WO2014204765A1 - Étiquetage d'identification par radiofréquence (rfid) et de produit intégré dans des tubes composites de tricot pour un système de distribution de fluide - Google Patents

Étiquetage d'identification par radiofréquence (rfid) et de produit intégré dans des tubes composites de tricot pour un système de distribution de fluide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014204765A1
WO2014204765A1 PCT/US2014/042033 US2014042033W WO2014204765A1 WO 2014204765 A1 WO2014204765 A1 WO 2014204765A1 US 2014042033 W US2014042033 W US 2014042033W WO 2014204765 A1 WO2014204765 A1 WO 2014204765A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
knitted
reinforcement layer
pattern
layer
fibers
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2014/042033
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Nicholas Clancy SCHOOLEY
David Ethan MARETICH
Jon Wallace NEAL
Richard Lowell STATLER
Clifton P. Breay
Original Assignee
Eaton Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/922,567 external-priority patent/US9470352B2/en
Application filed by Eaton Corporation filed Critical Eaton Corporation
Publication of WO2014204765A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014204765A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
    • B29C70/40—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied
    • B29C70/42—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C70/44—Shaping or impregnating by compression not applied for producing articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using isostatic pressure, e.g. pressure difference-moulding, vacuum bag-moulding, autoclave-moulding or expanding rubber-moulding
    • B29C70/446—Moulding structures having an axis of symmetry or at least one channel, e.g. tubular structures, frames
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/68—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers, e.g. foam blocks
    • B29C70/70—Completely encapsulating inserts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/68—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers, e.g. foam blocks
    • B29C70/86—Incorporated in coherent impregnated reinforcing layers, e.g. by winding
    • B29C70/865—Incorporated in coherent impregnated reinforcing layers, e.g. by winding completely encapsulated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/88—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts characterised primarily by possessing specific properties, e.g. electrically conductive or locally reinforced
    • B29C70/882—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts characterised primarily by possessing specific properties, e.g. electrically conductive or locally reinforced partly or totally electrically conductive, e.g. for EMI shielding
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L9/00—Rigid pipes
    • F16L9/12—Rigid pipes of plastics with or without reinforcement
    • F16L9/127—Rigid pipes of plastics with or without reinforcement the walls consisting of a single layer
    • F16L9/128—Reinforced pipes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2023/00—Tubular articles
    • B29L2023/22—Tubes or pipes, i.e. rigid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L2201/00—Special arrangements for pipe couplings
    • F16L2201/60—Identification or marking

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to composite tubes used in fluid delivery systems, and more particularly, to composite tubes having a knitted reinforcement layer and integral identification including an RFID tag and labeling knitted within the knitted reinforcement layer.
  • Polymer based compositions are becoming increasingly used in a variety of different technological applications to include vehicle and aerospace applications.
  • Polymer based composites are used in not only structural applications, but also in construction of system components in order to control the electrical conductivity and resistivity of the components. Polymers widely vary in their ability to dissipate static charges and to prevent the composite material from acting as a mere conductor of electrical current.
  • Polymeric composites with both conductive and non-conductive properties can be chosen by incremental addition of selected materials such as carbon black, carbon fiber, metallic fibers and powders, as well as selecting inherently conductive polymeric compositions such as polyaniline. Further, it is known that by varying the amount of conductive or resistive particles added to the composition, some incremental control can be obtained for establishing the conductive or resistive properties of the material.
  • Fuel lines particularly those used in aircraft, should preferably have the ability to accommodate a wide range of electrical performance requirements depending upon the location of the fuel line, the type of fuel line and other factors. It is desirable to have fuel lines that are resistant enough to prevent them from acting as conductors of electrical current such as caused by a lightening strike, yet the fuel lines should be conductive enough to prevent static charge build up that could result in an electrical arc creating a spark within the fuel line.
  • Various efforts have been made to isolate fuel lines to ensure the fuel lines maintain the desired electrical properties; however, traditional fuel lines are unable to accommodate wide electrical performance requirements when comparing an event such as a lightning strike versus slow but incremental static buildup.
  • WO2009/087372 discloses fuel lines with controlled resistivity
  • This reference describes a glass reinforced composite pipe having an electrically nonconductive polymeric resin matrix and an electrically nonconductive tow reinforcement such as glass fiber.
  • the composition further includes a selected dispersion of an electrically conductive particulate filler, such as carbon black in which the resistivity of the outer portion of the composite pipe is preferably set between 50 K-ohms per meter length and 4 M-ohms per meter length.
