Patent ID: 11865798
Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
Field: Other special machines (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B  Y | IPC B

Claim 21:
22. A method for picking and placing a stringer preform that includes a web and flanges, wherein the web changes angle with respect to the flanges along a length of the stringer preform, the method comprising:
placing an inner surface of a first caul plate into contact with the web and a first flange on a first side of the stringer preform, wherein an outer surface of the first caul plate forms a first plane that is uniform along the length of the stringer preform; and
placing an inner surface of a second caul plate into contact with the web and a second flange on a second side of the stringer preform, wherein an outer surface of the second caul plate forms a second plane that is uniform along the length of the stringer preform and parallel to the first plane;
wherein the inner surface of the first caul plate is complementary to the first side of the stringer preform such that an angle of the inner surface of the first caul plate in relation to the outer surface of the first caul plate changes with the angle of the web along the length of the stringer preform;
wherein the inner surface of the second caul plate is complementary to the second side of the stringer preform such that an angle of the inner surface of the second caul plate in relation to the outer surface of the second caul plate changes with the angle of the web along the length of the stringer preform.