B29C73/12

Saturation systems and methods for pipeline and pressure vessel repair
11378220 · 2022-07-05 · ·

A system (10) for reinforcing a pipeline (90) or pressure vessel includes a dispenser (12), a quantity of fabric (14), and a resin (16). The dispenser (12) has a first end (39), a second end (32), and a slot (46) formed in a wall (48), and is pressurizable via a fluid input (74) to a pressurized state. The dispenser (12) has a seal (56) configured to permit the quantity of fabric (14) to pass through the slot (46) and retain pressure within the dispenser (12). The dispenser (12) is configured to dispense the quantity of fabric (14) through the slot (46). The quantity of fabric (14) has a first width (24).

METHOD FOR REPAIRING COMPOSITE COMPONENTS AND ASSOCIATED INFILTRATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A method for repairing composite components includes positioning repair material within a repair region of a composite component formed of a composite material. Furthermore, the method includes heating the repair region to a first temperature. Additionally, the method includes heating a remaining portion of the composite component to a second temperature. Moreover, the method includes melt infiltrating the repair region with an infiltrant to densify the repair material. The first temperature is at or above a melting point of the infiltrant and the second temperature is less than the melting point.

METHOD FOR REPAIRING COMPOSITE COMPONENTS AND ASSOCIATED INFILTRATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A method for repairing composite components includes positioning repair material within a repair region of a composite component formed of a composite material. Furthermore, the method includes heating the repair region to a first temperature. Additionally, the method includes heating a remaining portion of the composite component to a second temperature. Moreover, the method includes melt infiltrating the repair region with an infiltrant to densify the repair material. The first temperature is at or above a melting point of the infiltrant and the second temperature is less than the melting point.

Method for filling surface imperfections in an aircraft wing

A filling method for filling surface imperfections on a surface of a wing comprising a scanning step in which a control unit controls a movement of a scanner past the surface of the wing to scan the surface and transmit the collected data to the control unit, a computation step in which the control unit computes a digitized surface from the data, a determination step in which the control unit determines each surface imperfection by comparing the reference surface and the digitized surface, a generation step in which the control unit generates a digital model of the patch intended to fill the surface imperfection, and a printing step in which the control unit controls the movement of a 3D printer past each surface imperfection and commands the activation of the 3D printer in order to make it print the patch.

Method for filling surface imperfections in an aircraft wing

A filling method for filling surface imperfections on a surface of a wing comprising a scanning step in which a control unit controls a movement of a scanner past the surface of the wing to scan the surface and transmit the collected data to the control unit, a computation step in which the control unit computes a digitized surface from the data, a determination step in which the control unit determines each surface imperfection by comparing the reference surface and the digitized surface, a generation step in which the control unit generates a digital model of the patch intended to fill the surface imperfection, and a printing step in which the control unit controls the movement of a 3D printer past each surface imperfection and commands the activation of the 3D printer in order to make it print the patch.

Machine vision acoustic panel repair with retention of acoustic properties
11104086 · 2021-08-31 · ·

An acoustic panel (200) for an aircraft nacelle (100) may comprise a perforated first skin (220), a second skin (230), and a core (210) sandwiched between them. A camera system (330) may scan a perforation pattern of a damaged portion (311) of the perforated first skin (220). The damaged portion (311) of the perforated first skin (220) may be removed. A replacement patch (660) may be formed. A CNC machine (450) may drill the replacement patch (660) according to the perforation pattern. The perforations (425) in the replacement patch (660) may be aligned with perforations (325) in the perforated first skin.

Machine vision acoustic panel repair with retention of acoustic properties
11104086 · 2021-08-31 · ·

An acoustic panel (200) for an aircraft nacelle (100) may comprise a perforated first skin (220), a second skin (230), and a core (210) sandwiched between them. A camera system (330) may scan a perforation pattern of a damaged portion (311) of the perforated first skin (220). The damaged portion (311) of the perforated first skin (220) may be removed. A replacement patch (660) may be formed. A CNC machine (450) may drill the replacement patch (660) according to the perforation pattern. The perforations (425) in the replacement patch (660) may be aligned with perforations (325) in the perforated first skin.

Configurable cooling assembly and cooling method
11117336 · 2021-09-14 · ·

A method is provided for managing the temperature of heat sensitive material located near a repair patch being thermally cured on a composite skin using a heating blanket. The method comprises configuring an assembly of thermally conductive cooling blocks to fit within a space between the heating blanket and the heat sensitive material. The assembly of thermally conductive cooling blocks is then installed against the skin within the space, forming a heat sink that conducts a portion of heat out of the composite skin away from the heat sensitive material.

Configurable cooling assembly and cooling method
11117336 · 2021-09-14 · ·

A method is provided for managing the temperature of heat sensitive material located near a repair patch being thermally cured on a composite skin using a heating blanket. The method comprises configuring an assembly of thermally conductive cooling blocks to fit within a space between the heating blanket and the heat sensitive material. The assembly of thermally conductive cooling blocks is then installed against the skin within the space, forming a heat sink that conducts a portion of heat out of the composite skin away from the heat sensitive material.

METHOD OF INSTALLING LINER ASSEMBLY FOR PIPELINE REPAIR OR REINFORCEMENT, AND LINER ASSEMBLY AND STEAM GENERATOR FOR SAME
20210254775 · 2021-08-19 ·

A method of installing a liner assembly for pipeline repair or reinforcement includes: pulling a prepared liner assembly into position in the pipeline, the liner assembly including a tubular liner wetted with a curable compound; introducing fluid into the inflatable bladder to bring the tubular liner into firm contact with an interior surface of the pipeline; flowing the fluid continuously through the bladder and discharging the fluid into the pipeline, while maintaining the liner assembly in an inflated condition; measuring a flow rate and a temperature of the fluid entering the bladder; calculating a time period sufficient for the tubular liner to cure based on: an amount of heat required for curing, based on dimensional information of the liner, and the measured flow rate and temperature of the fluid; and maintaining the liner assembly in an inflated condition for the time period sufficient for the tubular liner to cure.