US 12,285,903 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 Feb. 29, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/591,747.
Application 18/591,747 is a continuation of application No. 17/710,255, filed on Mar. 31, 2022, granted, now 11,919,223.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/169,662, filed on Apr. 1, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2024/0208133 A1, Jun. 27, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
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)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of forming a mandrel for forming a composite structure comprising:
forming segments of the mandrel through an additive manufacturing process, the segments including at least two wedge segments and at least one connecting segment having substantially parallel sides;
assembling the segments relative to one another by positioning the at least one connecting segment between the at least two wedge segments where the substantially parallel sides of the at least one connecting segment abut against the at least two wedge segments; and
positioning a crush insert between adjacent segments.