Electrostatic Vertical Ply Storage for Carbon Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems for carbon fiber plies, such as drawers and tables, are inefficient in terms of space usage, prone to contamination, and introduce errors in positioning due to mechanical movement and vacuum noise, making them costly and inaccurate for automated layup processes.
Innovation Solution
A vertically oriented electrostatic storage panel system that uses electrostatic charges to attach and store carbon fiber plies, reducing the need for horizontal space, minimizing contamination risks, and enhancing precision in ply placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional drawer or table storage systems are used for carbon fiber plies, then plies can be stored and accessed, but space efficiency is poor and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal drawer/table storage to vertical wall-mounted storage panels. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical orientation improves space utilization by using vertical wall space instead of horizontal floor space, while also reducing contamination risks associated with traditional storage systems
2Reliability
If mechanical drawer systems with vacuum mechanisms are used, then plies can be held and positioned, but vacuum noise and mechanical movement errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical vacuum-based holding systems with an electrostatic adhesion system. The electrostatic panel uses electrical charges to hold plies without mechanical contact, eliminating vacuum noise and mechanical movement errors while maintaining reliable positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter from mechanical vacuum pressure to electrostatic charge. By using electrostatic adhesion instead of mechanical vacuum, the system achieves reliable ply holding without the noise and positioning errors associated with mechanical systems
3Productivity
If horizontal storage space is used for carbon fiber plies, then plies can be stored, but real estate requirements increase and space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements vertical wall-mounted storage panels that utilize vertical wall space instead of horizontal floor space. This dimensional transition from horizontal to vertical storage dramatically improves space utilization efficiency by converting underused vertical real estate into functional storage capacity
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 electrostatic storage panel system reduces real estate requirements, minimizes contamination, and improves the accuracy of carbon fiber ply placement, leading to cost savings and more efficient composite part manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The carbon fiber ply is attached to the electrostatic storage panel using an electrostatic charge generated by the electrostatic storage panel
Implementation Method 2
The composite ply is engaged with the attachment surface on the electrostatic storage panel through an electrostatic charge generated by the electrostatic storage panel
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system for storing a carbon fiber ply. The carbon fiber ply is moved to an electrostatic storage panel. The carbon fiber ply is attached to the electrostatic storage panel using an electrostatic charge generated by the electrostatic storage panel.