A curing pressure application apparatus and method for adhesive bonding repair of metal composites

Abstract

The application discloses a curing pressure applying device and method for composite material bonding repair metal, and belongs to the field of metal structure maintenance. The device comprises a magnetic pressure component for applying curing pressure to a repair area, a square pressure magnet unit, a dismounting ring arranged at the center of the top surface of the square pressure magnet unit, a connecting plate arranged at the position of the periphery of the top surface of the square pressure magnet unit, a fastener arranged on one side of the connecting plate, a flexible pressure transmission component arranged on one side of the magnetic pressure component for transmitting the applied pressure, a flexible pressure transmission bag arranged on one side of the magnetic pressure component, a pressure transmission medium arranged in the flexible pressure transmission bag, a hydraulic pressure gauge arranged on one side of the flexible pressure transmission bag, and an instrument conduit connected between the flexible pressure transmission bag and the hydraulic pressure gauge. The application can apply uniform pressure and effectively improve the quality of composite material bonding repair aluminum alloy structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metal structure repair, specifically to a curing pressure application device and method for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials. Background Technology

[0002] Aluminum alloy structures are widely used in aircraft, automobiles, and other fields due to their advantages such as lightweight, high strength, and ease of processing. However, due to service time and load, aluminum alloy structures are prone to fatigue cracks or stress corrosion cracks. Composite material bonding repair technology is currently an important method for repairing aluminum alloy structures. However, limitations imposed by T-shaped and C-shaped structural features and the influence of operating space make it impossible to use vacuum bags to pressurize the repair area, resulting in lower repair quality.

[0003] Existing Chinese patent CN202221470960.0 (publication date November 4, 2022) discloses a mechanical pressure and removal fixture for composite material adhesive bonding repair. However, this method requires the design of specialized fixtures based on specific structural characteristics, making it difficult to address the pressure issues arising from varying damage areas and degrees. Chinese patent CN202211679958.9 (publication date April 25, 2023) discloses a pressure device for repairing composite material products. This method applies pressure through a mechanical structure and is primarily used for repairing composite material products, making it unsuitable for in-situ adhesive bonding repairs of metal structures. Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a new in-situ pressure method for repairing aluminum alloy structures using composite material adhesive bonding to solve problems such as the inability to apply pressure and uneven pressure application.

[0004] To address these issues, those skilled in the art have provided a curing pressure application device and method for bonding and repairing metals with composite materials, thereby resolving the problems mentioned in the background art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a curing pressure application device and method for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials, which can apply uniform pressure and effectively improve the quality of bonding and repairing aluminum alloy structures with composite materials, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A curing pressure application device for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials, comprising:

[0008] A magnetic pressure component is used to apply curing pressure to the repair area. It includes a square pressure magnet unit, a disassembly ring at the center of the top surface of the square pressure magnet unit, and connecting plates at the four periphery of the top surface of the square pressure magnet unit. A fastener matching the connecting plate is provided on one side of the connecting plate.

[0009] The flexible pressure transmission element is located on one side of the magnetic pressure element and is used to transmit the applied pressure.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: the flexible pressure transmitting component specifically includes: a flexible pressure transmitting bag located on one side of the magnetic pressure transmitting component, the interior of the flexible pressure transmitting bag is provided with a pressure transmitting medium, and a hydraulic gauge is provided on one side of the flexible pressure transmitting bag, an instrument conduit is connected between the hydraulic gauge and the flexible pressure transmitting bag, and a valve is provided on one side of the instrument conduit, and a valve conduit is connected between the valve and the flexible pressure transmitting bag.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention: the square pressure magnet unit adopts a neodymium iron boron magnet with a Curie temperature of 320℃-460℃.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention: the flexible pressure-transmitting bag is a flexible rubber bag, and the maximum pressure bearing capacity of the flexible rubber bag is 0.2 MPa.

[0013] As a further aspect of the present invention, the pressure transmission medium is an oil with a boiling point of 200°C or higher.

