Multifunctional Composite Panel Structure With Fiber-Free Layer Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional composite panels fabricated with fibrous reinforcing materials like CFRP and GFRP suffer from inconsistencies, anisotropic strength, high cost, and the need for post-treatment for electromagnetic protection, which increases manufacturing time and cost.

Innovation Solution

A method for fabricating multifunctional composite panels using alternating layers of conductive organic and inorganic materials, such as aluminum oxide, graphene, and conductive polymers, formed through a layer deposition process, which eliminates the need for structural fibers and provides improved isotropic strength and stiffness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional fibrous reinforcing materials (CFRP, GFRP) are used to increase strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but manufacturing consistency and reproducibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidfabrication consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical fiber reinforcement systems (CFRP, GFRP) with a layer-by-layer deposition system that deposits alternating organic and inorganic material layers. This substitution eliminates the variability inherent in fibrous materials while maintaining structural strength through controlled deposition processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the reinforcement system by transitioning from discrete fibrous elements to continuous thin layers with controlled thickness, composition, and orientation. This parameter change enables precise control over material properties and eliminates manufacturing inconsistencies associated with fiber alignment and distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If multiple sheets of fibrous reinforcing materials are used to improve consistency and isotropic strength, then strength in various directions is improved, but cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisotropic strengthVSAvoidmaterial quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from using multiple discrete sheets stacked in the thickness direction to creating a continuous multi-layer structure through deposition. This dimensional transformation allows isotropic strength to be achieved through the alternating organic-inorganic layer architecture rather than through stacking multiple fibrous sheets, thereby reducing material quantity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a novel composite structure by depositing alternating layers of organic and inorganic materials, where each layer type contributes different mechanical properties. This composite architecture achieves isotropic strength through the synergistic combination and alternating arrangement of different material phases, eliminating the need for multiple sheets of the same material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If fibrous reinforcing materials are used to provide structural strength, then mechanical properties are improved, but electric conductivity deteriorates, requiring additional post-treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidelectrical conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the structural reinforcement function and the electrical conductivity function into a single integrated material system. By incorporating conductive inorganic materials (such as metal oxides or graphene) as alternating layers with structural organic materials, the structure simultaneously provides both mechanical strength and electrical conductivity, eliminating the need for separate post-treatment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The alternating layer structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the organic layers provide structural matrix and flexibility, while the inorganic layers provide both reinforcement and electrical conductivity. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate treatments for structural and electrical properties, streamlining the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If conventional composite panel fabrication methods are used, then structural panels can be produced, but manufacturing time increases due to post-treatment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by incorporating all necessary functional properties (structural strength, electrical conductivity, and surface characteristics) directly into the layer structure during the deposition process. This preliminary incorporation of multiple functions eliminates the need for subsequent post-treatment steps, thereby reducing total manufacturing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The layer-by-layer deposition process enables continuous fabrication without interruption for post-treatment steps. The alternating organic-inorganic layer structure is built continuously with each layer contributing to the final functional properties, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the manufacturing process rather than requiring pauses for separate treatment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method results in composite panels with enhanced isotropic stiffness and strength, reduced delamination, and improved interface bonding, while being cost-effective and free from structural fibers, allowing for efficient energy conversion and structural support.

Implementation Method 1

forming a plurality of photovoltaic layers adjacent the plurality of structural layers, where the photovoltaic layers are configured to convert light energy into electrical power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of structural layers or the plurality of photovoltaic layers are formed from a layer deposition process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS12089435B2Multifunctional composite panels and methods for the same
Publication Date: 2024.09.10 THE BOEING CO
  • US12089435B2 patent drawing
  • US12089435B2 patent drawing
  • US12089435B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multifunctional composite panel and a system for fabricating the multifunctional composite panel are disclosed. The multifunctional composite panel may include a plurality of structural layers and a plurality of photovoltaic layers disposed adjacent the plurality of structural layers. The structural layers may include a plurality of alternating layers where each of the alternating layers includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may include one or more polymers and the second layer may include one or more inorganic materials. The system for fabricating the multifunctional composite panel may include a based configured to support the multifunctional composite panel and a plurality of application heads disposed proximal the based and configured to form layers of the multifunctional composite panel.