  • Another reference that addresses electrical conductivity problems associated with fuel carrying pipes or tubes is the European Patent Application Publication No. 0028310.
  • This reference discloses a filament reinforced plastic article having a fluid impermeable wall with a relatively low surface resistivity to prevent build up of electrostatic charge.
  • the article includes overlapping bands of filament coated with a plastic material. A minor portion of the filament in some of the bands is electrically conductive by use of electrically conductive filaments that may be distributed throughout the wall of the article.
  • U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2010/011,694 Another example of a fuel pipe or tube addressing desired electrical properties is the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2010/011,694.
  • This reference describes ducting comprising at least one multi-layer pipe having respective inner and outer layers made of a composite plastic material, and reinforced by an electrically conductive reinforcing layer.
  • An intermediate layer is provided for stiffening of the pipe when flexed and/or to insulate the pipe.
  • Each of the inner and outer layers has at least one winding with contiguous turns of a material made of a composite thermoplastic.
  • the pipe is able to discharge electrostatic build up through its inner layer, and electrical charges due to lightening are deflected away from the pipe through its outer layer.
  • fluid conveying tubes in general is that a secondary or additional manufacturing step is required to label fluid conveying components.
  • a few traditional methods to label fluid conveying components include printed stickers, painting, engraving, stamping, or laser marking. Each of these methods requires a secondary operation to label the component after it is manufactured.
  • one typical sequence of manufacturing steps for a fluid conveying component may be forming of the component (by molding or extrusion), cutting the component to the desired length, bending the component in the desired shape, anodizing the component, and then finally marking the component with a permanent label.
  • the final step of marking the component with a permanent label adds additional cost, as well as potential risk.
  • a composite tube is provided that is especially adapted for use in fluid delivery systems containing fuel or other corrosive chemical formulations.
  • the invention further comprises a method of manufacturing the composite tube as well as a composite tube system in which a plurality of composite tubes are connected for delivery of a fluid within a larger assembly, such as a vehicle or aircraft.
  • the composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of fiber created by a knitted fibrous pattern characterized by a plurality of interlocking loops.
  • knitted fiber is defined as group of fibers that are interconnected by a plurality of consecutive loops or stitches. As each row of loops is formed, a new loop is pulled through an existing loop. Selected knitted patterns may be formed to provide the desired density or spacing between the fibers. The meandering path or course of the fibers can be adjusted in terms of spacing of the consecutive loops to achieve the desired density of fibers per unit area.
  • the knitted pattern of the present invention comprises fibers that follow meandering paths to form loops.
  • the loops may be symmetric or irregular shaped. Accordingly, the course or paths of the knitted fibers have multiple directional changes to include at least one directional change of approximately 180 degrees in order to form a loop.
  • the knitted pattern has an inherent bias or stretch/contracting capability that enables a user to further adjust the density or spacing of the fibers by selectively stretching the fibers to a desired shape.
  • a particular knitted pattern can be chosen to also modify the desired spacing and density of the knitted fibers. Examples of different knitted patterns could include plain or pearl stitching. Other types of knitting may be used to further adjust knitted pattern parameters such as fiber density. These other types of knitting may include warp knitting, weft knitting and plaited stitching.
  • a number of features of the composite tube can be precisely controlled with the use of a knitted pattern.
  • different types of fiber can be knitted to adjust the conductivity or resistivity of the composite tube.
  • Monitoring devices can also be incorporated in the knitted pattern, such as various strain gauges or other sensors.
  • the particular geometry of the composite tube can be made in an infinite number of shapes based on the ability to knit tubular sections in desired shapes. Not only can the diameter of the tube be changed, but also turns or bends and other features can be created. Intersecting sections of tubes can be attached by stitching the abutting faces to one another.
  • the knitted pattern of fibers can be considered a continuous integral support structure which eliminates the requirement for overlapping sections at tube intersection points, thereby avoiding delamination between the layers of material.
  • a circular knitting machine can be used to create the tubular knitted patterns.
  • One example of a circular knitting machine comprises a cylinder rotatable in one or both directions.
  • a series of circumferentially spaced needle slots are located on a peripheral surface.
  • a series of individually movable knitting needles are reciprocated in the associated needle slots.
  • a series of jacks are arranged below the associated needles in an end to end relationship for reciprocating with the associated needles in the needle slots.
