Path laying method

Abstract

A path laying method for laying a continuous fibrous material on a surface of a component is disclosed, wherein the laying path is divided into a plurality of path sections, and each path section is oriented at a surface section through which the path section extends, subject to at least one technical prescription.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a path laying method for laying continuous fibrous material on the surface of a component. Background Technology

[0002] Known methods for manufacturing fiber composite components are based on AFP (Automated Fiber Placement) and winding techniques. In AFP, a continuous strip of fiber material is laid onto a tool via a laying machine and pressed against the tool surface by pressure rollers. In winding, the fiber material is laid or wound in web form around a rotating mandrel. AFP is particularly suitable for manufacturing large-area components with relatively simple surfaces. Winding is particularly suitable for manufacturing cylindrical hollow bodies, such as tubes or cans. A problem in both methods is the laying of fiber webs on complex surfaces, such as in components with multiple bends or varying cross-sections, because the complexity of the surface makes it impossible to maintain constant fiber angles, for example, in fully automated methods. In such components, known measures propose manually breaking the fiber webs and repositioning them in the changed locations, thereby, for example, maintaining constant fiber angles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a path laying method for laying continuous fiber material on the surface of a component, which can achieve fully automatic laying (laying without manual intervention) even on complex component surfaces.

[0004] The objective is achieved by means of a path laying method having the features of the present invention.

[0005] According to the present invention, a path laying method for laying continuous fibrous material on the surface of a component is proposed, wherein the laying path is decomposed into multiple path segments. Under the condition of complying with at least one preset technical condition (technical specification), each path segment is oriented at the surface segment through which the path segment extends.

[0006] This invention is an incremental, bend-controlled path laying method that corrects the layup path or fiber path to comply with technical conditions or specifications. For example, the method can achieve a constant fiber angle across the entire component. The path laying method can be applied to surfaces of a component that undergo multiple bends, regardless of the size and shape of the surface.

[0007] The proposed solution uses a logical approach to check whether the subsequent surface of the component has been reached and on which surface path generation must continue to produce a continuous laying path. With this solution, the surface of the component itself does not need to be discretized. There is no need to manually shred and reposition the fiber web to comply with technical specifications.

[0008] In other words, the paving path is simulated as previously divided into multiple path segments, wherein each path segment is positioned on a surface segment such that it complies with at least one technical condition.

[0009] The technical specifications of the example are the start point of the fiber web, the end point of the fiber web, a constant fiber angle, a variable fiber angle, and the spacing between overlapping and / or laid-out fiber webs.

[0010] Path segments can have the same length or a length adapted to the orientation of the corresponding surface segments. For example, it is conceivable to iteratively adjust the length of the path segments until the curvature of the surface segments changes. This can reduce computational costs.

[0011] This allows for an incremental process, ensuring that the orientation of each path segment begins sequentially at the end of the next preceding path segment. This guarantees that the entire laying path does not skip or misalign between adjacent path segments.

[0012] Preferably, a direction vector for subsequent path segments is placed at the end of a path segment. This direction vector represents the length and direction of the subsequent path segment, without considering the contour of the surface segments through which the subsequent path segment should extend, and the direction vector is projected onto the surface segments. This ensures that the contour of the surface segments is accurately detected and thus taken into account.

[0013] After each projection, check whether at least one technical condition is met. If not met (considering tolerances), begin a correction method in which at least one correction factor is determined, by means of which the path segment through the surface segment is corrected to meet at least one technical condition.

[0014] To enable manual data input, and thus, for example, path repositioning, the surface of the component can be partially parameterized. Within the scope of this parameterization, guide points are defined on the surface, and the laying path is oriented at these guide points. By moving the guide points, the path can be moved or repositioned.

[0015] Particularly advantageous is the ability to modify at least one technical condition after generating the path segment and before generating subsequent path segments. This can be done, for example, via an automatically generated query after the path segment is laid, and the query can be responded to manually, i.e., by maintaining or partially adjusting at least one technical condition. Thus, the component can be reinforced or otherwise modified in local areas by altering the fiber orientation.

[0016] The preferred method for laying the fiber path is a winding method. Combining the winding technique with the method of decomposing the path into multiple path segments according to the present invention enables fully automated laying of the fiber web on components with complex geometries. An example of a complex geometry is a surface with multiple bends.

