A composite bonded and cured pressure intensifier

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of composite material bonding curing pressure increasing device, comprising: conformal pressure increasing mould, with a working profile and a pressure surface;The conformal pressure increasing mould includes a flexible sealing bag body and the variable stiffness medium filled in the flexible sealing bag body;Wherein, in the shape phase, the conformal pressure increasing mould is attached to the surface of a bonding curing area, and the working profile consistent with surface profile is obtained by deformation;In the pressure increasing phase, the conformal pressure increasing mould is placed between a vacuum bag and a composite material patch, and the ambient pressure outside the vacuum bag is transmitted to the composite material patch as a pressure increasing element.The present application fundamentally changes the pressure increasing mode by placing the conformal pressure increasing mould inside the vacuum bag.The conformal pressure increasing mould changes from "passive pressure transmission pad" to "active pressure increasing element", directly uses the ambient atmospheric pressure outside the vacuum bag as the pressure source, and eliminates the complex external pressure increasing equipment such as air bag, pressure disc and air source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of composite material curing technology, and more specifically to a pressurizing device for composite material bonding and curing. Background Technology

[0002] Composite material bonding and curing processes have important applications in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, and wind turbine blades. Composite structural components in these fields often suffer localized damage during service due to external impacts, fatigue loads, or environmental erosion, requiring repair work to restore structural integrity and performance. During repair work, to ensure bonding quality, it is usually necessary to apply pressure to the bonding area to expel gas, compact the adhesive layer, and improve bond strength.

[0003] In the prior art, Chinese patent CN116278072A discloses a rapid pressurization repair device for damaged areas of aircraft skin, which includes a pressurization device, a silicone rubber mold, a vacuum device, and a heating device. The silicone rubber mold consists of a high-temperature resistant silicone rubber bag and high-temperature resistant particles filled inside the bag, with the mold positioned outside the vacuum bag, between the vacuum bag and an external airbag. In use, the mold is first evacuated to allow the internal particles to frictionally lock and solidify, then the external airbag inflates to apply pressure to the mold, and finally, the pressure is transmitted to the bonding area through the vacuum bag membrane. However, in this device, the mold, located outside the vacuum bag, does not actively generate pressure; it merely acts as a passive pressure-transmitting pad pushed by the airbag, requiring external pressurization equipment such as the airbag, pressure plate, and air source. This results in a large overall system size and inconvenient operation, making it difficult to meet the requirements of rapid repair and other operational scenarios with high portability requirements.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a pressurization device for bonding and curing composite materials. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (1) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems of existing composite material bonding and curing pressurization devices, which require external pressurization equipment because the mold is placed outside the vacuum bag, resulting in complex systems, poor portability, and difficulty in meeting the needs of rapid emergency repair operations. In order to meet the actual needs, this invention provides a pressurization device for composite material bonding and curing to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0007] (2) Technical solution

[0008] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0009] A pressure-increasing device for bonding and curing composite materials includes: a conformal pressure-increasing mold having a working surface and a pressure-bearing surface; the conformal pressure-increasing mold includes a flexible sealing bag and a variable stiffness medium filled in the flexible sealing bag; wherein, in the shaping stage, the conformal pressure-increasing mold is fitted to the surface of an area to be bonded and cured, and obtains a working surface consistent with the surface contour by deformation, and increases the stiffness of the variable stiffness medium to fix the shape by triggering it; in the pressure-increasing stage, the conformal pressure-increasing mold is placed between a vacuum bag and a composite material patch, with its working surface facing the composite material patch and its pressure-bearing surface facing the vacuum bag, acting as a pressure-increasing element to transmit the environmental pressure outside the vacuum bag to the composite material patch.

[0010] Furthermore, the variable stiffness medium consists of multiple rigid particles, and the flexible sealing bag is provided with a vacuum interface for evacuating the inside of the flexible sealing bag so that the multiple rigid particles are squeezed and rubbed together to lock them in place.

[0011] Furthermore, the vacuum interface is located at the edge of the pressure-bearing surface and is integrally formed with the flexible sealing bag body. A filter element is provided on the inner side of the vacuum interface, and the pore size of the filter element is smaller than the particle size of the rigid particles.

[0012] Furthermore, the conformal pressurizing mold also includes an annular air guiding area, which is arranged around the side wall of the flexible sealing bag. Inside the annular air guiding area, there is an air guiding cavity that is airtightly isolated from the internal cavity of the flexible sealing bag. The annular air guiding area can be bent and deformed together with the conformal pressurizing mold during the shaping stage, closely fitting the healthy surface around the area to be bonded and cured, and providing a gas discharge path for the inside of the vacuum bag during the pressurizing stage.

