Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

David W Littlejohn

Sven Roy Lofstrom

Scott Oren Smith

Eric Charles Boyle

Ryan Lehto

Robert D Higbie

A bond fixture includes a first frame defining a chamber configured to receive a leading edge of a rotor blade and a second frame pivotally coupled to the first frame. The second frame is movable between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the second frame restricts movement of the bond fixture relative to the rotor blade. At least one supporting assembly extends from the first frame towards the chamber. The at least one supporting assembly is adjustable to apply a pressure to an adjacent surface of the rotor blade.

De-ice fairing bond fixture

A method of bonding a blade cuff to a rotor blade includes installing the blade cuff to a root end of the rotor blade. The method includes mounting the rotor blade within a plurality of supports. The method includes coupling the blade cuff to a first fixture. The method includes installing a second fixture about the blade cuff. The method further includes applying localized and constant heat and pressure to the blade cuff via the second fixture.

Method of bonding a blade cuff to a rotor blade

A bond fixture includes a support structure and a first assembly coupled to the support structure. The first assembly includes a frame defining a chamber and a first pressure pad and second pressure pad coupled to the frame opposite one another and positioned within the chamber. The second pressure pad is movable to control a pressure applied by the first pressure pad and the second pressure pad.

Fairing bond fixture

A pressure tool for rotor blade repair including a mobile support system including a support surface, a first bladder support assembly including a first inflatable bladder fixedly mounted to the support surface, a second bladder support assembly including a second inflatable bladder pivotally mounted relative to the support surface, and an activation mechanism operatively coupled to the second bladder support assembly. The activation mechanism is operable to selectively shift the second bladder support assembly relative to the first bladder support assembly. A fluid delivery system is operable to direct a fluid into each of the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder.

Mobile pressure tool for rotor blade processes

A bond fixture includes a frame that defines a chamber for receiving a component. At least one bladder assembly is mounted to the frame and extends into the chamber to apply a pressure to an adjacent surface of the component. A caul assembly is positionable about the component and receivable within the chamber. The caul assembly heats a localized portion of the component.

Bond fixture for composite splice fairing assembly

A bond fixture includes a frame defining a chamber for receiving a component. At least one bladder assembly is connected to the frame. The at least one bladder assembly includes a pad for contacting the component. A position of the pad relative to the component is controlled by a pressure of the bladder assembly. A caul assembly is adapted to thermally couple to the component to heat a localized portion of the component.

Bond fixture for leading edge assembly

A bond fixture for bonding a component includes a frame defining a chamber for receiving the component. A first pad and a second pad are mounted to the frame. At least one of the first pad and the second pad is movable relative to the frame to adjust a pressure applied to the component. A caul assembly is adapted to be disposed in thermal communication with the component. The caul assembly heats a localized portion of the component.

Bond fixture for composite splice cap assembly

A bond fixture includes a first fixture having a heater and a plurality of clamps. Each of the plurality of clamps includes a first member and a second member rotatable between a first position and a second position. A second fixture includes a root end lift translatable vertically between a retracted position and an extended position and a root end clamp translatable along a horizontal axis. The root end clamp is configured to cooperate with the root end.

Bond fixture for sheath assembly of rotor blade

A rotor blade disassembly method includes applying spanwise support to a rotor blade body and heating a bond disposed on an end of the rotor blade body. The method also includes removing the spanwise support from the rotor blade body and exerting shear stress on the bond using weight of the rotor blade body. A blade disassembly system is also described.

Methods for separating rotor blade cuffs from rotor blade bodies

A holding fixture includes a first blade support assembly and a second blade support assembly. The second blade support assembly is spaced at a distance from the first blade support assembly and includes a base plate removably mounted to a milling machine, an adjustable conic support connectable to the base plate via a spacer block, and a blade adjustment assembly movable to control a pressure applied by the blade adjustment assembly.

Machine holding fixture for machining composite laminates on a rotor blade

A bond fixture including a plurality of supports mounted about a surface. At least one of the plurality of supports includes a vertical member and a hand crank operable to adjust a position of the vertical member. A first fixture is disposed at an end of the bond fixture and is movable relative to the surface. The first fixture includes a base and a support extending from the base. A second fixture includes a first member and a second member movably coupled. A fastener extending between the first member and the second member controls relative movement of the first member and the second member to define an opening there between. Each of the first member and the second member includes a plate having a heater formed therein.

Main rotor blade cuff bond fixture

A spinner assembly includes a cone-shaped member having a plurality of blade openings. The cone-shaped member is receivable about a shaft at a first location. A bulkhead frame is connected to the cone-shaped member. At least one strut is configured to couple the bulkhead frame to the shaft at a second location. The at least one strut includes at least one arm having a longitudinal rigid member and at least one flexure region that defines an axis about which the at least one arm bends.

Growing community of inventors

Fort Worth, TX, United States of America

David W Littlejohn