Vacuum Gripper Layers for Uniform Handling of Flexible Composites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing large composite parts, particularly in the aerospace industry, faces challenges in uniformly gripping flexible materials like uncured or partially cured composite materials without causing distortion or damage due to non-uniform pressure or tension during transportation between manufacturing stations.
Innovation Solution
A gripping apparatus comprising an impermeable layer and flow media layers with vacuum ports, allowing controlled vacuum application to engage and grip flexible materials uniformly, with adjustable vacuum levels to manage shear slippage and tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If discrete location gripping methods are used to move flexible materials, then the materials can be held and transported, but non-uniform pressure or tension is caused across the part surface resulting in damage to the flexible materials
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping apparatus divides the gripping surface into multiple discrete gripper elements or zones that can independently apply vacuum pressure. This segmentation allows uniform distribution of gripping force across the entire flexible material surface, preventing localized stress concentrations that would cause damage during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs vacuum pressure applied through permeable and impermeable layers to create uniform gripping force across the flexible material. The pneumatic system distributes vacuum pressure evenly throughout the gripping apparatus, ensuring consistent holding force without creating harmful localized tension or pressure points on the composite plies.
2Manufacturing precision
If vacuum gripping apparatus is used to uniformly grip flexible materials, then distortion is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to multiple layers and vacuum ports
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping apparatus utilizes flexible permeable and impermeable layers that can conform to the shape of the flexible material being gripped. These thin film structures provide the necessary vacuum sealing and pressure distribution while maintaining simplicity in overall device design, avoiding the need for complex rigid structures with numerous components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum gripping apparatus is designed with multi-functional layers that simultaneously provide sealing, pressure distribution, and structural support. The permeable and impermeable layers serve multiple purposes including vacuum distribution, structural integrity, and protection of the flexible material, reducing the need for additional separate components and simplifying the overall 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
The solution ensures uniform gripping and controlled tensioning of flexible materials, preventing distortion and damage, facilitating seamless transportation and assembly of composite parts.
Implementation Method 1
drawing a vacuum between the gripping apparatus and the first portion of the flexible material to engage the first portion of the flexible material with the gripping apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping apparatus includes an impermeable layer defining a vacuum port, a first flow media layer associated with the impermeable layer, and a second flow media layer opposed from the first flow media layer to define a receiving space therebetween.