Foldable FRP Plate With Integrated Flexible Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) plates face issues with local stress concentration when connected using hinges or adhesives, limiting their application in deployable structures due to their inability to be welded.
Innovation Solution
A foldable FRP plate design with integrated first and second regions, where the second region acts as a rotating shaft for folding, using fiber woven fabrics like carbon, glass, or basalt, and a specific resin to create a structure that can be folded and unfolded, reducing stress concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hinge connection or adhesive connection is adopted to enable folding, then the FRP plate can be folded and unfolded, but local stress concentration is generated in the FRP plate
Solution Approach 1:
The FRP plate is segmented into rigid first regions and flexible second regions through differential resin impregnation. The flexible second regions act as rotating shafts enabling folding, while rigid first regions maintain structural integrity. This segmentation eliminates the need for external hinges or adhesives that cause stress concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the FRP plate are given different properties: first regions are made rigid through resin impregnation for strength, while second regions remain flexible by excluding resin for folding capability. This local differentiation allows the plate to fold without stress concentration at connection points.
2Strength
If the FRP plate is made rigid for high strength, then it cannot be folded, but deployable structures require folding capability
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into rigid first regions for strength and flexible second regions for folding. The segmented design allows simultaneous presence of rigidity and foldability without compromising overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigidity is localized to first regions where strength is needed, while flexibility is localized to second regions where folding is needed. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between rigidity and foldability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional connection methods are used, then folding is enabled, but the structure complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The folding function is merged directly into the FRP plate body through flexible second regions, eliminating separate hinges, adhesives, or connection components. This integration simplifies the overall structure while maintaining folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
External connection components (hinges, adhesives) are extracted and removed from the design. The folding capability is achieved through intrinsic flexible regions within the plate itself, reducing structural complexity.
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 foldable FRP plate allows for easy folding and unfolding, enhancing its application in deployable structures with improved reliability and reusability, promoting high-performance composite material use.
Implementation Method 1
impregnating fiber woven fabric with resin for curing
Implementation Method 2
the second region is flexible fiber woven fabric and has a width being two times a design thickness of the FRP plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a foldable FRP plate, comprising a plurality of first regions and one or a plurality of second regions which are integrated in one piece; the second region is located between two adjacent first regions, so that the adjacent first regions being folded and unfolded relative to each other with the second region as a rotating shaft; the first regions are plate-like products manufactured by impregnating fiber woven fabric with resin for curing, are rigid and cannot be folded; the second region is flexible fiber woven fabric and has a width being two times a design thickness of the FRP plate. The present invention also discloses a manufacturing method, including laying the fiber woven fabric according to a design thickness and a layer layout; dividing the first regions and the second region according to an origami design method.