Vacuum bag sealing system and method for vacuum bag sealing composite part

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum bag sealing system and a method for a vacuum bag sealing composite part. In one embodiment, a vacuum bag sealing system includes: a bagging sheet including a sealing surface; a first interlocking strip connected to the sealing surface of the bagging sheet and forming a continuous perimeter connected to the sealing surface; and a second interlocking strip located in a portion of the perimeter between the first interlocking strip and the sealing surface of the bagging sheet, the second interlocking strip forming a continuous bladder perimeter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for manufacturing composite resin parts, and more particularly to vacuum bag sealing systems 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 expandable bladder, is placed in the cavity. Such expandable bladders can be expanded during the cure process to oppose the autoclave pressure applied to the part. Typically, these expandable bladders are pressurized by venting the bladder to autoclave pressure through a vacuum bag.

[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 bladder not being able to pressurize and undesirably affects 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 vacuum bag sealing system. The vacuum bag sealing system includes: a bagging sheet including a sealing surface; a first interlocking strip connected to the sealing surface of the bagging sheet and forming a continuous perimeter connected to the sealing surface; and a second interlocking strip located between the first interlocking strip and the sealing surface of the bagging sheet in a portion of the continuous perimeter, the second interlocking strip forming a continuous bag perimeter.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for vacuum bagging a composite part. A bagging sheet is releasably connected to a forming tool. The bagging sheet is releasably connected to a bladder.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for vacuum bagging a composite part. A bagging sheet is sealed to a forming tool using interlocking strips. A bagging sheet is sealed to a bladder using interlocking strips. After sealing the bagging sheet to the forming tool and the bagging sheet to the bladder, a vacuum is applied under the bagging sheet.

[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 illustration of one end of a pouch to be sealed to a bagging sheet in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4 is an isometric illustration of a pouch sealed to a bagging sheet according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0014] Figure 5 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of two interlocking strips according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0015] Figure 6 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a bladder and a bagging sheet according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0016] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a method of vacuum bag sealing a composite part according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0017] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method of vacuum bag sealing a composite part according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0018] Fig. 9 is an illustration of an aircraft manufacturing and service method in block diagram form according to an illustrative embodiment; and

[0019] Fig.10 is an illustration of an aircraft in block diagram form in which illustrative embodiments may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 .

[0022] Aircraft 100 is an example of an aircraft that may have composite parts formed using the illustrative example vacuum bag sealing system. For example, portions of at least one of wing 102, wing 104, or fuselage 106 may be cured using the illustrative example vacuum bag sealing system.

[0023] Now go to Figure 2 , a block diagram of a manufacturing environment is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Vacuum bag sealing system 202 may be used to cure a composite part of aircraft 100. Vacuum bag sealing system 202 in manufacturing environment 200 may be used to cure composite part 204 having interior cavity 206.

[0024] The vacuum bag sealing system 202 includes a bagging sheet 208, a first interlocking strip 210, and a second interlocking strip 214. The bagging sheet 208 includes a sealing surface 216. The first interlocking strip 210 is connected to the sealing surface 216 of the bagging sheet 208 and forms a continuous perimeter 218 connected to the sealing surface 216.

[0025] In some illustrative examples, bagging sheet 208 is reusable 209. When bagging sheet 208 is reusable 209, bagging sheet 208 may be used for multiple separate curing cycles.

[0026] The second interlocking strip 214 is located between the first interlocking strip 210 and the sealing surface 216 of the bagging sheet 208 in a portion of the continuous perimeter 218. The second interlocking strip 214 is associated with the sealing surface 216 of the bagging sheet 208 and forms a continuous bag perimeter 219.

[0027] Second interlocking strip 214 may have any desired thickness. In some illustrative examples, second interlocking strip 214 includes additional material to position the functional portion of second interlocking strip 214 at a desired location of bladder 228. Second interlocking strip 214 forms inner surface 220. In some of these illustrative examples, second interlocking strip 214 includes a stem extending from inner surface 220 and a head on the end of the stem.

[0028] Each respective interlocking strip, such as one of first interlocking strip 210, second interlocking strip 214, mandrel interlocking strip 224, and bladder interlocking strip 234, is configured to connect multiple segments of vacuum bag sealing system 202 to form a substantially airtight seal. For example, a respective interlocking strip of first interlocking strip 210, second interlocking strip 214, mandrel interlocking strip 224, and bladder interlocking strip 234 includes a cross-sectional shape of another interlocking strip configured to interlock (e.g., snap-lock) first interlocking strip 210, second interlocking strip 214, mandrel interlocking strip 224, and bladder interlocking strip 234. In some of these illustrative examples, second interlocking strip 214 is a concave strip configured to receive portions of bladder interlocking strip 234.

