US 12,428,764 B2
Systems and methods for non-linear through thickness reinforcement
Christopher C. Koroly, Spring Valley, CA (US); Katherine E. Waugh, San Diego, CA (US); and Vijay V. Pujar, San Diego, CA (US)
Assigned to ROHR, INC., Chula Vista, CA (US)
Filed by ROHR, INC., Chula Vista, CA (US)
Filed on May 12, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/317,034.
Prior Publication US 2024/0376652 A1, Nov. 14, 2024
Int. Cl. D04H 18/02 (2012.01); B32B 5/06 (2006.01)
CPC D04H 18/02 (2013.01) [B32B 5/06 (2013.01)] 9 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for through thickness reinforcement of a fibrous preform, the apparatus comprising:
an end effector; and
a curved needle extending from the end effector in a first direction, wherein the curved needle is configured to rotate about a first axis parallel to the first direction;
wherein the end effector is configured to move the curved needle in the first direction as the curved needle rotates about the first axis to move a through thickness fiber along a curved path from a first ply of the fibrous preform at least partially into a second ply of the fibrous preform.