Automated Fiber Bundle Placement Laser Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated fiber bundle placement apparatuses face challenges in efficiently depositing strip-like fiber bundles impregnated with thermoplastic resin onto a stacking surface while maintaining high moving speeds, as the laser emitting device's narrow irradiation range can cause scorching and requires a large size, leading to longer heating times and incomplete deposition.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is configured to emit the laser towards the reverse side of the fiber bundle's surface on the stacking surface, with a pressing roller and guide roller to ensure proper deposition, and the moving speed and irradiation range are optimized to achieve an irradiation duration between 0.1-0.4 seconds, allowing for faster and more reliable placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the laser emitting device is positioned to emit laser toward the fiber bundle surface facing the stacking surface, then the fiber bundle can be heated for deposition, but the device becomes large-sized and the heating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional laser emission direction by emitting the laser toward the reverse side of the fiber bundle surface instead of the surface facing the stacking surface. This inversion allows the laser to heat the fiber bundle from below, reducing the required distance from the stacking surface and thereby decreasing heating time while maintaining deposition reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of laser emission from the front (facing stacking surface) to the back (reverse side) of the fiber bundle. This dimensional change enables the laser emitting device to be positioned closer to the stacking surface without directly facing it, reducing heating time while avoiding the need for a large-sized device.
2Productivity
If the output of the laser is increased to heat the fiber bundle at higher moving speeds, then the working efficiency improves, but scorching occurs on the fiber bundle surface
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the laser emission direction to target the reverse side of the fiber bundle, the patent enables more uniform heat distribution through the material. This prevents surface scorching while allowing higher laser outputs to be used for faster heating, thereby improving working efficiency without causing harmful scorching effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies laser heating to a specific location (the reverse side of the fiber bundle) rather than the surface facing the stacking surface. This localized heating approach ensures that the heat is conducted through the material uniformly, preventing scorching on the visible surface while enabling higher power outputs for improved productivity.
3Reliability
If the irradiation range of the laser is enlarged to prevent scorching, then the fiber bundle can be heated uniformly, but the laser emitting device becomes large-sized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the laser emission direction to the reverse side of the fiber bundle, which allows a compact laser emitting device to achieve uniform heating across the entire irradiation range. This inversion eliminates the need for a large-sized device while maintaining heating uniformity, as the laser heat conducts through the material effectively from the reverse side.
4Reliability
If the laser emitting device is positioned at an appropriate distance for proper laser focus, then the laser can effectively heat the fiber bundle, but the device becomes large-sized and cannot be positioned close to the stacking surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the laser emission direction to target the reverse side of the fiber bundle, allowing the laser emitting device to be positioned close to the stacking surface. This inversion maintains proper laser focus and heating effectiveness while reducing the distance requirement, enabling the device to be compact and closely positioned to the stacking surface.
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 configuration ensures reliable and efficient deposition of the fiber bundle onto the stacking surface, enhancing working efficiency by preventing scorching and ensuring proper heat conduction, while allowing for faster moving speeds up to 15 m/min.
Implementation Method 1
by emitting a laser from a laser emitting device to deposit the fiber bundle on the stacking surface incompletely
Implementation Method 2
a thermoplastic resin that softens when heated
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated fiber bundle placement apparatus is configured to lay a strip-like fiber bundle impregnated with a thermoplastic resin on a stacking surface on an upper side of a placement die by moving a placement head and by emitting a laser from an emitting device to deposit the fiber bundle on the stacking surface incompletely. The emitting device is configured to emit the laser toward the fiber bundle laid on the stacking surface to its surface that is a reverse side of its surface facing the stacking surface.