Composite Preform Barb Reinforcement for Connection Zone Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing structural parts with composite materials in the aeronautical field do not adequately enhance the mechanical resistance of connection zones to both compression and tensile forces, particularly in the interface areas where connecting members are housed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating barbs on either side of a bore within the reinforcement of a fibrous structure, which is braided around the barbs, to improve the intersection of rovings and enhance the bond between the reinforcement and the fibrous structure, thereby improving force transmission and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional manufacturing methods are used without barbs, then the production process remains simple, but the mechanical resistance of connection zones to compression and tensile forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Barbs are incorporated into the reinforcement during the braiding process itself, before the final composite structure is completed. This preliminary action ensures that the force transmission elements are already in place to enhance mechanical resistance from the outset, rather than requiring additional post-processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines different materials and structures within the reinforcement - specifically integrating barbs (which can be metallic or fibrous) with the braided fibrous structure. This composite approach creates a multi-material reinforcement system that provides both the structural integrity of the braid and the force transmission capability of the barbs, thereby improving mechanical resistance without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
2Force
If barbs are incorporated in the reinforcement, then force transmission and bond between reinforcement and fibrous structure are enhanced, but the reinforcement structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The barb structure is merged with the reinforcement during the braiding process. Instead of being separate components assembled later, the barbs are integrated directly into the reinforcement structure as it is being formed. This merging allows the barbs to become an intrinsic part of the reinforcement, enhancing force transmission while minimizing the added complexity through unified manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The braiding process itself serves the dual function of creating the fibrous structure and positioning the barbs. The rovings intersecting around the barbs during braiding automatically create the desired configuration without requiring separate positioning or attachment steps. The process serves itself by simultaneously achieving structural formation and force transmission element placement.
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 solution effectively reinforces the connection zone, allowing for improved mechanical resistance to both tensile and compressive forces by directly transmitting forces between the connecting member and the braided fibrous structure, while maintaining simplicity in production.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly of the mandrel and of the fibrous structure which covers it is then impregnated with a resin forming, after polymerization, a matrix incorporating the fibrous elements
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a structural part made of an organic matrix composite comprising: the production of a fibrous structure (9), forming a preform by braiding rovings of a fibrous material on a mandrel (3) that includes a reinforcement (5, 7) in its axial extension (XX); the impregnation of the preform with an organic resin; and the curing of this resin, said reinforcement, forming said cover, having a bore (5', V) with an axis perpendicular to the axis (XX) for housing a connecting member. The process is characterized in that barbs (30), some of which are projecting, are incorporated into the reinforcement (5, 7) over at least part of the surface of which lying on either side of said bore (5', 7'), the braiding being carried out around the barbs so that the rovings at least partly criss-cross around said barbs.