[0029] In this illustrative example, vacuum bag sealing system 202 further includes forming tool 222. In some illustrative examples, forming tool 222 may also be referred to as a tool or a mandrel. In some illustrative examples, forming tool 222 may be referred to as a layup mandrel or a curing tool. In some illustrative examples, composite material 230 is laid up on forming tool 222.

[0030] The mandrel interlocking strip 224 is connected to the forming surface 226 of the forming tool 222. The mandrel interlocking strip 224 and the first interlocking strip 210 are configured to connect the bagging sheet 208 and the forming tool 222 along the entire continuous perimeter 218 to seal the bagging sheet 208 to the forming tool 222.

[0031] The bladder 228 is configured to provide compression to a composite material, such as composite material 230 or composite material 232, during curing. The interior 240 of the bladder 228 is pressurized to maintain a cross-sectional shape 242 of the bladder 228. The bladder 228 provides support for the composite material 232 during curing to form the interior cavity 206.

[0032] In some illustrative examples, bladder 228 is reusable 229. When bladder 228 is reusable 229, bladder 228 may be used for multiple separate curing cycles.

[0033] The bladder interlocking strip 234 is connected to the outer surface 236 of the bladder 228 and surrounds the perimeter 238 of the bladder 228. The bladder interlocking strip 234 and the second interlocking strip 214 are configured to connect the bagging sheet 208 and the bladder 228 together along the entirety of the perimeter 238 of the bladder 228 to seal the bagging sheet 208 against the bladder 228.

[0034] Sealing the bagging sheet 208 to the forming tool 222 and sealing the bagging sheet 208 to the bladder 228 forms a vacuum chamber 244. The vacuum chamber 244 is a sealed volume between the bagging sheet 208 and the forming surface 226 of the forming tool 222. The vacuum chamber 244 has a pressure 246 that can be controlled separately from the pressure outside the vacuum chamber 244.

[0035] The bladder 228 is sealed to the bagging sheet 208 so that the interior 240 can receive an external pressure 248, and the vacuum chamber 244 has a pressure 246 that is controlled separately from the external pressure 248. The external pressure 248 is provided to the interior 240 of the bladder 228 through an open end 250 of the bladder 228.

[0036] First interlocking strip 210 includes first cross-sectional shape 252, and first cross-sectional shape 252 is configured to interlock with mandrel interlocking strip 224 connected to forming tool 222. In some illustrative examples, first cross-sectional shape 252 and third cross-sectional shape 254 of mandrel interlocking strip 224 are the same.

[0037] Second interlocking strip 214 includes second cross-sectional shape 256 that is configured to interlock with bladder interlocking strip 234 connected to outer surface 236 of bladder 228. In some illustrative examples, first cross-sectional shape 252 is different from second cross-sectional shape 256. In some illustrative examples, first cross-sectional shape 252 is the same as second cross-sectional shape 256. In some illustrative examples, second cross-sectional shape 256 and fourth cross-sectional shape 258 of bladder interlocking strip 234 are the same. In some illustrative examples, second cross-sectional shape 256 and fourth cross-sectional shape 258 are different. In some illustrative examples, second cross-sectional shape 256 is a seal that is the opposite shape of fourth cross-sectional shape 258.

[0038] In some illustrative examples, one of second cross-sectional shape 256 or fourth cross-sectional shape 258 of capsule interlocking strip 234 includes a stem and a head disposed at the end of the stem. As shown, capsule interlocking strip 234 includes stem 260 and head 262. Head 262 is disposed at the end of stem 260.

[0039] In some illustrative examples, second interlocking strip 214 forms cavity 264 having cross-sectional shape 266 that is the same as cross-sectional shape 242 of bladder 228. With cross-sectional shape 266 being the same as cross-sectional shape 242, open end 250 remains open to allow external pressure 248 to reach interior 240 of bladder 228.

[0040] The illustrative example utilizes a second interlocking strip 214 that is sealed circumferentially around the bladder 228 (bladder interlocking strip 234) and sealed to the resilient vacuum bag (bagging sheet 208). The seal using the second interlocking strip 214 allows for a tight seal between the bladder 228 and the bagging sheet 208. The seal using the second interlocking strip 214 allows for venting of the bladder 228 during the autoclave curing process.