[0013] Furthermore, the annular air guiding area includes a first surface layer, a second surface layer, and a sealing sidewall connecting the first surface layer and the second surface layer. The air guiding cavity is formed by the sidewall of the flexible sealing bag and the integrally formed first surface layer, second surface layer, and sealing sidewall. The first surface layer and the second surface layer are respectively provided with multiple first air vents and second air vents. The first air vents, the air guiding cavity, and the second air vents together form an air guiding channel that runs through the annular air guiding area.

[0014] Furthermore, the annular air guiding zone is also provided with multiple spaced support columns. The support columns are integrally formed with the first surface layer and the second surface layer. During the shaping stage, the support columns can be bent and deformed together with the annular air guiding zone. During the pressurization stage, the support columns support the first surface layer and the second surface layer to prevent the air guiding channel from being compressed and closed by atmospheric pressure. The support columns are set to avoid the first and second air vents.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a compensation layer, the thickness of which matches the total thickness of the composite material patch and the adhesive layer. The compensation layer is detachably covered on the working surface during the shaping stage and is removed from the working surface after shaping is completed.

[0016] Furthermore, the compensation layer is composed of multiple flexible sub-compensation sheets stacked together, and its total thickness is adjusted by selecting the number or specifications of the stacked sub-compensation sheets.

[0017] Furthermore, the conformal pressure-increasing mold also includes at least four flexible positioning wings integrally formed on its outer peripheral wall and extending outward. The upper surface of the end of each flexible positioning wing has a groove, and the inner bottom wall of the groove is provided with a tearable film. During the shaping stage, the middle part of a first adhesive tape is embedded in the groove and adhered to the tearable film. The two ends of the first adhesive tape are respectively adhered to the side of the compensation layer away from the working surface to press the flexible positioning wings tightly against the compensation layer. During the pressure-increasing stage, the tearable film is peeled off, and the middle part of a second adhesive tape is embedded in the groove and adhered to it. The two ends of the second adhesive tape are respectively adhered to the surface around the area to be bonded and cured to press and fix the flexible positioning wings tightly.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a flexible heating module, which is placed outside the vacuum bag and directly facing the composite material patch area during the pressurization stage, for providing the heat required for curing the composite material patch.

[0019] (3) Beneficial effects:

[0020] A. In this invention, by placing the conformal pressure-increasing mold inside the vacuum bag, the pressure-increasing method is fundamentally changed. The conformal pressure-increasing mold is transformed from a "passive pressure-transmitting pad" into an "active pressure-increasing element," directly utilizing the ambient atmospheric pressure outside the vacuum bag as a pressure source. This eliminates the need for complex external pressure-increasing equipment such as airbags, pressure plates, and air sources. This not only simplifies the system structure and reduces the size and weight of the equipment, but also significantly improves the portability and ease of operation of the device, enabling it to well meet the requirements of field emergency repairs and other operational scenarios with extremely high equipment portability requirements.

[0021] B. In this invention, by setting a conformal pressure-increasing mold, the functions of "shaping" and "pressure infusion" are integrated. During the shaping stage, the same conformal pressure-increasing mold can adaptively conform to the complex curved surface of the damaged area and solidify its shape, thereby obtaining a working surface that precisely matches the damage contour. In the subsequent pressure infusion stage, the mold directly serves as a pressure-increasing element, efficiently and uniformly transmitting environmental pressure to the patch. This reduces the number of tooling and operating steps required for repair work, significantly improving repair efficiency.

[0022] C. In this invention, by setting a conformal pressurizing mold, the particle solidified body inside the conformal pressurizing mold has high rigidity during the pressurization stage. While performing the main function of transmitting environmental pressure to the composite material patch, the particle solidified body hardly undergoes compression deformation under atmospheric pressure. This provides a stable position lock for the inner side of the annular air guiding zone, effectively constraining the lateral extrusion or overall instability that may occur in the annular air guiding zone when subjected to atmospheric pressure. This helps maintain the geometric stability of the annular air guiding zone during the pressurization stage, thereby facilitating the unobstructed air guiding channel. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection state between the flexible positioning wing and the skin of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the conformal pressure-increasing mold of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the conformal pressure-increasing mold of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the compensation layer of the present invention.

