CMC Tool with Same-Side Injection and Drainage Ports

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for densifying ceramic matrix composite (CMC) parts fail to achieve effective densification when one side of the fibrous preform is inaccessible, particularly for large parts covered by acoustic insulation layers.

Innovation Solution

A tool with injection and drainage ports located on the same side of the injection chamber, accompanied by a filtration element, allows for slurry injection and drainage through the same side, enabling densification even when one side is inaccessible, and improving homogeneity through distributed ports and filtration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If injection and drainage ports are located on opposite sides of the injection chamber, then densification can be achieved for accessible preforms, but densification becomes impossible when one side of the fibrous preform is inaccessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to inaccessible preform sidesVSAvoiddensification effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the spatial arrangement from opposite sides (one-dimensional opposition) to the same side (zero-dimensional convergence), allowing slurry injection and drainage to occur through the same side of the preform. This dimensional change enables access to previously inaccessible preform configurations while maintaining effective densification through the filtration element mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If injection and drainage ports are located on the same side of the injection chamber, then densification is possible for inaccessible preform sides, but homogeneous distribution of ceramic particles becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to inaccessible preform sidesVSAvoidhomogeneity of ceramic particle distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the single injection/drainage side into multiple distributed ports along that side. This segmentation allows the slurry to be injected and drained at multiple locations, creating a more uniform flow pattern and homogeneous distribution of ceramic particles throughout the preform, while still maintaining access from only one side

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple injection and drainage ports are distributed along one side, then homogeneous densification is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehomogeneity of densificationVSAvoidnumber of ports and filtration elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The injection chamber design integrates multiple functions into a single structure: it serves as both the injection chamber and the drainage chamber, and the same side of the chamber performs both injection and drainage functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated chambers and ports, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the distribution of multiple ports

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effective densification of large fibrous preforms by ensuring uniform distribution and retention of ceramic particles, overcoming the challenge of inaccessible sides and improving the manufacturing process for CMC parts.

Implementation Method 1

The fibrous preform is arranged on a filter, said filter being located between the discharge port and the second side of the preform in order to retain the ceramic particles of the slurry inside the fibrous preform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The preform is then impregnated with a slurry filled with particles of ceramic material, such as carbide or oxide, by a process known as resin transfer molding (RTM)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS12172339B2Tool and method for manufacturing a composite-material part by means of a liquid process

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 SAFRAN CERAMICS SA

AI summary

A tool for manufacturing a ceramic matrix composite part by injecting a slurry, the tool includes an injection chamber intended to receive at least one fibrous preform to be densified, wherein the injection chamber includes first injection ports which are formed in a first side of the injection chamber for injecting the slurry into the injection chamber, the first injection ports being distributed along the first side of the injection chamber; the injection chamber includes first drainage ports which are formed on the first side of the injection chamber for draining a liquid phase of the slurry from the injection chamber, the first drainage ports being distributed along the first side of the injection chamber; and the tool includes a first filtration element which is located on the first side of the injection chamber and which is located opposite the first drainage ports.