[0014] This application also discloses a method for applying curing pressure to repair metal bonded with composite materials, using a device for applying curing pressure to repair metal bonded with composite materials, including the following steps:

[0015] Step 1: Select an appropriate number of magnetic pressure components based on the size of the repair area;

[0016] Step 2: Assemble and fix multiple magnetic pressure components using the connecting plates and fasteners on the square pressure magnet unit to form a magnetic pressure block;

[0017] Step 3: Install the valve guide and instrument guide onto the flexible pressure transmission bag;

[0018] Step 4: Install the hydraulic gauge onto the instrument guide tube;

[0019] Step 5: Add the pressure-transmitting medium into the flexible pressure-transmitting bag through the valve conduit, and fill the flexible pressure-transmitting bag with the pressure-transmitting medium.

[0020] Step 6: Install the valve onto the valve guide and keep the valve tightly closed;

[0021] Step 7: After surface treatment of the external composite material patch and aluminum alloy structure, apply adhesive evenly to the surface of the composite material patch.

[0022] Step 8: Place the composite material patch coated with adhesive on the aluminum alloy structure repair area, and then place the release cloth, release film, and electric heating blanket on the composite material patch in sequence.

[0023] Step 9: Place the flexible pressure-transmitting bag filled with the pressure-transmitting medium onto the composite material patch;

[0024] Step 10: Place the assembled magnetic pressure block on the flexible pressure transmission bag, and place a magnetic pressure block or steel plate on the other side of the aluminum alloy structure.

[0025] Step 11: Open the valve to allow the pressure-transmitting medium in the flexible pressure-transmitting bag to flow out slowly, and observe the hydraulic gauge reading. When the pressure reaches between 0.1-0.15 MPa, close the valve.

[0026] Step 12: Turn on the electric blanket to heat the repair area to complete the curing of the adhesive;

[0027] Step 13: After the adhesive has cured, remove the magnetic pressure block using the disassembly ring on the square pressure magnet unit, and open the fasteners and connecting plate to complete the disassembly of the magnetic pressure block;

[0028] Step 14: Remove the flexible pressure transmission bag, open the valve, release the pressure transmission medium inside the flexible pressure transmission bag, and remove the hydraulic gauge, instrument conduit, valve, and valve conduit from the flexible pressure transmission bag.

[0029] Step 15: Remove the electric heating blanket, release film, and release cloth from the composite material patch in sequence, and grind the adhesive area to complete the composite material adhesive repair of aluminum alloy.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0031] 1. This application achieves pressure application of aluminum alloy structures of different sizes and formations by assembling square pressure magnet units. The method is simple and effective.

[0032] 2. This application utilizes the isotropic nature of liquid pressure transmission to achieve pressure consistency in various areas of the patch, eliminating the problem of pressure stress concentration caused by the gap between the pressurizing device and the patch.

[0033] 3. This application is simple and convenient to operate, easy to carry and transport, and can be used for interior structural repairs and repair work under exterior conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the magnetic pressure application component in a curing pressure application device for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the flexible pressure transmission component in a curing pressure application device for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials;

[0036] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic pressure block assembled in a curing pressure application device for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the curing pressure application device in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0038] In the diagram: 1. Magnetic pressure-generating component; 2. Flexible pressure-transmitting component; 3. Square pressure-generating magnet unit; 4. Disassembly ring; 5. Connecting plate; 6. Fastener; 7. Flexible pressure-transmitting bag; 8. Pressure-transmitting medium; 9. Instrument conduit; 10. Hydraulic gauge; 11. Valve conduit; 12. Valve; 13. Magnetic pressure-generating block; 14. T-shaped aluminum alloy structure; 15. Composite material patch; 16. Adhesive; 17. Release cloth; 18. Isolation membrane; 19. Electric blanket. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] As mentioned in the background section of this application, research has found that existing pressure application methods are affected by the limited repair operation space and the diverse sizes of composite material corner boxes. During composite material bonding repair, it is difficult to apply the curing pressure of the adhesive 16, resulting in reduced repair quality and certain defects.

[0041] To address the aforementioned deficiencies, this application discloses a curing pressure application device and method for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials, which can apply uniform pressure and effectively improve the quality of bonding and repairing aluminum alloy structures with composite materials.

