Vacuum Infusion Connection Adapter Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting inner fluid lines in vacuum infusion processes often result in geometric impairments of the produced components due to the need for complex hose line systems underneath the vacuum film, and they lack efficient control over resin supply and vacuum introduction.
Innovation Solution
A connection adapter with a bearing side and a connection side, featuring two bearing legs forming a V-shape and a hollow-cylindrical section with an oval cross-section, allowing for fluid connection from above the film, preventing imprints and enabling easy control of resin flow or air evacuation without complex line systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hoses are routed beneath the vacuum film to connect to internal fluid lines, then fluid supply is established, but geometric impairments (imprints) occur on the manufactured component
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of routing hoses from below the vacuum film (conventional approach), the invention inverts the connection approach by providing connection openings on the upper side of the connection adapter that faces the vacuum film. This allows hoses to connect from above rather than below, eliminating the need for hoses to traverse beneath the film and thus preventing geometric impairments on the component.
2Reliability
If complex hose line systems are used to connect internal fluid lines, then fluid supply is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the connection function by providing multiple connection openings (first connection opening and second connection opening) on the connection adapter. This allows separate connection points for different fluid lines (resin line and vacuum line) to be established independently on the upper side, simplifying the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for complex hose routing beneath the film while maintaining reliable fluid supply.
3Manufacturing precision
If connection points are established on the upper side of the mold, then geometric impairments are prevented, but access for connection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection adapter serves as an intermediary device that bridges the internal fluid lines with external hoses. By positioning the connection openings on the upper side of the adapter (which contacts the vacuum film), it provides accessible connection points that are easily reachable from above the mold, thereby maintaining both geometric precision and operational ease simultaneously.
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 adapter prevents geometric impairments by allowing fluid connection from above, facilitating easy control of resin supply and vacuum introduction, and can be placed anywhere on the mold, ensuring efficient resin infusion and air evacuation without complex line systems.
Implementation Method 1
subjected to resin from a resin line located beneath the film by applying a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
a ring with an O-ring, thus preventing the film from slipping
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A connection adapter (4) for guiding resin into an inner fluid line (2) of a vacuum infusion device has a support side and a connection side, wherein the support side has two support legs for placing on a fluid line which form a gap which widens outwards in a direction away from the connection side, and wherein the connection side has a hollow cylindrical section with a connection opening facing away from the support side, and a connecting opening projecting into the support side and a fluid connection between the connection opening and the connecting opening.