Patent ID: 7624491
Filing Date: 2009-12-01
Classification: B29C,Y02T,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for fabricating a composite part on the surface of a tool, the method comprising: attaching at least one stationary composite insert to at least one stationary portion of the composite part; attaching at least one moveable composite insert, comprising a slot shaped opening formed through the moveable composite insert, to at least one moveable portion of the composite part so that a longitudinal axis of the slot shaped opening is aligned in a same direction as a major axis of thermal expansion of the composite part; attaching at least one guiding mechanism to the surface of the tool; inserting the at least one guiding mechanism within the slot shaped opening; holding the composite part substantially stationary relative to the surface of the tool at the at least one stationary portion of the composite part to substantially prevent movement of the composite part in directions other than along the major axis of thermal expansion of the composite part by substantially preventing the at least one stationary composite insert from moving; and moving the composite part in a controlled manner in a desired direction of thermal expansion along the major axis of thermal expansion of the composite part by the guiding mechanism guiding the at least one moveable composite insert at the at least one moveable portion of the composite part due to the guiding mechanism sliding along and within the slot shaped opening.