Allison L Horner

US Patent:

20210138746, May 13, 2021

Filed:

Nov 11, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/679963

Inventors:

- Wichita KS, US
Blaise Francis Bergmann - Clearwater KS, US
Christopher John Morrow - Wichita KS, US
Allison Lynne Horner - Wichita KS, US
Benjamin Wayne Ferrell - Wichita KS, US

Assignee:

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. - Wichita KS

International Classification:

B29C 70/54
B29C 70/34

Abstract:

An apparatus for picking, placing, and forming a composite charge over a complex geometry tool comprises a first frame, a second frame, and a plurality of dynamic mechanisms. The first frame is formed from rigid material and includes a first frame member that forms at least a rectangular perimeter. The second frame is formed from flexible material and includes a second frame member that forms at least a rectangular perimeter. Each dynamic mechanism is connected to the first frame and the second frame and located along the perimeters of the first frame and the second frame. Each dynamic mechanism includes a length-variable component positioned between the first frame and the second frame, with at least a portion of the dynamic mechanisms configured to vary a length of the length-variable component for the second frame member to conform to the shape of the complex geometry tool.