Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Composite Technology Corporation

Sven Roy Lofstrom

David W Littlejohn

Eric Charles Boyle

Scott Oren Smith

Ryan Lehto

Robert D Higbie

Timothy James Conti

Frank M Caputo

Keith M Schenone

Joseph Pantalone, Iii

Eric Dunn

Alicia Fernandez

Philip Petering

Jose De Anda

Joshua Richards

Troy E Penny

Jose DeAnda

A method of mounting a replacement tip section to an exposed end of a rotor blade includes removing an existing tip section from the rotor blade to create the exposed end of the rotor blade, installing the rotor blade having the exposed end onto a holding fixture, assembling the replacement tip section about the exposed end of the rotor blade, positioning a bonding fixture about the replacement tip section, and curing the replacement tip section to the exposed end of the rotor blade.

Method of removal and replacement of a tip section of a rotor blade

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

According to an aspect, a method of assembling a mandrel includes assembling a plurality of members via interlocking features arranged at opposing edges of each member of the plurality of members to form a compartment, the assembled members having a collective outer surface that conforms to an inner surface of the spar. A support member is inserted into the compartment formed radially inward from the assembled members, the support member making contact with a portion of each member of the plurality of members.

Collapsible spar mandrel

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 system for regenerating fastener holes in a replacement tip section of a rotor blade includes a first fixture, a second fixture, and a third fixture positionable adjacent a tip section of the rotor blade. The first fixture is used to verify a position of an opening formed in the spar. The second fixture includes a removable bushing having a drillable opening. The drillable opening is aligned with the at least one opening formed in the spar and defines at least one hole to be formed in the replacement tip section. The third fixture includes a countersink opening. The countersink opening is aligned with the at least one hole to be formed in the replacement tip section and the at least one opening formed in the spar to define a countersink feature to be formed in the at least one hole.

Method and apparatus for locating and forming fastener holes in a replacement tip section of 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 assembly includes a fixture having a first section movably coupled to a second section. The first section and the second section are disposed opposite one another. A bladder assembly is mounted to at least one of the first section and the second section. The bladder assembly is configured to apply controlled, localized pressure and heat to a component receivable between the first section and the second section.

Bond fixture for root end laminate or rotor blade

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.

Growing community of inventors

Irving, TX, United States of America

Sven Roy Lofstrom