[0030] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0031] 1. Conformal pressure-increasing mold; 11. Working surface; 12. Pressure-bearing surface; 13. Flexible sealing bag body; 14. Vacuum interface; 15. Annular air guiding zone; 151. Air guiding cavity; 152. First surface layer; 153. Second surface layer; 154. Sealing sidewall; 155. First vent opening; 156. Second vent opening; 157. Support column; 16. Flexible positioning wing; 161. Groove; 2. Vacuum bag; 3. Composite material patch; 4. Compensation layer; 5. Heating module; 6. Skin; 7. Adhesive layer; 8. Porous isolation membrane; 9. Breathable felt. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-7 The present invention is further illustrated by the embodiments:

[0033] like Figures 1-7As shown, a pressure boosting device for bonding and curing composite materials includes: a conformal pressure boosting mold 1, which has a working surface 11 and a pressure bearing surface 12; the conformal pressure boosting mold 1 includes a flexible sealing bag 13 and a variable stiffness medium filled in the flexible sealing bag 13; wherein, in the shaping stage, the conformal pressure boosting mold 1 is fitted to the surface of an area to be bonded and cured, and the working surface 11 is obtained by deformation to conform to the surface contour, and the stiffness of the variable stiffness medium is increased by triggering to fix the shape; in the pressure boosting stage, the conformal pressure boosting mold 1 is placed between a vacuum bag 2 and a composite material patch 3, with its working surface 11 facing the composite material patch 3 and its pressure bearing surface 12 facing the vacuum bag 2, as a pressure boosting element to transmit the environmental pressure outside the vacuum bag 2 to the composite material patch 3.

[0034] In this embodiment, by placing the conformal pressure-increasing mold 1 inside the vacuum bag 2, the pressure-increasing method is fundamentally changed. The conformal pressure-increasing mold 1 is transformed from a "passive pressure-transmitting pad" into an "active pressure-increasing element," directly utilizing the ambient atmospheric pressure outside the vacuum bag 2 as a pressure source. This eliminates the need for complex external pressure-increasing equipment such as airbags, pressure plates, and air sources, simplifying the system structure, reducing equipment size and weight, and significantly improving the portability and ease of operation of the device. This allows it to well meet the requirements of field emergency repairs and other operational scenarios with extremely high equipment portability requirements. Specifically, during the shaping stage, the conformal pressure-increasing mold 1 obtains a working surface 11 that matches the surface contour of the area to be bonded and cured by deformation, and increases its stiffness to fix the shape by triggering a variable stiffness medium. During the pressure-increasing stage, the conformal pressure-increasing mold 1 is placed between the vacuum bag 2 and the composite material patch 3, acting as a pressure-increasing element to transmit the ambient pressure outside the vacuum bag 2 to the composite material patch 3. This allows the same mold to integrate the functions of "shaping" and "pressurization". The conformal working surface 11 obtained by the conformal pressurization mold 1 in the shaping stage can be accurately matched with the damaged area. In the pressurization stage, it acts as an active pressurization element to efficiently transmit the environmental pressure to the patch, thus eliminating the need to rely on external pressurization equipment such as airbags and pressure plates. This significantly simplifies the system structure and improves the portability and ease of operation of the device.

[0035] This embodiment is applied to repair the skin 6 in the fields of aviation, automobile, and shipbuilding. In the pressurization stage of the repair process, the composite material patch 3 is bonded to the area of ​​the skin 6 to be bonded and cured through the adhesive layer 7. A porous isolation membrane 8 is provided on the outside of the composite material patch 3, and a breathable felt 9 is provided on the outside of the porous isolation membrane 8. The working surface 11 of the conformal pressurization mold 1 is in close contact with the breathable felt 9. A vacuum bag 2 covers the outside of the conformal pressurization mold 1 and forms a seal with the surface of the skin 6. Then, a vacuum pump is used to create a negative pressure inside the vacuum bag 2.

[0036] The flexible sealing bag body 13 is made of high-temperature resistant silicone rubber with a Shore hardness of A30-A50, a thickness of 0.5-3mm, and a temperature resistance of not less than 180℃. The high-temperature resistant silicone rubber can be selected from at least one of phenylene silicone rubber, nitrile silicone rubber, or fluorosilicone rubber.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the variable stiffness medium consists of multiple rigid particles. A vacuum interface 14 is provided on the flexible sealing bag 13 for evacuating the inside of the flexible sealing bag 13, causing the multiple rigid particles to squeeze and rub against each other and lock together. The variable stiffness medium is concretized into multiple rigid particles, and a vacuum interface 14 is provided on the flexible sealing bag 13. By evacuating the inside of the bag, the multiple rigid particles squeeze and rub against each other and lock together. It utilizes vacuum negative pressure to achieve reversible consolidation of the particle medium; that is, when vacuuming, the particles are tightly locked to form a high-stiffness solidified body, and after releasing the vacuum, the particles regain fluidity. The conformal pressure mold 1 can be reused. Compared with a homogeneous material scheme that requires one-time curing, this reduces the cost of using the mold and improves the reusability and economy of the device.

