Assembled Mandrel with Low-Friction Tape for Hollow Structure Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing three-piece split-type mandrel design faces challenges with frictional resistance when withdrawing the center mandrel, leading to potential damage and reduced durability, and the prepreg resin can seep into the mandrel surfaces, affecting the hollow structure's thickness and precision.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detachable member with a low-friction coefficient between the mandrel members and using resin strips or tapes made of the same material as the prepreg, interposed via a mandrel-releasing agent, to facilitate easy withdrawal and prevent resin infiltration during the curing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a three-piece split-type assembled mandrel is used to facilitate withdrawal, then the ease of operation improves, but the frictional resistance increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A detachable member is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second mandrel members. This detachable member covers the contact surfaces between the mandrel members and has a low friction coefficient, facilitating easy withdrawal while protecting the mandrel contact surfaces from damage and wear.
2Manufacturing precision
If pressure is applied during prepreg forming, then the manufacturing precision improves, but resin infiltration into mandrel surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable member serves as a protective intermediary between the prepreg and the mandrel contact surfaces. During the forming process under pressure, this detachable member prevents resin from infiltrating into the mandrel surfaces while allowing the necessary pressure to be applied for achieving high manufacturing precision.
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
Enhances the workability and durability of the mandrel by reducing friction and preventing resin infiltration, ensuring the hollow structure maintains its thickness and precision.
Implementation Method 1
the frictional coefficient in the contact surfaces becomes small, and the first mandrel member and the second mandrel member are easily detached from each other
Implementation Method 2
covering the assembled mandrel with a vacuum bag, heating while vacuuming the inside of the vacuum bag, and heat-curing the prepreg while pressing the prepreg against the assembled mandrel
Implementation Method 3
heating while vacuuming the inside of the vacuum bag, and heat-curing the prepreg
Data Source
AI summary
An assembled mandrel for forming a hollow structure having a shape similar to that of the assembled mandrel, by layering a prepreg on the surface of the longitudinally oriented assembled mandrel, covering the same with a vacuum bag, heating while creating a vacuum inside the vacuum bag, and heat-curing the prepreg while pressing the same into the assembled mandrel, the assembled mandrel being characterized by being equipped with: two outer mandrel members (first mandrel members) extending in the longitudinal direction; a center mandrel member (second mandrel member) sandwiched between the two outer mandrel members, and capable of being withdrawn in the lengthwise direction from between the two outer mandrel members after the hollow structure has been formed; and a tape (detachable member) formed from a low-friction material and adhered to one or more of the contact surfaces between the two outer mandrel members and the center mandrel member.