[0017] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of this article. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective top view of an exemplary component to be wound is shown, on which conventional laying paths and laying paths according to the present invention are indicated.

[0020] Figure 2a Show Figure 1 Detailed images and

[0021] Figure 2b Enlarged component sections are shown to illustrate the path laying method according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] exist Figure 1 The visualization compares two layup paths 1 and 2 of the fiber web on an exemplary component 4 having a complex component surface 6. In both cases, the fiber web material to be laid is the same. The fiber web materials to be laid are continuous materials and are wound around the component, thereby being laid on the surface 6 of the component. Examples include resin-preimpregnated fiber composite webs or dried fiber composite webs used in methods according to AFP technology. The difference between the layup paths is that, under the same technical specifications or conditions, layup path 1 represents a conventional fiber web orientation, while layup path 2 shows a fiber web orientation according to the path laying method of the present invention.

[0023] In traditional path laying methods, technical specifications are determined, such as the start and end points on the component surface 6 and a laying angle of, for example, 45°. The laying head of the laying machine then immediately begins automatic laying of the fiber web at the start point with a fiber angle of 45°. However, due to the complexity of the component surface 6, the fiber angle cannot be maintained consistently during winding; instead, the preset fiber angle changes automatically over time, resulting in the laid fiber webs separating from each other or extending undesirably at an angle to each other, thus creating gaps between the fiber webs. The defined end point cannot be reached.

[0024] In the path laying method according to the invention, technical specifications or conditions, such as the start and end points on the surface of the component and, for example, a fiber angle of 45°, are now also determined.

[0025] As in Figure 2a As illustrated in the detailed diagram, in the path laying method according to the invention, during the preparation stage of operating the laying head of the laying machine, the laying path 2 is divided into multiple path segments 2a and 2b, and then the path segments are combined together to obtain the laying path 2. The path segments 2a and 2b are laid on the surface segments 6a, 6b, and 6c of the component surface 6, respectively, such that each path segment itself can comply with all technical conditions, especially the 45° fiber angle throughout the winding process. The positioning of the subsequent path segment 2b is determined according to each defined path segment 2a, wherein the end point of the previous path segment 2a is the starting point of the subsequent path segment 2b. After defining the final path segment, the direction of the laying path 2 is determined, and the laying machine can begin laying the fiber web. Because the multiple path segments 2a and 2b comply with the technical specifications throughout the laying path 2, that is, each fiber web is oriented at a preset 45° fiber angle, the fiber webs extend parallel to each other and reach a preset end point.

[0026] Reference Figure 2b The path laying method according to the present invention is explained by means of additional laying paths 1 and 2 on component 4.

[0027] The solid line simulates the fiber width direction of the traditional laying path 1.

[0028] The horizontal dashed lines simulate the fiber width orientation of the laying path 2 according to the path laying method of the present invention. The fiber width orientation represents a correction to the conventional laying path 1, ensuring adherence to technical conditions such as constant fiber angles. Each pair of horizontal dashed lines defines path segments 2a and 2b of the entire laying path 2. Therefore, the direction vector V of the subsequent path segment 2b is laid at the end of the previous path segment 2a. r and length. Then, the direction vector V rThe projection is onto its corresponding surface segment 6b. Then, it is determined whether technical conditions, such as a constant fiber angle, are met. If a deviation is found, it is checked whether the deviation is within the defined tolerance range. If the deviation is within the tolerance range, the path segment 2b is also defined, and its endpoint forms the starting point of the subsequent path segment 2c. If the deviation is outside the tolerance range, a correction method is performed, in which at least one correction factor is created to conditionally determine the path segment 2b. The correction factor may, for example, be a correction vector V. k The correction vector causes the direction vector V r Lateral movement. Once the entire path is determined based on the technical specifications and component surface 6, the laying data is transmitted to the laying machine. Then, the laying machine begins fully automated laying of the fiber width throughout the winding or covering process, while adhering to the technical specifications.

[0029] To change, for example, the local fiber angle, which means intentionally changing the preset fiber angle, the user (e.g., in response to an automated query) can manually input it before the path laying method determines the subsequent path segment 2b.