[0041] After sealing the bladder 228 to the bagging sheet 208 and the bagging sheet 208 to the forming tool 222, the vacuum bag sealing system 202 may be placed into an autoclave 268. The autoclave 268 may apply an external pressure 248 to the vacuum bag sealing system 202 while providing a vacuum to the vacuum chamber 244.

[0042] The vacuum bag sealing system 202 and method of use enable composite curing using the bagging sheet 208. The exemplary example enables high speed manufacturing. The use of the bagging sheet 208 reduces the time to seal the vacuum bag. Pressurizing the interior 240 of the bladder 228 through the open end 250 enables the use of the bagging sheet 208. The exemplary example increases the sustainability of composite curing. The use of interlocking strips to seal the bagging sheet 208 and the bladder 228 and provide pressurization to the bladder 228 can provide at least one of reduced preparation time, reduced cost, or increased sustainability for sealing the bagging sheet 208 to the forming tool 222 by using fewer disposable resources.

[0043] Each interlocking strip (first interlocking strip 210, second interlocking strip 214, mandrel interlocking strip 224, and bladder interlocking strip 234) can be made of any material suitable for withstanding autoclave curing temperatures. In some illustrative examples, first interlocking strip 210, second interlocking strip 214, mandrel interlocking strip 224, and bladder interlocking strip 234 can be made of any material suitable for withstanding temperatures up to 850°C. The interlocking strips can be bonded to the respective components by any suitable method. In some illustrative examples, at least one of the interlocking strips can be heat welded to a surface. For example, first interlocking strip 210 can be heat welded to bagging sheet 208. In some illustrative examples, one of the interlocking strips can be adhered to a component of vacuum bag sealing system 202 using an adhesive or sealing tape. In one illustrative example, mandrel interlocking strip 224 is adhered to forming surface 226 of forming tool 222.

[0044] Figure 2 The 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.

[0045] For example, although forming surface 226 appears to be planar, forming surface 226 may have any desired geometry. In some illustrative examples, when forming surface 226 is substantially planar, composite material 230 may be cured into a composite skin. In some illustrative examples, when forming surface 226 has grooves or other geometric features, composite material 230 may be cured to form a reinforcement having interior cavity 206.

[0046] Composite material 232 may be cured to form a composite skin or a composite reinforcement depending on the design of forming tool 222. Bladder 228 is configured to apply pressure to interior cavity 206 of composite part 204 during autoclave curing. The geometry of forming tool 222 and bladder 228 may be modified to form composite part 204 with interior cavity 206 of any desired design.

[0047] As another example, an interface mold can be positioned between the second interlocking strip 214 and the bagging sheet 208. The interface mold can take the form of a retainer that is connected to the bagging sheet 208. The interface mold can position the capsule 228 within the vacuum chamber 244. By using the interface mold, a standard interlocking strip can be used for the second interlocking strip 214 regardless of the size and shape of the capsule 228. In these illustrative examples, the second interlocking strip 214 can be connected to the interface mold, and the interface mold can be connected to the bagging sheet 208 and the first interlocking strip 210.

[0048] Now go to Figure 3 , shows an isometric view of the end of a pouch to be sealed to a bagging sheet according to an illustrative embodiment. In view 300, there is a bagging sheet 302 and a pouch 304. The bagging sheet 302 is Figure 2 The physical implementation of the bagging sheet 208. The capsule 304 is Figure 2 Physical implementation of capsule 228.

[0049] The reusable bagging sheet 302 includes a sealing surface 307. A first interlocking strip 306 is connected to the sealing surface 307 of the bagging sheet 302 and forms a continuous perimeter 305 connected to the sealing surface 307. In view 300, the first interlocking strip 306 is directly connected to the sealing surface 307 in multiple portions of the continuous perimeter 305. In view 300, the first interlocking strip 306 is indirectly connected to the sealing surface 307 where the second interlocking strip 310 is located. The second interlocking strip 310 is configured to seal the bladder 304 to the bagging sheet 302. The second interlocking strip 310 is located between the first interlocking strip 306 and the sealing surface 307 of the bagging sheet in a portion of the continuous perimeter 305.

[0050] When vacuum sealing the composite material for curing, the sealing surface 307 faces the forming tool 309. When the bagging sheet 302 is sealed to the forming tool 309 and the bladder is sealed to the bagging sheet 302 to form a vacuum cavity, the sealing surface 307 will be within the vacuum cavity.

