The Boeing Company

The Beoing Company

Robert A Kramp

Robert Arthur Kisch

Matthew K Lum

Robert Ray Wampler

Liangji Xu

Stephen K Halladin

Systems and methods for avoidance of tape flaw or splices in manufacturing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of applying a tape onto a workpiece includes feeding the tape from a tape supply using a tape application assembly, and applying the tape onto the workpiece using the tape application assembly. Simultaneously with the feeding of the tape, the tape is monitored for a marker indicating a defect within the tape, the marker being spaced apart along the tape from the defect such that the marker arrives prior to the defect. The method further includes detecting the marker, and avoiding the application of a portion of the tape that includes the defect onto the workpiece.

Systems and methods for tape flaw and splice avoidance in manufacturing

To fabricate a composite item, a first end effector is selected from a plurality of end effectors to apply tows to a form. The first end effector includes an integrated creel configured to store spools of the tow on an assembly of spindles. The assembly of spindles is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first integrated creel. The first end effector is secured to a positioning device. The tows are applied to the form and the tows are compacted on the form with a compaction device. The assembly of spindles are disposed circumferentially about the compaction device.

Method of fabricating a composite item

In one embodiment, an apparatus for removing scrap from tape material on original backing paper includes a supply reel, at least one cutting member, at least one heating member and/or cooling member, and at least one removal member. The supply reel is for supplying and unrolling tape material on original backing paper. The at least one cutting member is for cutting unrolled tape material while on original backing paper. The at least one of a heating member and a cooling member are for at least one of heating and cooling cut unrolled tape material on original backing paper. The at least one removal member is for removing scrap cut unrolled tape material from original backing paper.

Controlled temperature scrap removal for tape process

A composite item is fabricated with a device. The device includes and end effector and a positioning device. The end effector places a tow. The end effector includes a spindle, compaction device, and a path. The spindle detachably secures a spool of tow and the path is disposed from the spool to the compaction device. The positioning device positions the end effector. The end effector is detachably secured to the positioning device.

Growing community of inventors

Sumner, WA, United States of America

Robert A Kramp