The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 07, 2008
Filed:
Mar. 21, 2005
Theodore J. Eilert, Derby, KS (US);
Henry D. Harkins, Garden Plain, KS (US);
Roger E. Kornfeld, Whitewater, KS (US);
Marlin D. Breer, Wichita, KS (US);
Theodore J. Eilert, Derby, KS (US);
Henry D. Harkins, Garden Plain, KS (US);
Roger E. Kornfeld, Whitewater, KS (US);
Marlin D. Breer, Wichita, KS (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A method and associated preform for forming a structural assembly that defines a complex contour are provided. The preform and, hence, the structural assembly includes first and second skin members and a cellular core member between the first and second skin members. The skin members and/or the core member can be formed to a shape that corresponds to the desired contour of the structural member before the preform is assembled, e.g., by superplastic forming. That is, the first skin member can be disposed against a contour surface of a die to restrain the preform to the contour defined by the surface. A pressurized fluid is provided against the second skin member to urge the preform against the contour surface. A pressurized fluid is also injected in the first chamber to support the cellular core member. The preform is heated to a bonding temperature before or after being disposed against the contour surface so that the core and skin members are bonded to form the structural assembly.