
D04C 1/02 - Braid or lace, e.g. pillow-laceProcesses for the manufacture thereof made from particular materials
B23P 25/00 - Auxiliary treatment of workpieces, before or during machining operations, to facilitate the action of the tool or the attainment of a desired final condition of the work, e.g. relief of internal stress
B29C 70/22 - Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements using fibres of substantial or continuous length oriented in at least two directions forming a two dimensional structure
B29C 70/32 - Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or coreShaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core on a rotating mould, former or core
B29C 70/56 - Tensioning reinforcements before or during shaping
15.
Method and apparatus for applying a compaction pressure to a fabric preform during wrapping
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for applying a compaction pressure to a fabric during formation of a fabric preform. One end of the fabric is applied to the form having a central axis. The form with the fabric applied thereto is at least partially surrounded with a film. This film extends along a film path to the form and around at least a portion of the form. The fabric and the film are fed onto the form such that the fabric is wrapped around the form to create the fabric preform while the film is fed around the form. A vacuum is drawn to evacuate a gas from between the form and the film, thereby pressing the film onto the fabric and applying the compaction pressure to the fabric.
Disclosed are methods and devices for the formation of fabric preforms (20) that may be subsequently impregnated with a resin to form a composite component (18). One end of a fabric (44) is received on the form (54) such that the axial tows (46) of the fabric (44) extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a central axis (C-C) of the form (54). At least some of the plurality of axial tows (46) are separately tensioned on an end of the fabric (44) not attached to the form (54) and the fabric (44) is wrapped around the form (54) by rotating the fabric (44) and form (54) relative to one another about the central axis (C-C).
B29B 11/16 - Making preforms characterised by structure or composition comprising fillers or reinforcements
B29C 70/32 - Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or coreShaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core on a rotating mould, former or core
B29C 70/56 - Tensioning reinforcements before or during shaping
17.
Device for performing consolidation and method of use thereof
A preforming device and method of use thereof, the device including a rack, a pinion, belt, belt tensioning feature, and mechanism for supporting a variably appliable enhanced pressure, such as may be applied using a bladder or bladders having one or more valves, the device capable of engaging a mandrel to form at least one ply and a binder against the exterior of the mandrel.
B32B 37/10 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the pressing technique, e.g. using direct action of vacuum or fluid pressure
B65H 81/00 - Methods, apparatus, or devices for covering or wrapping cores by winding webs, tapes, or filamentary material, not otherwise provided for
18.
COMPOSITE LAMINATE HAVING A FLEXIBLE CIRCUIT BRIDGE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF
In a composite component having a laminate body, a conductive layer and a connector can be joined to one another using an intermediate flexible circuit. Among other things, this flexible circuit places the conductive layer and the connector in electrical communication with one another. Furthermore, during the forming process and because of its thinness, the flexible circuit integrates well with the layers of the laminate body and can accommodates some spatial displacement of the connector and conductive material relative to one another.
B64D 15/12 - De-icing or preventing icing on exterior surfaces of aircraft by electric heating
H05B 3/36 - Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs heating conductor embedded in insulating material
19.
Hydraulic pressurizing containment vessel and method of use thereof
A pressurizable chamber device or containment vessel and method of use thereof. The device or vessel includes two chamber portions, a lid portion and a base portion, drawn to one another via a nut portion. The lid and base portions each include concave surfaces that matingly fit together, such that an internal chamber is formed when these portions are fit together. The lid and base portions each include a flange having a groove therein, such that a flexible seal element is fittable into the groove. The lid and base portions include features to matingly engage the nut portion, such that engagement thereamong draws the lid portion and the base portion toward one another, tightly sealing the formed internal chamber. A pressure, such as a resin pressure that may be precisely regulated, may then be applied, for example, to a mold contained within the formed and tightly sealed chamber.
B65D 45/30 - Annular members, e.g. with snap-over action or screw-threaded
B65D 45/02 - Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members for applying axial pressure to engage closure with sealing surface
A blade containment device such as a flexible interwoven structure or a net encompasses the engine casing and the blade failure path, or is embedded in the engine casing, and deploys in the event of a blade failure, such as the breaking of an engine blade The net deploys when the blade portion has failed and has started expanding along the blade failure path, and may include a number of links attached to one another Upon impact with a broken blade portion, thus transferring the kinetic energy of the blade portion to the net, some or all of the links may break off from each other, thus allowing the net to deploy and dissipating the kinetic energy generated by the expanding broken blade Consequently, the blade remains contained inside the net, and blade containment is improved
F01D 21/04 - Shutting-down of machines or engines, e.g. in emergencyRegulating, controlling, or safety means not otherwise provided for responsive to undesired position of rotor relative to stator, e.g. indicating such position
21.
