Method and apparatus for reinforcing a bladder

摘要

A method and apparatus for reinforcing an end portion of a deformable tool configured for use in forming a composite object. An insert may be placed within a hollow portion of the end portion of the deformable tool in which the insert substantially conforms to a cross-sectional shape and a size of the hollow portion of the end portion of the deformable tool. A side of the end portion of the deformable tool may be reinforced by the insert located within the hollow portion of the end portion of the deformable tool during a curing process used to form the composite object.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a deformable tool configured for use in forming a composite object by a curing process in which the deformable tool has a hollow portion; and a composite insert configured for placement within the hollow portion of an end portion of the deformable tool to reinforce a side of the end portion of the deformable tool during the curing process in which the composite insert substantially conforms to a cross-sectional shape and a size of the hollow portion of the deformable tool, wherein the composite insert comprises an outer surface of the composite insert configured to contact an inner surface of the deformable tool, an inner surface of the composite insert that is substantially parallel with the outer surface of the composite insert along an entire length of the composite insert such that the inner surface of the composite insert has a shape substantially congruent with a shape of the outer surface of the composite insert, and at least one structural member extending within a hollow portion of the composite insert between a first side of the inner surface of the composite insert and a second side of the inner surface of the composite insert, wherein the inner surface of the composite insert defines the hollow portion within the composite insert, wherein the composite insert has a uniform cross section along the entire length of the composite insert.