Reusable composite material curing system and method for curing composite material

Abstract

The invention relates to a reusable composite material curing system and a method of curing a composite material. The reusable composite material curing system includes: a reusable airbag; an end fitting sealed to the reusable bladder, the end fitting including a first half of the pneumatic connector and a channel in communication with an interior of the reusable bladder, the first half secured within the end fitting and in communication with the channel; and a curing tool having an air passage extending from the support surface of the curing tool and exiting through one of the underside or side of the curing tool and a second half of the pneumatic connector, the second half secured within the air passage; the first half of the pneumatic connector is releasable from the second half of the pneumatic connector while holding the second half of the pneumatic connector in the curing tool and while holding the first half of the pneumatic connector in the end fitting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for manufacturing composite resin parts, and more particularly to a reusable composite material curing system for curing composite parts. Background Art

[0002] Composite resin parts can be cured in an autoclave, which applies heat and pressure to the part during the cure cycle. Some part geometries include internal cavities that can cause the part to collapse under autoclave pressure unless a tool such as an inflatable bladder is placed in the cavity. Such an inflatable bladder can be inflated during the curing process to react to the autoclave pressure applied to the part. Typically, these inflatable bladders are pressurized by vacuum bagging them to vent to the autoclave pressure.

[0003] Venting through the vacuum bag requires additional sealing, which may take an undesirable amount of time and generate waste from the seal and disposable vacuum bag. In addition, failure to properly vent through the vacuum bag can result in the reusable bladder failing to pressurize and undesirably affecting the quality of the resulting composite part.

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that takes into account at least some of the above-mentioned issues as well as other possible issues. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reusable composite material curing system. The reusable composite material curing system includes: a reusable airbag; an end fitting sealed to the reusable airbag; and a curing tool having an air duct extending from a support surface of the curing tool and exiting through one of the lower side or side of the curing tool. The end fitting includes a first half of a pneumatic connector and a passage communicating with the interior of the reusable airbag, the first half being fixed in the end fitting and communicating with the passage. The curing tool has a second half of a pneumatic connector, the second half being fixed in the air duct. The first half of the pneumatic connector can be released from the second half of the pneumatic connector while the second half of the pneumatic connector is retained in the curing tool and while the first half of the pneumatic connector is retained in the end fitting.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a reusable composite material curing system. The reusable composite material curing system includes: a reusable bladder configured to apply pressure to an internal cavity of a composite part during autoclave curing; an end fitting sealed to the reusable bladder, the end fitting comprising a first half of a pneumatic connector and a channel communicating with the interior of the reusable bladder, the first half communicating with the channel and secured within the end fitting; and a reusable vacuum bag sealed to the reusable bladder and the end fitting. The first half of the pneumatic connector can be released from the second half of the pneumatic connector while retaining one half of the pneumatic connector in the end fitting.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of curing a composite material. A reusable bladder is lowered toward a curing tool so that a first half of a pneumatic connector fixed in an end fitting sealed to the reusable bladder is connected to a second half of the pneumatic connector fixed in the curing tool, the pneumatic connector forming a pressure passage to provide external pressure to the interior of the reusable bladder. Heat and pressure are applied to the composite material supported on the curing tool and the reusable bladder to cure the composite material to form a composite part having an internal cavity.

[0008] The features and functions can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. However, the illustrative embodiments and their preferred modes of use, further objects and features will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is an illustration of an aircraft according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 is an illustration of a block diagram of a manufacturing environment according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a reusable composite material curing system according to an illustrative embodiment, wherein some portions are shown in phantom;

[0013] Figure 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a reusable composite material curing system according to an illustrative embodiment, wherein some portions are shown in phantom;

[0014] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a reusable composite material curing system supporting a composite material for curing according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0015] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a reusable composite material curing system during curing of a composite material according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0016] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a method of curing a composite material according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0017] Figure 8 is an illustration of an aircraft manufacturing and service method in block diagram form according to an illustrative embodiment; and

[0018] Fig. 9 is an illustration of an aircraft in block diagram form in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Now go to Figure 1 , shows a diagram of an aircraft in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Aircraft 100 has wing 102 and wing 104 attached to fuselage 106. Aircraft 100 includes engine 108 attached to wing 102 and engine 110 attached to wing 104.