IN-SITU ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH COMPOSITE STRUCTURE
A connector includes a connector portion and one or more pads embedded in the connector portion and coupled to circuit paths, wherein the pads adjoin the surface of the connector portion and are exposed, and the connector portion is joined to a part by a joining mechanism. The circuit paths may comprise either, copper, brass, gold, aluminum, fiber optic material or any other material that is electrically or optically conductive. The connector portion is adjoined to the part via an joining mechanism such as, for example, nailing, soldering, pinning, welding, clamping, mating or gluing. One or more embedded pads may be embedded in a composite connector so that the embedded pads are present on one or more surfaces of the composite connector, and are connected to circuit paths inside the composite connector, allowing the composite connector to be connected to, for example, a power source.
Devices, systems, and methods for monitoring the condition of components, such as components of airframes, and in particular devices, methods, and systems for detecting faults and warning of faults in components using transmission mechanisms, such as optically or electrically conductive material incorporated in the construction of the components, added to a laminate material.
B21C 37/00 - Manufacture of metal sheets, rods, wire, tubes, profiles or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided forManufacture of tubes of special shape
23.
Connector usable with multiple layered connections and method of use thereof
Various connectors are provided that allow establishment of one or more connections in minimal space. Numerous pins of typical radial pin related art connectors are replaced with longitudinally extending connector portions that are able to matingly engage a receiving connector portion. The connectors ease the initial manufacture of parts in which they are used, and allows the part to be more easily maintained, lighten the wiring system or harnessing system for the final product in which the part is incorporated over conventional connectors, and typically permit the harness and wiring system for the product to fit within an allotted envelope for size, weight, and other limitations.
Various connectors are provided that allow establishment of one or more connections in minimal space. Numerous pins of typical radial pin related art connectors are replaced with longitudinally extending connector portions that are able to matingly engage a receiving connector portion. The connectors ease the initial manufacture of parts in which they are used, and allows the part to be more easily maintained, lighten the wiring system or harnessing system for the final product in which the part is incorporated over conventional connectors, and typically permit the harness and wiring system for the product to fit within an allotted envelope for size, weight, and other limitations.
A preforming device and method of use thereof, the device including a rack, a pinion, belt, belt tensioning feature, and mechanism for supporting a variably appliable enhanced pressure, such as may be applied using a bladder or bladders having one or more valves, the device capable of engaging a mandrel to form at least one ply and a binder against the exterior of the mandrel.
B32B 37/10 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the pressing technique, e.g. using direct action of vacuum or fluid pressure
B65H 81/00 - Methods, apparatus, or devices for covering or wrapping cores by winding webs, tapes, or filamentary material, not otherwise provided for
26.
DEVICE FOR PREFORMING CONSOLIDATION AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
A preforming device and method of use thereof, the device including a rack, a pinion, belt, belt tensioning feature, and mechanism for supporting a variably appliable enhanced pressure, such as may be applied using a bladder or bladders having one or more valves, the device capable of engaging a mandrel to form at least one ply and a binder against the exterior of the mandrel.
B29C 65/70 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by moulding
B32B 37/10 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the pressing technique, e.g. using direct action of vacuum or fluid pressure
27.
Hydraulic pressurizing containment vessel and method of use thereof
A pressurizable chamber device or containment vessel and method of use thereof. The device or vessel includes two chamber portions, a lid portion and a base portion, drawn to one another via a nut portion. The lid and base portions each include concave surfaces that matingly fit together, such that an internal chamber is formed when these portions are fit together. The lid and base portions each include a flange having a groove therein, such that a flexible seal element is fittable into the groove. The lid and base portions include features to matingly engage the nut portion, such that engagement thereamong draws the lid portion and the base portion toward one another, tightly sealing the formed internal chamber. A pressure, such as a resin pressure that may be precisely regulated, may then be applied, for example, to a mold contained within the formed and tightly sealed chamber.
patents
