Hot Press Compensation Wedge for Thermal Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heating presses used for manufacturing large composite parts face challenges in maintaining flatness under extreme temperature and pressure conditions, leading to potential deformation and defects, which are critical in high-performance applications like aerospace where precision is paramount.
Innovation Solution
A heating press with a compensation system using removable wedges that can be adapted to correct geometry defects on the pressing surface, allowing for precise adjustment without the need for replacing or repairing the press plates, and featuring a simple design to maintain high manufacturing standards at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high temperature and pressure are applied to press composite materials, then impregnation quality improves, but pressing surface flatness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compensation system with adjustable wedges that are installed in advance on the pressing surface to pre-compensate for expected thermal deformations. This preliminary action prevents flatness defects before they occur during the high-temperature pressing process, while still allowing the necessary temperature and pressure to be applied for quality impregnation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation system uses locally positioned adjustable wedges at specific locations on the pressing surface where deformations are most likely to occur. This localized compensation approach maintains overall pressing surface flatness while allowing high temperature and pressure to be applied globally for thorough impregnation of the composite materials.
2Manufacturing precision
If press plates are replaced or repaired to restore geometry, then flatness precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation system divides the pressing surface correction into multiple independent, adjustable wedge elements positioned at different locations. Each wedge can be independently adjusted to compensate for local geometric defects, avoiding the need to replace or repair entire press plates. This segmented approach maintains geometric precision while keeping the press structure simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation system employs adjustable wedges that can be dynamically modified during press operation to adapt to different pressing requirements and thermal conditions. This dynamic adjustability allows the press to maintain optimal geometric precision without requiring complex replacement or repair mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
3Shape
If compensation systems are added to maintain flatness, then pressing surface quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation system with adjustable wedges is designed to be self-adjusting based on observed pressing surface deformations. The system allows operators to make simple adjustments to wedge positions to maintain flatness, eliminating the need for complex automated control systems, sensors, or actuators. This self-service approach improves pressing surface quality while minimizing the addition of system 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 system effectively compensates for geometry defects on the pressing surface, ensuring high-quality flat parts are produced with precise geometry and absence of bubbles, meeting stringent manufacturing requirements without the complexity and expense of traditional solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the flatness of the pressing surface of these plates can be compromised because of the temperatures and pressures involved in the press
Implementation Method 2
the temperature must exceed 220°C, or even 400°C, depending on the polymer chosen
Implementation Method 3
the pressures applied by the press must be at least 10 bars, or even 15 bars
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This heated press (1) comprises two members (5, 7), each including a platen (11, 13) with a pressing surface (23, 25), which together define a surface area of at least 0.5 m². Each member includes a bed (19, 21) opposite the pressing surface and against which the platen rests. The press includes a pressing actuator (6) configured to exert a pressing force (P) on one of the members (5) and a heating means (31, 33) for at least one of the pressing surfaces to a temperature above 220°C. According to the invention, the heated press (1) includes a compensation system (44), comprising a removable wedge (45) interposed between the bed frame (21) and the platform (13) of at least one of the two members (7), the removable wedge thus being in contact with the bed frame of this member (7) to impose a deformation of the pressing surface (25) of this member (7), in the direction of the other member (5).