Vacuum Bag Inflation for Composite Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of a vacuum bag from a cure tool and composite part after processing is tedious due to static electricity buildup and exposure to impurities, making the process uncomfortable and inefficient for technicians.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a source of pressurized gas to inflate the vacuum bag, an ionizer to neutralize static electricity, and a gas filter to remove impurities, allowing for easier removal of the vacuum bag by moving it away from the cure tool and composite material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vacuum bag is removed by hand after curing, then the technician can remove the vacuum bag, but the process is tedious and uncomfortable due to static electricity buildup and exposure to impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful static electricity and impurities are extracted and removed from the enclosed volume before vacuum bag removal. The ionizer extracts static charge, and the filtration system extracts particulates and vapors, allowing safe removal without direct exposure to these harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary gas flow system is introduced between the vacuum bag and the technician. Pressurized gas flows through the enclosed volume, carrying ionized particles and impurities away from the vacuum bag surface, creating a clean buffer zone that mediates the removal process and protects the technician from harmful exposures.
2Ease of operation
If pressurized gas is used to inflate the vacuum bag, then the vacuum bag can be moved away from the cure tool more easily, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurized gas system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it inflates the vacuum bag to facilitate removal, provides a flow path for impurity extraction, and works in conjunction with the ionizer to neutralize static charge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and justifies the added complexity through consolidated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation function and the cleaning function are merged into a single pressurized gas flow system. The same gas source that inflates the vacuum bag also carries the ionized particles and impurities through the filtration system, combining two operational requirements into one integrated solution.
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 solution facilitates easier and safer removal of the vacuum bag by reducing static electricity and eliminating exposure to particulates and vapors, improving the efficiency and comfort of the post-cure process.
Implementation Method 1
a source of pressurized gas configured to inflate the vacuum bag, thereby moving a portion of the vacuum bag away from the cure tool and the composite material
Implementation Method 2
an ionizer configured to receive pressurized gas from the source of pressurized gas, ionize the pressurized gas, and provide the ionized pressurized gas to the enclosed volume
Implementation Method 3
a gas filter configured to receive gas from the enclosed volume and filter the received gas to remove particulates, volatiles, or vapors from the received gas
Data Source
AI summary
An example system for processing composite material includes a cure tool, a source of pressurized gas, and a vacuum bag forming an enclosed volume between the cure tool and the vacuum bag. The system further includes composite material positioned on the cure tool within the enclosed volume. The source of pressurized gas is configured to inflate the vacuum bag, thereby moving a portion of the vacuum bag away from the cure tool and the composite material. An example method includes placing composite material onto a cure tool, placing a vacuum bag over the composite material and the cure tool to form an enclosed volume between the cure tool and the vacuum bag, processing the composite material while the composite material is within the enclosed volume, and inflating the vacuum bag to move a portion of the vacuum bag away from the cure tool and the composite material.