Shielding Fabric Drapability on Curved Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wire mesh shielding fabrics are not adequately drapable over three-dimensionally curved surfaces, leading to wrinkles and unsuitability for visible applications in aircraft or vehicle construction.

Innovation Solution

A shielding fabric with a satin or twill weave, incorporating both metallic and non-metallic threads, where non-metallic threads enhance flexibility and adaptability, allowing for wrinkle-free application on curved surfaces while maintaining effective electromagnetic shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wire mesh is used for shielding, then electromagnetic shielding effect is achieved, but drapability on curved surfaces is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic shielding effectVSAvoiddrapability on curved surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding fabric uses a composite structure combining metallic threads (for electromagnetic shielding) with non-metallic threads (for flexibility and drapability). This composite material approach allows the fabric to maintain both shielding effectiveness and adaptability to curved surfaces, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the shielding fabric by incorporating non-metallic threads that increase flexibility and reduce stiffness. This parameter change enables the fabric to drape over curved surfaces while the metallic threads maintain the electromagnetic shielding function, simultaneously improving adaptability without sacrificing shielding reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If wire mesh is applied on three-dimensional curved surfaces, then shielding coverage is achieved, but wrinkles and visible defects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding coverage areaVSAvoidsurface quality and wrinkle formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the material composition to include non-metallic threads, the fabric's mechanical properties are modified to allow better conformability to three-dimensional surfaces. This enables complete coverage of curved areas while minimizing wrinkles and surface defects, improving both coverage area and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding fabric functions as a flexible thin film structure that can conform to complex three-dimensional geometries. The incorporation of non-metallic threads creates a more pliable material that can be draped over curved surfaces without forming significant wrinkles, maintaining surface quality while achieving complete shielding coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If linen weave is used for wire mesh, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and drapability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility and drapability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric uses a composite of metallic and non-metallic threads in a woven structure. The metallic threads provide structural stability and electromagnetic shielding, while the non-metallic threads contribute flexibility and drapability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between maintaining structural integrity and achieving flexibility for curved surface application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different threads in the fabric have different local properties: metallic threads provide stability and shielding in specific directions, while non-metallic threads provide flexibility in other directions. This local differentiation of material qualities allows the fabric to simultaneously exhibit both structural stability and adaptability to curved surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 fabric achieves improved drapability and surface quality on curved surfaces, reducing wrinkles and enabling efficient production with direct weaving, eliminating the need for separate layer processing, thus being suitable for complex shapes and cost-effective manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

the warp threads and the weft threads are electrically conductively connected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

shielding fabric which is suitable for use over a large area in or on fiber-reinforced components and devices in order to shield against electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP1985166B1Screening fabric

Publication Date: 2013.04.10 HAVER & BOECKER OHG

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

Screening fabric having a wire fabric which is woven continuously from threads over an extensive fabric area, wherein the threads comprise warp threads and weft threads which extend transversely with respect to the former, and the warp and the weft threads are connected to one another via at least one weave type, wherein one part of the threads is composed at least partially of a non-metal, in order to increase the drapability of the wire fabric.