Retrable Composite Lay-up Head for Oblique Prepreg Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lay-up head systems face challenges in accurately guiding prepreg tapes due to the need for increased distance between the separator and depositing member when dealing with oblique cuts, leading to potential misalignment and reduced precision in complex shape deposition.
Innovation Solution
A lay-up head with retractable separation means that can move between a retracted and active position, allowing for early separation of prepreg from its backing tape, especially when the strips terminate in an inclined manner, to improve guidance and reduce the necessary distance between the separator and depositing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the separator and depositing member is increased to accommodate oblique cuts, then the prepreg can be properly guided for complex shapes, but the precision and accuracy of prepreg guidance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the separation means retractable rather than fixed. The separation means can extend when needed for oblique cuts and retract to a minimum distance position for normal operations, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically based on the cutting requirements while maintaining high precision guidance capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the separator and depositing member is increased, then oblique cuts can be accommodated, but the lay-up head bulk and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separation means is designed to be retractable, extending only when needed for oblique cuts and retracting to a compact position during normal operations. This dynamic configuration allows the lay-up head to maintain low weight and compact bulk while still possessing the capability to handle various cut types when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A lay-up head receives a prepreg bonded to a support tape, and the prepreg is separated from its support tape by peeling, by means of a separator just upstream of a depositing member for depositing the prepreg tape on a deposition tool; the head includes, downstream of the separator, a retractable device for moving the prepreg away from the support tape, allowing the prepreg to be moved away just upstream of the separator, by means of which the prepreg can be separated earlier when the retractable device is activated.