Jeffrey A Priest

US Patent:

8608890, Dec 17, 2013

Filed:

Sep 27, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/246377

Inventors:

Joel James Everhart - Xenia OH, US
David E. Havens - Bellbrook OH, US
Steven Fillmore Hanson - Derby KS, US
Jeffrey W. Priest - Rose Hill KS, US
Carl Ray Fiegenbaum - Rose Hill KS, US
Thomas Joseph Barnell - Dayton OH, US

Assignee:

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. - Wichita KS

International Classification:

B29C 70/30
B29C 70/54

US Classification:

15624413, 156242, 156359

Abstract:

A method and support apparatus for providing structural support to a mold or mandrel, such as a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus configured for shaping a composite part. The support apparatus may comprise a rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP cells attached thereto and configured to inflate or deploy in a malleable state toward and against a surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. Then the SMP cells may be returned to a rigid state while still pressed against this surface, thereby providing structural support when composite material is applied to an opposite surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. After the composite material is cured into the finished composite part, the SMP cells may be deflated or otherwise collapse toward the structural member to provide enough clearance to be removed from the cured composite part.

US Patent:

20120119417, May 17, 2012

Filed:

Sep 27, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/246414

Inventors:

Joel James Everhart - Xenia OH, US
Bryan Michael Pelley - Miamisburg OH, US
David E. Havens - Bellbrook OH, US
Steven Fillmore Hanson - Derby KS, US
Jeffrey W. Priest - Rose Hill KS, US
Carl Ray Fiegenbaum - Rose Hill KS, US

Assignee:

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC. - Wichita KS

International Classification:

B29C 70/28
B29C 33/48

US Classification:

264313, 4254051

Abstract:

A method and support apparatus for providing structural support to a mold or mandrel, such as a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus configured for shaping a composite part. The support apparatus may comprise a rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP cells attached thereto and configured to inflate or deploy in a malleable state toward and against a surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. Then the SMP cells may be returned to a rigid state while still pressed against this surface, thereby providing structural support when composite material is applied to an opposite surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. After the composite material is cured into the finished composite part, the SMP cells may be deflated or otherwise collapse toward the structural member to provide enough clearance to be removed from the cured composite part.