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An apparatus is provided for locating holes to be drilled in a post-cure composite structure, generally comprising a drill boss defining a bore, a bonding fixture defining at least one hole, wherein one surface of the bonding fixture defines the shape of the composite structure to be formed, and the

An apparatus is provided for locating holes to be drilled in a post-cure composite structure, generally comprising a drill boss defining a bore, a bonding fixture defining at least one hole, wherein one surface of the bonding fixture defines the shape of the composite structure to be formed, and the opposing surface thereto engages the drill boss such that the drill boss is aligned with respect to the hole through the bonding fixture. A drill bushing defining a bore is further concentrically disposed within the hole in the bonding fixture and the drill boss bore such that a hole can be drilled in the composite structure by inserting a drill bit through the drill boss bore and the drill bushing bore. In addition, the drill bushing extends between the hole in the bonding fixture and the drill boss bore, wherein the drill bushing bore is adapted to receive a drill bit of a predetermined size for drilling the hole in the composite structure. The drill boss is typically welded or otherwise bonded to the surface of the bonding fixture and configured such that it may receive and retain a cap for hermetically sealing the drill boss bore. Further, the configuration of the drill boss allows an external vacuum source to be connected thereto.

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed:] [7.] An apparatus for locating holes to be drilled in a post-cure composite structure, said apparatus comprising:a bonding fixture defining at least one hole, said bonding fixture having a first surface which defines a shape of said composite structure and an opposing surfa

[ That which is claimed:] [7.] An apparatus for locating holes to be drilled in a post-cure composite structure, said apparatus comprising:a bonding fixture defining at least one hole, said bonding fixture having a first surface which defines a shape of said composite structure and an opposing surface; anda drill boss mounted to the opposing surface of said bonding fixture, said drill boss defining a bore aligned with said at least one hole defined by the bonding fixture such that a hole can be drilled in the composite structure by inserting a drill bit through said drill boss bore and said at least one hole defined by said bonding fixture. [13.] A method for fabricating a bonding fixture that facilitates drilling of holes in a post-cure composite structure formed on a first surface of the bonding fixture, said method comprising the steps of:forming at least one hole through the bonding fixture; andcoupling a drill boss to a surface of the bonding fixture opposite the first surface, said coupling step comprising coupling the drill boss to the bonding fixture such that a bore defined by the drill boss is aligned with said at least one hole defined by the bonding fixture such that a hole can be drilled in the composite structure by inserting a drill bit through said drill boss bore and said at least one hole defined by said bonding fixture.