Title:
RECONFIGURABLE SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER TOOLING SUPPORTS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/064445
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
A method and support apparatus for providing structural support to a mold or mandrel, such as a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus configured for shaping a composite part. The support apparatus may comprise a rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP cells attached thereto and configured to inflate or deploy in a malleable state toward and against a surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. Then the SMP cells may be returned to a rigid state while still pressed against this surface, thereby providing structural support when composite material is applied to an opposite surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. After the composite material is cured into the finished composite part, the SMP cells may be deflated or otherwise collapse toward the structural member to provide enough clearance to be removed from the cured composite part.
Inventors:
BARNELL THOMAS (US)
EVERHART JOEL (US)
HUELSKAMP SCOTT (US)
PELLEY BRYAN (US)
EVERHART JOEL (US)
HUELSKAMP SCOTT (US)
PELLEY BRYAN (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2011/055567
Publication Date:
July 19, 2012
Filing Date:
October 10, 2011
Export Citation:
Assignee:
SPIRIT AEROSYS INC (US)
BARNELL THOMAS (US)
EVERHART JOEL (US)
HUELSKAMP SCOTT (US)
PELLEY BRYAN (US)
BARNELL THOMAS (US)
EVERHART JOEL (US)
HUELSKAMP SCOTT (US)
PELLEY BRYAN (US)
International Classes:
B29C61/06; B29C39/40
Foreign References:
| US7622069B1 | 2009-11-24 | |||
| US7422714B1 | 2008-09-09 | |||
| US20100230859A1 | 2010-09-16 | |||
| US20050211870A1 | 2005-09-29 | |||
| US20100181698A1 | 2010-07-22 |
Other References:
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SPIE, vol. 5762, 2005, pages 27 - 34
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
LUEBBERING, Thomas B. (10801 Mastin Blvd. Suite 100084 Corporate Wood, Overland Park Kansas, US)
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