×

Methods for manufacturing an i-stringer of an aircraft and devices for use in such methods

  • US 9,475,569 B2
  • Filed: 10/29/2013
  • Issued: 10/25/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/29/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for manufacturing a reinforced composite structure for an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of:

  • forming a composite material layout by arranging a first composite material ply overlying a second composite material ply and positioning a pre-cured cap insert on the first composite material ply;

    advancing the composite material layout through a cap-forming device, wherein the advancing results in a preformed cap section, a first length of the composite material layout and a second length of the composite material layout;

    removing the composite material layout from the cap-forming device;

    arranging the preformed cap section of the composite material layout within a cavity of a flexible mandrel with a foot portion of the first length and a foot portion of the second length remaining outside the cavity of the flexible mandrel;

    contacting the foot portion of the first length and the foot portion of the second length with a skin structure; and

    heating and pressurizing the composite material layout using the flexible mandrel to cure the composite material layout and form the reinforced composite structure affixed to the skin structure.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×