Reusable Interlocking Vacuum Bag Sealing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vacuum bag sealing systems for curing composite resin parts are inefficient due to the need for additional sealing time and waste generation, and can result in bladder failure if not properly vented, affecting the quality of the composite part.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum bag sealing system utilizing interlocking strips on a bagging sheet to securely seal both the forming tool and the bladder, allowing for controlled pressurization and reduced waste, with reusable components to enhance sustainability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional vacuum bag sealing methods are used, then the sealing process can be completed, but it requires additional sealing time and generates waste from seals and disposable vacuum bags
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into separate reusable components: a bagging sheet with sealing surface, first interlocking strip forming continuous perimeter, and second interlocking strip forming continuous bladder perimeter. This segmentation allows each component to be reused independently, eliminating the need for disposable vacuum bags and reducing sealing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces disposable vacuum bags with reusable interlocking strips that can be recovered and reused across multiple sealing cycles. The strips are designed to be detached, cleaned, and reused, significantly reducing waste and preparation time for subsequent sealing operations.
2Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used, then sealing can be achieved, but failure to properly vent through the vacuum bag can result in the bladder failing to pressurize and affecting composite part quality
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is extracted and integrated directly into the interlocking strip design. The second interlocking strip that forms the continuous bladder perimeter includes built-in venting capabilities, ensuring proper venting occurs automatically during the sealing process, preventing bladder pressurization failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking strip system provides visual and physical feedback during sealing to confirm proper engagement and venting. The continuous perimeters formed by the strips ensure correct positioning and sealing, providing immediate feedback that prevents improper sealing that could lead to quality issues.
3Loss of substance
If reusable interlocking strips are used, then waste is minimized and sustainability is improved, but the device complexity increases with multiple strips and sealing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking strips are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions: sealing the bagging sheet to the forming tool, sealing the bagging sheet to the bladder, and providing venting pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system despite the reusable nature.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into the interlocking strip design. The first and second interlocking strips work together as an integrated system, with the second strip serving both sealing and venting functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the sealing 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
The system reduces preparation time, minimizes waste, and ensures consistent pressurization of the bladder, leading to improved composite part quality and increased sustainability in manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum is pulled beneath the bagging sheet after sealing the bagging sheet to the forming tool and sealing the bagging sheet to the bladder
Implementation Method 2
Composite resin parts may be cured within an autoclave that applies heat and pressure to the part during a cure cycle
Implementation Method 3
Composite resin parts may be cured within an autoclave that applies heat and pressure to the part during a cure cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum bag sealing system comprises a bagging sheet comprising a sealing surface; a first interlocking strip connected to the sealing surface of the bagging sheet and forming a continuous perimeter connected to the sealing surface; a second interlocking strip between the first interlocking strip and the sealing surface of the bagging sheet in one portion of the perimeter, the second interlocking strip forming a continuous bladder perimeter.