Patent ID: 9636876
Date: 2017-05-02
CPC Classifications: B29C,B29D,B29K,B29L

Claim:
1. Apparatus for forming a composite laminate structure, comprising: a tool having contoured tool surfaces configured to have prepreg plies placed and formed thereon; a former device configured to be placed on the prepreg plies and form the plies onto the contoured tool surfaces, the former device including a plurality of forming segments and flexible connections between the forming segments, wherein each of the forming segments is configured to form a portion of the plies on the contoured tool surfaces, and wherein the former device further includes a clamping member configured to clamp the prepreg plies on the tool; and a flexible vacuum diaphragm covering the plies, the flexible vacuum diaphragm being configured to be evacuated and compact the former device down onto the tool.