US 12,145,345 B2
Composite rods for stabilization of composite laminates
Stephen Nolet, Harpswell, ME (US); and James Hannan, Fairhaven, MA (US)
Assigned to TPI Composites, Inc., Warren, RI (US)
Filed by TPI Composites, Inc., Warren, RI (US)
Filed on May 5, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/313,075.
Application 18/313,075 is a continuation of application No. 16/793,943, filed on Feb. 18, 2020, granted, now 11,679,576.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/806,169, filed on Feb. 15, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2023/0271398 A1, Aug. 31, 2023
Int. Cl. B32B 3/10 (2006.01); B32B 3/08 (2006.01); B32B 5/26 (2006.01); D04B 1/22 (2006.01); D04B 21/20 (2006.01); B29C 70/48 (2006.01); B29K 63/00 (2006.01); B29K 105/08 (2006.01); B29L 31/08 (2006.01)
CPC B32B 3/10 (2013.01) [B32B 3/085 (2013.01); B32B 5/26 (2013.01); D04B 1/22 (2013.01); D04B 21/20 (2013.01); B29C 70/48 (2013.01); B29K 2063/00 (2013.01); B29K 2105/0881 (2013.01); B29L 2031/085 (2013.01); B32B 2260/021 (2013.01); B32B 2260/046 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A structural element for a composite structure comprising:
a composite beam configured to extend along at least a portion of the composite structure;
the composite beam including two or more preform layers,
each preform layer including:
multiple elongate rods arranged longitudinally and aligned relative to one another in a single layer,
each rod being disposed adjacent to and spaced from at least one adjacent rod;
each rod including multiple unidirectional, substantially straight collimated structural fibers fixed in a solidified matrix resin so that each rod is rigid and defines a finished geometry;
a coupling, the coupling connecting at least a first rod to an adjacent rod, the coupling configured as a cell structure having a plurality of beams, wherein:
the plurality of beams remain in a single plane, and
the plurality of beams positioned in a fixed relationship relative to the rods,
each preform layer being stacked with one or more other preform layers; and
wherein multiple stacked preform layers define a transverse width and a thickness of the composite beam; and
wherein an edge of the structural element is completely encircled by a knit member.