US 11,718,046 B2
In-line autoclave adapted to preform geometry
Daniel R. Smith, Woodinville, WA (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Nov. 10, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/454,254.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/115,032, filed on Nov. 18, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0152945 A1, May 19, 2022
Int. Cl. B29C 70/34 (2006.01); B29C 70/54 (2006.01); B29C 70/68 (2006.01); B29L 31/30 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 70/342 (2013.01) [B29C 70/544 (2021.05); B29C 70/549 (2021.05); B29C 70/681 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3082 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3085 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for hardening a preform into a composite part, the method comprising:
aligning a layup mandrel carrying a preform for insertion into an autoclave having an inner surface that is complementary to a contour of the preform;
sealing the layup mandrel into the autoclave; and
hardening the preform into a composite part via application of heat within the autoclave,
wherein hardening the preform comprises applying heat via heaters in the layup mandrel that are disposed under the preform.