Airbag assembly and mold assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-stringer stiffened panel member

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention are an airbag assembly and a mold assembly suitable for manufacturing a hat-stringer stiffened panel member. The airbag assembly comprises: an airbag body, the airbag body being hat-shaped and being provided with a hollow portion running through in the longitudinal direction of the airbag body, the cross-sectional shape of the airbag body being substantially trapezoidal and remaining substantially unchanged along the longitudinal axis of the airbag body, and one end of the airbag body in the longitudinal direction thereof forming a plug-sealed end; and an end plug, the end plug being provided with a plug body portion and an insertion fitting portion extending from one side surface of the plug body portion, and the end plug being configured to be inserted into the plug-sealed end and to be mated with the airbag body such that the plug-sealed end is sealed. The outer surface of the insertion fitting portion of the end plug and the inner surface of the airbag body are fitted together, and the plug body portion covers the entire cross section of the plug-sealed end. The present invention can assist in or help the efficient production and manufacturing process of hat-stringer stiffened panel members having interrupted hat stringers.

Description

Airbag assemblies and mold assemblies suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the manufacturing technology of composite material components, and more particularly to an airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components and a mold assembly suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components by co-curing process. Background Technology

[0002] Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are increasingly being used in the manufacture of structural components for the aerospace industry due to their superior performance and the continuous development of related technologies. Because of their good stability and high axial load transfer efficiency, cap-shaped (or Ω-shaped) stiffened panels, as the most typical stiffened panel structure, are widely used in the aerospace field. The fuselage sections of large passenger aircraft almost universally employ cap-shaped stiffened panel structures. For a more intuitive understanding, Figures 1A-1B schematically show a typical manufactured cap-shaped stiffened panel structure 100, which includes a panel body 110 (skin) with curved surfaces and a series of manufactured cap-shaped stringers 120 arranged on the panel body 110.

[0003] The manufacture of composite cap-shaped stiffened panels commonly employs autoclave technology. For cap-shaped stiffened panels manufactured using a co-curing process (also known as co-curing molding), the uncured stringers and skin form a closed space, requiring a mandrel to fill and support the pressure during skin placement. After the uncured stringers and skin are combined, a closed space is formed; during the curing process, a mandrel is needed to pressurize the cavity within the cap-shaped stringer. One manufacturing scheme involves placing the mandrel inside the cap-shaped stringer cavity, supporting the skin placement at room temperature using the mandrel itself, and ensuring pressure transmission within the autoclave at high temperatures to pressurize the cavity of the cap-shaped stringer.

[0004] Currently, the co-curing mandrel solution for "continuous" cap-shaped stringers, i.e., cap-shaped stringer stiffened panels that extend continuously on the skin, utilizes a co-curing manufacturing method implemented with open mandrels at both ends and related rigid molds. However, for cases where, for example, as schematically shown in Figure 1A, the cap-shaped stringer is partially interrupted inside the skin, or for cap-shaped stringer stiffened panels with this characteristic (which can be called "interrupted" one-end closed co-curing mandrels), there is still a lack of an easy-to-implement and highly efficient co-curing manufacturing method.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a new airbag assembly and mold assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components, in order to overcome the above-mentioned defects or deficiencies of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology in the lack of convenient and efficient processing and manufacturing solutions for hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panels where some hat-shaped stringers are interrupted inside the skin. The disclosure proposes a new airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components and a mold assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components through a co-curing process.

[0007] The present disclosure addresses the aforementioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0008] This disclosure provides an airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components, wherein the airbag assembly includes:

[0009] The airbag body is cap-shaped and has a hollow portion that extends through its longitudinal direction. The cross-sectional shape of the airbag body is basically trapezoidal and remains basically unchanged along its longitudinal axis. One end of the airbag body along its longitudinal direction forms a plug-closed end.

[0010] An end plug having a sealing body portion and an insertion engagement portion extending from one side surface of the sealing body, the end plug being configured to be inserted into the plug closure end and engage with the airbag body to seal the plug closure end.

[0011] Wherein, the outer surface of the insertion joint of the end plug and the inner surface of the airbag body are attached together, and the sealing body covers the entire cross-section of the closed end of the plug.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the airbag body and the end plug are made of the same rubber material.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the insertion joint is a hollow cap-shaped segment.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the outer surface of the insertion joint has a corrugated surface portion or a serrated surface portion.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the thickness of the insertion joint does not exceed twice the thickness of the airbag body.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the end plug is integrated with the airbag body by a vulcanization process of rubber material or by a high-temperature adhesive.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the outer peripheral surface of the sealing body is substantially flush with the transverse outer peripheral surface of the airbag body.

[0018] This disclosure also provides a mold assembly suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer stiffened panel components by a co-curing process, wherein the mold assembly includes a cap-shaped stiffened panel mold and an airbag assembly as described in any of the preceding aspects, the cap-shaped stiffened panel mold having a cap-shaped stringer cavity and a cut-off end face extending beyond one end of a predetermined length along the extension direction of the cap-shaped stringer cavity, the cut-off end face being adapted to engage and position the plug-sealed end sealed by the end plug.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the cut-off end face extends laterally perpendicular to the extension direction of the hat-shaped stringer cavity, and its shape is consistent with the sealing body portion.

