Rotatable Brush Film Separation System for Composite Layups
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of removable polyfilms from composite material plies during manufacturing is a time-consuming and laborious process, hindering the efficiency of composite component production.
Innovation Solution
A film separation system utilizing a rotatable brush affixed to a movable arm, which translates towards the edge of the ply and biases the film away from the work surface, creating a region of separation that facilitates efficient film removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual film removal is used, then the polyfilm can be removed from each ply, but the process is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical film removal with an automated mechanical brush system. The rotatable brush applies controlled mechanical action to separate and remove the polyfilm automatically, eliminating manual labor and significantly increasing film removal speed while reducing manufacturing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush system is designed to automatically separate and remove the film without requiring manual intervention for each ply. The automated mechanism performs the film removal task itself, making the process self-service oriented and dramatically improving productivity.
2Productivity
If automated brush system is used, then film removal speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated film removal system is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotatable brush element, a movable arm for positioning, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable while achieving high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush system is designed with multi-functionality to handle different ply configurations and film types. The movable arm provides positioning flexibility, and the brush can adapt to various ply sizes and shapes, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby managing device complexity.
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
This method enables quick and automated film removal, reducing manufacturing time and simplifying the composite manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable brush coupled to the movable arm. The movable arm is configured to translate the rotatable brush towards an edge of the ply of material, and the rotatable brush is oriented relative to the ply of material such that, when rotated, the rotatable brush is configured to bias the removable film away from the work surface
Data Source
AI summary
A film separation system for use in separating a removable film adhered to a ply of material positioned on a work surface. The film separation system includes a holding member configured to hold the ply of material on the work surface, a movable arm configured to translate relative to the work surface, and a rotatable brush coupled to the movable arm. The movable arm is configured to translate the rotatable brush towards an edge of the ply of material, and the rotatable brush is oriented relative to the ply of material such that, when rotated, the rotatable brush is configured to bias the removable film away from the work surface, thereby creating a region of separation between the ply and the removable film.