Continuous Stringer Profile Pressing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing stringer profiles in the aeronautical and aerospace fields are labor-intensive, prone to errors, and limited by the length of mould cores due to handling constraints, leading to suboptimal production efficiency and quality.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first and second tool guided by guide means to press preliminary fabrics along a second axis transverse to the fabric's movement, allowing for continuous production and extended pressing time, enabling the creation of high-quality, longer profiled parts by using chains, rails, and vacuum systems for consolidation and impregnation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual or partly automated laying methods are used with mould cores, then stringer profiles can be produced, but the production process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical laying operations with an automated continuous pressing device that uses mechanical rollers and guide means to consistently press fibre-resin material onto a substrate, eliminating manual labor and associated errors while maintaining production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous pressing device operates autonomously once initiated, with the fibre-resin material being automatically fed and pressed through the system without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby improving both ease of manufacture and productivity
2Ease of manufacture
If mould cores are used for production, then stringer profiles can be formed, but the length of produced parts is limited due to handling constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic continuous pressing system where rollers and guide means move along with the substrate to provide continuous forming action, enabling the production of arbitrarily long parts without the length constraints imposed by static mould cores
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from discrete mould core forming to a continuous linear pressing process, effectively adding the dimension of continuous motion along the production line, which enables unlimited part length while maintaining formability through the sustained action of pressing elements
3Manufacturing precision
If vacuum consolidation is applied to fibre-resin material, then consolidation is achieved, but the process requires additional time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the consolidation function with the primary pressing operation by integrating vacuum application directly into the continuous pressing device, so that consolidation occurs simultaneously with forming rather than as a separate subsequent step, thereby maintaining consolidation quality while reducing overall process complexity
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
This solution enables continuous, high-quality production of stringer profiles with improved efficiency by reducing manual labor, increasing the length of produced parts, and ensuring consistent consolidation and impregnation, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of the final components.
Implementation Method 1
The application of the vacuum leads to consolidation of the fibre-resin material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a device, in particular within the aeronautical and aerospace fields, comprising a first and second tool and guide means, which guide the first and second tools in such a way that they press a preliminary fabric arranged in a pressing zone of the device along a second axis as said fabric moves along a first axis through the pressing zone, said second axis being substantially transverse to the first axis, so as to form a consolidated preliminary fabric, the guide means guiding the first and second tools parallel to one another, in part, along the first axis in the pressing zone.