[0051] In this illustrative example, second interlocking strip 310 forms inner surface 311. Second interlocking strip 310 forms a continuous bladder perimeter. Inner surface 311 forms cavity 312 having a cross-sectional shape that is the same as the cross-sectional shape of bladder 304. Material 308 is located between inner surface 311 and first interlocking strip 306. In some illustrative examples, material 308 is part of second interlocking strip 310. In other illustrative examples, material 308 can be part of an interface mold connected to bagging sheet 302 and located between second interlocking strip 310 and bagging sheet 302. In other illustrative examples, material 308 can be part of bagging sheet 302. Material 308 is located between sealing surface 307 and first interlocking strip 306 in the illustrated portion of the perimeter.

[0052] The mandrel interlocking strip 313 is connected to the forming surface 315 of the forming tool 309. The mandrel interlocking strip 313 and the first interlocking strip 306 are configured to connect the bagging sheet 302 and the forming tool 309 along the entire perimeter to seal the bagging sheet 302 against the forming tool 309.

[0053] The bladder 304 is configured to provide compression to the composite material during curing. The bladder interlocking strip 320 is connected to the outer surface 314 of the bladder 304 and surrounds the perimeter 318 of the bladder. The bladder interlocking strip 320 and the second interlocking strip 310 are configured to connect the bagging sheet 302 and the bladder 304 together along the entirety of the perimeter 318 of the bladder 304 to seal the bagging sheet 302 against the bladder 304.

[0054] The bladder 304 is sealed to the bagging sheet 302 such that the interior 316 of the bladder 304 is open to the exterior of the vacuum chamber. The interior 316 of the bladder is accessible through the cavity 312.

[0055] Now go to Figure 4 , shows an isometric view of a bladder sealed to a bagging sheet according to an illustrative embodiment. In view 400, bagging sheet 402 is sealed to bladder 404 and forming tool 406. Bagging sheet 402 is Figure 2 The physical implementation of the bagging sheet 208. The capsule 404 is Figure 2 Physical implementation of capsule 228.

[0056] In view 400, the interior 408 of the bladder 404 is exposed to allow pressure to enter the interior 408. A vacuum chamber is formed between the bagging sheet 402 and the forming tool 406. The second interlocking strip 409 and the bladder interlocking strip 410 are connected to seal the bagging sheet 402 to the exterior of the bladder 404. The first interlocking strip 412 and the mandrel interlocking strip 414 are connected to seal the bagging sheet 402 to the forming tool 406.

[0057] Now go to Figure 5 , shows a cross-sectional view of two interlocking strips according to an illustrative embodiment. In view 500, a first interlocking strip 506 and a second interlocking strip 508 are visible. Each of the first interlocking strip 506 and the second interlocking strip 508 is Figure 2 The physical implementation of any of the first interlocking strip 210, the second interlocking strip 214, the mandrel interlocking strip 224, or the bladder interlocking strip 234.

[0058] View 500 is a view of two interlocking strips of the same design. In view 500, a first part 502 is sealed to a second part 504 by a first interlocking strip 506 and a second interlocking strip 508. The first interlocking strip 506 is connected to the first part 502. The first part 502 can take the form of a bagging sheet, an interface mold, a bladder, or a forming tool. The second part 504 can take the form of a bagging sheet, an interface mold, a bladder, or a forming tool. In one illustrative example, the first part 502 is a bagging sheet and the second part 504 is a forming tool. In another illustrative example, the first part 502 is a bagging sheet or an interface mold and the second part 504 is a bladder.

[0059] As shown, first interlocking strip 506 includes stem 510 extending outwardly from base 512. Base 512 may be bonded to first interlocking strip 506, for example, by heat welding or adhesive. Head 516 is connected to the end of stem 510. In this illustrative example, hook 518 extends outwardly from head 516. Rib 520 and rib 514 extend outwardly from base 512.

[0060] The second interlocking strip 508 includes a stem 522 terminating in a head 528. The stem 522 extends outwardly from a base 524. The base 524 is coupled to the second part 504. Ribs 532 and ribs 526 extend outwardly from the base 524. Hooks 530 extend outwardly from the head 528. The ribs 532 and ribs 526 are configured to engage corresponding hooks, such as hooks 518. As shown, the ribs 526 and the head 528 form a mouth configured to receive the head 516 of the first interlocking strip 506. The ribs 514 and ribs 520 are configured to engage corresponding hooks, such as hooks 530. As shown, the ribs 520 and the head 516 form a mouth configured to receive the head 528 of the second interlocking strip 508.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the hook 518 is configured to engage and interlock with a corresponding hook 530 of the second interlocking strip 508. The hook 530 is configured to engage and interlock with a corresponding hook 518 of the first interlocking strip 506.