[0042] The following will describe in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, how the solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0043] Please see Figures 1-3 In this embodiment of the invention, a curing pressure application device for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials includes: a magnetic pressure component 1, used to apply curing pressure to the repair area, comprising a square pressure magnet unit 3, a disassembly ring 4 at the center of the top surface of the square pressure magnet unit 3, and connecting plates 5 at the four periphery positions of the top surface of the square pressure magnet unit 3, with fasteners 6 matching the connecting plates 5 on one side; and a flexible pressure transmission component 2, located on one side of the magnetic pressure component 1, used to transmit the applied pressure. This application achieves pressure application for aluminum alloy structures of different sizes and formations by assembling the square pressure magnet unit 3, a simple and effective method.

[0044] In this embodiment, the flexible pressure transmitting component 2 specifically includes: a flexible pressure transmitting bag 7 located on one side of the magnetic pressure transmitting component 1; a pressure transmitting medium 8 is disposed inside the flexible pressure transmitting bag 7; a hydraulic gauge 10 is disposed on one side of the flexible pressure transmitting bag 7; an instrument conduit 9 connects the hydraulic gauge 10 and the flexible pressure transmitting bag 7; a valve 12 is disposed on one side of the instrument conduit 9; and a valve conduit 11 connects the valve 12 and the flexible pressure transmitting bag 7. This application utilizes the isotropic nature of liquid pressure transmission to achieve pressure consistency across different areas of the composite material patch 15, eliminating the problem of stress concentration caused by the gap between the pressure device and the composite material patch 15.

[0045] In this embodiment, the square pressure magnet unit 3 uses a neodymium iron boron magnet with a Curie temperature of 320℃-460℃, which can meet the heating and curing requirements of the adhesive 16.

[0046] In this embodiment, the flexible pressure-transmitting bag 7 is made of flexible rubber, and the maximum pressure bearing capacity of the flexible rubber bag is 0.2 MPa, so as to meet the pressure requirements of the adhesive 16 and fill the gap between the flexible pressure-transmitting bag 7 and the composite material patch 15.

[0047] In this embodiment, the pressure transmission medium 8 is an oil with a boiling point of over 200°C, to meet the heating requirements of commonly used adhesives 16 such as J-349-1 and J-352, which have a curing temperature range of 80-150°C.

[0048] This application also discloses a method for applying curing pressure to repair metal bonded with composite materials, using a device for applying curing pressure to repair metal bonded with composite materials, including the following steps: Step 1, selecting an appropriate number of magnetic pressure components 1 according to the size of the repair area; Step 2, assembling and fixing multiple magnetic pressure components 1 using connecting plates 5 and fasteners 6 on the square pressure magnet unit 3 to form a magnetic pressure block 13; Step 3, installing the valve conduit 11 and the instrument conduit 9 onto the flexible pressure transmission bag 7; Step 4, installing the hydraulic gauge 10 onto the instrument conduit 9; Step 5, ... The pressure-transmitting medium 8 is injected into the flexible pressure-transmitting bag 7 through the valve conduit 11, filling the bag 7 completely; Step 6: Install the valve 12 onto the valve conduit 11 and keep it tightly closed; Step 7: After surface treatment of the external composite material patch 15 and aluminum alloy structure, apply adhesive 16 evenly to the surface of the composite material patch 15; Step 8: Place the composite material patch 15 coated with adhesive 16 on the aluminum alloy structure repair area, and then place the release cloth 17, the release film 18, and the electric blanket 19 on the patch 15 in sequence; Step 9: Step 10: Place the flexible pressure-transmitting bag 7 filled with pressure-transmitting medium 8 onto the composite material patch 15; Step 11: Place the assembled magnetic pressure block 13 onto the flexible pressure-transmitting bag 7, and place a magnetic pressure block 13 or steel plate on the other side of the aluminum alloy structure; Step 12: Open the valve 12 to slowly allow the pressure-transmitting medium 8 in the flexible pressure-transmitting bag 7 to flow out, and observe the reading on the hydraulic gauge 10. When the pressure reaches between 0.1-0.15 MPa, close the valve 12; Step 13: Turn on the electric heating blanket 19 to heat the repair area to complete the curing of the adhesive 16; Step 14: When the adhesive 16... After curing, the magnetic pressure block 13 is removed using the disassembly ring 4 on the square pressure magnet unit 3, and the fasteners 6 and connecting plate 5 are opened to complete the disassembly of the magnetic pressure block 13; Step 14: Remove the flexible pressure transmission bag 7, open the valve 12, release the pressure transmission medium 8 inside the flexible pressure transmission bag 7, and remove the hydraulic gauge 10, instrument conduit 9, valve 12, and valve conduit 11 from the flexible pressure transmission bag 7; Step 15: Remove the electric heating blanket 19, the isolation film 18, and the release cloth 17 from the composite material patch 15 in sequence, and grind the adhesive area to complete the composite material adhesive repair of aluminum alloy. This application is simple and convenient to operate, easy to carry and transport, and can be used for indoor structural repair and outdoor repair work.