[0020] Fuselage 106 has tail section 112 . Horizontal stabilizer 114 , horizontal stabilizer 116 , and vertical stabilizer 118 are attached to tail section 112 of fuselage 106 .

[0021] Aircraft 100 is an example of an aircraft that may have composite parts formed using the illustrative example reusable composite material curing system. For example, at least one of wing 102, wing 104, or fuselage 106 may have skins and reinforcements cured using the illustrative example reusable composite material curing system.

[0022] Now go to Figure 2 , a block diagram of a manufacturing environment according to an illustrative embodiment is shown. A reusable composite material curing system 202 may be used to cure Figure 1 A reusable composite material curing system 202 is used in a manufacturing environment 200 to form a composite part 204 having an interior cavity 206 .

[0023] The reusable composite curing system 202 includes a reusable bladder 208, an end fitting 210 sealed to the reusable bladder 208, and a curing tool 211 having a vent 212 extending from a support surface 214 of the curing tool 211 and exiting through an underside 216 or one of the sides (e.g., side 218 or side 220) of the curing tool 211. The end fitting 210 includes a channel 222 communicating with an interior 224 of the reusable bladder 208 and a first half 226 of a pneumatic connector 228 fixed within the end fitting 210 and communicating with the channel 222. A second half 230 of the pneumatic connector 228 is fixed within the vent 212. The first half 226 of the pneumatic connector 228 can be released from the second half 230 of the pneumatic connector 228 while retaining the second half 230 of the pneumatic connector 228 in the curing tool 211 and while retaining the first half 226 of the pneumatic connector 228 in the end fitting 210 .

[0024] First half 226 takes the form of any desired type of pneumatic connector half. In some illustrative examples, pneumatic connector 228 is a quick connector. In these illustrative examples, first half 226 can be one of a male quick connector or a female quick connector.

[0025] Second half 230 takes the form of any desired type of pneumatic connector half. In some illustrative examples, pneumatic connector 228 is a quick connector. In these illustrative examples, second half 230 can be one of a male quick connector or a female quick connector. In some illustrative examples, one of first half 226 and second half 230 of pneumatic connector 228 is a female quick connector, while the other of first half 226 and second half 230 is a male quick connector.

[0026] As shown, end fitting 210 includes a threaded hole 232 extending through an underside 234 of end fitting 210. Threaded hole 232 does not extend through the thickness of end fitting 210. Threaded hole 232 terminates in passage 222. First half 226 of pneumatic connector 228 is secured within threaded hole 232. In some illustrative examples, first half 226 remains secured within end fitting 210 during and between curing operations.

[0027] Passage 222 extends into end fitting 210 in pneumatic connection with first half 226 of pneumatic connector 228. In some illustrative examples, passage 222 extends perpendicular to upper half 226 of pneumatic connector 228. In some illustrative examples, passage 222 extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of end fitting 210. In some illustrative examples, passage 222 extends perpendicular to threaded hole 232.

[0028] Pressure passage 236 provides access to interior 224 of reusable bladder 208 for pressurization. In some illustrative examples, passage 222, pneumatic connector 228, and vent 212 define pressure passage 236 that allows the interior of the reusable bladder to be subjected to external pressure 238.

[0029] End fitting 210 is formed of material 239. Material 239 may be any desired material configured to withstand the heat and pressure of autoclave 240. End fitting 210 is formed of any desired material configured to maintain its shape when the material is subjected to elevated temperatures and elevated pressures during curing of the composite material. In some illustrative examples, end fitting 210 is formed of metal material 242.

[0030] The material 239 having material properties 244 is selected to withstand curing within the autoclave 240. The material 239 selected has material properties 244 to maintain a pneumatic seal, thereby reducing or preventing leakage between the end fitting 210 and the pneumatic connector 228. The material 239 selected has material properties 244 to be sealable to the reusable bladder 208.

[0031] To secure the end fitting 210 to the reusable bladder 208, a sealant 246 is applied between the reusable bladder 208 and the end fitting 210. The material 239 can be selected to seal to the reusable bladder 208 using the sealant 246.

[0032] In some illustrative examples, material 239 is machined to form end fitting 210. For example, a metal material may be machined into a desired shape for end fitting 210. In some illustrative examples, material 239 for end fitting 210 may be printed or molded.

[0033] The reusable composite material curing system 202 includes a reusable vacuum bag 248 that is sealed to the curing tool 211 and completely covers the reusable bladder 208 and the end fitting 210. The reusable vacuum bag 248 is sealed to the curing tool 211 using a seal 250. The seal 250 surrounds the periphery of the reusable vacuum bag 248. The seal 250 forms a sealed volume between the reusable vacuum bag 248 and the curing tool 211. The sealed volume between the reusable vacuum bag 248 and the curing tool 211 can be referred to as a vacuum chamber 256. The seal 250 can take any desired disposable or reusable form.

[0034] After reusable vacuum bag 248 is sealed to curing tool 211, composite material 252 and composite material 254 can be cured to form composite part 204 having internal cavity 206. Composite material 252 is applied to curing tool 211 before end fitting 210 is connected to curing tool 211 using pneumatic connector 228. Although support surface 214 appears to be planar, support surface 214 can have any desired geometry. In some illustrative examples, when support surface 214 is substantially planar, composite material 252 can be cured into a composite skin. In some illustrative examples, when support surface 214 has grooves or other geometric features, composite material 252 can be cured to form a reinforcement having internal cavity 206.

[0035] Composite material 254 may be cured to form a composite skin or a composite reinforcement depending on the design of curing tool 211. Reusable bladder 208 is configured to apply pressure to interior cavity 206 of composite part 204 during autoclave curing. The pressure applied by reusable bladder 208 is greater than the pressure under reusable vacuum bag 248. The geometry of curing tool 211 and reusable bladder 208 may be modified to form composite part 204 with interior cavity 206 of any desired design.

[0036] The reusable composite curing system 202 and the method of use enable the use of a reusable vacuum bag 248 for composite curing. The exemplary example enables high-speed manufacturing. The use of a reusable vacuum bag 248 reduces the time to seal the vacuum bag. The use of a pressure passage 236 to pressurize the interior 224 of the reusable airbag 208 enables the use of a reusable vacuum bag 248. The exemplary example increases the sustainability of composite curing. The illustrative example provides a pneumatic connector 228 in the end fitting 210 and the curing tool 211. When the reusable airbag 208 is applied to the curing tool 211, the pneumatic connector 228 is indexed and quickly connected. The use of a pneumatic connector 228 to provide pressurization to the reusable airbag 208 can provide at least one of reduced preparation time, reduced cost or increased sustainability for sealing the reusable vacuum bag 248 to the curing tool 211 by using less disposable resources.

[0037] The pneumatic connector 228 quickly provides a connection between the reusable bladder 208 and the curing tool 211 without any additional tools. The pneumatic connector 228 can also provide for indexing of the reusable bladder 208 relative to the curing tool 211.

[0038] Figure 2The illustration of manufacturing environment 200 in the illustrative embodiment is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations on the manner in which the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Other components may be used in addition to or in place of the components shown. Some components may be unnecessary. In addition, these blocks are provided to illustrate some functional components. When implemented in the illustrative embodiments, one or more of these blocks may be combined, divided, or combined and divided into different blocks.

[0039] For example, in some illustrative examples, multiple seals may be used to seal reusable vacuum bag 248 to curing tool 211 instead of a single seal (seal 250). In some illustrative examples, seal 250 is a first portion of an interlocking seal, and a second portion (not shown) of the interlocking seal is connected to reusable vacuum bag 248.

[0040] Now go to Figure 3 , shows an isometric view of a reusable composite material curing system according to an illustrative embodiment, wherein some parts are shown in phantom. The reusable composite material curing system 300 is Figure 2 A physical implementation of a reusable composite material curing system 202 is provided.

[0041] The reusable composite curing system 300 includes a reusable bladder 302, an end fitting 304 sealed to the reusable bladder 302, and a curing tool 316 having an air passage 314 extending from a support surface 318 of the curing tool 316 and exiting through an underside 320 of the curing tool 316. The end fitting 304 includes a passage 306 that communicates with an interior 303 of the reusable bladder 302. The end fitting 304 also includes a first half 310 of a pneumatic connector 311 that is fixed within the end fitting 304 and communicates with the passage 306. In this illustrative example, the first half 310 of the pneumatic connector 311 is fixed within a threaded hole 308. The threaded hole 308 communicates with the passage 306.

[0042] The second half 312 of the pneumatic connector 311 is fixed in the air passage 314. While the second half 312 of the pneumatic connector 311 is held in the curing tool 316 and the first half 310 of the pneumatic connector 311 is held in the end fitting 304, the first half 310 of the pneumatic connector 311 can be released from the second half 312 of the pneumatic connector 311.

[0043] In this illustrative example, the first half 310 of the pneumatic connector 311 is a female quick connector. The first half 310 of the pneumatic connector 311 can take any desired form. In some other illustrative examples, the first half 310 of the pneumatic connector 311 is a male connector. In some other illustrative examples, the first half 310 of the pneumatic connector 311 can have a female connector design different from the female connector shown.

[0044] In this illustrative example, second half 312 of pneumatic connector 311 is a male quick connector. Second half 312 of pneumatic connector 311 can take any desired form. In some other illustrative examples, second half 312 of pneumatic connector 311 is a female connector. In some other illustrative examples, second half 312 of pneumatic connector 311 can have a male connector design different from the male connector shown.

[0045] In order to apply external pressure to the interior 303 of the reusable airbag 302 during the curing of the composite material, the first half 310 of the pneumatic connector 311 is connected to the second half 312 of the pneumatic connector 311. A pressure passage is formed by connecting the first half 310 to the second half 312. The pressure passage is formed by the channel 306, the threaded hole 308, the first half 310 of the pneumatic connector 311, the second half 312 of the pneumatic connector 311, and the vent 314.

[0046] Figure 3 The illustration of the reusable composite material curing system 300 in is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations on the manner in which the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Although the reusable airbag 302 and the end fitting 304 have a trapezoidal cross section, the reusable airbag 302 and the end fitting 304 may have any desired geometry. In addition, although the curing tool 316 is shown as having a flat forming surface 318, in other illustrative examples, there may be a groove in the curing tool 316. Although the reusable airbag 302 is shown as resting on the top of the curing tool 316, in other illustrative examples, the reusable airbag 302 may be placed above the composite material in the groove of the curing tool 316.

[0047] Now go to Figure 4 , shows an exploded cross-sectional view of a reusable composite material curing system according to an illustrative embodiment, wherein some parts are shown in phantom. Figure 34 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a reusable composite material curing system 300. In view 400, the first half 310 of the pneumatic connector 311 is exploded from the threaded hole 308 to better view the threaded hole 308. During positioning and operation, the first half 310 of the pneumatic connector 311 remains fixed in the threaded hole 308.

[0048] In view 400, the second half 312 of the pneumatic connector 311 is exploded from the airway 314 to provide a better view of the airway 314. The second half 312 of the pneumatic connector 311 remains fixed within the airway 314 during positioning and operation.

[0049] As shown, the reusable bladder 302 is sealed to the outer surface 402 of the end fitting 304. As shown, by sealing the reusable bladder 302 to the outer surface 402 of the end fitting 304, a portion of the end fitting 304 extends into the interior 303 of the reusable bladder 302.

[0050] Now go to Figure 5 , shows an isometric view of a reusable composite material curing system according to an illustrative embodiment that supports a composite material for curing. View 500 is an isometric view of a reusable composite material curing system 501 that supports a composite material for curing. Reusable composite material curing system 501 includes a curing tool 502 and a reusable bladder 506 connected to an end fitting 504. In this illustrative example, a composite material 508 is supported by the curing tool 502. The composite material 508 is in the form of a composite skin. Composite material 510 is supported by the reusable bladder 506. Composite material 510 forms a reinforcement having an internal cavity.

[0051] Now go to Figure 6 , a cross-sectional view of a reusable composite material curing system during curing of a composite material is shown according to an illustrative embodiment. View 600 is a cross-sectional view of a reusable composite material curing system 601 during curing of a composite material. In view 600, an autoclave 602 is used to cure composite material 618 and composite material 620. Reusable composite material curing system 601 includes a reusable bladder 604 sealed to an end fitting 606 and a curing tool 608. Reusable bladder 604 supports composite material 620. Curing tool 608 supports composite material 618.

[0052] The end fitting 606 interfaces with the curing tool 608 to allow the interior of the reusable bladder 604 to be pressurized. The reusable vacuum bag 610 is sealed to the curing tool 608 by seals 614 and seals 616. The reusable bladder 604 is pressurized by the pressure 612 within the autoclave 602 without venting through the reusable vacuum bag 610. The reusable bladder 604 is pressurized by the pressure 612 within the autoclave 602 through the pressure passage 621. The pressure passage 621 allows the interior of the reusable bladder 604 to be subjected to the pressure 612.

[0053] Pressure passage 621 is defined by passage 622, pneumatic connector 627, and vent 624. Vent 624 extends through curing tool 608. Second half 626 of pneumatic connector 627 is fixed in vent 624. First half 628 of pneumatic connector 627 is fixed in threaded hole 630. Passage 622 enters end fitting 606 parallel to reusable air bag 604. Passage 622 is connected to threaded hole 630 in end fitting 606. Passage 622 is perpendicular to first half 628 of pneumatic connector 627. As shown, first half 628 of pneumatic connector 627 is a female connector, while second half 626 of pneumatic connector 627 is a male connector.

[0054] Although vent 624 is shown as extending through support surface 632 to underside 634, in other illustrative examples, vent may extend through side 636 or side 638 to allow pressure 612 to enter the interior of reusable bladder 604. In some illustrative examples, pressure 612 is referred to as external pressure because pressure 612 is outside of the vacuum chamber formed between reusable vacuum bag 610 and curing tool 608.

[0055] Now go to Figure 7 , a flow chart showing a method of curing a composite material according to an illustrative embodiment. The method 700 may be used to form Figure 1 100 parts of the aircraft. Figure 2 The method 700 can be performed using a reusable composite material curing system 202. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The method 700 can be performed using a reusable composite material curing system 300. Figure 5 The method 700 can be performed using a reusable composite material curing system 501. Figure 6 The method 700 is performed using a reusable composite material curing system 601 .

[0056] Method 700 lowers a reusable airbag toward a curing tool so that a first half of a pneumatic connector fixed in an end fitting sealed to the reusable airbag is connected to a second half of a pneumatic connector fixed in the curing tool, and the pneumatic connector forms a pressure passage to provide external pressure to the interior of the reusable airbag (operation 702). Before lowering the reusable airbag, the first half of the pneumatic connector is fixed in the end fitting. In some illustrative examples, method 700 fixes the first half of the pneumatic connector in the end fitting before lowering the reusable airbag. Before lowering the reusable airbag, the end fitting is sealed to the reusable bag gas. In some illustrative examples, method 700 seals the end fitting to the reusable airbag. As a result, the reusable airbag with the end fitting and the first half of the pneumatic connector is lowered toward the curing tool as a single component. Before lowering the reusable airbag toward the curing tool, the second half of the pneumatic connector is fixed to the curing tool. In some illustrative examples, method 700 fixes the second half of the pneumatic connector to the curing tool before lowering the reusable airbag. The first half of the second pneumatic connector is connected to the second half of the pneumatic connector by lowering the reusable bladder toward the curing tool. In some illustrative examples, the pneumatic connector is a quick connector.

[0057] Process 700 cures the composite material by applying heat and pressure to the composite material supported on a curing tool and a reusable bladder to form a composite part having an internal cavity (operation 704 ).

[0058] In some illustrative examples, method 700 wraps the composite material around the reusable bladder (operation 706). In some illustrative examples, the reusable bladder forms an interior cavity for the resulting composite part. In some illustrative examples, lowering the reusable bladder includes placing the composite material and the reusable bladder onto a curing tool (operation 708).

[0059] In some illustrative examples, method 700 places the composite material on a curing tool (operation 710). In some illustrative examples, the composite material placed on the curing tool is a composite skin in a resulting composite part. In some illustrative examples, the composite material placed on the curing tool is placed in a groove to form a reinforcement in the resulting composite part. In some illustrative examples, lowering the reusable airbag toward the curing tool includes positioning the reusable airbag on the composite material on the curing tool (operation 712).

[0060] In some illustrative examples, method 700 applies the composite material to the reusable bladder on the curing tool after lowering the reusable bladder toward the curing tool (operation 714). In some illustrative examples, the composite material applied to the reusable bladder forms a composite skin in the resulting composite part.

[0061] In some illustrative examples, method 700 seals the reusable vacuum bag to the curing tool and to the end fitting and the reusable air bag (operation 716). A vent is not placed in the reusable vacuum bag for pressurizing the reusable air bag. The reusable vacuum bag is sealed, which forms a vacuum chamber between the reusable vacuum bag and the curing tool. The composite material to be cured is located in the vacuum chamber.

[0062] In some illustrative examples, method 700 pressurizes the reusable airbag by subjecting the interior of the airbag to an external pressure via a pressure passage (operation 718). The external pressure is the pressure outside the vacuum chamber. When the reusable composite curing system is present in an autoclave, the external pressure is the pressure inside the autoclave. In other illustrative examples, a pressure source such as a pump or other pressure source is connected to the curing tool to apply pressure to the interior of the reusable airbag.

[0063] In some illustrative examples, method 700 removes the reusable bladder from the interior cavity of the composite part (operation 720). In some illustrative examples, method 700 uses the reusable bladder and the curing tool to cure the second composite material to form a second composite part (operation 722). In these illustrative examples, the reusable bladder and the curing tool are repeatedly used to cure the composite part after being removed from the interior cavity of the composite part.

[0064] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of," when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one of each item in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, or item C" may include, but is not limited to: item A; item A and item B; or item B. This example may also include: item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. Of course, any combination of these items may exist. In other examples, "at least one of" may be, for example, but not limited to: two of item A; one of item B; ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or other suitable combinations. An item may be a specific object, thing, or category. In other words, at least one of any combination of items and numbers of items in the list may be used, but not all items in the list are required.

[0065] As used herein, "plurality" when used with reference to items means one or more items.

[0066] The flow charts and block diagrams in the different embodiments shown illustrate the architecture, functions and operations of some possible implementations of the device and method in the illustrative embodiments. In this regard, each box in the flow chart or block diagram may represent at least one of a part of a module, segment, function or operation or step.

[0067] In some alternative implementations of the illustrative embodiments, one or more functions indicated in the blocks may not occur in the order indicated in the figure. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be performed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In addition, in addition to the blocks shown in the flow chart or block diagram, other blocks may be added. Some blocks may be optional. For example, operations 706 to 722 may be optional.

[0068] You can Figure 8 Aircraft manufacturing and service method 800 is shown and Fig. 9 Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the context of aircraft 900 as shown. Figure 8 , shows an illustration of an aircraft manufacturing and service method in block diagram form according to an illustrative embodiment. During pre-production, aircraft manufacturing and service method 800 may include Fig. 9 Specification and design 802 of aircraft 900 and procurement of materials 804.

[0069] During production, component and subassembly manufacturing 806 and system integration 808 of aircraft 900 occurs. Thereafter, aircraft 900 may be certified and delivered 810 to be placed into service 812. When placed into service 812 by a customer, aircraft 900 is scheduled for routine maintenance and repair 814, which may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, or other maintenance and repair.

