Apparatus and method for composite tape profile cutting
First Claim
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1. A method for forming a composite member using automated tape laying machines, comprising the steps of:
- applying a first tape along a mandrel having a contoured forming surface with a tape laying machine in accordance with a product definition; and
applying a second tape next to the first tape while adjusting the path of the tape laying machine to eliminate overlap of the first and second tapes and to maintain an acceptable gap between abutting edges of the tapes in accordance with the product definition.
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Abstract
A composite member and an associated method and apparatus for forming the composite member are provided. The composite member is formed of a plurality of elongate tapes. Side edges of some or all of the tapes can be trimmed to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of laps or gaps between the adjacent tapes.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for forming a composite member using automated tape laying machines, comprising the steps of:
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applying a first tape along a mandrel having a contoured forming surface with a tape laying machine in accordance with a product definition; and
applying a second tape next to the first tape while adjusting the path of the tape laying machine to eliminate overlap of the first and second tapes and to maintain an acceptable gap between abutting edges of the tapes in accordance with the product definition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A composite member defining a contour surface, the member comprising:
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a plurality of elongate tapes disposed in a substantially parallel configuration on the contour surface according to a product definition, each tape including a plurality of reinforcement members disposed in a matrix material, wherein each elongate tape defines first and second side edges, the first side edge of a first one of the tapes defining a nonparallel configuration relative to the second edge of the first tape such that the first side edge of the first tape corresponds to a configuration of a second one of the tapes disposed adjacent to the first edge of the first tape to eliminate overlap of the first and second tapes and to maintain an acceptable gap between abutting edges of the tapes in accordance with the product definition. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An apparatus for disposing elongate tapes during formation of a composite member, the apparatus comprising:
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a tape dispenser configured to store at least one elongate tape such that the tape can be dispensed therefrom;
a tape trimmer adapted to receive the tape from the tape dispenser and trim a first side edge of the tape; and
a controller configured to control the tape trimmer and thereby trim the tape to define a profile corresponding to an adjacent tape of the composite member. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification