Vacuum Pressurization Pressure Strip System for Composite Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum set-ups for producing component parts, particularly fiber composite components, are unsuitable for applying lateral pressure effectively, leading to uneven and difficult-to-control pressurization on component part edges, which is essential for shaping and connecting edges during production.
Innovation Solution
A pressure strip system is integrated into the vacuum set-up, featuring inclined planes that redirect vertical pressure into lateral pressure, ensuring even and defined contact pressure on component part edges, allowing for precise shaping and connection of edges through the use of a multi-part pressure strip system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a film is used for pressurization in existing vacuum set-ups, then the component part can be covered and sealed, but the film does not mold evenly onto lateral component part edges, resulting in difficult-to-control and uneven lateral pressure
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure strips are introduced as intermediary elements between the film and the component part edges. These strips transmit and redirect the vertical pressure from the film into lateral pressure on the component part edges, solving the problem of uneven and uncontrollable lateral pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure strips are designed with specific geometric parameters (inclined planes at defined angles) to transform the pressure vector direction. By changing the orientation and angle of the pressure transmission surface, the system converts vertical film pressure into controlled lateral pressure on the edges.
2Force
If vertical pressure is applied directly to component part edges, then the edges receive pressure, but the pressure cannot be effectively redirected into lateral pressure for shaping and connecting edges
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure strips with inclined planes redirect the force from one dimension (vertical) to another dimension (lateral). This dimensional transformation of force application enables effective lateral pressure for edge shaping and connection, which cannot be achieved by vertical pressure alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure strips serve as mechanical intermediaries that convert the vertical pressing force into lateral shaping force. This intermediary mechanism enables the desired edge shaping and connection capabilities that direct vertical pressure cannot provide.
3Device complexity
If a simple film-based vacuum set-up is used, then the device structure remains simple, but it is virtually unsuitable for applications requiring defined lateral pressure on component part edges
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure transmission system is segmented into multiple pressure strips rather than using a single complex mechanism. Each strip can be independently positioned and configured, allowing for defined lateral pressure application while maintaining relative structural simplicity through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing pressure strips with specific geometric parameters (inclination angles, widths, positions), the system achieves defined lateral pressure control without requiring a completely complex device structure. The precision comes from the controlled parameters of the pressure strips rather than overall system 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 enables precise and uniform lateral pressure application, facilitating the formation of component part edges with consistent dimensions and preventing delamination, thus enhancing the production of complex shapes like aircraft components by ensuring a strong and uniform connection between edges.
Implementation Method 1
effect pressurizing the component part by evacuating the air trapped in the interior space of the casing
Implementation Method 2
at least two pressure strips extending along the component part edge and over inclined planes working together in such a way, that pressure exerted by the evacuation of the interior space onto the pressure strip system causes the generation of pressure that is exerted laterally onto the component part edge
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum set-up to pressurize a component part during its production is provided. The set-up includes a base with a contact surface for component part, and a casing that is airtight to contact surface that can be sealed to cover component part to effect pressurization of component part by evacuating an internal space of casing. To also effect a defined pressurization of component part on at least one component part edge in lateral direction, on at least this component part edge together with component part, a pressure strip system that can be mounted in the interior space is provided that is formed by at least two pressure strips extending along the component part edge and over inclined planes, that work together in such a way that pressure exerted on pressure strip system by the evacuation of the interior space, generates pressure acting laterally on component part edge.