[0062] First interlocking strip 506 and second interlocking strip 508 are non-limiting examples of types of interlocking strips having the same cross-section. In other illustrative examples, first interlocking strip 506 and second interlocking strip 508 may have different cross-sections. In some illustrative examples, the first interlocking strip and the second interlocking strip configured to seal with the first interlocking strip may have the same cross-section, but have Figure 5 Different designs not shown.

[0063] Now go to Figure 6 , shows a cross-sectional view of a bladder and a bagging sheet according to an illustrative embodiment. The bagging sheet 602 is Figure 2 The physical implementation of the bagging sheet 208. The capsule 614 is Figure 2 Physical implementation of capsule 228.

[0064] View 600 is a view of a bagging sheet 602 and a bladder 614. The bagging sheet 602 includes a sealing surface 603. A first interlocking strip 604 is connected to the sealing surface 603 of the bagging sheet 602. In some portions of the first interlocking strip 604, the first interlocking strip 604 is directly connected to the sealing surface 603. In this view, a second interlocking strip 608 indirectly connects the first interlocking strip 604 to the sealing surface 603.

[0065] The first interlocking strip 604 forms a continuous perimeter connected to the sealing surface 603. The second interlocking strip 608 is positioned in a portion of the perimeter between the first interlocking strip 604 and the sealing surface 603 of the bagging sheet 602. View 600 is of that portion of the perimeter.

[0066] Second interlocking strip 608 forms a continuous bladder perimeter. Second interlocking strip 608 is associated with a portion of sealing surface 603. In this illustrative example, second interlocking strip 608 is connected to bagging sheet 602. A portion of bagging sheet 602, namely portion 606, extends between second interlocking strip 608 and first interlocking strip 604. Second interlocking strip 608 is connected to surface 610 of portion 606. First interlocking strip 604 is connected to surface 611 of portion 606. Cavity 612 is formed by second interlocking strip 608. Cavity 612 is configured to receive bladder 614.

[0067] The bladder 614 has a bladder interlocking strip 616 that is configured to be connected to the second interlocking strip 608. The bladder interlocking strip 616 is connected to an outer surface 618 of the bladder 614. In this illustrative example, the second interlocking strip 608 and the bladder interlocking strip 616 have the same cross-sectional shape. The depiction of the second interlocking strip 608 and the bladder interlocking strip 616 is merely an example of one non-limiting cross-section of the interlocking strips.

[0068] Now go to Figure 7 , a flow chart showing a method of vacuum bag sealing a composite part according to an illustrative embodiment. The method 700 may be used to form a composite material after curing to form a composite material. Figure 1 The composite material is vacuum sealed before the part of the aircraft 100. It can be used Figure 2 The method 700 may be performed using the first interlocking strip 210, the mandrel interlocking strip 224, the second interlocking strip 214, and the capsule interlocking strip 234. Figure 3 The method 700 can be performed using the capsule 304 and the bagging sheet 302. Figure 4 The method 700 can be performed using the capsule 404 and the bagging sheet 402. Figure 5 The method 700 can be performed using the first interlocking strip 506 and the second interlocking strip 508. Figure 6 The method 700 is performed using the capsule 614 and the bagging sheet 602.

[0069] The method 700 releasably connects the bagging sheet to the forming tool (operation 702). The method 700 releasably connects the bagging sheet to the bladder (operation 704). Thereafter, the method 700 ends.

[0070] In some illustrative examples, releasably connecting the bagging sheet to the forming tool includes releasably connecting a first interlocking strip connected to a sealing surface of the bagging sheet to a mandrel interlocking strip connected to the forming tool to seal the bagging sheet to the forming tool (operation 703). In some illustrative examples, releasably connecting the bagging sheet to the bladder includes releasably connecting a second interlocking strip connected to the sealing surface of the bagging sheet to a bladder interlocking strip surrounding a cross-section of the bladder to seal the bagging sheet to the bladder (operation 705).