[0020] Based on common knowledge in the field, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be combined arbitrarily to obtain various preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] The positive and progressive effects of this disclosure are as follows:

[0022] The airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer stiffened panel components and the mold assembly suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer stiffened panel components by co-curing process according to the present disclosure can assist or help to realize a highly efficient manufacturing process for cap-shaped stringer stiffened panel components with interrupted cap-shaped stringers. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1A schematically shows a perspective view of a portion of the manufactured cap-shaped stringer reinforced panel structure of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1B schematically shows a view of the manufactured hat-shaped stringer reinforced panel structure as seen along the length of the hat-shaped stringer.

[0025] Figure 2 schematically shows from the outside a portion of an airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing a cap-shaped stringer stiffened panel member according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the airbag assembly near the end cap shown in Figure 2.

[0027] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a portion of a mold assembly suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer stiffened panel members by a co-curing process, according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a portion of a mold assembly suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer stiffened panel members by a co-curing process, according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure reference numerals: 100: Hat-shaped stringer reinforced wall panel structure; 110: Main body of the wall panel; 120: Fabricated hat-shaped stringer; 1: End plug; 11: Sealing body; 12: Insertion joint; 121: Corrugated surface; 2: Airbag assembly; 21: Hollow part; 22: Open end; 3: Hat-shaped stringer mold part; 31: Hat-shaped stringer cavity; 4: Cut-off end face; 41: Stringer end receiving part; 5: Bearing surface. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is exemplary and not intended to limit the present invention. Any other similar situations also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0031] In the following detailed description, directional terms such as "left," "right," "up," "down," "front," and "back" are used with reference to the directions described in the accompanying drawings. Components of embodiments of the invention may be positioned in a variety of different orientations; the directional terms are for illustrative purposes and not limiting.

[0032] Referring to Figures 2-3, an airbag assembly 2, suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer stiffened panel components according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprises two parts: an airbag body and an end plug 1. This provides a one-end closed co-curing mandrel that can be used flexibly and efficiently in the production of cap-shaped stringer stiffened panel components. It ensures pressure transmission and prevents air from entering the stiffened panel during the production of cap-shaped stringer stiffened panel components (e.g., the components shown in Figures 1A-1B). The specific or preferred structural design of the airbag assembly 2 of this embodiment is described in detail below.

[0033] Referring again to Figures 2-3, in the airbag assembly 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the airbag body is cap-shaped and has a hollow portion 21 extending through its longitudinal direction. The cross-sectional shape of the airbag body is substantially trapezoidal and remains substantially unchanged along its longitudinal axis. One end of the airbag body along its longitudinal direction forms a plug-closed end. The end plug 1 has a sealing body portion 11 and an insertion engagement portion 12 extending from one side surface of the sealing body. The end plug 1 is configured to be inserted into the plug-closed end and combined with the airbag body to seal the plug-closed end. The outer surface of the insertion engagement portion 12 of the end plug 1 is fitted together with the inner surface of the airbag body, and the sealing body portion 11 covers the entire cross-section of the plug-closed end.

[0034] Therefore, the airbag assembly of this embodiment will provide a one-end closed co-curing mandrel suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer stiffened panel components with interrupted cap-shaped stringers. This mandrel ensures pressure transmission during the autoclave process and prevents air from entering the stiffened panel. The sealing treatment at the airbag's end allows it to withstand a curing pressure of 7 bar (atmospheric pressure) without damage. Furthermore, the end plug 1 can be designed to precisely fit the concave end of the fuselage panel co-curing mold, which will be explained further below.

[0035] According to some preferred embodiments of this disclosure, the airbag body and the end plug 1 are made of the same rubber material, while the insertion joint 12 is a hollow cap-shaped segment as shown in FIG. 3. This suitable non-solid structure of the insertion joint 12 of the end plug 1 helps to reduce the interference of thermal expansion on the surface of the manufactured composite part. More preferably, referring to FIG. 3, the thickness of the insertion joint 12 does not exceed twice the thickness of the airbag body.

[0036] According to some preferred embodiments of this disclosure, the outer surface of the insertion joint 12 has a corrugated surface portion 121 or a serrated surface portion, so as to promote a tight fit between the airbag body and the end plug 1 by means of such surface construction, prevent them from separating and provide a more reliable seal, especially in environments with repeated use and high temperature and pressure.

[0037] According to some further preferred embodiments of this disclosure, the end plug 1 is bonded to the airbag body by a vulcanization process of the rubber material or by a high-temperature adhesive. This further reduces or avoids the potential risk of debonding under high pressure.

[0038] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the outer peripheral surface of the sealing body 11 and the transverse outer peripheral surface of the airbag body are substantially flush. This helps to ensure that the overall outer contour of the end plug 1 and the rubber airbag body after being joined or combined can precisely match each other with the inner cavity of the cap-shaped stringer (the inner surface of the stringer of the composite material wall panel part).

