US 11,897,209 B2
Composite forming apparatus, system and method
Kurtis S. Willden, Kent, WA (US); and Marc R. Matsen, Seattle, WA (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Aug. 30, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/460,835.
Prior Publication US 2023/0060515 A1, Mar. 2, 2023
Int. Cl. B29C 35/00 (2006.01); B29C 70/00 (2006.01); B29C 70/34 (2006.01); B29C 35/08 (2006.01); B29C 70/38 (2006.01); B29L 31/30 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 70/342 (2013.01) [B29C 35/0805 (2013.01); B29C 70/388 (2013.01); B29C 2035/0811 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3076 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A composite forming apparatus comprising:
an end effector;
a forming feature that is coupled to the end effector; and
a heating element that is coupled to the forming feature to heat the forming feature,
wherein:
the end effector moves the forming feature relative to a composite ply to form the composite ply over a forming tool or over a prior formed composite ply; and
the forming feature heats the composite ply via conduction.