[0039] The vacuum interface 14 is located at the edge of the pressure-bearing surface 12 and is integrally formed with the flexible sealing bag body 13. Preferably, the vacuum interface 14 protrudes 1-3mm beyond the pressure-bearing surface 12, and a one-way valve is integrated inside the vacuum interface 14 or a shut-off valve is provided between the vacuum interface 14 and the external vacuum pipeline to maintain the vacuum state inside the flexible sealing bag body 13 after the external vacuum pipeline is disconnected. A filter element is provided on the inner side of the vacuum interface 14, and the pore size of the filter element is smaller than the particle size of rigid particles. The filter element is preferably a sintered metal filter sheet, a porous ceramic sheet, or a high-temperature resistant fiber felt. The filter element is embedded in the groove 161 on the inner wall of the vacuum interface 14 or fixed to the inner end face of the vacuum interface 14 by a high-temperature resistant adhesive. By placing the vacuum interface 14 at the edge of the pressure-bearing surface 12, bridging of the vacuum bag 2 at the vacuum interface 14 and interference with the pressurization core area are avoided; the integral forming ensures the airtightness between the interface and the bag body; and the filter element effectively prevents fine particles from being sucked into the vacuum pipeline during vacuuming, preventing pipeline blockage and damage to the vacuum pump. This improves the operational reliability and service life of the device.

[0040] As a preferred option, the rigid particles are preferably spherical or near-spherical in shape. Spherical particles have good flowability, allowing for more uniform filling of the bag's internal space during vacuuming, and resulting in better frictional locking. The particle size of the rigid particles is 0.1-2 mm. If the particle size is too small, such as less than 0.1 mm, the gaps between the particles are too small, hindering gas expulsion during vacuuming and reducing consolidation efficiency; if the particle size is too large, such as greater than 2 mm, the gaps between the particles are too large, potentially causing localized depressions on the mold surface after consolidation, affecting the accuracy of the working surface 11.

[0041] The rigid particles can be made from at least one of ceramic beads, quartz sand, or metal microspheres. Ceramic beads offer advantages such as high temperature resistance and good chemical stability; quartz sand is inexpensive and widely available; and metal microspheres have high density and excellent thermal conductivity. The specific choice depends on the temperature requirements of the repair process and the budget.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] The variable stiffness medium is uncured silicone rubber. During the shaping stage, the conformal pressure mold 1 with the compensation layer 4 is applied to the surface of the area to be repaired. The mold is then heated using a heating device, causing the uncured silicone rubber to undergo a cross-linking reaction and solidify, thereby fixing the shape of the working surface 11. The remaining structure and repair method can be found in Example 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] Example 3

[0045] The variable stiffness medium can also be a magnetorheological fluid. The conformal pressing mold 1 also includes a magnetic field generating device, used to apply an external magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid during the shaping stage, causing the magnetic particles inside to align into chains along the magnetic field lines, thereby increasing stiffness to fix the shape. The remaining structure and repair methods can be found in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here. The magnetic field generating device is a miniature electromagnetic coil built into the edge of the conformal pressing mold.

[0046] Example 4

[0047] The variable stiffness medium is a thermoplastic elastomer. During the shaping stage, the thermoplastic elastomer is first heated to soften it, then fitted onto the surface of the area to be repaired for shaping. It is then cooled to solidify and fix the shape of the working surface 11. The remaining structure and repair method can be found in Example 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0048] like Figures 4-6The conformal pressure-increasing mold 1 also includes an annular air-guiding zone 15. The thickness of the conformal pressure-increasing mold 1 in the area where the working surface 11 is located is equal to the thickness of the annular air-guiding zone 15, preferably 5-30mm. If the thickness is too small, such as less than 5mm, the overall rigidity and compression resistance of the mold will be insufficient; if the thickness is too large, such as greater than 30mm, the weight of the mold will increase, and the bending and fitting ability during shaping will decrease. The annular air-guiding zone 15 is arranged around the side wall of the flexible sealing bag 13, and an air-guiding cavity 151 is formed inside it, which is airtightly isolated from the internal cavity of the flexible sealing bag 13. The airtight isolation is achieved by an integrally formed sealing partition at the junction of the annular air-guiding zone 15 and the side wall of the flexible sealing bag 13. The annular air-guiding zone 15 can be bent and deformed together with the conformal pressure-increasing mold 1 during the shaping stage, closely fitting the healthy surface around the area to be bonded and cured, and providing a gas discharge path for the interior of the vacuum bag 2 during the pressure-increasing stage. By setting an annular air guide zone 15, it can be bent and deformed together with the mold during the shaping stage and fit tightly against the healthy surface around the area to be glued and cured, ensuring that the shaping accuracy is not affected; during the pressurization stage, the air guide cavity 151 provides a gas exhaust path for the inside of the vacuum bag 2, and the gas escaping from the patch area can enter the air guide cavity 151 and quickly flow into the vacuum pipeline.

