Patent ID: 11884028
Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Field: Other special machines (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 9:
10. An improved method for tow placement during an automated fiber placement process comprising;
incorporating an automated fiber placement scoop into an automated fiber placement device, wherein the scoop is configured to withstand temperatures at or above 500° C.;
employing the scoop to place at least one tow as part of the automated fiber placement process, wherein the scoop comprises a scoop body;
wherein the scoop body comprises:
at least one curve point on a distal end of the scoop configured for engaging a roller of the automated fiber placement process;
at least one fin positioned on the at least one curve point at the distal end of the scoop body, wherein the at least one fin is shaped to cooperate with the at least one curve point engaging the roller;
an internal cavity disposed within the scoop body further comprising a porous internal lattice support structure shaped to allow gas and/or liquid to flow within an interior of the scoop body and pass through the porous internal lattice support structure; and
a scoop exterior defining at least one surface topography, adjacent a scoop body proximal end, configured to reduce thermal stress;

introducing a gas and/or liquid flow into the internal cavity of the scoop body.