Composite Stiffened Panel Mandrel Holding System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the manufacturing of stiffened panels made of composite materials, the removal of the compression system leads to significant deformation of the mandrels, causing geometry defects and complicating the installation of polymerization or consolidation tooling.
Innovation Solution
A device with a system for temporarily holding mandrels using indexing pins and housings, which prevents deformation after the compression system is removed, ensuring accurate positioning and reducing geometry defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the compression system is removed after mandrels are pressed together, then the compression force is released, but the mandrels deform significantly causing geometry defects
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing pins are inserted into the housings on the mandrels before the compression system is removed. This preliminary action of engaging the holding mechanism prevents the mandrels from deforming when compression is released, thereby maintaining geometry precision without requiring complex post-compression support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing pins act as intermediary elements between the mandrels and the housings. These pins transfer and maintain the compressed position of the mandrels after the compression system is removed, serving as a mechanical mediator that preserves the geometric precision achieved during compression without requiring the compression system to remain in place
2Ease of operation
If the compression system is removed after mandrels are pressed together, then the compression force is released, but the installation of polymerization or consolidation tooling becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing pins are engaged in the housings before tooling installation begins. This preliminary engagement establishes and maintains accurate mandrel positions, creating a stable foundation that simplifies subsequent tooling installation while preserving the precision achieved during compression
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing pin-housing mechanism serves as an intermediary holding system that maintains mandrel positions after compression. This intermediary structure provides a stable, precise framework that facilitates easier tooling installation compared to working with deformed, unheld mandrels
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for manufacturing a stiffened panel made of composite material which comprises: - a laying surface (34), - a set of mandrels (36, 36') attached to each other on the laying surface (34) and configured to each support a profile made of composite material, their ends being connected to the laying surface (34), - a compression system configured to press the mandrels (36, 36') against each other, - a system for temporarily holding the mandrels (36, 36') which comprises at least one housing (50) secured at least temporarily to the laying surface (34) as well as, for each mandrel (36, 36'), at least one indexing pin (48) secured to the mandrel (36, 36') and configured to be housed at least temporarily in the housing (50).