Apparatus and Methods for Bonding Laminate Structures

摘要

A composite laminate reinforcing tool may be used to form a reinforced joint at a bond line of a composite laminate structure. The tool may hold one or more clips having posts, and the tool may be positioned along the bond line between at least two composite laminate elements. Joint sections of the clip may be heated to increase a pliability of the joint section, and the tool may be actuated to drive the post through the at least two composite laminate elements. The posts, may deflect toward a base of the clip, thereby to seat the clip. The reinforced composite laminate structure may then be cured.

主权项

1. A method for forming a reinforced joint at a bond line in a composite laminate structure, comprising:
loading a composite laminate reinforcing tool with a clip having a post coupled to a base at a joint section, the post extending at an initial angle relative to the base; positioning the composite laminate reinforcing tool along the bond line between at least two composite laminate elements; heating the joint section sufficiently above an ambient temperature to increase a pliability of the joint section; actuating the composite laminate reinforcing tool to drive the post through the at least two composite laminate elements; and deflecting the post toward the base at the joint section until the post extends at a deflected angle relative to the base, the deflected angle being different from the initial angle, thereby to seat the clip.