[0071] In some illustrative examples, the bagging sheet is sealed to the forming tool and the bagging sheet is sealed to the bag forming vacuum chamber (operation 706). The vacuum chamber is a sealed volume between the bagging sheet and the forming surface of the forming tool. In some illustrative examples, method 700 draws a vacuum within the vacuum chamber (operation 708).

[0072] In some illustrative examples, method 700 cures the composite material supported by the forming tool to form a cured composite part (operation 710). In some illustrative examples, curing the composite material includes applying heat and pressure to the composite material. In some illustrative examples, curing of the composite material occurs while the forming tool, bladder, and bagging sheet are placed in an autoclave.

[0073] In some illustrative examples, method 700 compacts the composite material supported by the forming tool via a pressure differential between the vacuum chamber and an external pressure outside the vacuum chamber (operation 711). In some illustrative examples, method 700 allows the external pressure to enter the interior of the bladder through an open end of the bladder having an interlocking strip of bladders around a perimeter of the bladder (operation 712).

[0074] Now go to Figure 8 , a flow chart showing a method of vacuum bag sealing a composite part according to an illustrative embodiment. The method 800 may be used to form a composite material after curing. Figure 1 The composite material is vacuum sealed before the part of the aircraft 100. It can be used Figure 2 The method 800 may be performed using the first interlocking strip 210, the mandrel interlocking strip 224, the second interlocking strip 214, and the capsule interlocking strip 234. Figure 3 The method 800 can be performed using the capsule 304 and the bagging sheet 302. Figure 4 The method 800 can be performed using the capsule 404 and the bagging sheet 402. Figure 5 The method 800 can be performed using the first interlocking strip 506 and the second interlocking strip 508. Figure 6 The method 800 is performed using the capsule 614 and the bagging sheet 602.

[0075] The method 800 seals the bagging sheet to the forming tool using interlocking strips (operation 802). The method 800 seals the bagging sheet to the bladder using interlocking strips (operation 804). After sealing the bagging sheet to the forming tool and sealing the bagging sheet to the bladder, the method 800 draws a vacuum under the bagging sheet (operation 806). Thereafter, the method 800 ends.

[0076] In some illustrative examples, sealing the bagging sheet to the forming tool includes: releasably connecting a first interlocking strip connected to a sealing surface of the bagging sheet to a mandrel interlocking strip connected to a forming surface of the forming tool to seal the bagging sheet to the forming tool, the first interlocking strip forming a continuous perimeter on the sealing surface (operation 808). In some illustrative examples, the cross-sectional shape of the first interlocking strip is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the mandrel interlocking strip. In some illustrative examples, the cross-sectional shape of the first interlocking strip is different from the cross-sectional shape of the mandrel interlocking strip. In some illustrative examples, the cross-sectional shape of the first interlocking strip is constant along the entire continuous perimeter. In some illustrative examples, the first interlocking strip may have more than one cross-sectional shape within the continuous perimeter.

[0077] In some illustrative examples, sealing the bagging sheet to the bladder includes releasably connecting a second interlocking strip of the bagging sheet to a bladder interlocking strip that surrounds a cross-section of the bladder to seal the bagging sheet to the bladder, the second interlocking strip being positioned between the first interlocking strip and a sealing surface of the bagging sheet (operation 810). In some illustrative examples, a cross-sectional shape of the second interlocking strip is the same as a cross-sectional shape of the bladder interlocking strip. In some illustrative examples, a cross-sectional shape of the second interlocking strip is different from a cross-sectional shape of the bladder interlocking strip. In some illustrative examples, a cross-sectional shape of the second interlocking strip is constant. In some illustrative examples, the second interlocking strip may have more than one cross-sectional shape.

[0078] In some illustrative examples, sealing the bagging sheet to the bladder using the interlocking strips includes inserting the open end of the bladder into the cavity formed by the second interlocking strips and releasably connecting the second interlocking strips to the bladder interlocking strips surrounding a cross-section of the bladder to seal the bagging sheet to the bladder (operation 812). In other illustrative examples, the second interlocking strips may be detachable. In these illustrative examples, after the bladder is releasably connected to at least a portion of the second interlocking strips, the second interlocking strips may be releasably connected to form the cavity.

[0079] In some illustrative examples, method 800 allows external pressure to enter the interior of the bladder through an open end of the bladder having an interlocking strip of bladders around a perimeter of the bladder during curing of the composite material (operation 814). In some illustrative examples, the external pressure is pressure within an autoclave. In some illustrative examples, method 800 cures the composite material supported by the forming tool to form a cured composite part (operation 816).

