Bladder Tooling for Non-Uniform Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressurized bladders are limited to applying uniform pressure to surfaces, failing to independently control pressure levels or forces on different portions of an object, which is necessary for complex shapes or applications requiring varied pressure distributions.
Innovation Solution
A pressurizable tooling device with a flexible wall and a permeable contact member allows for independent control of pressure levels by using a valve and positioning device to apply different forces to different portions of a surface, enabling non-uniform pressure distributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a pressurized bladder is used to apply pressure to a surface, then uniform pressure distribution is achieved, but the ability to apply different pressure levels to different portions of the surface is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is divided into multiple independent chambers that can be pressurized to different pressure levels. Each chamber can independently apply pressure to different portions of the surface, enabling non-uniform pressure distribution while maintaining the flexibility and conformability of the bladder system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bladder surface are equipped with different properties or configurations to apply locally optimized pressure. This may include varying wall thickness, stiffness, or chamber pressure levels in different areas to match the specific requirements of different portions of the workpiece surface.
2Device complexity
If a pressurized bladder is used to apply pressure, then simplicity of the pressure application mechanism is maintained, but the ability to independently control pressure on different portions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder system incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that allow pressure levels in different chambers to be adjusted and controlled independently during operation. This enables precise differential pressure control while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture based on the flexible bladder structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If uniform pressure is applied by the bladder, then the bladder structure remains simple, but the ability to accommodate complex shapes requiring varied pressure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder is segmented into multiple chambers that can be independently pressurized, allowing the system to adapt to complex shapes by applying different pressure levels to different regions. This segmentation enables the bladder to conform to and process complex geometries while maintaining a modular and manageable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber bladder design provides universal applicability to various complex shapes and processing requirements. The same bladder structure can be configured to apply different pressure distributions for different workpiece geometries, making the system versatile without requiring completely different designs for each application.
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
Enables precise control of pressure and force levels on various parts of a surface, improving processing quality, reducing rework, and expanding processing capabilities for complex shapes and composite materials.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing a bladder formed by a flexible wall... applying a first force to the first portion of the surface of the object, the first force being applied by pressurizing a bladder
Implementation Method 2
applying the second force comprises applying an external force to a permeable contact member disposed inside the bladder... pressurizing the bladder further comprises applying the first force to the second portion of the surface of the object, in addition to the second force
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
Provided are methods and apparatuses for processing objects by applying different forces and/or pressure levels to different portions of surfaces of these objects. An apparatus may include a flexible wall and a contact member. In some arrangements, the flexible wall forms a bladder such that the contact member is disposed inside the bladder. During operation, the flexible wall may be pressed against an object using a pressure differential across the wall (e.g., by pressurizing the bladder). This creates a first force acting on a first portion of the object surface. Furthermore, the contact member may be forced against the flexible wall and apply a second force to a second portion of the object surface through the wall. The second portion of the object surface may be a subset of the first portion or an entirely different portion.