Multi-Resin Composite Transition Zones

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing multi-resin composite articles result in high stress concentrations at the interface between different resins due to abrupt transitions, leading to potential early failure under high-stress conditions.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing process that involves providing a fiber preform in a mold and injecting multiple resins at various locations, with a pressure gradient applied to form gradual transition regions between the resins, reducing stress concentrations by smoothing the material property transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple resins are injected at multiple locations into a fiber preform, then manufacturing efficiency and integration are improved, but stress concentrations at the resin interface worsen due to abrupt transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidstress concentration at interface
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the viscosity of resins through temperature adjustment. By heating the resin to be injected second, its viscosity decreases, allowing it to flow ahead of the first resin and create a gradual transition zone. This viscosity parameter modification enables the formation of intermixed transition regions that reduce stress concentrations while maintaining efficient multi-resin manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure at the resin interface by forming transition regions where different resins are intermixed. This composite transition zone, rather than a sharp interface, distributes stress more effectively and reduces stress concentrations. The intermixed resin regions act as a gradient composite material that bridges the properties of the two distinct resins

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a gradual transition region is formed between resins, then stress concentrations are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress distribution at interfaceVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-service by allowing the resin flow dynamics and viscosity differences to automatically create the desired gradual transition regions. The process leverages the natural flow behavior of viscous fluids under pressure, where the heated resin naturally flows ahead and intermixes with the first resin. This self-organizing flow pattern eliminates the need for complex control systems or additional manufacturing steps to create transition zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with thermal field control. Instead of using mechanical means to create gradual transitions (such as gradual injection rate changes or complex mold designs), the invention uses temperature field manipulation to control resin viscosity and flow behavior. This substitution of mechanical control with thermal control simplifies the manufacturing system while achieving the desired gradual transition regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 process effectively reduces stress concentrations at the interface between resins, preventing early failure and enabling the integration of components with different resin properties in a single manufacturing step, suitable for applications like aerospace and automotive structures.

Implementation Method 1

applying a pressure gradient to the at least one fiber preform and the resins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS7727631B2System and method of manufacture of multi-resin composite articles
Publication Date: 2010.06.01 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • US7727631B2 patent drawing
  • US7727631B2 patent drawing
  • US7727631B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a multi-resin composite article is provided. The method comprises providing at least one fiber preform in a mold; injecting a plurality of resins into the at least one fiber preform at a plurality of locations on the at least one fiber preform; and forming at least one transition region along a mutual contact surface between the resins. Each of the at least one transition regions is defined by a gradual transition in composition from one of the resins to another of the resins. A multi-resin composite article is also provided. The article comprises: at least one fiber preform; a plurality of resins, wherein the at least one fiber preform is infused with the resins; and at least one transition region extending along a mutual contact surface between respective ones of the resins. A system for manufacturing such a multi-resin composite article is also provided.