US 12,404,039 B2
Systems and methods for assembling stiffened composite structures
James Russell Kendall, Mt. Pleasant, SC (US); Byron James Autry, Charleston, SC (US); and Santiago Mejia, Charleston, SC (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Jul. 5, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/857,918.
Prior Publication US 2024/0010357 A1, Jan. 11, 2024
Int. Cl. B64F 5/10 (2017.01); B29C 70/34 (2006.01); B29L 31/30 (2006.01); B64C 1/06 (2006.01); B64C 1/12 (2006.01)
CPC B64F 5/10 (2017.01) [B29C 70/342 (2013.01); B64C 1/12 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3082 (2013.01); B64C 1/064 (2013.01)] 23 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for assembling stiffened composite structures, the system comprising:
a layup mandrel comprising an outer surface;
a network of fluid lines, wherein the network of fluid lines is configured to be selectively and fluidically coupled to stringer bladders positioned relative to the layup mandrel, and wherein the network of fluid lines extends through the layup mandrel; and
one or more covers configured to be operatively coupled to the layup mandrel to define a passage extending along the layup mandrel;
wherein the network of fluid lines is positioned at least partially within the passage when the one or more covers are operatively coupled to the layup mandrel, and wherein the network of fluid lines is configured to be selectively and fluidically coupled to the stringer bladders when positioned relative to the layup mandrel.