Apparatus and method of forming a composite structure

• Main Authors: Zachary Benjamin Renwick, Eric Eldon Deck, Allyson Antonio, Steven J Burpo, Trevor Lee Howard, David John Sundquist
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 16.10.2019
• Subjects: AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDEDFOR; SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; TRANSPORTING; WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE, IN GENERAL

A drape forming apparatus for that includes a forming tool including an upper forming surface and a side forming surface extending from the upper forming surface. The forming tool receives a layer of composite material over the upper forming surface. The apparatus includes a flange forming device including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a receiving slot defined therebetween. The receiving slot receives a flange portion of the layer of composite material, and the flange forming device is translatable relative to the forming tool such that the flange portion of the layer of composite material is withdrawn from the receiving slot and draped over the side forming surface. The apparatus includes a pressurized bladder that extends over the forming tool and the upper plate. The pressurized bladder forces the flange portion against the side forming surface as the flange forming device translates relative to the forming tool.