Modular tooling systems and methods

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12508745-B2
Application number	US-202418601744-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Mar 11, 2024
Priority date	Dec 17, 2021
Publication date	Dec 30, 2025
Grant date	Dec 30, 2025

Abstract

A modular tooling arrangement includes a base member comprising a planar working surface, a frame circumscribing a first cavity at least partially defined by the planar working surface, and a plurality of plates configured to be received in the first cavity for forming a second cavity of a desired shape and size. The plurality of plates at least partially define the second cavity configured to receive a work piece. The plurality of plates may be replaced with plates of various sizes to vary at least one of the size and shape of the second cavity.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A method for consolidating a thermoplastic laminate, the method comprising:
moving a first plurality of plates into a first cavity defined by a working surface of a base member and inwardly facing surfaces of a frame coupled to the base member, wherein the first plurality of plates is floatingly coupled to a common plane of the base member, and wherein inwardly facing surfaces of the first plurality of plates and the working surface define a second cavity; moving a seal into the second cavity, wherein the seal abuts the inwardly facing surfaces of the first plurality of plates; moving the thermoplastic laminate into the second cavity, wherein the seal is disposed between the thermoplastic laminate and the inwardly facing surfaces of the first plurality of plates; applying heat to the thermoplastic laminate; and compressing the thermoplastic laminate between a press member and the working surface.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein compressing the thermoplastic laminate includes moving the press member at least partially into the second cavity.

3 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising:
cooling the thermoplastic laminate; and removing the press member from contact with the thermoplastic laminate.

4 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
removing the first plurality of plates from the first cavity; and moving a second plurality of plates into the first cavity, wherein inwardly surfaces of the second plurality of plates and the working surface define a third cavity of a different dimension from that of the second cavity.

5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the frame or the first plurality of plates is made from a metal material.

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the frame is coupled to the base member with a plurality of fasteners.

Assignees

• Rohr Inc

Inventors

• Woods Jeffrey D
• Ramos Roberto
• Lacalle Javier
• Adan Andrew

Classifications

• B29L2007/002

  Panels; Plates; Sheets · CPC title

• B29C70/46 Primary

  using matched moulds, e.g. for deforming sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or prepregs · CPC title

• B29C33/38

  characterised by the material or the manufacturing process (B29C33/44 takes precedence) · CPC title

• B29C33/0038

  with sealing means or the like (seals on envelopes used in tyre retreading B29D30/542; for injection moulding footwear B29D35/0045) · CPC title

• B29C33/301 Primary

  Modular mould systems [MMS], i.e. moulds built up by stacking mould elements, e.g. plates, blocks, rods (B29C33/0088 takes precedence) · CPC title