[0049] The annular air-guiding zone 15 includes a first surface layer 152, a second surface layer 153, and a sealing sidewall 154 connecting the first surface layer 152 and the second surface layer 153. The air-guiding cavity 151 is formed by the sidewall of the flexible sealing bag body 13 and the integrally formed first surface layer 152, second surface layer 153, and sealing sidewall 154. That is, the sealing sidewall 154 is located on the radially outer side of the annular air-guiding zone 15; the radially inner side of the annular air-guiding zone 15 is naturally sealed by the outer wall of the flexible sealing bag body 13. Thus, the air-guiding cavity 151 is integrally formed by the outer wall of the flexible sealing bag body 13, the first surface layer 152, the second surface layer 153, and the sealing sidewall 154. The first surface layer 152 and the second surface layer 153 are respectively provided with multiple first ventilation openings 155 and second ventilation openings 156. The first ventilation openings 155, the air-guiding cavity 151, and the second ventilation openings 156 together form an air-guiding channel that runs through the annular air-guiding zone 15. By integrally forming the first surface layer 152, the second surface layer 153, the sealing sidewall 154, and the sidewall of the flexible sealing bag body 13 to form a gas-guiding cavity 151, the airtight isolation between the gas-guiding cavity 151 and the particle chamber is ensured, preventing vacuum leakage from the particle chamber. Gas guidance is achieved through a through-hole annular gas-guiding area 15 formed by the first venting opening 155, the second venting opening 156, and the gas-guiding cavity 151. While fulfilling its gas-guiding function, it is seamlessly integrated with the mold body, without adding independent components, resulting in a simple manufacturing process and high structural reliability.

[0050] The annular air guiding zone 15 is also equipped with multiple spaced support columns 157. The support columns 157 are integrally formed with the first surface layer 152 and the second surface layer 153. During the shaping stage, the support columns 157 can be bent and deformed together with the annular air guiding zone 15. During the pressurization stage, the support columns 157 support the first surface layer 152 and the second surface layer 153 to prevent the air guiding channel from being compressed and closed by atmospheric pressure. The support columns 157 are set to avoid the first vent opening 155 and the second vent opening 156. By setting the support columns 157, during the shaping stage, the discretely distributed support columns 157 can be freely bent and deformed together with the air guiding zone without hindering the mold from fitting the curved surface. During the pressurization stage, the support columns 157 support the first surface layer 152 and the second surface layer 153 in the thickness direction, effectively preventing the air guiding cavity 151 from being compressed and closed by atmospheric pressure, ensuring the smooth flow of the air guiding channel throughout the entire pressure range. The discrete layout of the support column 157 realizes the staged variable function of "flexible fit when taking shape and rigid support when pressurizing" of the air guide zone, which solves the technical contradiction that the air guide zone needs to both conform to the shape and resist pressure.

[0051] like Figure 7 As shown, it also includes a compensation layer 4. The thickness of the compensation layer 4 matches the total thickness of the composite material patch 3 and the adhesive layer. The compensation layer 4 is detachably covered on the working surface 11 during the shaping stage and is removed from the working surface 11 after shaping. By setting the compensation layer 4, during the shaping stage, the compensation layer 4 is detachably covered on the working surface 11, allowing the working surface 11 of the conformal pressing mold 1 to reserve the thickness space of the patch and adhesive layer during shaping. After shaping, the compensation layer 4 is removed from the working surface 11, and the working surface 11 of the mold is restored to a state that fully matches the actual repair conditions. This solves the problem of insufficient protrusion height caused by the conformal pressing mold 1 directly shaping on the surface of the bare skin 6, ensuring that the patch can be completely pressed into the bottom of the depression during the pressing stage, improving the bonding quality and repair effect of the adhesive interface.

[0052] The compensation layer 4 is composed of multiple flexible sub-compensation sheets stacked together. Its total thickness can be adjusted by selecting the number or specifications of the stacked sub-compensation sheets. By setting up the compensation layer 4 composed of multiple flexible sub-compensation sheets stacked together, the same mold can be used to match composite material patches 3 with different layup numbers and thicknesses by replacing or adding / removing sub-compensation sheets. This eliminates the need to prepare multiple compensation layers 4 of different specifications for patches of different thicknesses, improving the versatility and adaptability of the device. At the same time, the sub-compensation sheets can be reused in combination, reducing consumable costs.

[0053] The flexible sub-compensator is made of a high-temperature resistant flexible material, preferably at least one of polyimide film, high-temperature resistant polyester film, or high-temperature resistant silicone rubber sheet. The single-layer thickness of the flexible sub-compensator is 0.025-0.5 mm.

