Patent ID: 8393371

Claim:
A system for processing a composite material for a part, the system comprising: a mandrel configured to support the composite material; a chamber configured to retain opposing ends of the mandrel and provide structural support when a vacuum is applied to the system, the chamber including a first opening along a top wall; a first diaphragm including a portion clamped to the top wall, the first diaphragm covering the first opening and configured to be pulled from the first opening when the vacuum is applied; a first ramp located within the chamber adjacent to the mandrel and tilted at approximately 45 degrees downward thereto, wherein a portion of the first diaphragm travels along the first ramp to prevent rupture of the first diaphragm when the vacuum is applied; and a first wall, vertically oriented and coupled to a distal end of the first ramp away from the mandrel and further coupled to the top wall such that the first ramp is spaced apart from the point at which the first diaphragm is clamped to the top wall.