Rotating Vacuum Manifold for Composite Bagging Without Tube Entanglement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum bagging large composite structures, such as large fuselage structures, is complicated by entanglement of vacuum tubes during rotation, which reduces the efficacy of the vacuum draw.

Innovation Solution

A rotating manifold with an axle, a rotatable hub, a compressed air line housed in the axle, and a vacuum line in fluid communication with the hub, along with a plurality of conduits connected to the hub, each in fluid communication with both the vacuum and compressed air lines, is used to facilitate efficient vacuum drawing during the rotation of large composite structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vacuum tubes are used for vacuum bagging large composite structures during rotation, then vacuum drawing can be achieved, but the vacuum tubes become entangled and the efficacy of vacuum draw is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum draw efficacyVSAvoidtube entanglement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum distribution system is segmented into multiple stationary vacuum sources positioned around the rotational path, each serving a specific angular position. This eliminates the need for a single long vacuum tube that would become entangled during rotation, as each stationary source connects to its designated sector without requiring the tube to move or bend excessively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A rigid vacuum distribution manifold is introduced as an intermediary component that receives vacuum from stationary sources and distributes it through rigid conduits to the vacuum bag at different angular positions. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for flexible, movable vacuum tubing that would otherwise become entangled during the rotation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If large composite structures are vacuum bagged during rotation, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but vacuum tube entanglement occurs reducing process effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidvacuum draw effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static vacuum tube configuration to a dynamic arrangement where the vacuum bag rotates on a turntable while multiple stationary vacuum sources remain fixed. The vacuum distribution manifold dynamically adapts to the rotating position, ensuring continuous vacuum supply without tube entanglement, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability throughout the rotation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The problem is solved by adding a spatial dimension to the vacuum distribution system. Instead of using a single linear vacuum tube that must bend and twist during rotation, the system employs multiple vacuum sources arranged in a circular pattern around the rotational path, distributing vacuum through rigid conduits in a two-dimensional plane that accommodates the rotation without entanglement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If vacuum tubes are used for large fuselage structures, then complete surface coverage is possible, but tube entanglement reduces vacuum drawing efficacy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum bag coverage areaVSAvoidvacuum draw efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The large vacuum bag surface is segmented into multiple zones, each served by a dedicated stationary vacuum source positioned around the rotational path. This segmentation allows complete surface coverage through the rotation cycle while eliminating the need for a single long vacuum tube that would become entangled, as each zone is independently serviced by its own stationary vacuum connection point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The rotating manifold ensures consistent and effective vacuum drawing across large composite structures during rotation, preventing tube entanglement and enhancing the manufacturing process efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a compressed air line in fluid communication with the hub and in fluid communication with each conduit such that the compressed air line delivers compressed air to each vacuum valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a vacuum source in fluid communication with the rotating manifold by way of the vacuum line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4275872B1Rotating manifolds and associated systems and methods for vacuum bagging large composite structures

Publication Date: 2025.01.29 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

A rotating manifold (100) includes an axle (154), a hub (110) rotatable relative to the axle (154) about an axis of rotation (A) and a compressed air line (116) in fluid communication housed in the axle (154). The rotating manifold further includes a vacuum line (150) in fluid communication with the hub (110). The rotating manifold further includes a plurality of conduits (118) connected to the hub (110). Each conduit (118') of the plurality of conduits (118) is in fluid communication with the vacuum line (150) and houses a compressed air line arm (116') in fluid communication with the compressed air line (116).