  • Each of the jacks has a butt extending out of the associated needle slot.
  • a camming mechanism includes a number of raising cams arranged to define a cam track through which each butt passes when the cylinder is rotating.
  • the knitting can be affected whenever each butt of the jack comes in contact with the raising cams, and is thereby moved along with the associated needle upwardly in the associated needle slot.
  • This machine is described in the U.S. Patent No. 3,971,233, and this reference is hereby incorporated by reference for the purpose of disclosing a circular knitting machine capable of producing a tubular configuration of a knitted pattern.
  • the use of a conventional circular knitting machine such as used for fabrics is capable of creating the tubular arrangement of fiber in the present invention.
  • the fiber may include materials such as Kevlar®, carbon fiber, glass, and combinations thereof.
  • the tubular knitted pattern provides for variable electrical, mechanical, and geometrical options that are difficult if not impossible to achieve with conventional composite tube manufacturing processes.
  • a vacuum bag molding process involves a two sided mold that shapes both the internal and external surfaces of an object.
  • the interior mold or mandrel is rigid
  • the exterior mold is a flexible membrane or vacuum bag.
  • an inflatable bladder is placed within the knitted pattern to create internal pressure.
  • the inflatable bladder is provided in a twisted, helical pattern that ensures the inflatable bladder is capable of applying even internal pressure against the knitted pattern that may have various turns or changes in diameter. The twisted helical pattern enables the bladder to be inflated beyond just a cylindrical shape.
  • the bladder has excess material that can fill larger spaces or may easily fit within smaller areas thereby accommodating different shaped tubes to be formed.
  • a polymeric matrix is applied over the knitted pattern.
  • the matrix material flows between the gaps in the knitted pattern and the matrix material is provided in sufficient quantity to create a desired thickness based on tube specifications.
  • the matrix material is the combination of a composite resin and epoxy formulated with the desired properties for the particular tube application.
  • additional layers are placed over the matrix to include a perforated plastic or relief plastic layer, an absorptive layer over the perforated plastic layer, and an external impervious vacuum bag over the absorptive material.
  • a vacuum port is provided for the drawing of a vacuum to remove air, and to thereby provide a compressive force against the matrix layer.
  • the external pressure can be increased by placing the assembly in an autoclave which can increase the differential pressures.
  • the excess matrix material is allowed to flow through the perforated plastic layer and is absorbed within the absorptive layer.
  • the matrix is allowed to cure, and molding materials are then removed leaving a composite tube shell which can be trimmed and finished. Finishing may include painting, part marking, application of decals, etc.
  • Modular and adjustable external fixturing may be used to hold critical geometry areas on the tube such as neck downs, mount points, and end configurations.
  • This modular/adjustable exterior fixturing can also be used to secure flanges or other hardware, and may be attached to the ends of the tube or other locations on the tube.
  • the desired resistive properties can be achieved.
  • the surface and volumetric resistivity of the product can also be adjusted.
  • tube or “tubing” of the present invention covers not only circular shaped cross sectional elements, but also a wide range of other hollow shapes in which varied diameters and shapes can be used to complete the entire array of differing fluid conveying elements within a fluid conveying system.
  • this manufacturing method allows for the construction of very long pipe runs that traditionally require many laminated seams or junctions attached by couplers.
  • the manufacturing method also allows for electronic integration of various monitoring sensors or heating elements to control temperatures, for example to comply with anti-icing requirements for aircraft.
  • the composite tube of the present invention provides many material advantages to include a non-metallic, a seamless composite that can be formed into an infinite number of rigid shapes, and the composite tube is tunable for
  • the integral identification includes labeling created by a modified knitted pattern for the knitted reinforcement layer.
  • the label or identifier is integrated with the tube by use of a different pattern of knitted material or different types of knitted material used within the knitted arrangement of the reinforcement layer.
  • labeling could be achieved by using a distinct type of fiber or thread, different colored fiber/thread, and/or distinct groups of fibers or strands of thread in which the computerized circular knitting machine knits the labeling information directly within the same knitted pattern that forms the knitted reinforcement layer.
  • Another option for providing this type of integral knitted identifier is to change only the knitted pattern that may provide enough visual distinctiveness to serve as an identifier.
  • an identifier can be added by simply changing the closeness or spacing of the knitted loops and forming these changed loop patterns into numbers or letters, all of which could be achieved by the computerized circular knitting machine.
