AUTOMATED METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING SHEETS OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL AND COMPOSITE STRUCTURES, PATTERN PREPARATION AND FORMING SYSTEMS, AND SHEETS OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL

    公开(公告)号:US20230249416A1

    公开(公告)日:2023-08-10

    申请号:US17592738

    申请日:2022-02-04

    IPC分类号: B29C70/38 B29C70/54

    摘要: Automated methods of forming composite structures may include applying fibers having various predetermined lengths to a removable backing material to form a net shape or near net shape pattern for forming a composite structure having a varying transverse cross-section. Sheets of composite material may comprise strips of composite material adhered to a backing material in a net shape or near net shape pattern for forming a composite structure with a varying transverse cross-section. Further methods of manufacturing sheets of composite material may comprise applying fibers having various predetermined lengths to a removable backing material in a net shape or near net shape pattern for forming a composite structure having a varying transverse cross-section. Pattern preparation systems may include a material placement device programmed and configured to apply fibers having various predetermined lengths to a removable backing material. Forming systems may include an indicia locating device.

    ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR COMPACTION ALLOWING COORDINATED ACTUATION AND MOTION OF MULTIPLE ULTRASONIC COMPACTION HORNS

    公开(公告)号:US20230046067A1

    公开(公告)日:2023-02-16

    申请号:US17400701

    申请日:2021-08-12

    发明人: Vernon M. Benson

    摘要: A continuous filament additive manufacturing machine for building a part by laying down a continuous mono-filament or composite filament material layer by layer on a tool or substrate. The machine includes a system operable to move in at least three degrees of freedom, and a placement module coupled to the system and being configured to deposit the continuous filament material. The placement module includes a guide for guiding the material to the part and an ultrasonic compaction device for compacting the material as it is being deposited from the placement module. The compaction device includes an ultrasonic driver, an attachment member and a plurality of ultrasonic horns independently coupled to the attachment member and being movable independent of each other. The plurality of ultrasonic horns are ultrasonically vibrated to melt or flow the material and cause the material to fuse and be compacted to the tool or substrate.