Variable Elasticity Composite Laminate for Laptop Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems require composite materials with variable elasticity to balance flexibility and torsional stiffness, which existing technologies fail to achieve effectively, especially in components like laptop chassis tops.
Innovation Solution
The use of layered composite construction techniques with prepregnated fiber materials, where different polymer matrix materials are applied at specific portions to create regions with varying stiffness characteristics, such as high-stiffness polymers at the perimeter and thermoset or thermoplastic resins at the center, to achieve complex stiffness profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a composite fiber laminate uses uniform polymer matrix material throughout, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the component cannot achieve variable elasticity and complex stiffness profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different polymer matrix materials with different stiffness characteristics at different portions of the same fiber laminate. Specifically, a first polymer matrix material with higher stiffness is applied at a first portion while a second polymer matrix material with lower stiffness is applied at a second portion, enabling the component to have variable elasticity and complex stiffness profiles tailored to specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process is segmented into multiple steps where different polymer matrix materials are applied to different portions of the fiber laminate separately. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining a systematic manufacturing approach that manages complexity through structured multi-step processing.
2Strength
If the composite fiber laminate uses high-stiffness polymer matrix material throughout, then torsional stiffness is maximized, but flexibility and protection from external damage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying high-stiffness polymer matrix material only at portions of the fiber laminate where torsional stiffness is required, while applying low-stiffness polymer matrix material at portions where flexibility is needed. This local differentiation allows the component to simultaneously achieve both high torsional stiffness and appropriate flexibility in different regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining fiber reinforcement with multiple polymer matrix materials of different stiffness characteristics. This composite approach enables the laminate to exhibit tailored mechanical properties, achieving both strength and flexibility through the synergistic combination of different materials in specific configurations.
3Ease of operation
If the composite fiber laminate uses low-stiffness polymer matrix material throughout, then flexibility is maximized, but protection from external damage and torsional stiffness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies low-stiffness polymer matrix material only at portions where flexibility is required while applying high-stiffness polymer matrix material at portions where protection from external damage is needed. This spatial differentiation of material stiffness allows the component to provide both flexibility and protective strength simultaneously in different regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fabricating a laminated composite work piece includes providing a first layer of carbon fiber. The first layer extends continuously across the entire area of the work piece. A second layer is placed adjacent to the first layer. The second layer includes a first fiber material extending across a first portion of the work piece, and a second fiber material extending across a second portion of the work piece. The work piece is cured and provides a case component of an information handling system.