Patent ID: 8753458
Filing Date: 2014-06-17
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
1. A method of mapping a location of splices in a plurality of tows used to layup a laminated composite structure, comprising: placing tows on a tool by using an automatic fiber placement machine comprising a compaction roller, such that placing tows comprises simultaneously placing the plurality of the tows on the tool as a band; sensing, using a sensing device, a location of each splice as the plurality of tows are being simultaneously placed as the band during the layup: generating, using a software program in a computer, a data file from a geometric database of the composite structure; using the computer with a program code for: receiving the data file from the geometric database, determining the location of the splices within the composite structure, the location being a three dimensional (3-D) location, receiving an inspection parameter, and generating a pass/fail status for the plurality of tows based upon the inspection parameter; and, using the data file to generate a 3-D display showing the 3-D location of the splices in the composite structure.