[0049] To further illustrate the present invention, the following describes in detail, with reference to embodiments, a curing pressure application device and method for bonding and repairing metal composite materials provided by the present invention.

[0050] Example 1: Taking the pressure application process of repairing a T-shaped aluminum alloy structure 14 using composite material bonding as an example, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4The following steps illustrate the operation of the pressurizing device:

[0051] Step 1: Select an appropriate number of magnetic pressure components 1 according to the repair area size of the T-shaped aluminum alloy structure 14. In this example, a total of 40 components are selected.

[0052] Step 2: Assemble and fix multiple magnetic pressing components 1 using the connecting plate 5 and fasteners 6 on the square magnetic pressing unit 3 to form a magnetic pressing block 13. In this example, a total of four magnetic pressing blocks 13 are assembled.

[0053] Step 3: Install the valve conduit 11 and the instrument conduit 9 onto the flexible pressure transmission bag 7;

[0054] Step 4: Install the hydraulic gauge 10 onto the instrument conduit 9;

[0055] Step 5: Add the pressure transmitting medium 8 into the flexible pressure transmitting bag 7 through the valve conduit 11, and fill the flexible pressure transmitting bag 7 with the pressure transmitting medium 8 to form the flexible pressure transmitting component 2.

[0056] Step 6: Install valve 12 onto valve guide 11 and keep valve 12 tightly closed;

[0057] Step 7: After surface treatment of the composite material patch 15 and the T-shaped aluminum alloy structure 14, apply adhesive 16 evenly to the surface of the composite material patch 15.

[0058] Step 8: Place the composite material patch 15 coated with adhesive 16 on the repair area of ​​the T-shaped aluminum alloy structure 14, and then place the release cloth 17, the release film 18, and the electric blanket 19 on the composite material patch 15 in sequence.

[0059] Step 9: Place the flexible pressure-transmitting bag 7 filled with the pressure-transmitting medium 8 onto the composite material patch 15;

[0060] Step 10: Place the assembled magnetic pressure block 13 on the flexible pressure transmission component 2, and place another magnetic pressure block 13 on the other side of the aluminum alloy.

[0061] Step 11: Open valve 12 to slowly let the pressure-transmitting medium 8 in the flexible pressure-transmitting bag 7 flow out, and observe the reading of hydraulic gauge 10. When the pressure reaches between 0.1-0.15MPa, close valve 12.

[0062] Step 12: Power on the electric blanket 19 to heat the repair area and complete the curing of the adhesive 16;

[0063] Step 13: After the adhesive 16 has cured, remove the magnetic pressure block 13 by using the disassembly ring 4 on the square pressure magnet unit 3, and open the fastener 6 and the connecting plate 5 to complete the disassembly of the magnetic pressure block 13.

[0064] Step 14: Remove the flexible pressure transmission component 2, open the valve 12, release the pressure transmission medium 8 in the flexible pressure transmission bag 7, and remove the hydraulic gauge 10, instrument conduit 9, valve 12, and valve conduit 11 from the flexible pressure transmission bag 7.

[0065] Step 15: Remove the electric blanket 19, the release film 18, and the release cloth 17 from the composite material patch 15 in sequence, and grind the adhesive area to complete the composite material adhesive repair of aluminum alloy.

[0066] This invention achieves pressurization of aluminum alloy structures of different sizes and formations by assembling square pressurizing magnet units 3, a simple and effective method. Furthermore, this application utilizes the isotropic nature of liquid pressure transmission to achieve pressure consistency across different areas of the patch, eliminating the problem of stress concentration caused by the gap between the pressurizing device and the patch. Moreover, this application is simple and convenient to operate, easy to carry and transport, and can be used for repair work in both indoor and outdoor environments.