[0030] The path laying method according to the present invention is divided into two parts. In the first step, the optimal laying path 2 is determined by decomposing it into multiple path segments 2a, 2b. If, for example, the technical specifications of a local surface segment 6a, 6b of the component 4 need to be changed, the path direction can be manually intervened. Once the entire laying path 2 is determined, in the second step, the laying path 2 is transmitted to a laying machine, which then automatically or can lay the fiber web on the component surface 6 according to the predetermined laying path 2. The laying head of the laying machine moves across the component 4 corresponding to the laying path 2, thereby laying the fiber web on the component surface 6 corresponding to the laying path 2. No manual intervention is required during the laying of the fiber web because the laying path 2 has been defined in the preparation stage under conditions that comply with the technical specifications.

[0031] By introducing basic lamination information (technical conditions) regarding the layup starting point and local fiber angle targets, a continuous layup path 2 is generated on the reference component surface 6, wherein the layup path 2 can be manipulated in different ways and methods. An example is a pre-defined guide point on the component surface 6, through which the fiber web must move, or a manual input before generating subsequent path segments 2b. The path laying method according to the invention for generating continuous fiber paths uses a logical method to check: whether the next surface segment 6b of the component 4 has been reached, and on which subsequent surface 6b fiber web generation must continue to generate continuous fiber webs. A discretization scheme is used for fiber web generation to generate a specific direction vector V on the surface segments 6a, 6b. r Small path segments 2a and 2b (fiber orientation) are generated; surface normal vectors are read; and path segments 2a and 2b are projected onto corresponding surface segments 6a and 6b relative to the surface normals of the corresponding path segments 2a and 2b. In the path laying method according to the invention, the component surface 6 itself is not discretized. Then, the path laying method generates a new local direction vector V at the end point (end node) of the previously projected path segment 2a. r The line, whose local direction vector exists at the endpoint node, is projected relative to the new local surface normal at the endpoint node. These steps are now repeated until the termination criterion is met.

[0032] A method for laying a continuous fiber material on the surface of a component is disclosed, wherein the laying path is divided into multiple path segments, and each path segment is oriented at the surface segment through which the path segment extends, subject to at least one technical specification.

[0033] List of reference numerals

[0034] 1. Traditional laying path

[0035] 2. Laying path according to the present invention

[0036] 2a, b, path segments

[0037] 4 components

[0038] 6 Component Surfaces / Surfaces

[0039] Surface sections 6a and 6b

[0040] V r Direction vector

[0041] V k Correction vector

Claims

1. A method for laying a continuous fibrous material on a surface (6) of a component (4), wherein the laying path (2) is decomposed into a plurality of path segments (2a, 2b), and each path segment (2a, 2b) is oriented at a surface segment (6a, 6b) through which the path segment (2a, 2b) extends, subject to at least one preset technical condition.

2. The path laying method according to claim 1, wherein the technical conditions are a starting point, an ending point, a constant fiber angle, a variable fiber angle, material overlap, and / or the spacing between the laid fiber widths.

3. The path laying method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the path segments (2a, 2b) have the same length or a length adapted to the orientation of the corresponding surface segments (6a, 6b).

4. The path laying method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the orientation of the path segments (2a, 2b) is carried out sequentially starting at the end point of each immediately preceding path segment (2a, 2b).

5. The path laying method according to claim 4, wherein the direction vector (V) of the subsequent path segment (2b) is set at the end of a path segment (2a). r The direction vector represents the length and direction of the subsequent path segment (2b) without considering the contour of the surface segment (6b) through which the subsequent path segment (2b) should extend, and then the direction vector is projected onto the surface segment (6b).

6. The path laying method according to claim 5, wherein, without complying with the technical conditions, at least one correction factor (V) is determined after the projection. k The path segments (2a, 2b) are corrected through the surface segments (6a, 6b) by means of the correction factor to ensure compliance with at least one of the technical conditions.

7. The path laying method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a guide point is defined on the surface (6) of the component, and the laying path (2) is oriented at the guide point.

8. The path laying method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one technical condition can be changed after the path segment (2a) is generated and before the subsequent path segment (2b) is generated.

9. The path laying method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber material is wound around the member (4).

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