Bond Assembly Jig with Floating Block for Autoclave Curing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bond assembly jigs used in composite structure formation often experience pin binding due to lateral forces from autoclave pressure, making disassembly difficult and resulting in excessive porosity or voids in the composite structure.
Innovation Solution
A bond assembly jig design featuring a support plate, an anchor member with a block member that can move vertically, and a shroud that extends to cover the anchor member, allowing the block member to float and reducing the risk of deformation or binding during autoclave curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid one-piece block member is used to hold the spar and skin components, then the structural support is improved, but the pins holding the block member bind due to lateral forces from autoclave pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The block member is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the block member to accommodate lateral forces from autoclave pressure without binding the pins, while still providing the necessary structural support. The segmented design enables differential movement of each segment to absorb thermal and pressure-induced deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The block member transitions from a rigid, static structure to a dynamic structure where segments can move relative to one another. This dynamic capability allows the block member to adapt to changing conditions during autoclave curing, accommodating thermal expansion and pressure-induced deformations without causing pin binding.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid one-piece block member is used to hold the spar and skin components, then the positional stability is improved, but excessive porosity or voids remain in the composite structure
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented block member design allows each segment to independently adjust its position, maintaining optimal contact with the composite components throughout the curing process. This prevents gaps and voids that would occur with a rigid block member that cannot accommodate deformation, thereby reducing porosity while maintaining positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The block member segments can change their relative positions and orientations in response to thermal and pressure parameter changes during autoclave curing. This adaptability ensures continuous conformal contact with the expanding composite materials, preventing void formation and reducing porosity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the block member is fixed rigidly to the anchor member, then the assembly stability is improved, but the block member cannot float to accommodate deformation during curing
Solution Approach 1:
The block member is segmented into multiple movable sections that are connected by joints allowing relative motion. This segmentation provides floating capability to accommodate deformation during curing, while the overall assembly remains stable through the coordinated movement of segments and their connection to the anchor member.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the block member and anchor member is designed to be dynamically adaptable, allowing the block member to float or adjust its position in response to deformation during curing. This dynamic connection maintains assembly stability while providing the necessary adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for forming a composite structure. The apparatus comprises a bond assembly jig having a support plate, an anchor member attached to the support plate, and a block member connected to the anchor member such that the block member is permitted to move in a vertical direction. The bond assembly jig can be arranged within an autoclave and may further comprise a shroud that is arranged to shield the anchor member and the block member from the pressures exerted within the autoclave. The method is accomplished by assembling the anchor member and block member on the support plate, arranging the composite materials, placing a caul component over the composite materials and a shroud over the anchor member and block member, and applying heat and pressure to the bond assembly jig to cure the composite materials.