Inline Resin Retention Assembly for Startup Flow Segregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inline resin mixing techniques experience unsteady transient flows, leading to waste of mixed resins during startup, which results in non-conforming composite parts, and there is a need to improve the reliability and retention of mixed resins in the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
The method involves establishing a flow of mixed resin with a first and second mixing component, directing an initial portion to a first intermediate volume and subsequently to a second intermediate volume after a predetermined triggering event, using a mixed resin retention assembly with an inlet spout and intermediate vessel, and a system that includes a three-way valve and pumps to manage the flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If current inline resin mixing techniques are used with three-way valves to route mixing components, then the mixing process can be established, but unsteady transient flows occur during pump startup leading to waste of mixed resin
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by directing the initial portion of mixed resin to a dedicated first intermediate volume during pump startup before the flow is steady. This preliminary routing captures the unsteady transient flow in a controlled manner, preventing it from contaminating the final product and eliminating waste while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate volume is segmented into a first intermediate volume for initial/unsteady flow and a second intermediate volume for steady flow. This segmentation allows the system to handle different flow conditions separately, directing unsteady flow to the first volume and steady flow to the second volume, thereby resolving the contradiction between handling transient flows and preventing waste.
2Productivity
If mixed resin is directed directly to production during pump startup, then production can proceed, but non-conforming composite parts are manufactured
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and holding the initial unsteady mixed resin in the first intermediate volume before production begins. This ensures that only steady, conforming mixed resin from the second intermediate volume is used in production, maintaining manufacturing precision without interrupting productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate volume acts as an intermediary buffer between the mixing system and production. It mediates the transition from unsteady startup flow to steady production flow, allowing production to proceed continuously while ensuring only high-quality conforming parts are manufactured.
3Device complexity
If a single intermediate volume is used for mixed resin retention, then the system is simpler, but it cannot effectively separate initial unsteady flow from continuing steady flow
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate volume is segmented into a first intermediate volume and a second intermediate volume. This segmentation enables the system to differentiate and handle different flow conditions (unsteady vs. steady) separately, achieving reliable retention of mixed resin by flow condition while maintaining reasonable device complexity through the straightforward compartmentalized structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inline resin mixing includes establishing a flow of a mixed resin, initially directing the mixed resin to a first intermediate volume and subsequently directing the mixed resin to a second intermediate volume after a predetermined triggering event relating to a continuing flow of the mixed resin. A mixed resin retention assembly for inline resin mixing includes an inlet spout and an intermediate vessel. The inlet spout receives a flow of the mixed resin. The intermediate vessel includes the first and second intermediate volumes. A valve assembly for inline resin mixing includes an exterior body, an interior body and a cover. The exterior body includes three input ports and an output port. The interior body is disposed within an interior cavity of the exterior body and defines five flow paths extending from a periphery and intersecting at a central portion of the interior body.