Patent ID: 9199419
Filing Date: 2015-12-01
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a fluid flow channel in a vacuum bagging system, comprising the steps of: mounting a strip of contact layer along a first portion of a part inner surface of a composite part formed of pre-impregnated fiber-reinforced material and positionable within an outer mold line tool, the strip of contact layer extending from a part interior of the composite part to at least one part end of the composite part and having a contact layer width defined by opposing contact layer side edges, the strip of contact layer being located adjacent to and outside of a second portion of the composite part such that an internal vacuum bag applies vacuum pressure directly onto the part inner surface of the second portion not covered by the strip of contact layer; mounting a strip of inner layer to the strip of contact layer, the strip of inner layer having an inner layer width that is no greater than the contact layer width and being positioned between opposing contact layer side edges; extending the contact layer to at least one part end of the composite part; and positioning an internal vacuum bag on an interior of the part inner surface such that the internal vacuum bag is located on a side of the inner layer opposite the contact layer, the internal vacuum bag covering an inner mold line tool having an inner mold line tool width, the contact layer width of the strip of contact layer being less than the inner mold line tool width.