Composite Aircraft Component Mold with Heat Pipe Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing composite material aircraft components, such as Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and autoclave processes, face challenges in achieving efficient and homogeneous curing of thermoset and thermoplastic materials, leading to suboptimal quality and extended cycle times.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a mold with movable sections and heat pipes for uniform heating, allowing for the efficient curing of thermoset and thermoplastic materials within the mold, which includes a heating device and an optional additional heating device with a recuperation system to enhance heat distribution and reduce cycle times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional heating methods (heated press plates or autoclave) are used to cure thermoset plastic material, then the material can be cured under elevated pressure and temperature, but the curing is non-uniform and cycle times are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into multiple heating zones with independent heating elements, allowing each zone to be controlled separately to achieve uniform heat distribution throughout the mold cavity, preventing hot spots and cold zones during curing
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature control medium (such as heated oil or pressurized gas) is introduced as an intermediary between the heating source and the mold, enabling more efficient and uniform heat transfer to the plastic material compared to direct contact with heated press plates
2Productivity
If high pressure is applied during RTM process to cure thermoset material, then the material cures more quickly, but the quality and homogeneity of the composite component deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The curing process uses dynamically adjusted pressure and temperature parameters, with pressure being applied in stages and temperature being precisely controlled at different zones, allowing rapid curing while maintaining component quality and preventing defects
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors are embedded in the mold and heating system to provide real-time feedback on temperature distribution, allowing the control system to adjust heating power and pressure application to maintain optimal curing conditions throughout the process
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
The apparatus enables the production of high-quality composite material aircraft components with reduced cycle times and improved curing homogeneity, ensuring reliable and efficient manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus comprises a plurality of heat pipes (24). Each heat pipe (24) has a first end (30) which is in thermal contact with the heat source and a second end (32) which is in thermal contact with the receiving space (14)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for producing a composite material aircraft component comprises a mold having a receiving space adapted to accommodate a plastic material. A heating device is adapted to supply heat to the mold in order to heat the plastic material accommodated within the receiving space of the mold. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of heat pipes, each heat pipe having a first end which is in thermal contact with a heat source and a second end which is in thermal contact with the receiving space of the mold, such that the plastic material accommodated within the receiving space is supplied with heat transferred to the receiving space from the heat source via the plurality of heat pipes.