US 11,919,223 B2
Methods of forming a mandrel for forming composite structures, methods of forming composite structures, and related tools
Benjamin W. Garcia, Tremonton, UT (US); Jacob M. Ketcham, North Salt Lake, UT (US); Jared S. Noorda, Mountain Green, UT (US); Carl B. Madsen, Park City, UT (US); and David R. Machac, Ogden, UT (US)
Assigned to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Falls Church, VA (US)
Filed by Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Falls Church, VA (US)
Filed on Mar. 31, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/710,255.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/169,662, filed on Apr. 1, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0314528 A1, Oct. 6, 2022
Int. Cl. B29C 53/82 (2006.01); B29C 53/60 (2006.01); B29C 64/118 (2017.01); B29C 70/86 (2006.01); B33Y 10/00 (2015.01); B33Y 70/00 (2020.01); B33Y 80/00 (2015.01); B29K 705/02 (2006.01); B29L 31/00 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 53/824 (2013.01) [B29C 53/602 (2013.01); B29C 64/118 (2017.08); B29C 70/86 (2013.01); B33Y 10/00 (2014.12); B33Y 70/00 (2014.12); B33Y 80/00 (2014.12); B29K 2705/02 (2013.01); B29K 2879/085 (2013.01); B29L 2031/757 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
8. A tool for forming a composite structure, the tool comprising:
two or more segments formed from a polymer material;
a crush insert disposed between the two or more segments; and
a support shaft removably coupled between the two or more segments through complementary alignment structures.