PLY LOCATION TEMPLATES FOR DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM VACUUM BAGGING SYSTEM
FIG9 is a zoomed in section cut side view of PLT mounted to a mandrel in an illustrative embodiment
FIG9 is a zoomed in section cut side view of PLT 122 mounted to a mandrel 110 in an illustrative embodiment. FIG9 illustrates further features, such as portion 910 of securement element 716, which protrudes beneath socket 724. FIG9 also illustrates prongs 920 of socket 724. Prongs 920 reduce a diameter of socket 724 in order to prevent securement element 716 from falling downwards out of socket 724. Specifically, while a portion of socket 724 and securement element 716 generally have a diameter D1, prongs 920 reduce the diameter of another portion of socket 724 to D2, which is less than D1. This aspect physically prevents securement element 716 from exiting its socket 724. Socket 752 has a diameter D3 which is smaller than D1, and smaller than or equal to D2.
zoomed-in sectional view
8
corresponds with view arrows
724
socket sockets
712
caps cap
122
PLT
810
752
receptacle receptacles
120
first vacuum bag
920
prongs
716
securement element securement elements
732
110
mandrel
200
preform
714
biasing devices
['1. A method for facilitating layup of preforms, comprising: selecting a mandrel that includes at least one receptacle (1002); disposing a first vacuum bag atop the mandrel that covers the receptacle (1004); selecting a Ply Location Template (PLT) that includes a securement element (1006); aligning a portion of the securement element with the receptacle (1008); pressing the portion of the securement element downward into the first vacuum bag and driving the portion of the securement element into the receptacle (1010); and abutting a preform against the PLT (1012).', '4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: securing the securement element into the receptacle by placing a cap atop a socket of the PLT.', '13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the prongs prevent the securement element from falling downward out of the socket.']