Composite Backing Layer Peel Starter for Controlled Corner Lifting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The removal of backing layers from composite materials is time-consuming and can cause undesirable effects on the composite material.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus, such as a composite backing layer peel starter, that applies an impact force to a corner of the backing layer with a polymeric material contact surface to create a lifting force, allowing for efficient removal of the backing layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual removal methods are used, then the backing layer can be removed, but the process takes an undesirable amount of time and causes undesirable effects on the composite material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacking layer removal speedVSAvoiddisturbance to composite material
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The polymeric material contact surface is applied to the backing layer corner before removal begins, creating initial adhesion that enables controlled peeling. This preliminary bonding action prepares the system for efficient removal by establishing a grip point on the backing layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The polymeric material contact surface acts as an intermediary between the striker and the backing layer. It transfers the impact force effectively while adhering to the backing layer, enabling controlled removal without directly contacting and potentially damaging the composite material with rigid tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If force is applied to remove the backing layer, then removal efficiency improves, but disturbance to the composite material increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacking layer removal efficiencyVSAvoidintegrity of composite material
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The polymeric material contact surface is flexible and conformable, allowing it to adapt to the backing layer surface geometry. This flexibility enables effective force application for removal while the compliant nature of the polymeric material prevents concentration of stress that could damage the composite material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The polymeric material contact surface changes the physical parameters of the removal interface by providing adhesion through its material properties. This adhesion characteristic allows controlled peeling forces to be applied efficiently while maintaining integrity of the composite material through the gentle, distributed stress field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables faster and more controlled removal of the backing layer, minimizing disturbance to the composite material and facilitating automated backing removal.

Implementation Method 1

the striker comprising a polymeric material contact surface configured to adhere to a backing layer of a composite material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

An impact force is applied to a corner of the backing layer with a polymeric material contact surface of a striker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP4541564A1Composite backing layer peel starter
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 THE BOEING CO
  • EP4541564A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4541564A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4541564A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A composite backing layer peel starter and methods of use are presented. A method of beginning removal of a backing layer from a composite material is presented. An impact force is applied to a corner of the backing layer with a polymeric material contact surface of a striker to adhere the polymeric material to the backing layer. The striker is pulled away from the backing layer to apply a lifting force to the backing layer.