[0067] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A curing pressure application device for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials, characterized in that, include: A magnetic pressure component (1) is used to apply curing pressure to the repair area. It includes a square pressure magnet unit (3). The top surface of the square pressure magnet unit (3) is provided with a disassembly ring (4), and the four sides of the top surface of the square pressure magnet unit (3) are provided with a connecting plate (5). One side of the connecting plate (5) is provided with a fastener (6) that matches the connecting plate (5). The flexible pressure transmission component (2) is located on one side of the magnetic pressure application component (1) and is used to transmit the applied pressure. The flexible pressure transmission component (2) specifically includes: a flexible pressure transmission bag (7) located on one side of the magnetic pressure unit (1), the interior of the flexible pressure transmission bag (7) is provided with a pressure transmission medium (8), and a hydraulic gauge (10) is provided on one side of the flexible pressure transmission bag (7). An instrument conduit (9) is connected between the hydraulic gauge (10) and the flexible pressure transmission bag (7), and a valve (12) is provided on one side of the instrument conduit (9). A valve conduit (11) is connected between the valve (12) and the flexible pressure transmission bag (7).

2. The curing pressure application device for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The square pressure magnet unit (3) uses neodymium iron boron magnets with a Curie temperature of 320℃-460℃.

3. The curing pressure application device for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible pressure-transmitting bag (7) is made of flexible rubber and the maximum pressure bearing capacity of the flexible rubber bag is 0.2 MPa.

4. The curing pressure application device for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure transmission medium (8) is an oil with a boiling point of 200°C or higher.

5. A method for applying curing pressure to repair metal by bonding composite materials, characterized in that, The curing pressure application device for bonding and repairing metal with composite materials as described in any one of claims 1-4 includes the following steps: Step 1: Select an appropriate number of magnetic pressure components (1) according to the size of the repair area; Step 2: Assemble and fix multiple magnetic pressure components (1) using the connecting plate (5) and fasteners (6) on the square pressure magnet unit (3) to form a magnetic pressure block (13). Step 3: Install the valve conduit (11) and instrument conduit (9) onto the flexible pressure transmission bag (7); Step 4: Install the hydraulic gauge (10) onto the instrument conduit (9); Step 5: Add the pressure transmitting medium (8) into the flexible pressure transmitting bag (7) through the valve conduit (11) and fill the flexible pressure transmitting bag (7) with the pressure transmitting medium (8). Step 6: Install valve (12) onto valve guide (11) and keep valve (12) closed; Step 7: After surface treatment of the external composite material patch (15) and aluminum alloy structure, apply adhesive (16) evenly to the surface of the composite material patch (15). Step 8: Place the composite material patch (15) coated with adhesive (16) on the aluminum alloy structure repair area, and place the release cloth (17), release film (18), and electric blanket (19) on the composite material patch (15) in sequence. Step 9: Place the flexible pressure-transmitting bag (7) filled with pressure-transmitting medium (8) onto the composite material patch (15); Step 10: Place the assembled magnetic pressure block (13) on the flexible pressure transmission bag (7), and place a magnetic pressure block (13) or steel plate on the other side of the aluminum alloy structure; Step 11: Open valve (12) to slowly let the pressure medium (8) in the flexible pressure bag (7) flow out, and observe the reading of the hydraulic gauge (10). When the pressure reaches between 0.1-0.15MPa, close valve (12). Step 12: Turn on the electric blanket (19) to heat the repair area and complete the curing of the adhesive (16); Step 13: After the adhesive (16) has cured, remove the magnetic pressure block (13) by using the disassembly ring (4) on the square pressure magnet unit (3), and open the fastener (6) and connecting plate (5) to complete the disassembly of the magnetic pressure block (13); Step 14: Remove the flexible pressure transmission bag (7), open the valve (12), release the pressure transmission medium (8) inside the flexible pressure transmission bag (7), and remove the hydraulic gauge (10), instrument conduit (9), valve (12), and valve conduit (11) from the flexible pressure transmission bag (7); Step 15: Remove the electric blanket (19), the release film (18), and the release cloth (17) from the composite material patch (15) in sequence, and grind the adhesive area to complete the composite material adhesive repair of aluminum alloy.

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