[0039] Referring to Figures 4-5 and in conjunction with Figures 1-3, some preferred embodiments of this disclosure provide a mold assembly suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer reinforced panel components via a co-curing process. The mold assembly includes a cap-shaped reinforced panel mold (rigid mold) and an airbag assembly 2 as described in any of the preferred embodiments above. The cap-shaped reinforced panel mold may include a plurality of cap-shaped stringer mold portions 3 configured according to the cap-shaped stringer reinforced panel component to be manufactured. Each cap-shaped stringer mold portion 3 has a cap-shaped stringer cavity 31 and a stop end face 4 extending a predetermined length beyond one end along the extending direction of the cap-shaped stringer cavity 31. The stop end face 4 is adapted to engage and position a plug-sealed end sealed by an end plug 1. It is understood that the cap-shaped stringer cavity 31 refers to the spatial location within the mold where the cap-shaped stringer is formed.

[0040] Referring again to Figures 4-5, the cut-off end face 4 extends a predetermined length beyond the end of the hat-shaped stringer cavity 31, forming a stringer end receiving portion 41 in the hat-shaped stiffened wall panel mold. A generally flat bearing surface 5 on the mold is formed on the cut-off end face 4 away from the stringer end receiving portion 41. This bearing surface 5 can be used to place or set other devices, molds or components required in the manufacturing of the hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel component.

[0041] According to some preferred embodiments of this disclosure, the cut-off end face 4 extends laterally perpendicular to the extension direction of the hat-shaped stringer cavity 31, and its shape is consistent with the sealing body 11.

[0042] For manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components with interrupted hat-shaped stringers, it is very advantageous to use the mold assembly of the above preferred embodiments, which includes the airbag assembly 2, as shown in Figures 2-5. The method of use is roughly as follows.

[0043] First, the end plug 1 is inserted into the closed end of the plug and combined with the airbag body to form a complete rubber airbag. This rubber airbag is closed at one end and open at the other, i.e., it has a closed end and an open end 22. The hat-shaped stringer is placed in the hat-shaped stringer cavity 31 of the hat-shaped stringer mold part 3, and the stringer end receiving part 41 receives the extension of the rubber core mold (rubber airbag). Then, the rubber airbag with one closed end and one open end is placed in the hat-shaped stringer cavity 31, wherein the closed end where the end plug 1 is located is accurately matched with the cut-off end face 4, and the open end 22 is opposite to it.

[0044] Then, after the rubber airbags are in place, the subsequent processes in the manufacturing of the hat-shaped stringer reinforced wall panel components, such as skin laying, are carried out.

[0045] The airbag assembly 2 and the mold assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components according to the various alternative embodiments of the present invention described above can assist or help to realize a highly efficient production process of hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components with interrupted hat-shaped stringers.

[0046] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components, wherein, The airbag assembly includes: The airbag body is cap-shaped and has a hollow portion that extends through its longitudinal direction. The cross-sectional shape of the airbag body is basically trapezoidal and remains basically unchanged along its longitudinal axis. One end of the airbag body along its longitudinal direction forms a plug-closed end. An end plug having a sealing body portion and an insertion engagement portion extending from one side surface of the sealing body, the end plug being configured to be inserted into the plug closure end and engage with the airbag body to seal the plug closure end. Wherein, the outer surface of the insertion joint of the end plug and the inner surface of the airbag body are attached together, and the sealing body covers the entire cross-section of the closed end of the plug.

2. The airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components as described in claim 1, wherein, The airbag body and the end plug are made of the same rubber material.

3. The airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components as described in claim 2, wherein, The insertion joint is a hollow, cap-shaped section.

4. The airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components as described in claim 3, wherein, The outer surface of the insertion joint has a corrugated surface portion or a sawtooth surface portion.

5. The airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components as described in claim 3, wherein, The thickness of the insertion joint does not exceed twice the thickness of the airbag body.

6. The airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components as described in claim 2, wherein, The end plug is integrated with the airbag body through a vulcanization process of rubber material or by a high-temperature adhesive.

7. The airbag assembly suitable for manufacturing hat-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components as described in claim 1, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the sealing body is substantially flush with the transverse outer peripheral surface of the airbag body.

8. A mold assembly suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components via a co-curing process, wherein, The mold assembly includes a hat-shaped reinforced wall panel mold and an airbag assembly as described in any one of claims 1-7. The hat-shaped reinforced wall panel mold has a hat-shaped stringer cavity and a cut-off end face extending beyond one end of the hat-shaped stringer cavity along its extension direction. The cut-off end face is adapted to fit and position the plug-sealed end sealed by the end plug.

9. The mold assembly as described in claim 8, suitable for manufacturing cap-shaped stringer stiffened wall panel components via a co-curing process, wherein, The cut-off end face extends laterally perpendicular to the extension direction of the hat-shaped stringer cavity, and its shape is consistent with the sealing body.

Images