Fiber Preform Production for Curved Force Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing fiber composite structures are complex and expensive, particularly when trying to create components with curved force flow lines and varying fiber density, as they struggle to orient fibers along arbitrary curved paths and vary fiber content locally.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for producing preforms using flat sliver pieces, where fiber filaments are spread, cut into short pieces, and placed at precise positions using a laying device with a binder material to form a preform optimized for force flow, allowing for automated production with variable fiber orientation and content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If continuous fibers are arranged in a matrix using traditional prepreg technology, then high strength and rigidity are achieved, but the production process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fiber structure into discrete fiber elements or bundles that can be independently positioned and arranged in the preform. This segmentation allows for simplified automated handling and placement of fiber components while maintaining the structural integrity and strength properties of continuous fiber composites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs automated control systems that can dynamically adjust fiber arrangement parameters such as orientation, density, and positioning based on the desired composite structure. This enables complex fiber configurations to be achieved through programmable control rather than complex manual processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fibers are oriented along curved paths to match force flow, then adaptability to load patterns is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fiber placement methods with automated robotic or computer-controlled positioning systems. These automated systems can precisely follow curved paths and complex three-dimensional configurations with higher accuracy and consistency than manual processes, thereby meeting the precision requirements for curved fiber orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates control systems that can monitor and adjust fiber placement in real-time, ensuring precise orientation along curved paths. Feedback mechanisms allow the system to compensate for deviations and maintain the required manufacturing precision while adapting to complex geometric configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fiber content is varied locally to optimize structural properties, then the component performance is improved, but the production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control systems that can adjust fiber content, density, and distribution in real-time during the preform manufacturing process. This allows different regions of the composite structure to have optimized fiber content according to their specific mechanical requirements, while the automated system manages the complexity of varying parameters across the entire production process.
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
Enables the production of complex fiber composite structures with high strength and adaptability, simplifying the manufacturing process by allowing fibers to be oriented along curved paths and varying fiber content, achieving mechanical properties similar to long fiber composites with reduced material costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The sliver piece is heated and/or cooled in the course of the method
Implementation Method 2
The transfer of the fiber sliver pieces to a laying head of the laying device is preferably carried out on the fly via a combination of suction modules and blow-off modules
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a preform (42) for a fibre composite structure suitable for power flows. According to the invention, relatively short fibre band pieces (40, 40', 40") are to be cut from a spread-out fibre band (14), laid in a pre-determined position, and fixed in said position by means of a binding material (38).