Ring-Shaped Multiaxial Thread Structure Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiaxial thread scrims used in fiber composite materials face issues with twisting and displacement when forming curved or ring-shaped structures, leading to inhomogeneities that negatively impact load-bearing capacity, and require separate closure of joints or overlapping points.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for producing a ring-shaped multiaxial thread structure by laying full-circumferential thread layers on spaced ring elements with adjustable orientation, fixing the threads along the circumference without bending, and removing the scrim from the elements, eliminating the need for joint closure and minimizing layer twisting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiaxial fabrics are curved to form ring-shaped structures, then the fabric can be used in curved applications, but twisting and displacement of yarn layers occur leading to inhomogeneities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to curved structuresVSAvoidyarn layer alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the multiaxial fabric in a ring-shaped configuration during the laying process itself, rather than curving flat fabric afterward. The fabric is deposited directly onto a ring-shaped support structure, ensuring the ring shape is established before any potential twisting or displacement can occur during subsequent handling or curing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curvature by using a ring-shaped support structure as the base form for fabric deposition. This curved geometry allows the fabric to be laid in a pre-curved state, eliminating the need for post-forming bending and the associated twisting and displacement of yarn layers that would occur with flat fabric.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If multiaxial fabrics are formed as continuous roll stock, then production efficiency is improved, but separate joint closure is required for ring-shaped structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidjoint closure process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming the complete ring-shaped structure in a single continuous deposition process. The multiaxial fabric is laid directly onto the ring-shaped support structure, creating a closed ring configuration before production ends, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent joint closure operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by instead of producing flat roll stock and then forming rings, it directly produces ring-shaped structures through deposition onto ring supports. This reversal of the production sequence eliminates the joint closure step entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Shape

If butt joints or overlaps are formed in ring-shaped structures, then continuous ring formation is achieved, but inhomogeneities are created that affect load-bearing capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosed ring formationVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the closed ring shape through continuous deposition onto the ring support structure before any potential weak points can form. This ensures uniform yarn distribution and layer alignment throughout the entire ring, preventing inhomogeneities that would compromise strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves homogeneity by maintaining consistent deposition parameters and yarn tension throughout the entire ring-forming process. The continuous laying process ensures uniform fiber distribution, layer thickness, and orientation around the complete ring structure, eliminating localized inhomogeneities that would create weak points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentEP4219137A1Method and device for producing a ring-shaped multiaxial thread arrangement and ring-shaped object produced therewith
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 KARL MAYER TECH TEXTILIEN GMBH
  • EP4219137A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4219137A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3a
  • EP4219137A1 patent drawingFigure 3b~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for producing an annular multiaxial fiber fabric and an annular object produced therein. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method and a device for forming a multiaxial fiber fabric for annular structures which exhibits no twisting or displacement of the fiber layers. Furthermore, the separate closing of a butt joint or overlap is to be eliminated in order to form a closed ring of the multiaxial fiber fabric. This object is achieved by laying at least one lower fiber layer (2a) and one upper fiber layer, in the form of an endless strand of fibers or an endless single fiber, or in the form of strand segments or single fiber segments, completely onto two spaced-apart ring elements (3) with differing fiber orientations, and then fixing the first and upper fiber layers (2a, 2b) to each other at specific points.