[0054] The conformal pressure-increasing mold 1 also includes at least four flexible positioning wings 16 integrally formed on its outer peripheral wall and extending outward. The upper surface of the end of each flexible positioning wing 16 has a groove 161. A tearable film is provided on the inner bottom wall of the groove 161. The tearable film is preferably a polyimide film or a polyester film, which is adhered to the inner bottom wall of the groove 161 by a low-adhesion, high-temperature resistant adhesive layer or by electrostatic adsorption, leaving no residue when peeled off. During the shaping stage, the middle portion of a first adhesive tape is embedded in the groove 161 and adhered to the tearable film. The tape used is ordinary masking tape or ordinary transparent tape. During the shaping stage, it only needs to withstand the weight of the compensation layer 4 and a slight tension. It does not need to withstand high temperature environment. The two ends of the first tape are respectively pasted on the side of the compensation layer 4 away from the working surface 11 to press the flexible positioning wing 16 tightly onto the compensation layer 4. During the pressurization stage, the tearable film is peeled off, and the middle part of the second tape is embedded in the groove 161 and pasted thereto. The two ends of the second tape are respectively pasted on the surface around the area to be glued and cured to press and fix the flexible positioning wing 16 tightly. By setting at least four flexible positioning wings 16, grooves 161, and a tearable film, during the shaping stage, the first tape is embedded in the groove 161 in the middle and adhered to the tearable film, with both ends adhered to the compensation layer 4, pressing the flexible positioning wings 16 tightly against the compensation layer 4 to achieve temporary fixation of the compensation layer 4. During the pressurization stage, the tearable film is removed, and the second tape is embedded in the groove 161 in the middle and directly adhered to the inner bottom wall of the groove 161, with both ends adhered to the peripheral surface of the area to be bonded and cured, pressing and fixing the flexible positioning wings 16 to achieve precise positioning of the mold. Through the functional reuse of the flexible positioning wings 16, the compensation layer 4 is fixed during shaping, and the conformal pressurization mold 1 is positioned during pressurization, reducing the number of dedicated fixing parts and simplifying the operation process. By setting the tearable film, the residual adhesive of the tape during the shaping stage is removed along with the tearable film, keeping the inner bottom wall of the groove 161 clean, ensuring the reliability of the second tape adhesion during the pressurization stage, and achieving clean and reusable flexible positioning wings 16.

[0055] Specifically, during the shaping stage, at least two of the flexible positioning wings 16 are pulled towards the center of the conformal pressing mold 1, pressing them against the edge of the compensation layer 4, and the flexible positioning wings 16 are temporarily fixed to the compensation layer 4 using the first adhesive tape. After shaping, the remaining flexible positioning wings 16 not used to fix the compensation layer 4 are flattened, and cross-shaped or dot-shaped positioning marks corresponding to the grooves 161 are drawn on the surface of the skin 6. Then, the first adhesive tape is released, and the compensation layer 4 is removed. During the pressing stage, the solidified conformal pressing mold 1 is placed back above the breathable felt 9, aligning the working surface 11 with the area to be bonded and cured. All flexible positioning wings 16 are flattened, and the grooves 161 at the ends of each flexible positioning wing 16 are aligned with the pre-drawn positioning marks on the surface of the skin 6.

[0056] In this embodiment, the second tape is preferably a high-temperature resistant polyimide tape or a high-temperature resistant polyester tape, and its adhesive system is an organosilicon pressure-sensitive adhesive. This type of tape can withstand the high-temperature environment in the composite material curing process, typically 120°C to 180°C, with short-term peak temperatures exceeding 200°C. It maintains its adhesive performance and structural integrity throughout the entire curing cycle, and can be completely removed after curing and cooling to room temperature. After removal, no adhesive residue is left on the surface around the area to be bonded and cured, requiring no additional cleaning process. In use, the middle section of the second tape is pressed into the groove 161 and adhered to the bottom wall of the groove 161. The two ends are respectively extended to both sides of the flexible positioning wings 16 and adhered to the healthy surface around the area to be bonded and cured. The tension of the tape presses and fixes the ends of the flexible positioning wings 16. This fixing method combines the adhesive force of the tape with the physical limiting effect of the groove 161, ensuring the stable and reliable position of the flexible positioning wings 16 throughout the entire process of pressurization and heat curing.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a flexible heating module 5. During the pressurization stage, the flexible heating module 5 is placed outside the vacuum bag 2 and directly facing the area of ​​the composite material patch 3. The flexible heating module 5 is fixed to the outer surface of the vacuum bag 2 by high-temperature resistant tape, or by a breathable cloth covering it for auxiliary fixation, and is used to provide the heat required for curing the composite material patch 3. By setting the flexible heating module 5 and placing it outside the vacuum bag 2, interference and occupation of the internal air guiding path of the vacuum bag 2 by the heating element are effectively avoided. At the same time, the installation, disassembly and maintenance of the heating module 5 do not require breaking the seal of the vacuum bag 2, making the operation more convenient. By setting it directly facing the area of ​​the composite material patch 3, it is ensured that the heat is concentratedly transferred to the patch, improving the heating efficiency.

