Composite Fibre Screw-In Insert Integration for Precise Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting fiber composite components are time-consuming, damage the laminate structure, and fail to meet high tolerance requirements due to manual insertion of connection elements during manufacturing, leading to reduced component strength and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pressing tool with integrated screwing devices that screw a screw-in insert into a semi-finished fiber product before hardening, ensuring precise positioning and anchoring within the fiber structure, eliminating the need for complex gluing and machining processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connection elements are attached after fiber composite component production, then the component structure remains intact, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires additional machining steps
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements (screw-in inserts) are integrated into the fiber composite component during the manufacturing process itself, specifically in the semi-finished state before hardening. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent machining operations like drilling, milling, and cleaning, thereby reducing production time while maintaining component strength.
2Productivity
If connection elements are manually inserted during manufacturing, then production time is reduced, but positioning precision and tolerance requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical insertion process is replaced by an automated screwing device that integrates directly into the pressing tool. This device automatically positions and screws the connection elements into the semi-finished fiber product, ensuring high positioning precision and meeting tolerance requirements while maintaining production efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If connection elements are screwed into hardened fiber composite, then positioning is precise, but the laminate structure is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The screwing operation is performed in advance, while the fiber composite component is still in its semi-finished, non-hardened state. This timing allows the connection elements to be integrated without damaging the laminate structure, as the material is more pliable and easier to work with before curing.
4Ease of manufacture
If machining operations are performed on fiber composite components, then connection surfaces are prepared, but the laminate structure is damaged and strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Connection surfaces are prepared during the initial manufacturing process while the fiber composite is in semi-finished state, eliminating the need for subsequent machining operations. This approach avoids damage to the laminate structure and preserves component strength while still achieving proper surface preparation for connections.
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 automated, cost-effective, and high-tolerance fiber composite component production with enhanced strength and reduced damage, as the screw-in insert is integrated during the manufacturing process, avoiding issues related to manual insertion and machining.
Implementation Method 1
actuation of the screwing device for screwing the screw-in insert into the semi-finished fiber product
Implementation Method 2
hardening of the semi-finished fiber product to produce the fiber composite component
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a composite fibre component with an integrated screw-in insert, comprising at least the following steps: a pressing tool (70) is provided, said pressing tool comprising a first tool part (71) and a second tool part (72) that can be moved in relation to the first tool part, said parts forming a cavity (74) for receiving and forming a fibre preform (80), when the pressing tool is closed; a screw-in insert (10, 20, 30) is connected to a screw device (73) integrated into the first tool part; the fibre preform is arranged between the first and the second tool parts; the pressing tool is at least partially closed; the screw device is actuated in order to screw the screw-in insert into the fibre preform; and the fibre preform is cured. The invention also relates to a screw-in insert and a pressing tool for implementing the method.