Jamming Membrane Applicator for Composite Compaction Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compaction systems for laminated composite structures fail to account for variability in material thickness and apply insufficient pressure during compression, leading to suboptimal structure formation.
Innovation Solution
An applicator system that includes a membrane filled with jamming material, which can be jammed under vacuum to conform to a forming tool's shape and unjammed under positive pressure to apply additional pressure, ensuring consistent and adequate compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a vacuum bag is used to compress the structure, then the structure is sealed and compressed, but insufficient pressure is applied during compression
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator system transitions from a static vacuum bag to a dynamic jamming mechanism. By controlling the jamming state of granular material within the applicator, the system can dynamically adjust between compliant (unjammed) and rigid (jammed) states, enabling active pressure application and maintenance throughout the forming process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure applied to the granular material inside the applicator to induce jamming. This pneumatic actuation mechanism enables remote control of the applicator's mechanical state, allowing pressure to be applied and maintained without direct mechanical contact
2Stress or pressure
If a shaped metallic compaction tool is used, then pressure is applied to the structure, but variability in material thickness is not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the mechanical parameters of the applicator by controlling the jamming state of granular material. This allows the applicator to transition between compliant and rigid states, adapting to varying material thicknesses while maintaining consistent pressure application throughout the forming process
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator combines granular material with a flexible membrane to create a composite structure that exhibits both compliance and rigidity. This composite design allows the applicator to conform to irregular surfaces while maintaining structural integrity for effective pressure application
3Stress or pressure
If a rigid applicator is used, then sufficient pressure can be applied, but the applicator cannot conform to the forming tool shape
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator's mechanical properties are dynamically controlled through jamming. In the unjammed state, the granular material allows the applicator to conform to the forming tool shape. In the jammed state, the same applicator becomes rigid enough to apply sufficient compression pressure, achieving both conformity and pressure application
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 material thickness variability and applies sufficient pressure, resulting in precise and uniform shaping of composite structures.
Implementation Method 1
an applicator that is jammed under vacuum and unjammed under positive pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
An applicator assembly (602) for applying pressure to a composite structure (601) includes an external frame (614), an applicator casing (610) disposed substantially within the external frame (614), and an applicator (612) disposed substantially within the applicator casing (610). The applicator casing (610) includes a first membrane (616), and a first jamming material (618) disposed within the first membrane (616). The applicator (612) includes a second membrane (622), and a second jamming material (624) disposed within said second membrane (622).