[0058] Preferably, the flexible heating module 5 is a flexible electric heating blanket, including a heating element and an insulating layer covering the heating element; the heating element is a nickel-chromium alloy heating wire or an etched nickel-chromium alloy foil, and the insulating layer is made of high-temperature resistant silicone rubber, with a glass fiber reinforcement layer optionally embedded inside the insulating layer.

[0059] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the composite material patch 3 is smaller than the area of ​​the working surface 11 of the conformal pressurizing mold 1, so that the composite material patch 3 is completely covered by the working surface 11. Therefore, during the pressurization stage, the central area of ​​the conformal pressurizing mold 1 uniformly transfers the external environmental pressure to the entire area of ​​the composite material patch 3. The flexible heating module 5 is positioned directly opposite the area of ​​the composite material patch 3, and heat is transferred to the composite material patch 3 via the central area of ​​the conformal pressurizing mold 1. The composite material patch 3 is completely covered by the central area, resulting in a relatively uniform curing temperature across the entire patch area. The annular gas guiding area 15 surrounds the central area, and an internal gas guiding cavity 151 is formed therein to provide a gas exhaust path for the vacuum bag 2 and to provide boundary support for the central area.

[0060] Working principle: When the pressurizing device for bonding and curing the composite material is used, the surface of the area to be bonded and cured on the skin 6 is first treated. Then, according to the number of layers and the thickness of the adhesive layer of the composite material patch 3, a compensation layer 4 of corresponding thickness is selected. The compensation layer 4 is detachably covered on the working surface 11 of the conformal pressurizing mold 1. At least two flexible positioning wings 16 are pulled and pressed against the edge of the compensation layer 4 towards the center of the mold. The middle part of the first adhesive tape is embedded into the end groove 161 of the flexible positioning wing 16 and pasted onto the peelable film, and the two ends are pasted onto the compensation layer 4, so that the compensation layer 4 is in contact with the working surface 11. The molded surface 11 is tightly fitted; then the conformal pressure mold 1 with the compensation layer 4 is attached to the surface of the area to be bonded and cured, so that the conformal pressure mold 1 bends and deforms with the curved surface contour. Vacuum is drawn inside the flexible sealing bag 13 through the vacuum interface 14, triggering the variable stiffness medium to increase its stiffness to fix the shape, and obtaining the working surface 11 that is consistent with the surface contour of the area to be bonded and cured; after the shaping is completed, the remaining flexible positioning wings 16 not used to fix the compensation layer 4 are flattened, and positioning marks are drawn on the corresponding positions on the surface of the skin 6. Then the first tape is released and the compensation layer 4 is taken out. Then, adhesive film and composite material patch 3 are sequentially laid on the surface of the area to be bonded and cured. A porous isolation film 8 and a breathable felt 9 are sequentially covered on the outside of the patch. The solidified conformal pressure mold 1 is placed back on the breathable felt 9, so that the working surface 11 is aligned with the area to be bonded and cured. All flexible positioning wings 16 are flattened, and their end grooves 161 are aligned with the positioning marks pre-drawn on the surface of the skin 6. After peeling off the tearable film, the middle part of the second adhesive tape is embedded into the groove 161 and pasted, and the two ends are pasted to the surface of the skin 6 to accurately position and fix the mold. Then, the entire area is covered with a vacuum bag 2. The repaired area is sealed with the surface of the skin 6. The flexible heating module 5 is placed outside the vacuum bag 2, directly facing the patch area. The vacuum pump is used to evacuate the inside of the vacuum bag 2, so that the conformal pressure-increasing mold 1 acts as a pressure-increasing element to transfer the environmental pressure outside the vacuum bag 2 to the composite material patch 3. At the same time, the flexible heating module 5 is started to heat and cure according to the curing process. After curing is completed and cooled to room temperature, the vacuum is released, the vacuum bag 2 and all auxiliary materials are removed, the vacuum interface 14 is released to restore the fluidity of the variable stiffness medium, and the conformal pressure-increasing mold 1 is peeled off from the patch surface to complete the repair.

