US 12,138,864 B2
Forming apparatus, methods, and systems
Kurtis S. Willden, Kent, WA (US); and Brian G. Robins, Renton, WA (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Aug. 30, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/460,605.
Prior Publication US 2023/0063490 A1, Mar. 2, 2023
Int. Cl. B29C 65/00 (2006.01); B29C 65/78 (2006.01); B29C 70/34 (2006.01); B29C 70/54 (2006.01); B29L 31/30 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 66/81455 (2013.01) [B29C 65/7841 (2013.01); B29C 70/342 (2013.01); B29C 70/54 (2013.01); B29L 2031/3076 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for forming a composite part, the method comprising:
positioning a composite ply over a forming surface of a forming tool defining a recessed portion;
sweeping a forming feature into engagement with the composite ply to yield a formed ply, the sweeping forms the composite ply to one of: (1) the forming tool and (2) a previously formed ply on the forming tool; and
engaging a ply support member with the formed ply to secure the formed ply relative to the forming tool.