Method and apparatus for fabricating contoured laminate structures

摘要

A plurality of identical fabrication modules are linked together and configurable to fabricate any of a plurality of differing laminate structures in a family of structures having common features. Each of the fabrication modules is locally adapted to fabricate a section of the laminate structure on a corresponding tool. A controller controls and coordinates automated operation of the fabrication modules.

主权项

1. An apparatus for fabricating each of a plurality of differing laminate structures in a family of structures having common features, comprising:
a plurality of separate fabrication modules each locally adapted to fabricate a section of the laminate structure on a corresponding tool, the fabrication modules being reconfigurable to fabricate each of the laminate structures in the family thereof, wherein each of the fabrication modules includes a track in which a portion of a forming member is local mounted; the forming member adapted for forming laminate plies over the tool, the forming member extending along a length of the fabrication modules, portions of the forming member being mounted on each of the fabrication modules for movement over the tool along at least two axes, wherein the forming member is removably mounted in the tracks to allow interchangeability of a plurality of forming members respectively having different shapes; and a controller for controlling and coordinating automated operation of the fabrication modules.