The Boeing Company

Kyle Jeffries

Robert Arthur Kisch

Peter Vogeli

Russell DeVlieg

Dustin Schmidt

A void between two or more composite laminate parts is filled by a composite laminate filler that is laid up and integral with at least one of the parts.

Pre-filled radius layups

An apparatus and associated method for removing backing film from tape during a fiber placement process. A passive (non-powered) take-up roller is used to wind up the backing film that has been separated from the tape.

Backing film removal for fiber placement machine

An end effector constructing composite members, in which a compaction roller and redirect rollers translate synchronously along the compaction axis. Additionally, the end effector includes an advantageous arrangement of spools and rollers that directs tow to the redirect rollers at substantially a right angle. Movement of the compaction roller along the compaction axis induces little, if any, changes in tow tension. The substantially constant tow tension advantageously reduces rewinding of the tow supply spools, which can degrade the quality of the lay up and contribute to despooling problems.

End effector  for constructing composite members

The present invention provides an apparatus and associated method for removing backing film from tape or tape during the fiber placement process. The present invention uses a passive (non-powered) take-up roller to wind up the backing film that has been separated from the tape.

Backing film removal system and method for fiber placement machine

An end effector, and methods for constructing composite members, in which a compaction roller and redirect rollers translate synchronously along the compaction axis. Additionally, the end effector includes an advantageous arrangement of spools and rollers that directs tow to the redirect rollers at substantially a right angle. Movement of the compaction roller along the compaction axis induces little, if any, changes in tow tension. The substantially constant tow tension advantageously reduces rewinding of the tow supply spools, which can degrade the quality of the lay up and contribute to despooling problems.

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Everett, WA, United States of America

Kyle Jeffries