Fiber Composite Component with Signal-Transparent Regions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon fibers in fiber composite components obstruct the transmission of electromagnetic signals and waves, which are essential for vehicle communication and navigation systems, due to their physical properties.
Innovation Solution
A method where carbon fibers are arranged primarily in the load path direction of the fiber composite component, with regions intended for electromagnetic signal transmission being largely free from carbon fibers, and a non-conducting cover layer is applied to ensure undisturbed signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If carbon fibers are integrated into the fiber composite component for reinforcement, then the component achieves improved strength and lightweight properties, but the transmission of electromagnetic signals and waves is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber composite component is divided into functionally distinct regions: carbon fiber-reinforced load-bearing regions for structural strength, and carbon fiber-free signal transmission regions for electromagnetic wave penetration. This spatial segmentation allows both requirements to coexist without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the component are assigned different material properties: regions requiring strength receive carbon fiber reinforcement, while regions requiring signal transmission remain free of carbon fibers. This local differentiation of material composition optimizes each region for its specific function.
2Weight of moving object
If the layer thickness is reduced to achieve lightweight construction, then the component weight decreases, but the structural stability and stiffness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The component uses composite construction with glass fiber carrier material providing baseline structural stability, while strategically placed carbon fiber bundles enhance stiffness in critical load-bearing areas. This composite approach achieves high stability-to-weight ratio by optimizing material distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The component structure is segmented into load-bearing regions requiring high stiffness (reinforced with carbon fibers) and non-critical regions where weight reduction is prioritized (glass fiber only). This allows thin-walled lightweight construction while maintaining structural integrity where needed.
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 approach allows for lightweight, stable fiber composite components with unobstructed electromagnetic signal transmission, enabling the integration of devices like sensors and antennas without shielding effects, while reducing production costs and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the integration of the carbon fibers has the disadvantage that, due to their physical properties, they obstruct the reception or the transmission of electromagnetic signals and/or waves
Implementation Method 2
a cover layer having a non-conducting material is arranged on the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method produces a fiber composite component according to which a fiber arrangement having carbon fibers as reinforcing fibers is arranged on a carrier material having a fibrous material in order to form a structure. A covering layer having a non-conductive material is arranged on the structure. The carbon fibers are arranged largely in the load path direction of the fiber composite component to be produced, and regions of the fiber composite component to be penetrated by electromagnetic signals and/or waves are configured such that they are largely free of carbon fibers.