Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Reconfigurable manufacturing system and method for manufacturing composite laminates
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Application No.: US16449215Application Date: 2019-06-21
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Publication No.: US11059235B2Publication Date: 2021-07-13
- Inventor: James R. Kendall , Raviendra S. Suriyaarachchi , Paul D. Shaw , Darrell D. Jones , Lance O. McCann
- Applicant: The Boeing Company
- Applicant Address: US IL Chicago
- Assignee: The Boeing Company
- Current Assignee: The Boeing Company
- Current Assignee Address: US IL Chicago
- Main IPC: B29C65/00
- IPC: B29C65/00 ; B29C65/56 ; B29C70/30 ; B32B38/00 ; B32B38/18

Abstract:
A manufacturing system includes a first mandrel, a second mandrel, and laminate securing mechanisms. The first mandrel has a first mandrel surface and a first mandrel surface edge. The second mandrel has a second mandrel surface and a second mandrel surface edge, and is positionable in a closed position in which the first mandrel surface edge and the second mandrel surface edge are in contact to form a continuous mandrel surface collectively defined by the first mandrel surface and the second mandrel surface. The second mandrel translates to an open position defining a gap between the first mandrel surface edge and the second mandrel surface edge for receiving a forming die. The laminate securing mechanisms secure the composite laminate on at least one of the first mandrel and the second mandrel during trimming and/or forming of the composite laminate.
Information query