  • the ability to provide integral identification also provides an opportunity for more detailed identification or labeling of the fluid conveying component without materially affecting either the quality of the composite tube or increasing the overall cost. Further, this integral identification capability may enhance certain quality control measures in terms of increasing the capability to effectively track and inspect different types of fluid conveying components.
  • the invention may include the use of radio frequency identification (RFID). More specifically, the composite tube may include an integral RFID tag for purposes of identifying the fluid conveying component.
  • RFID tags are capable of storing enough data that detailed information can be recorded for a product, and the data storage capability of the RFID tag may typically exceed the amount of data required for identification.
  • the fluid conveying component could be easily stored in the RFID tag as electronic data and accessible by an external RFID reader.
  • This preferred embodiment includes different ways in which the RFID tag could be incorporated in the composite tube. For example, the
  • RFID tag could be woven directly into the knitted reinforcement material in which one or more surfaces of the RFID tag could include its own fibers that are woven or otherwise knitted within the knitted reinforcement layer, or the periphery of the RFID tag could be in the form of a substrate that is secured to the knitted reinforcement layer with a dedicated stitch pattern stitched through the periphery of the substrate.
  • the RFID tag could be placed between layers of the knitted reinforcement material, or the RFID tag could be introduced into the tube construction during the layup of matrix material in which the tag could be added to a selected location in the cross sectional area of the tube.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a section of composite tubing formed in accordance with a vacuum bag molding method
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view of one example of a knitted pattern usable with the tubular arrangement of fiber of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a finished composite tube having a plurality of features
  • Fig. 3A is a greatly enlarged perspective view illustrating the knitted connection between abutting sections of tubing
  • Fig. 3B is a greatly enlarged perspective view illustrating the integration of a monitoring feature in the knitted pattern, such as an electronic element.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a tubular shaped knitted reinforcement layer incorporating an identifier, namely, a first type of RFID tag according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a tubular shaped knitted reinforcement layer incorporating an identifier, namely, a second type of RFID tag according to another embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a tubular shaped knitted reinforcement layer incorporating an identifier, namely, a knitted label that is integral with the knitted reinforcement layer according to a another embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another tubular shaped knitted reinforcement layer incorporating an identifier, namely, another knitted label that is integral with the knitted reinforcement layer according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • the composite tube 10 is formed by a vacuum bag molding process. For illustrative purposes, the successive layers of material are shown as exposed.
  • a spiraled inner bladder 12 is placed within the interior opening of a knitted reinforcement layer 20.
  • the tubular knitted pattern formed for the reinforcement layer 20 is constructed with the previously described knitted pattern having a selected group of fibers formed in a plurality of loops.
  • the inner bladder 12 is inflated through inflation port 14, in order to expand the knitted reinforcement layer 20 to a desired diameter or shape.
  • the knitted reinforcement layer 20 is shown as having a bend.
  • the reinforcement layer can be knitted with the bend. This type of knitting to produce a bend could be similar to the formation of a bend in a woven garment, such as the heel portion of a knitted sock or slipper.
  • each end of the composite tube section to be formed may have external fixtures 16 secured thereto to stabilize the shape of the composite tube, and to otherwise provide a means by which external hardware may be secured to the tube structure.
  • the external fixture 16 on the left side of the diagram includes an opening for holding a piece of hardware such as a flange 34 that may be secured to the composite tube during the vacuum bag molding process.
  • the external fixture can also be used to modify the tube shape, for example, a rigid box shaped fixture placed over and end of the tube can be used to restrict the expansion and form the final product into a tube having a geometrical shaped end with flat sides.
  • the fixtures 16 may be placed at intermediate or interior sections of the tube between the ends in order to stabilize the shape of the tube at that intermediate location(s).
  • a matrix layer 22 is placed over the knitted reinforcement layer 20, the matrix preferably including components of resin and epoxy materials.
  • the matrix material is typically in a liquid form that enables the matrix layer to flow between the gaps in the knitted reinforcement layer 20, and to otherwise fully encapsulate the knitted layer 20.
  • the amount of matrix is applied to set the desired external and internal tube diameters.
  • the matrix may be applied in a number of ways, such as by an atomized spray, or by brushing the matrix layer over the knitted layer.
  • a perforated plastic layer 24 is placed over the matrix layer 22.
  • the perforated plastic layer 24 comprises a plurality of perforations 26 as shown.
  • an absorptive layer 28 is placed over the perforated plastic layer 24.