[0061] The embodiments disclosed herein are preferred embodiments, but are not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can readily grasp the spirit of the present invention based on the above embodiments and make different extensions and variations, but as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention, they are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressurization device for bonding and curing composite materials, characterized in that, include: The conformal pressure-increasing mold (1) has a working surface (11) and a pressure-bearing surface (12). The conformal pressure-increasing mold (1) includes a flexible sealing bag (13) and a variable stiffness medium filled within the flexible sealing bag (13); wherein, During the shaping stage, the conformal pressure mold (1) is attached to the surface of a region to be bonded and cured, and a working surface (11) consistent with the surface contour is obtained by deformation, and the stiffness of the variable stiffness medium is increased by triggering to fix the shape. During the pressurization stage, the conformal pressurization mold (1) is placed between a vacuum bag (2) and a composite material patch (3), with its working surface (11) facing the composite material patch (3) and its pressure-bearing surface (12) facing the vacuum bag (2), serving as a pressurization element to transmit the environmental pressure outside the vacuum bag (2) to the composite material patch (3).

2. The pressurization device for bonding and curing composite materials as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The variable stiffness medium consists of multiple rigid particles. The flexible sealing bag (13) is provided with a vacuum interface (14) for drawing a vacuum inside the flexible sealing bag (13) so that the multiple rigid particles squeeze and rub against each other to lock them in place.

3. The pressurization device for bonding and curing composite materials as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The vacuum interface (14) is located at the edge of the pressure-bearing surface (12) and is integrally formed with the flexible sealing bag body (13). The inner side of the vacuum interface (14) is provided with a filter element, and the pore size of the filter element is smaller than the particle size of the rigid particles.

4. The pressurization device for bonding and curing composite materials as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The conformal pressurizing mold (1) also includes an annular air guiding area (15), which is arranged around the side wall of the flexible sealing bag (13). Inside the annular air guiding area (15) is an air-tightly isolated air guiding cavity (151) from the internal cavity of the flexible sealing bag (13). The annular air guiding area (15) can be bent and deformed together with the conformal pressurizing mold (1) during the shaping stage, closely fitting the healthy surface around the area to be glued and cured, and providing a gas discharge path for the vacuum bag (2) during the pressurizing stage.

5. The pressurization device for bonding and curing composite materials as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The annular air guiding area (15) includes a first surface layer (152), a second surface layer (153), and a sealing sidewall (154) connecting the first surface layer (152) and the second surface layer (153). The air guiding cavity (151) is formed by the sidewall of the flexible sealing bag body (13) and the integrally formed first surface layer (152), second surface layer (153), and sealing sidewall (154). The first surface layer (152) and the second surface layer (153) are respectively provided with a plurality of first ventilation openings (155) and second ventilation openings (156). The first ventilation openings (155), the air guiding cavity (151), and the second ventilation openings (156) together form an air guiding channel that runs through the annular air guiding area (15).

6. The pressurization device for bonding and curing composite materials as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The annular air guiding zone (15) is also provided with a plurality of spaced support columns (157). The support columns (157) are integrally formed with the first surface layer (152) and the second surface layer (153). During the shaping stage, the support columns (157) can be bent and deformed together with the annular air guiding zone (15). During the pressurization stage, the support columns (157) support the first surface layer (152) and the second surface layer (153) to prevent the air guiding channel from being compressed and closed by atmospheric pressure. The support columns (157) are set away from the first vent opening (155) and the second vent opening (156).

7. The pressurization device for bonding and curing composite materials as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a compensation layer (4), the thickness of which matches the total thickness of the composite material patch (3) and the adhesive layer. The compensation layer (4) is detachably covered on the working surface (11) during the shaping stage and is removed from the working surface (11) after the shaping is completed.

8. The pressurization device for bonding and curing composite materials as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The compensation layer (4) is composed of multiple flexible sub-compensation sheets stacked together, and its total thickness is adjusted by selecting the number or specifications of the stacked sub-compensation sheets.

9. The pressurization device for bonding and curing composite materials as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The conformal pressure-increasing mold (1) also includes at least four flexible positioning wings (16) integrally formed on its outer peripheral wall and extending outward. The upper surface of the end of the flexible positioning wing (16) is provided with a groove (161), and the inner bottom wall of the groove (161) is provided with a tearable film. During the shaping stage, the middle part of a first tape is embedded in the groove (161) and pasted onto the tearable film. The two ends of the first tape are respectively pasted onto the side of the compensation layer (4) away from the working surface (11) to press the flexible positioning wing (16) onto the compensation layer (4). During the pressurization stage, the tearable film is peeled off, and the middle part of a second tape is embedded in the groove (161) and pasted thereto. The two ends of the second tape are respectively pasted to the surface around the area to be glued and cured, so as to press and fix the flexible positioning wing (16).

10. The pressurization device for bonding and curing composite materials as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a flexible heating module (5), which is placed outside the vacuum bag (2) and facing the area of ​​the composite material patch (3) during the pressurization stage, and is used to provide the heat required for curing the composite material patch (3).

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