[0080] 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.

[0081] As used herein, "plurality" when used with reference to items means one or more items.

[0082] The flow charts and block diagrams in the different described embodiments show some possible architectures, functions and operations of the devices and methods 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.

[0083] In some alternative implementations of the illustrative embodiments, one or more functions indicated in the frame may not occur in the order indicated in the figure. For example, in some cases, two frames shown in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or the frames may sometimes be performed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In addition, in addition to the frames shown in the flow chart or block diagram, other frames may be added. Some frames may be optional. For example, each of operation 703 and operation 705 to operation 712 may be optional. As another example, operation 808 to operation 816 may be optional.

[0084] You can Fig. 9 Aircraft manufacturing and service method 900 is shown and Fig.10 Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the context of aircraft 1000 as shown. Fig. 9 , 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 900 may include Fig.10 Specification and design 902 of aircraft 1000 and material procurement 904.

[0085] During production, component and subassembly manufacturing 906 and system integration 908 of the aircraft 1000 occurs. Thereafter, the aircraft 1000 may be certified and delivered 910 to be placed into service 912. When placed into service 912 by a customer, the aircraft 1000 is scheduled for routine maintenance and repair 914, which may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, or other maintenance and repair.

[0086] Each process of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 900 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.

[0087] Reference now Fig.10 , shows a diagram of an aircraft in block diagram form in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. In this example, aircraft 1000 is Fig. 9 Aircraft manufacturing and service method 900 is produced and may include airframe 1002 having multiple systems 1004 and interior 1006. Examples of systems 1004 include one or more of propulsion system 1008, electrical system 1010, hydraulic system 1012, and environmental system 1014. Any number of other systems may be included.

[0088] Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed during at least one of the stages of aircraft manufacturing and service method 900. One or more illustrative embodiments may be employed in Fig. 9 The components and subassemblies are manufactured or used during at least one of manufacturing 906 , system integration 908 , service 912 , or maintenance and repair 914 .

[0089] 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 in the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, different illustrative embodiments may provide different features compared to other illustrative embodiments. The selected one or more embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure of various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the intended specific use.

Claims

1. A vacuum bag sealing system (202), the vacuum bag sealing system comprising: a bagging sheet (208) comprising a sealing surface (216); a first interlocking strip (210) connected to a sealing surface (216) of the bagging sheet (208) and forming a continuous perimeter (218) connected to the sealing surface (216); and A second interlocking strip (214) is located between the first interlocking strip (210) and the sealing surface (216) of the bagging sheet (208) in a portion of the continuous perimeter (218), the second interlocking strip (214) forming a continuous bag perimeter (219).

2. The vacuum bag sealing system (202) according to claim 1, further comprising: forming tool (222); as well as a mandrel interlocking strip (224) connected to the forming tool (222), the mandrel interlocking strip (224) and the first interlocking strip (210) being configured to connect the bagging sheet (208) and the forming tool (222) together along the entirety of the continuous perimeter (218) to seal the bagging sheet (208) against the forming tool (222).

3. The vacuum bag sealing system (202) of claim 1, further comprising: a bladder (228) configured to provide a composite material (232; 230) provide compression; as well as a bladder interlocking strip (234) connected to an outer surface (236) of the bladder (228) and surrounding a perimeter (238) of the bladder (228), the bladder interlocking strip (234) and the second interlocking strip (214) being configured to connect the bagging sheet (208) and the bladder (228) together along the entirety of the perimeter (238) of the bladder (228) to seal the bagging sheet (208) against the bladder (228).

4. The vacuum bag sealing system (202) of claim 1, wherein: The first interlocking strip (210) includes a first cross-sectional shape (252), and wherein the first cross-sectional shape (252) is configured to interlock with a mandrel interlocking strip (224) connected to a forming tool (222).

5. The vacuum bag sealing system (202) of claim 4, wherein: The second interlocking strip (214) includes a second cross-sectional shape (256), and wherein the second cross-sectional shape (256) is configured to interlock with a bladder interlocking strip (234) connected to an outer surface (236) of the bladder (228).

6. The vacuum bag sealing system (202) of claim 5, wherein: The first cross-sectional shape (252) is different from the second cross-sectional shape (256), or wherein the second cross-sectional shape (256) is the same as the fourth cross-sectional shape (258) of the capsule interlocking strip (234), or Wherein, one of the second cross-sectional shape (256) or the fourth cross-sectional shape (258) of the capsule interlocking strip (234) includes a stem (260) and a head (262) disposed at an end of the stem (260).

