Prepreg Storage Container for Moisture and UV Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber-reinforced plastic components' pre-impregnated textile semi-finished products are prone to processability impairment due to reactions with humidity, oxygen, and UV light, requiring energy-intensive drying during storage and transport to prevent degradation.
Innovation Solution
A transport and storage container system that is air-proof, light-proof, and moisture-proof, allowing for automated handling and inert gas flooding to maintain a controlled climate, minimizing moisture exposure and extending the material's processability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-impregnated textile semi-finished products are stored and transported without special protection, then storage and transport can be performed simply, but the starting component reacts with environment (humidity, oxygen, UV light) causing processability impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inert atmosphere protection by providing a storage and transport system that excludes environmental air (containing oxygen and humidity) from the pre-impregnated textile semi-finished products. The system creates a protected environment that prevents the starting component from reacting with atmospheric moisture and oxygen, thereby maintaining processability without requiring complex active protection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary storage and transport system that acts as a barrier between the pre-impregnated products and the environment. This intermediary system (including containers, coverings, or climate-controlled spaces) mediates the interaction by blocking environmental factors like humidity and UV light, allowing simple storage and transport while preventing detrimental reactions.
2Reliability
If pre-impregnated textile semi-finished products are dried to prevent environmental reactions, then processability is maintained, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by protecting the pre-impregnated textile semi-finished products from environmental exposure during storage and transport before they reach the processing stage. By implementing protective measures (inert atmosphere, sealed containers, UV protection) in advance, the system prevents the need for energy-intensive drying operations, thereby maintaining processability without significant energy consumption.
3Productivity
If automated stacking and removal of prepreg material is implemented, then productivity increases, but the container system must be designed for automated handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the storage and transport container system to serve multiple functions: it provides environmental protection (inert atmosphere, moisture barrier), enables automated handling through standardized interfaces, and facilitates efficient stacking and removal operations. This multi-functional design allows automated stacking and removal while maintaining product integrity, thereby increasing productivity without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A process arrangement for producing a fiber-reinforced plastic component comprises a stacking station in which pre-impregnated textile semi-finished products can be stacked, and an assembly station in which the semi-finished products can be further processed to form the layered packet. The forming of the fiber-reinforced plastic component is subsequently carried out in the press. According to the invention, the stacking station is assigned at least one transport and/or storage container in which the semi-finished products can be stored air-tight, light-proof, and/or moisture-tight shielding and can be transported to the assembly station.