Tpi Technology Inc.

Scrimp Systems, LLC

William H Seemann, Iii

George C Tunis, Iii

Everett A Pearson

Rikard Karl Haraldsson

Andrew P Perrella

William E Everitt

Large composite structures are produced using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process incorporating a resin distribution network. The resin distribution network is provided by a textured sheet of metal formed as an integral vacuum bag and mold. The texture is formed by upraised portions on one side of the sheet which correspond with depressions on the other side. Valleys between the upraised portions form the resin distribution network. A fiber lay up is placed against the textural sheet with the upraised portions facing the lay up. Main feeder grooves are also formed directly in the sheet. Resin is supplied under vacuum to the main feeder grooves, from where it travels through the valleys of the textured sheet to impregnate the lay up.

Large composite structures and a method for production of large composite structures incorporating a resin distribution network

Large composite structures are produced using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process incorporating a resin distribution network. The structure includes cores each having a main feeder groove or channel therein. A resin distribution network is provided adjacent the core surface in fluid communication with the feeder groove. In a first embodiment, the resin distribution network comprises a plurality of microgrooves formed in each core surface. In a second embodiment, the resin distribution network comprises a separate distribution medium surrounding each core. Each core and associated resin distribution network is covered with a fiber material. The dry lay-up is placed against a mold and encapsulated in a vacuum bag. Uncured resin is fed under vacuum directly into the main feeder groove in each core via a fitting through the bag. The resin flows from the main feeder groove through the resin distribution network and outwardly into the fiber material and is allowed to cure. The resin distribution network forms an integral part of the finished structure. The fiber material with cured resin between adjacent cores may comprise various structural members.

Large composite structures and a method for production of large

Large composite structures incorporating a resin distribution network

Growing community of inventors

Pass Christian, MS, United States of America

William H Seemann, Iii