US 11,701,801 B2
Caul plate with feature for separating from composite part
Daniel J. Wade, Carbonado, WA (US); and Mathew K. Lathrop, Orting, WA (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Mar. 4, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/291,535.
Prior Publication US 2020/0282669 A1, Sep. 10, 2020
Int. Cl. B64C 3/18 (2006.01); B29C 37/00 (2006.01); B29C 70/44 (2006.01); B29C 33/38 (2006.01); B29C 70/54 (2006.01); B29C 70/68 (2006.01); B29L 31/30 (2006.01); B29C 43/36 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 37/0003 (2013.01) [B29C 33/3842 (2013.01); B29C 70/443 (2013.01); B29C 70/541 (2013.01); B29C 70/542 (2013.01); B29C 70/549 (2021.05); B29C 70/681 (2013.01); B29C 2043/3655 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3076 (2013.01); B64C 3/18 (2013.01)] 26 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
14. An apparatus comprising:
a tool comprising a head;
a mandrel that retains a composite part, and includes sealing tape; and
a caul plate for the composite part, comprising:
a body that includes a lower surface which faces the composite part, and an upper surface that is opposite to the lower surface;
a structural member directly protruding from the upper surface; and
a hole in the structural member to receive the tool, that is physically distinct from the caul plate, for temporary attachment, wherein the hole is configured to receive force from the head of the tool that releases the caul plate from the composite part and slides the caul plate laterally from the composite part, wherein
the body is U-shaped, with side members and a base member forming the body, and the structural member comprises a fin protruding vertically from the base member to align with a stringer of an aircraft.