Patent ID: 6299964
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,Y10T

Abstract:
A composite forming/curing fixture for fabricating beam members defined by a beam axis of radial symmetry, each beam member having a web, at least one outer flange extending from the web and a first web inner radius formed between the web and the outer flange, the fixture being used for forming and curing beam members having a variety of cross-sectional configurations with variable web sizes, flange sizes and first web inner radii, the fixture comprising:a mandrel defined by a mandrel axis of radial symmetry which is co-located with the beam axis of radial symmetry, the mandrel axis is perpendicular to a mandrel plane, the mandrel being disposable in first and second positions with respect to the mandrel plane, the mandrel having:opposing first and second mandrel surfaces orthogonal to the mandrel axis of radial symmetry;an annular third mandrel surface extending about the mandrel axis of radial symmetry;a first edge interposed between the first and third mandrel surfaces and defined by a first edge radius; anda second edge interposed between the second and third mandrel surfaces defined by a second edge radius;wherein the first mandrel surface is disposed adjacent the mandrel plane while the mandrel is in the first position, the second mandrel surface is disposed adjacent the mandrel plane while the mandrel is in the second position;a back plate disposed radially about the mandrel, the back plate having annular first and second surfaces defined by a back plate axis of radial symmetry which is co-located with the beam axis of radial symmetry, the first and second surfaces being disposable about opposing sides of the mandrel plane, the first surface being disposable opposite the third mandrel surface;a web forming space for forming the web of the beam member therein, the web forming space is respectively adjacent the first mandrel surface while the mandrel is disposed in the first position and is respectively adjacent the second mandrel surface while the mandrel is disposed in the second position;a first web inner radius forming space for forming the first web inner radius of the beam member therein, the first web inner radius forming space is respectively adjacent the first edge while the mandrel is disposed in the first position and respectively is adjacent the second edge while the mandrel is disposed in the second position;a first outer flange forming space for forming the outer flange therein, the first outer flange forming space being interposed between the third mandrel surface and the first surface of the back plate; anda second outer flange forming space for forming the outer flange therein, the second outer flange forming space being adjacent to and concentrically within the second surface of the back plate.