Prepreg Overlap Measurement Using Thin-Film Pressure Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to accurately determine the overlap between sheet members of prepreg material before connecting them together, as existing methods lack precision in ensuring proper alignment and overlap for achieving optimal strength and stiffness properties in composite materials used in manufacturing aircraft and automobile bodies.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an assembly with thin film pressure sensors and a controller to detect the positions of the leading and trailing edges of sheet members, applying pressure to ensure accurate overlap, and a connection device that forms a weld seam using a welding shoe to connect the sheet members in an overlapping arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to determine overlap between sheet members, then the process is simpler, but measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement methods with thin film pressure sensors that detect overlap through pressure distribution. This substitution enables precise measurement of overlap between sheet members by converting mechanical contact into detectable pressure signals, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thin film pressure sensors as an intermediary element between the sheet members and the measurement system. These sensors act as mediators that detect the pressure distribution caused by overlapping sheet members, enabling accurate overlap determination without requiring complex direct measurement apparatus.
2Manufacturing precision
If pressure is applied to ensure accurate overlap, then manufacturing precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure application function and the measurement function into a single integrated system. The same thin film pressure sensors that detect overlap also serve as the basis for controlling the pressure application, merging two functions that could have been separate systems into one unified apparatus, thereby improving manufacturing precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the thin film pressure sensors continuously monitor the overlap between sheet members during the pressure application process. This real-time feedback allows the system to adjust pressure application to achieve the desired overlap accuracy, resolving the contradiction by enabling precise control through closed-loop monitoring.
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 method allows for precise determination and adjustment of overlap, ensuring a strong and consistent connection between sheet members, enhancing the structural integrity of composite materials used in various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
A first thin film pressure sensor is positioned on a first side of the support platform with the first thin film pressure sensor detects a position of the leading edge of the first sheet member. A second thin film pressure sensor is positioned on a second side of the support platform with the second thin film pressure sensor configured to detect a position of a trailing edge of the second sheet member.
Implementation Method 2
The assembly comprises a pressure device to apply pressure to both a leading edge of the first sheet member and a trailing edge of the second sheet member.
Implementation Method 3
the connection device comprises at least one welding shoe that locally heats the first and second sheet members and forms a weld seam that connects the first and second sheet members in the overlapping arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly to connect together first and second sheet members. The assembly includes a pressure device that applies pressure to the sheet members while the sheet members are in an overlapping arrangement and positioned on a support platform. A sensing system that includes one or more thin film pressure sensors detects the positions of the leading and trailing edges. A connection device connects the members together in an overlapping arrangement.