Method and apparatus for producing composite structures

摘要

A composite part is formed by a composite tape application machine that lays up a plurality of tapes on a substrate. The lateral position of the tapes may be adjusted as the tapes are being laid up.

主权项

1. A method of laying composite tape to form a composite part, the method comprising:
moving a gantry carrier in a direction of travel that is substantially linear; applying a first set of tape courses aligned in the direction of travel from a first set of tape control modules on a tool, the first set of tape control modules moveably connected to the gantry carrier; applying a second set of tape courses in the direction of travel from a second set of tape control modules on the tool, the second set of tape control modules moveably connected to the gantry carrier; controlling a position of each tape control module independent of a position of the other tape control modules while applying the plurality of tape courses; adjusting a lateral position of the first set of tape control modules with respect to the second set of tape control modules while tape is being laid by the first set and the second set of tape control modules on the tool, in response to a change in a varied contour of the composite part, so as to maintain the first set of tape courses and the second set of tape courses substantially adjacent to each other in an edge to edge alignment, adjusting the lateral position including moving at least one of the first or second tape control modules on the gantry carrier in a transverse direction with respect to the substantially linear direction of travel of the gantry carrier; and adjusting a compression force applied by the first set of tape control modules and the second set of tape control modules in response to the change in the varied contour of the composite part.