Caul and method for bonding and curing intricate composite structures
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United States of America Patent
Stats
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Sep 7, 1993
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
May 14, 1992
filing date -
May 14, 1992
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
The invention disclosed here is a method for forming and curing an intricate structure of criss-crossing composite stringers and frames that are bonded to a skin panel. A structure constructed in accordance with the invention would be well-suited for use as a portion of an aircraft fuselage, a boat hull, or the like. The method is preferably practiced by applying uncured composite stringers to an uncured composite sheet panel. This is followed by placing cured frames crosswise over the stringers. The frames have openings at the locations where they intersect with the stringers which enables the frames to come into direct contact with the skin along most of their length. During the forming and curing process, the stringers are covered with a plurality of cauls, and the entire assembly of skin panel, stringers, frames and cauls is subjected to a vacuum bagging and curing process. The cauls serve to maintain both part shape and to control the flow of resin within the stringers as they are cured. Further, they probably eliminate the need for intermediate protective materials between the vacuum bag and the stringers.
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Cited Art Landscape
Patent Citation Ranking
- 197 Citation Count
- B29C Class
- 99.76 % this patent is cited more than
- 32 Age