7. The vacuum bag sealing system (202) of claim 4, wherein: The first cross-sectional shape (252) and the third cross-sectional shape (254) of the mandrel interlocking strip (224) are the same.

8. The vacuum bag sealing system (202) of claim 1, wherein: The second interlocking strip (214) forms a cavity (264) having a cross-sectional shape (266) that is the same as the cross-sectional shape (242) of the bladder (228).

9. A method (700) for vacuum bag sealing a composite part, the method comprising: releasably attaching (702) the bagging sheet (208) to the forming tool (222); as well as The bagging sheet (208) is releasably connected (704) to the bladder (228).

10. The method (700) of claim 9, wherein: Releasably connecting the bagging sheet (208) to the forming tool (222) includes: releasably connecting a first interlocking strip (210) connected to a sealing surface (216) of the bagging sheet (208) to a mandrel interlocking strip (224) connected to the forming tool (222) to seal the bagging sheet (208) to the forming tool (222); and Releasably connecting the bagging sheet (208) to the bladder (228) includes releasably connecting a second interlocking strip (214) connected to a sealing surface (216) of the bagging sheet (208) to a bladder interlocking strip (234) surrounding a cross-section of the bladder (228) to seal the bagging sheet (208) to the bladder (228).

11. The method (700) of claim 10, wherein: Sealing the bagging sheet (208) to the forming tool (222) and sealing the bagging sheet (208) to the bladder (228) to form (706) a vacuum chamber (244), and the method further comprises: A vacuum is drawn (708) within the vacuum chamber (244).

12. The method (700) of claim 11, further comprising: curing (710) the composite material (232) supported by the forming tool (222); 230) to form a cured composite part.

13. The method (700) of claim 11, further comprising: A composite material (232; 230) supported by the forming tool (222) is compacted by a pressure differential between the vacuum chamber (244) and an external pressure (248) outside the vacuum chamber (244).

14. The method (700) of claim 11, further comprising: External pressure (248) is allowed (712) to enter the interior (240) of the bladder (228) through the open end (250) of the bladder (228), the open end (250) having the bladder interlocking strip (234) around the perimeter (238) of the bladder (228).

15. A method (800) for vacuum bag sealing a composite part, the method comprising: sealing (802) the bagging sheet (208) to the forming tool (222) using interlocking strips (210, 224); sealing (804) the bagging sheet (208) to the pouch (228) using interlocking strips (214, 234); and After sealing the bagging sheet (208) to the forming tool (222) and sealing the bagging sheet (208) to the bladder (228), a vacuum is drawn (806) beneath the bagging sheet (208).

16. The method (800) of claim 15, wherein: Sealing the bagging sheet (208) to the forming tool (222) includes releasably connecting (808) a first interlocking strip (210) connected to a sealing surface (216) of the bagging sheet (208) to a mandrel interlocking strip (224) connected to a forming surface (226) of the forming tool (222) to seal the bagging sheet (208) to the forming tool (222), the first interlocking strip (210) forming a continuous perimeter (218) on the sealing surface (216).

17. The method (800) of claim 16, wherein: Sealing the bagging sheet (208) to the bladder (228) includes releasably connecting (810) a second interlocking strip (214) of the bagging sheet (208) to a bladder interlocking strip (234) surrounding a cross-section of the bladder (228) to seal the bagging sheet (208) to the bladder (228), the second interlocking strip (214) being located between the first interlocking strip (210) and a sealing surface (216) of the bagging sheet (208).

18. The method (800) of claim 17, further comprising: curing (816) the composite material (232) supported by the forming tool (222); 230) to form a cured composite part.

19. The method (800) of claim 18, further comprising: During curing of the composite material (232; 230), external pressure (248) is allowed (814) to enter the interior (240) of the bladder (228) through the open end (250) of the bladder (228), the open end (250) having the bladder interlocking strip (234) surrounding the perimeter (238) of the bladder (228).

20. The method (800) of claim 15, wherein: Sealing the bagging sheet (208) to the bladder (228) using the interlocking strip includes inserting (812) the open end (250) of the bladder (228) into a cavity (264) formed by a second interlocking strip (214) and releasably connecting the second interlocking strip (214) to a bladder interlocking strip (234) surrounding a cross-section of the bladder (228) to seal the bagging sheet (208) to the bladder (228).

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