Mechanically collapsible shell for long cylinder production

摘要

A system for removing a cured composite object from a mandrel is provided. The system includes a collapsible shell, wherein an inner surface of the shell is configured to slide over an outer surface of the mandrel and an outer surface of the shell is configured to have the composite object formed thereon. The system further includes an extractor comprising a first and second disk disposed along a rod, and an adjuster, wherein the second disk is configured to engage an end of the mandrel and the adjuster is configured to move the first disk along the rod relative to the second disk. The system further includes a spacer configured to fit between the first disk and a first end of the shell when the shell is placed on the mandrel. The spacer pushes the shell and the composite object formed thereon off of the mandrel when the adjuster moves the first disk towards the second disk.

主权项

1. A system for removing a cured composite object from a mandrel, the system comprising:
a collapsible shell, wherein an inner surface of the shell is configured to slide over an outer surface of the mandrel and an outer surface of the shell is configured to have the composite object formed thereon; an extractor comprising a first and second disk disposed along a rod, and an adjuster, wherein the second disk is configured to engage an end of the mandrel and the adjuster is configured to move the first disk along the rod relative to the second disk; and a spacer configured to fit between the first disk and a first end of the shell when the shell is placed on the mandrel, and to push the shell and the composite object formed thereon off of the mandrel when the adjuster moves the first disk towards the second disk.