  • an impermeable vacuum bag 30 is placed over the absorptive layer 28.
  • a vacuum port 32 is formed on the vacuum bag.
  • a vacuum is applied through the vacuum port to remove air between the layers of material, thereby resulting in an external force applied to the matrix layer 22.
  • This external force can be increased as mentioned by placing the assembly in a pressurized chamber such as an autoclave.
  • Excess matrix material is allowed to flow through the perforations 26, and the absorptive layer 28 absorbs a significant portion of the excess matrix material flowing through the perforations.
  • the composite tube is then allowed to cure, and curing may be accelerated by heating in an oven or autoclave.
  • the external layers are stripped from the cured and hardened matrix layer.
  • the spiraled inner bladder 12 is deflated, and then removed leaving the composite tube.
  • the tube may then finished by polishing the exposed surfaces and painting, or the tube may be left unfinished.
  • the preferred embodiment shows the use of both the absorptive and perforated layers, it shall be understood that the particular vacuum bag molding process chosen may incorporate other layers or may eliminate one or more of these layers based on the particular type of tube section to be created.
  • the layer is characterized by one or more sets of fibers and the knitted pattern forming a plurality of interlocking loops. More specifically, Fig. 2 illustrates two sets of fibers 60 and 62, and the fibers knitted in a meandering pattern such that a plurality of loops are formed in successive rows that join at interlocking loop points 64. Fig. 2 provides an example of how different sets of fibers can be used to provide distinct boundaries for changing performance characteristics of the tube while maintaining continuous material integrity without the need to overlap layers of material. For example, the first set of fibers 60 may have greater resistive properties, while the second set of fibers 62 may have greater conductive characteristics.
  • Each set of fibers may include different types of fibers within each set that are also selected to provide the desired electrical or mechanical characteristics, or other characteristics. Therefore, one can appreciate the ability of the knitted reinforcement layer 20 to provide precise specifications for both strength and electrical conductivity/resistivity as a function of the geometry and location.
  • a finished composite tube structure 10 is shown having a number of different features/characteristics.
  • the area of the tube located at the bend 66 represents an area that may have a greater density knit pattern or additional fibers at the bend to better support the tube at that location, and also fibers knitted in a curvature that provides the bend shape.
  • the knitted material shown at area 66 is covered by the matrix layer, but is shown as exposed for illustrative purposes in this figure to denote an area having a different knit pattern.
  • Area 68 on the tube may represent an area having either a different type of matrix material applied, a different knitted pattern, or different knitted materials, the intent being to illustrate how a very small portion of the tube can be modified in performance characteristics, yet avoids traditional overlapping layers of matrix material that are prone to delamination.
  • Area 70 illustrates yet another change in either the knitted reinforcement layer and/or the matrix material in order to support a protruding hardware element 46.
  • Area 40 in Fig. 3 and Fig. 3B are intended to illustrate incorporation of an electronic element such as a strain gauge or temperature monitor that can be incorporated directly into the knitted pattern, or may itself be made of a fibrous material which can be knitted directly into the knitted layer 20.
  • the electronic element could also be one which measures electrical static buildup and voltage differentials across various portions of the tube. Such electronic elements can be used to monitor the state of the tube, such as the internal pressure, temperature, and other environmental factors.
  • Fig. 3 A illustrates the reinforcement layer 20 with two intersecting tubes that are knitted together at intersecting knit line 44. At this location, sets of fibers from both sections of tube can be looped with one another for a very secure connection. When the matrix material is applied over the intersecting knit line 44, the matrix material is continuous and therefore a traditional laminated seam is avoided.
  • the modified section 48 has a geometric shape that is quite different than a cylindrical tube. This section may be produced with the use of external fixtures (not shown), similar to the manner in which the fixture 16 holds the flange 34.
  • Area 50 may represent a reinforced portion of the tube, such as by applying additional matrix material thereby thickening the tube wall and/or increasing the density of the knitted pattern.
  • the tube could also be made in a very flat shape with a narrow internal cavity, this shape being referred to as a clearance flat.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a tubular shaped knitted reinforcement layer incorporating an integral identifier, namely, a first type of RFID tag. More specifically, Fig. 4 is illustrates a tubular shaped knitted reinforcement layer 100 for a composite tube to be formed, in which an RFID tag 106 is secured within the body 102 of the knitted material.
