Reusable Composite Curing Bladder With Direct Pressure Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite resin part curing methods using inflatable bladders require additional sealing time and generate waste due to disposable vacuum bags, and improper venting can lead to bladder failure and compromised part quality.
Innovation Solution
A reusable composite curing system featuring a reusable bladder with a venting channel and pneumatic connector system that allows direct pressurization without venting through a vacuum bag, using quick connectors for efficient connection and pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If venting through vacuum bag is used to pressurize reusable bladder, then bladder can be pressurized to react autoclave pressure force, but additional sealing time is required and waste is generated from seals and disposable vacuum bags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the venting function from the vacuum bag system and relocates it to a dedicated venting channel in the cure tool. This separation allows the vacuum bag to focus solely on sealing while the cure tool handles pressurization, eliminating the need for additional sealing operations and reducing sealing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pneumatic connector as an intermediary component that mediates between the autoclave pressure source and the reusable bladder. This connector provides a controlled pathway for pressure transfer, enabling reliable bladder pressurization without requiring the vacuum bag to perform dual functions of sealing and venting.
2Reliability
If venting through vacuum bag is used to pressurize reusable bladder, then bladder can be pressurized, but waste is generated from seals and disposable vacuum bags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressurization function from the disposable vacuum bag system and assigns it to the reusable cure tool with its integrated venting channel. This allows the vacuum bag to be used exclusively for its primary sealing function, reducing waste from seals while the reusable cure tool handles repeated pressurization cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where the cure tool with venting channel is recovered and reused across multiple curing cycles, while minimizing the consumption of disposable materials. The pneumatic connector enables the cure tool to be reset and reused without generating waste from seals or vacuum bags for each pressurization event.
3Reliability
If improper venting through vacuum bag occurs, then reusable bladder may fail to pressurize, but this compromises composite part quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pneumatic connector as an intermediary that provides a controlled, reliable pathway between the autoclave pressure source and the reusable bladder. This intermediary component ensures proper pressure transfer and prevents improper venting that could compromise bladder pressurization and subsequent composite part quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pressurization system into distinct functional components: the cure tool with venting channel, the pneumatic connector, and the reusable bladder. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably, with the venting channel and connector ensuring controlled pressure transfer that maintains composite part quality.
4Speed
If quick connectors are used for pneumatic connection, then connection speed increases, but connection reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic quick-connectors that enable rapid connection and disconnection of the pneumatic system. These connectors are designed to maintain reliable sealing and pressure containment despite their quick-connect capability, allowing fast setup changes while ensuring pressurization reliability during curing operations.
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
Reduces sealing time, minimizes waste, and ensures consistent part quality by enabling rapid and reliable pressurization of internal cavities during autoclave curing.
Implementation Method 1
the pneumatic connector forming a pressure passageway to provide an external pressure to an interior of the reusable bladder
Implementation Method 2
a reusable bladder configured to apply pressure to an internal cavity of a composite part during autoclave curing
Implementation Method 3
Heat and pressure are applied to the composite material supported on the cure tool and the reusable bladder to cure the composite material
Implementation Method 4
Heat and pressure are applied to the composite material supported on the cure tool and the reusable bladder to cure the composite material
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable composite curing system comprising a reusable bladder; an end fitting sealed to the reusable bladder, the end fitting containing a passage in communication with an interior of the reusable bladder and a first half of the pneumatic connector secured within the end fitting and in communication with the passage; and a cure tool having a venting channel extending from a supporting surface of the cure tool and exiting through one of an underside or a side of the cure tool, and a second half of a pneumatic connector secured within the venting channel; the first half of the pneumatic connector releasable from the second half of the pneumatic connector while maintaining the second half of the pneumatic connector in the cure tool and while maintaining the first half of the pneumatic connector in the end fitting.