摘要:
The bi-functional transfer foot (10) is structurally configured and operative to provide automated handling of preimpregnated composite materials. The transfer foot (10) includes a valve member (30) having a knock-off stem (34) movably mounted in a housing (15), a solenoid valve (44) and fluid line (40) interconnection to vacuum and pressure sources, and a control subsystem (50) for regulating the operation of the transfer foot (10). The transfer foot (10) is bi-functional for "ON" and "OFF" operation. A control signal issued by the control subsystem (50) turns the transfer foot (10) "ON" wherein vacuum forces causes a first displacement of the valve member (30) within the housing (15) to provide a vacuum force for engaging and retaining the tacky surface of preimpregnated composite plies. Termination of the control signal causes the solenoid valve (44) to exert biasing forces to return the transfer foot (10) to the "OFF" state wherein the transfer foot (10) utilizes forces to cause a second displacement of the valve member (30) within the housing (15) that provides a mechanical force via the knock-off stem (34) to disengage and release the tacky surface of preimpregnated composite plies. A multiplicity of bi-functional transfer feet (10) may be arranged in an array to define automated material handling apparatus for preimpregnated composite plies. Individual transfer feet (10) may be automatically, selectively, activated to form predetermined combinations to match the wide variety of sizes and shapes or patterns of preimpregnated composite materials pre-cure processed via automated composite material manufacturing systems.
摘要:
The integrated, automated composite material manufacturing system for pre-cure processing of preimpregnated composite materials, and particularly, for one-sided preimpregnated composite materials includes a computer control subsystem (150) for controlling and synchronizing the pre-cure processing operations, a material cutting station (20) for controlled cutting of preimpregnated composite materials into individual composite plies (GP) of predetermined size and shape based upon composite ply configurations stored in the computer control subsystem (150), a ply unloading station (30) for providing automatic pickup, transfer and placement operations to unload the individual composite plies (GP) utilizing a multiplicity of bi-functional transfer feet that are automatically, selectively activated to form a predetermined combination operative to engage and retain and disengage and release the tacky surface of individual composite plies (GP), a ply transfer subsystem (50) automatically operative to transfer composite plies (GP) between the unloading subsystem (30) and a ply inverting subsystem (60) for rotating individual composite plies (GP) to place the non-tacky surface up, a ply transfer/layup subsystem (90) to transfer composite plies (GP) to a composite article mold having a mold surface and to layup the transferred composite plies (GP) on the mold surface, and a ply conforming subsystem (110) for conforming said layed up composite plies (GP) with the mold surface.