[0070] Each process of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 800 can be performed or implemented by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator. In these examples, the operator can be a customer. For the purpose of this specification, a system integrator can include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and main system subcontractors; a third party can include, but is not limited to, any number of sellers, subcontractors, and suppliers; an operator can be an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, etc.

[0071] Reference now Fig. 9 , shows a diagram of an aircraft in block diagram form in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. In this example, aircraft 900 is Figure 8Aircraft manufacturing and service method 800 is produced and may include airframe 902 having multiple systems 904 and interior 906. Examples of systems 904 include one or more of propulsion system 908, electrical system 910, hydraulic system 912, and environmental system 914. Any number of other systems may be included.

[0072] Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed during at least one of the stages of aircraft manufacturing and service method 800. One or more illustrative embodiments may be employed in Figure 8 The components and subassemblies are manufactured or used during at least one of manufacturing 806 , system integration 808 , service 812 , or maintenance and repair 814 .

[0073] The illustrative examples provide a reusable composite curing system and method capable of using a reusable vacuum bag for composite curing. The illustrative examples enable high-speed manufacturing of composite curing by reducing the time to seal the vacuum bag. The illustrative examples increase the sustainability of composite curing. The illustrative examples provide a reusable air bag and a pneumatic connector in a curing tool. When the reusable air bag is applied to the curing tool, the pneumatic connector is indexed and quickly connected.

[0074] The illustrative examples enable the use of reusable vacuum bags, which increases rates and sustainability, saves time, and increases the robustness of the process. The connection between pneumatic connectors is more robust than sticky tape. The illustrative examples use metal end fittings on the reusable airbags. In some illustrative examples, the curing tool includes a through-hole vent. In some illustrative examples, the through-hole vent can be created by simple machining.

[0075] The quick release device is installed into the air passage of the curing tool and the threaded hole of the end fitting. The threaded hole extends partially into the end fitting. The threaded hole is pneumatically connected to a passage extending away from the threaded hole.

[0076] Descriptions of different illustrative embodiments have been given for purposes of illustration and description, and these descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments of the disclosed forms. Many modifications and variations are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, different illustrative embodiments may provide different features compared to other illustrative embodiments. One or more selected embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, and to enable other persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure of the various embodiments, which have various modifications suitable for the intended specific use.

Claims

1. A reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601), the system comprising: Reusable airbags (208, 302, 506, 604); an end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606) sealed to the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604), the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606) comprising a first half (226, 310, 628) of a pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) and a passage (222, 306, 622) communicating with an interior (224, 303) of the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604), the first half being secured within the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606) and communicating with the passage (222, 306, 622); as well as A curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608) having a vent (212, 314, 624) and a second half (230, 312, 626) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627), the vent extending from a support surface (214, 318, 632) of the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608) and exiting through one of the underside (216, 320, 624) or side (218 / 220, 636 / 638) of the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608), the second half being fixed to the vent (212, 314, 624) 4), the first half (226, 310, 628) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) can be released from the second half (230, 312, 626) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) while the second half (230, 312, 626) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) is retained in the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608) and the first half (226, 310, 628) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) is retained in the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606).

2. The reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601) according to claim 1, wherein: The end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606) is formed of a metallic material (242).

3. The reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601) according to claim 1, wherein: One of the first half (226, 310, 628) and the second half (230, 312, 626) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) is a female quick connector, and the other of the first half (226, 310, 628) and the second half (230, 312, 626) is a male quick connector.

4. The reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601) according to claim 1, wherein: The passage (222, 306, 622) extends perpendicular to the first half (226, 310, 628) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627).

5. The reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601) according to claim 1, further comprising: A reusable vacuum bag (248, 610) is sealed to the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608) and completely covers the reusable bladder (208, 302, 506, 604) and the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606).

6. The reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601) according to claim 1, wherein: The passage (222, 306, 622), the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) and the vent (212, 314, 624) define a pressure passage (236, 621) that allows the interior (224, 303) of the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604) to be subjected to external pressure (238).

7. The reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601) according to claim 1, wherein: The end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606) includes a threaded hole (232, 308, 630) extending through the underside of the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606), wherein the first half (226, 310, 628) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) is fixed in the threaded hole (232, 308, 630).

