Fiber Tow Spreading Apparatus with Tacky Resin Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for spreading fiber tows result in increased tension during winding, causing a reduction in the spread width of the fibers due to the collapse of the fiber tow.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that uses a moveable contacting surface with a tacky resin layer to adhere and stabilize the spread fiber tows, preventing width reduction during subsequent processing steps like handling and winding, and incorporating a guide member to control the density and spacing of the fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If fiber tows are spread to reduce filaments per unit width, then the weight of the tow per unit width is reduced, but the tension increases during winding causing the spread width to collapse
Solution Approach 1:
A support surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the fiber tow and the winding process. The support surface carries the spread fiber tow during handling and winding operations, distributing the mechanical stresses and preventing the tow from collapsing under tension, thereby maintaining stable spread width while enabling the lightweight fabric manufacturing process
2Productivity
If conventional winding is applied to spread tows, then the tows can be processed and wound, but the tension from winding reduces the spread width because the fiber tow collapses
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface serves as a mediator that enables conventional winding and processing operations to proceed while maintaining manufacturing precision. By providing mechanical support during these operations, the support surface allows productivity to increase through standard processing steps while preventing the loss of spread width that would otherwise occur
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned to contact and support the fiber tow before tensioning forces are applied during winding. This prior support prevents the collapse that would occur during subsequent handling, ensuring the spread width is maintained throughout the processing sequence
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 solution allows for the stabilization of spread fiber tows, enabling them to withstand subsequent processing forces without distortion or width reduction, maintaining the expanded width and density, and facilitating the production of lightweight fabrics.
Implementation Method 1
The moveable contacting surface has a tacky resin layer which adheres to the spread fiber tows, stabilizing their configuration and preventing width reduction during subsequent processing
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber tow spreading apparatus comprising: fiber supply for supplying a fiber tow; a fiber spreader for spreading the filaments of the fiber tow to form a spread tow having an increased width; a guide member for directing the fiber tow in relation to the fiber spreader; a driver for driving the fiber tow in relation to the fiber spreader; wherein the driver comprises a moveable contacting surface to which the fiber is adhered.