Simultaneous Lamination of Mixed Fiber Tows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated fiber placement (AFP) methods are time-consuming when laminating objects with different types of fiber tows, leading to reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus is designed to simultaneously laminate an object's surface with first and second fiber tows of different types, featuring a fiber supply device with multiple creels, an impregnation device for resin application, and a lamination device using a rolling motion with a laminating roller, allowing for simultaneous or selective lamination of different fiber types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the conventional AFP method is used to laminate an object with different types of fiber tows, then the object can be laminated with various fiber types, but the process becomes time-consuming and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple creels (first creel and second creel) into a single lamination device, allowing simultaneous supply of different fiber tows to the lamination roller. This combining of multiple fiber supply sources enables parallel lamination operations, resolving the contradiction by maintaining versatility while dramatically improving productivity through concurrent processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous lamination by having multiple fiber tows supplied simultaneously and continuously to the lamination roller. The first and second fiber tows are laid continuously on the object surface in parallel, eliminating the sequential interruptions inherent in conventional methods, thus maintaining continuous useful action while accommodating multiple fiber types
2Productivity
If multiple creels are introduced to supply different fiber tows simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lamination roller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it receives and processes both first and second fiber tows from different creels, performs lamination of both fiber types in one operation, and maintains control over the lamination process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate processing stations, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fiber supply system into distinct first and second creels, each handling specific fiber tows, while the lamination roller integrates these segmented supplies. This segmentation allows independent management of different fiber types, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling simultaneous multi-fiber lamination
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
This apparatus enhances productivity by enabling the simultaneous lamination of objects with different fiber tows, improving efficiency and reducing the time required for the process.
Implementation Method 1
an impregnation device provided at a lower side of the fiber supply device, and impregnating the first fiber tows supplied from the first creels and the second fiber tows supplied from the second creels with a resin
Implementation Method 2
a lamination device provided at a lower side of the impregnation device, and laminating a surface of an object with the first fiber tows impregnated with the resin and the second fiber tows impregnated with the resin in accordance with a rolling motion of a laminating roller relative to the surface of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A apparatus for laminating an object with a fiber tow, may include a fiber supply device provided with a plurality of first creels on which first fiber tows are wound and a plurality of second creels on which second fiber tows are wound; an impregnation device provided at a lower side of the fiber supply device, and impregnating the first fiber tows supplied from the first creels and the second fiber tows supplied from the second creels with a resin; and a lamination device provided at a lower side of the impregnation device, and laminating an object with the first and second fiber tows that are impregnated with the resin in accordance with a rolling motion of a laminating roller relative to the surface of the object.