Patent ID: 8720067
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: B21D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for producing a doubly curved shape, comprising: receiving a member comprising a generally thin sheet of material, the member having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; bending the member about a first axis to form a concave member surface on the first side and a convex member surface on the second side; receiving the member between a male roller and a pair of female rollers with the male roller contacting the first side and having a convex roller surface that generally matches the concave member surface, and with the pair of female rollers contacting the second side and having corresponding concave roller surfaces that generally match the convex member surface; imparting a doubly curved shape to the member by rotating the male roller and the pair of female rollers to bend the member about a second axis transverse to the first axis, the member having an axial arc length of less than approximately 90 degrees, the member further having an apex and a base opposite the apex; and joining the member with at least one other member having an apex, the apexes of the members forming a closed dome segment.