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Compaction system for composite stringers

  • US 9,782,960 B1
  • Filed: 02/29/2016
  • Issued: 10/10/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for processing a composite stringer, the method comprising:

  • placing layers of uncured composite material for a composite stringer onto a tool; and

    applying a compactor vacuum to a compactor vacuum system associated with a compacting structure such that the layers of uncured composite material of the composite stringer are compacted against the tool;

    wherein the compacting structure further comprises;

    a first surface having a shape of one side of the composite stringer; and

    a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface form an enclosure structure when the compacting structure is placed against a mold;

    wherein the first surface further comprises a first opening in the first surface; and

    wherein the second surface further comprises a number of second openings in the second surface;

    further comprising;

    applying a compactor vacuum to the enclosurestructure by the compactor vacuum system associated with the first opening of the compacting structure;

    applying a pressure to layers of uncured composite material when the compactor vacuum system applies the compactor vacuum to the enclosure structure;

    applying a carrier vacuum to a carrier vacuum system associated with the number of second openings in the second surface; and

    holding the layers of uncured composite material against the compacting structure by the carrier vacuum while the compacting structure is positioned and placed against the mold.

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