8. A reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601), the system comprising: a reusable bladder (208, 302, 506, 604) configured to apply pressure to an interior cavity (206) of a composite part (204) during autoclave curing; An end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606) sealed to the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604), the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606) comprising a first half (226, 310, 628) of a pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) and a passage (222, 306, 622) communicating with an interior (224, 303) of the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604), the first half being in contact with the passage (222 , 306, 622) is connected to and fixed in the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606), and the first half (226, 310, 628) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) can be released from the second half (230, 312, 626) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) while the first half (226, 310, 628) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) is retained in the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606); and A reusable vacuum bag (248, 610) is sealed to the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604) and the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606), the pressure applied by the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604) being greater than the pressure under the reusable vacuum bag (248, 610).

9. The reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601) according to claim 8, further comprising: A curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608) having an air passage (212, 314, 624) extending from a support surface (214, 318, 632) of the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608) to the exterior of the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608), and a second half (230, 312, 626) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) is fixed to the air passage (2 12, 314, 624), the first half (226, 310, 628) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) can be released from the second half (230, 312, 626) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) while the second half (230, 312, 626) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) is retained in the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608).

10. The reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601) according to claim 8, wherein: The pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) is a quick connector.

11. The reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601) according to claim 8, wherein: The end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606) includes a threaded hole (232, 308, 630) extending through the underside of the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606), wherein the first half (226, 310, 628) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) is fixed in the threaded hole (232, 308, 630).

12. The reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601) according to claim 8, wherein: The end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606) is formed of a metallic material (242).

13. The reusable composite material curing system (202, 300, 501, 601) according to claim 8, wherein: The passage (222, 306, 622) extends perpendicular to the first half (226, 310, 628) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627).

14. A method (700) of curing a composite material (252 / 254, 618 / 620), the method comprising: The reusable air bag (208, 302, 506, 604) is lowered (702) toward the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608) so that the first half (226, 310, 628) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) fixed in the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606) sealed to the reusable air bag (208, 302, 506, 604) is connected to the a second half (230, 312, 626) of the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) fixed in the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608), the pneumatic connector (228, 311, 627) forming a pressure passage (236, 621) to provide external pressure (238) to the interior (224, 303) of the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604); and The composite material (252 / 254, 618 / 620) is cured by applying (704) heat and pressure to the composite material (252 / 254, 618 / 620) supported on the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608) and the reusable bladder (208, 302, 506, 604) to form a composite part (204) having an internal cavity (206).

15. The method (700) of claim 14, further comprising: A reusable vacuum bag (248, 610) is sealed (716) to the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608) and to the end fitting (210, 304, 504, 606) and the reusable bladder (208, 302, 506, 604).

16. The method (700) of claim 14, further comprising: The reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604) is pressurized (718) by subjecting the interior (224, 303) of the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604) to the external pressure (238) via the pressure passage (236, 621).

17. The method (700) of claim 14, further comprising: wrapping (706) the composite material (252 / 254, 618 / 620) around the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604); and Wherein, lowering the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604) includes: placing (708) the composite material (252 / 254, 618 / 620) and the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604) on the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608).

18. The method (700) of claim 14, further comprising: placing (710) the composite material (252 / 254, 618 / 620) onto the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608); and Wherein, lowering the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604) toward the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608) includes: positioning (712) the reusable airbag (208, 302, 506, 604) on the composite material (252 / 254, 618 / 620) on the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608).

19. The method (700) of claim 14, further comprising: After lowering the reusable bladder (208, 302, 506, 604) toward the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608), the composite material (252 / 254, 618 / 620) is applied (714) to the reusable bladder (208, 302, 506, 604) on the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608).

20. The method (700) of claim 14, further comprising: removing (720) the reusable bladder (208, 302, 506, 604) from the interior cavity (206) of the composite part (204); and A second composite material is cured (722) using the reusable bladder (208, 302, 506, 604) and the curing tool (211, 316, 502, 608) to form a second composite part.

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