Collapsible Modular Mandrel for Easy FRP Hollow Bar Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of FRP structures from molds or towers is difficult due to the non-uniformity of the material, which makes it difficult to remove the tower cells from the mandrel or mold after curing, especially for prismatic and non-prismatic structures.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight modular hybrid electro-mechanical collapsible and expandable mandrel that allows for the formation of both uniform and non-uniform cross-sections of FRP hollow bars or segments, featuring a plurality of outer segments and hub assemblies with central hubs and support members, powered by motors or actuators to facilitate easy removal post-curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed mandrel is used to form FRP structures, then the structural integrity and precision of the mandrel are maintained, but the removal of cured FRP tower cells from the mandrel becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel employs a dynamic collapsible structure with telescoping segments that can change their configuration from an expanded forming state to a collapsed removal state. The segments are connected through joints that allow relative movement, enabling the mandrel to adapt its geometry dynamically. This dynamic capability allows the cured FRP structure to be easily removed after forming, while maintaining structural integrity during the forming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment can be collapsed individually or in combination with others, creating a segmented approach to the removal problem. This segmentation allows the mandrel to maintain stability during forming while enabling easy removal through coordinated collapse of the segments.
2Ease of operation
If a collapsible mandrel structure is implemented, then the ease of removal of FRP structures is improved, but the complexity of the mandrel mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel segments are designed with a nested configuration where smaller segments fit within larger segments during the collapsed state. This nesting approach allows the complex collapsible mechanism to be compact when not in use and simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for separate storage or disassembly of individual segments. The nested design reduces the number of external components needed while maintaining the collapsible functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mandrel cross-sectional dimensions are expanded to form larger FRP structures, then the versatility of the mandrel is improved, but the difficulty of removing cured FRP structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel employs a dynamic collapsible structure with telescoping segments that can change their configuration from an expanded forming state to a collapsed removal state. The segments are connected through joints that allow relative movement, enabling the mandrel to adapt its geometry dynamically. This dynamic capability allows the cured FRP structure to be easily removed after forming, while maintaining structural integrity during the forming process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel utilizes variable cross-sectional dimensions that can be adjusted by telescoping the segments. The ability to change the dimensional parameters of the mandrel allows for the formation of different sized and shaped FRP structures. After forming, the segments are collapsed back together, changing the geometric parameters back to a compact state that facilitates easy removal of the cured structure.
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 the easy removal of cured FRP tower cells from the mandrel, allowing for the production of prismatic or non-prismatic hollow bars with customizable cross-sections, suitable for building materials like guyed structures in cold climates.
Implementation Method 1
the means for moving each central hub linearly comprises a threaded rod powered by a motor
Implementation Method 2
a threaded rod powered by a motor
Implementation Method 3
the means for moving each central hub linearly comprises one or more hydraulic or electrically powered linear actuators
Data Source
AI summary
An elongated modular collapsible and expandable mandrel for forming prismatic or non-prismatic hollow bars of various cross-sections, comprising: a plurality of outer segments configured to define a prismatic or non-prismatic mandrel outer surface; a plurality of hub assemblies with each hub assembly comprising a central hub and a plurality of support members spaced-apart around a perimeter of the central hub, each support member is pivotally attached to a respective one of the plurality of outer segments by a first end of a link with the second end of the link pivotally attached to its respective central hub; and means for moving each central hub linearly causing each of its links to pivot toward or away from, depending upon the direction of axial movement of the central hub, a longitudinal axis of the means for moving each central hub linearly while the central hub moves linearly thereby expanding or contracting the cross-sectional dimension of the respective portions of the mandrel to which each of the plurality of hub assemblies is attached.