Method for manufacturing composite components
First Claim
1. A method comprising forming a composite component using an assembly including a forming tool having a plurality of apertures for drilling fastener holes in the composite component after curing on the tool but before the cured composite component is removed from the tool, the assembly further including a metallic layer insertable in the uncured composite component for supporting fasteners that are subsequently installed in the drilled holes,the method including:
- laying out the composite component while uncured on the forming tool and the metallic layer in the uncured composite component;
curing the composite component;
using the apertures in the forming tool to drill fastener holes into the cured composite component; and
removing the drilled composite component from the forming tool.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems for manufacturing composite components, including asymmetric composite components, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming a composite component includes providing a forming tool having a base portion and at least one retaining portion; forming an uncured composite component on the forming tool; curing the composite component; performing a manufacturing operation on the cured composite component engaged with the forming tool; and after performing the manufacturing operation on the cured composite component, removing the cured composite component from the forming tool. In further embodiments, the forming tool may have a plurality of reference apertures disposed therethrough for performing drilling operations on the cured composite component.
73 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method comprising forming a composite component using an assembly including a forming tool having a plurality of apertures for drilling fastener holes in the composite component after curing on the tool but before the cured composite component is removed from the tool, the assembly further including a metallic layer insertable in the uncured composite component for supporting fasteners that are subsequently installed in the drilled holes,
the method including: -
laying out the composite component while uncured on the forming tool and the metallic layer in the uncured composite component; curing the composite component; using the apertures in the forming tool to drill fastener holes into the cured composite component; and removing the drilled composite component from the forming tool. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of manufacturing an aircraft, comprising forming a composite aircraft component of the aircraft using an assembly including a forming tool having a plurality of apertures for drilling fastener holes in the composite component after curing on the tool but before the cured composite component is removed from the tool, the assembly further including a metallic layer insertable in the uncured composite component for supporting fasteners that are subsequently installed in the drilled holes, the method including:
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forming an uncured composite component on the forming tool with the metallic layer inserted in the composite component; curing the composite component; using the apertures in the forming tool to drill fastener holes into the cured component while the cured component is still on the forming tool; removing the cured composite component from the forming tool; and inserting fasteners into the drilled holes to fasten the composite aircraft component to at least one of a frame assembly and a second component. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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Specification