Geometrically Transformable Vacuum Infusion Mould with Movable Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional composite moulds are inflexible and limited in shape and size, making it difficult to manufacture composite articles with complex geometries or large dimensions, such as spherical shapes, and are restricted in producing multiple parts with varying dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A geometrically transformable vacuum assisted resin infusion casting mould with movable walls and a vacuum bag system that allows for the creation of desired shapes and sizes by forming a vacuum space inside or outside the mould, using elastomeric sealing means to ensure airtight sealing and accommodate different shapes, including elongated and spherical forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-shape moulds are used, then the moulding process is simple, but the ability to produce complex geometries and varying sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mould employs movable walls that can be positioned and locked at different locations to dynamically change the mould cavity geometry. This allows the same mould to produce articles of varying sizes and shapes, including spherical forms, without requiring multiple fixed moulds
Solution Approach 2:
The mould is divided into separate movable wall segments that can be independently positioned. These segmented walls can be arranged in different configurations and locked together to create various geometries, enabling versatility while maintaining structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If movable mould walls are used to achieve geometric flexibility, then complex shapes can be produced, but sealing at junctions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mould uses flexible sealing means comprising elastomeric or plastomeric material at the junctions of movable walls. These flexible sealing elements can deform to conform to the junction surfaces, creating reliable airtight seals even when the mould walls are positioned at different angles or locations
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pressure differential created during the resin infusion process causes the flexible sealing material to be pressed against the junction surfaces, enhancing the sealing effect. The suction force ensures that the sealing means are tightly pressed by the vacuum to air-tightly seal the junction
3Reliability
If vacuum sealing is used to ensure airtightness, then resin infusion is effective, but the sealing means must withstand vacuum forces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing means are made from elastomeric or plastomeric material that is inherently flexible yet durable. This material can withstand the vacuum forces applied during resin infusion while maintaining its sealing function and returning to its original shape after each use, enabling reuse
4Productivity
If fixed moulds are used, then manufacturing cost is low, but productivity for multiple part types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mould is designed as a universal tool that can produce multiple different article types and sizes using the same basic mould structure. By adjusting the position of movable walls and using the vacuum bag system, a single mould can manufacture various composite parts, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated fixed moulds and reducing overall manufacturing costs
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
Enables the production of composite articles with complex geometries and large dimensions, allowing for infinite length calculations, with cost-effective and efficient moulding processes, and reusable sealing means that save time and money.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum bag sealable to the mould and forming a vacuum space with the mould when sealed
Implementation Method 2
the flexible material of the sealing means is arranged to be pressed by the suction of the inside vacuum to the junction of the two mould walls to air-tightly seal the junction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a geometrically transformable vacuum assisted resin infusion casting mould for producing an infusion-moulded reinforced composite article. The mould comprises at least two movable mould walls (10, 11, 12) defining a mould space (14) and an opening to the mould space. A vacuum bag (15) is sealable to the mould and it forms a vacuum space (17) with the mould when sealed. A means for introducing vacuum into the vacuum space, and a sealing means (18) are located at each junction of two mould walls on the other side of the mould than the vacuum space. The sealing means is arranged to seal the junction when vacuum is applied into the vacuum space. The present invention also relates to a method for vacuum assisted resin infusion moulding of a reinforced composite article and to an infusion-moulded reinforced composite article obtained with the method.