Multiaxial Scrim Winding with Tensioning Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing multiaxial non-crimp fabrics face challenges such as slow production speed, material instability due to thick edges, and non-uniform layer thickness, which affect the tensile strength and handling of the final product.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using high-tensile strength tensioning elements to wind unidirectional scrims around a plane, followed by calendering and optional impregnation, allowing for easy separation and handling, with the possibility of re-integrating the tensioning elements into the process, and using a third layer for enhanced tensile stress absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If unidirectional scrims are wound around a plane to form multiaxial scrim, then production speed is improved, but material stability deteriorates due to increased thickness at edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidmaterial stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the problematic edge portions (overlaps) from the multiaxial scrim after winding. By extracting only the unstable edge regions and discarding them, the remaining central portion maintains uniform thickness and stable composition, eliminating the material instability caused by edge accumulation while preserving the high-speed winding process benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality requirements to different regions of the multiaxial scrim. The central region is retained with uniform thickness for structural stability, while the edge regions (overlaps) are identified as defective and removed. This local differentiation ensures that the functional areas maintain compositional stability while eliminating problematic zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If unidirectional scrims are wound around a plane to form multiaxial scrim, then production speed is improved, but layer thickness uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidlayer thickness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the non-uniform edge portions (overlaps) from the wound multiaxial scrim. By discarding these regions with variable thickness, the remaining central portion exhibits uniform layer thickness, achieving manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining high production speed through continuous winding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent differentiates between acceptable and unacceptable regions based on layer thickness uniformity. The central region with uniform thickness is retained for high-precision applications, while edge regions with variable thickness are removed. This local quality approach ensures uniformity in functional areas without compromising overall production efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If tensioning elements are used as delimitation for winding plane, then tensile strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs tensioning elements (such as wires or tapes) that are temporarily introduced to define the winding plane and provide structural support for achieving high tensile strength. After the multiaxial scrim is formed and the overlaps are removed, these tensioning elements are discarded or recovered, preventing permanent device complexity while maintaining the strength benefits during the critical winding and processing phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 approach enables the production of a high-quality multiaxial scrim with improved tensile strength, uniform layer thickness, and enhanced handling characteristics, while maintaining material stability and reducing production time.

Implementation Method 1

The calender joins the scrims together so tightly that they form a strong multiaxial scrim

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical pressure: Compression

Implementation Method 2

possibly using binding agents or adhesives

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2102400B1Method for the continuous production of a multiaxial contexture web
Publication Date: 2011.04.13 MD FIBERTECH CORP
  • EP2102400B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of a multiaxial contexture web, in which a uniaxial contexture (4, 102, 103, 302, 303, 402, 403) is shaped to form a multiaxial contexture (5, 101, 301, 401) by winding about a plane (104, 306, 406), and to a corresponding apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention. According to the invention, in order to accelerate the production method and for improved handling of the contextures (4, 5, 101, 102, 103, 301, 302, 303, 401, 402, 403) during the production process, there is provision for clamping elements (6, 7) to be used as delimitation of a plane (104, 306, 406), around which the uniaxial contexture (4, 102, 103, 302, 303, 402, 403) is wound. Furthermore, in order to reduce the friction during the production of the multiaxial contextures (5, 101, 301, 401), there is provision for at least one belt or band drive (105) to be used which runs along two side edges (106, 107) which lie opposite one another. Furthermore, there is provision according to the invention for a unidirectional contexture (4, 102, 103, 302, 303, 402, 403) to be wound at an angle around a plate (201) to form a reel, wherein the plate (201) is provided with an apparatus for compensating for friction and the reel (245) is pulled off from the plate (201). In addition, it is proposed to set the winding plane (104, 306, 406) in mechanical oscillation during the winding operation, in order to pull off the multiaxial contexture (5, 101, 301, 401) from the winding plane (104, 306, 406) with a low frictional resistance as a result of the oscillations. Furthermore, it is proposed to select an oblique position of the longitudinal axis (407) of the winding plane (104, 306, 406) in relation to the direction of gravity (408).