US 12,275,202 B2
Method for producing an aerodynamic element including riblets
Maxime Marie Désiré Blaise, Moissy-Cramayel (FR); Allison Glugla, Moissy-Cramayel (FR); Lauren Chin, Moissy-Cramayel (FR); and Cali Lapenta, Moissy-Cramayel (FR)
Assigned to SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES, Paris (FR); and SAFRAN AEROSPACE COMPOSITES, Rochester, NH (US)
Filed by SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES, Paris (FR); and SAFRAN AEROSPACE COMPOSITES, Rochester, NH (US)
Filed on Nov. 4, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/980,931.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/275,548, filed on Nov. 4, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0182411 A1, Jun. 15, 2023
Int. Cl. B29C 70/44 (2006.01); B29L 31/08 (2006.01); B64C 21/10 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 70/44 (2013.01) [B29L 2031/08 (2013.01); B64C 21/10 (2013.01); B64C 2230/26 (2013.01)] 4 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for producing an aerodynamic element, including a wall which is covered, at least partially, by a printed film including a plurality of ribs and/or grooves, the method including: a step of providing an element that does not include a printed film; a step of providing a raw film made of a deformable material which is devoid of grooves and ribs; a step of providing a pressure plate which includes a face provided with ribs and/or grooves complementary to the ribs and/or grooves of the printed film; a step of placing said raw film on the wall of the element; a step of positioning the pressure plate on the raw film, a printed side of the pressure plate facing the raw film; a forming step during which the raw film is bonded with the wall of the element and during which the raw film is shaped by cooperation with the pressure plate to obtain the printed film including the ribs and/or the grooves, wherein only one of the faces of the raw film is shaped to include riblets which comprise of a succession of the ribs and the grooves, wherein the aerodynamic element is a vane or a part of an aircraft wing.