  • the RFID tag 106 illustrated is intended to represent any number of types of RFID tags that may be used to identify products, including both passive and active RFID tags, and hybrids thereof. There are certain advantages associated with the various types of RFID tags.
  • the particular RFID tag 106 illustrated in Fig. 4 may represent a passive RFID tag, including a coil 108 and associated circuitry 110.
  • Stitched border 112 represents a selected stitching pattern that can be incorporated in the knitted reinforcement layer 100 to positively attach the peripheral edge of the RFID tag 106 to the reinforcement layer.
  • the peripheral edge of the RFID tag 106 could be stitched directly into the reinforcement layer with fibers from the stitched border 112.
  • the RF ID tag 106 could be incorporated within the reinforcement layer 100.
  • the RFID tag 106 could be secured between the layers which therefore may not require stitching. Further, it should be understood that while the RFID tag has been illustrated as located between the opposite ends of the reinforcement layer 100, the RFID tag 106 could be located at or adjacent either end, or the tag 106 could be stitched within the interior surface 104 of the knitted reinforcement layer 100. In yet another aspect of the invention, it is contemplated that the RFID tag 106 is not a completely independent and separate component from the knitted reinforcement layer, but rather, some elements of the RFID tag 106 could be formed from the knitted reinforcement layer.
  • the coil 108 could be formed with selected fibers from the knitted reinforcement layer, and therefore the remaining elements of the RFID tag could be incorporated within a very small substrate to support the required circuitry 110.
  • the coil 108 could be easily formed within a knit created by the machine in which a selected conductive fiber(s) could be used to form the coil 108.
  • an RFID tag 114 incorporated within a very small capsule.
  • the smaller size of the RFID tag shown may enable more than one tag to be used.
  • one RFID tag could be used to specifically identify the fluid conveying component, while another RFID tag could be used to identify the fluid conveying system or sub-assemblies of the system.
  • the tag 114 is sufficiently small so that it may be conveniently wedged between fibers of the knitted reinforcement layer 100, or the tag could also be positively attached by a peripheral stitching pattern 116 in which one or more threads from the peripheral stitching pattern 116 may attached directly to the tag 114.
  • This tag may also be secured to the knitted reinforcement layer 100 by being placed between folded portions of the layer 100, or the layer 100 could include multiple layers of material with the tag placed between layers.
  • RFID tags 106 and 114 may also be incorporated within a composite tube by simply placing these tags within the matrix material as it is applied during manufacturing. Therefore, it should be clear that there are number of options available for incorporating RFID tags without altering or unnecessarily
  • RFID tags in the present invention.
  • This type of identification is wireless and does not require physical contact with a reading or interrogation device. Therefore, automatic identification and tracking can occur in a very non-intrusive manner.
  • Use of a RFID tag reduces risk in misidentification of a composite tube or other fluid conveying component.
  • the identification capability is provided in the initial steps of manufacturing rather than a post production/manufacturing effort as is the case with traditional labeling or tagging techniques; thus early identification helps to eliminate inadvertent non-marking or mismarking.
  • the automatic nature of the RFID tag as an identifier also reduces the risk of human error in marking and the failure to mark fluid conveying components.
  • an RFID tag Because of the data capacity in newer RFID tags, sufficient data is provided for recording detailed information on the manufactured part, including, but not limited to, customer specific information, assembly and manufacturing instructions, part numbers, date and cage codes, serial numbers, part specifications, aircraft coordinates, material designations, hazardous handling instructions, and the like. Further, the integration of an RFID tag also allows automated tracking of a part as it is manufactured and/or incorporated within a fluid conveying system. A component marked with an RFID tag can be easily located within a manufacturing facility, and can also be tracked throughout the assembly and installation steps as well. Therefore, the RFID tag enables traceability of the component throughout the product's lifecycle.
  • an RFID tag has advantages because identification can translate into nearly instantaneous reports or notifications for defective or otherwise potentially nonconforming parts. Further, RFID tags are advantageous over traditional stamped or inked tags/labels during packaging and shipment. Inventory control is easily verified in which tagged components within packing containers/boxes can be interrogated to confirm contents of the container/boxes without opening the contents. Unlike ink marking or other manually prepared tags, RFID tags integrated within the internal cross- sectional area of the tube cannot be obscured or removed. Further, RFID tags are modifiable in terms of the particular information recorded and stored; therefore RFID tag data can be modified over time as the component is manufactured, shipped, installed, etc.
  • fluid conveying systems within aircraft are typically found within very constrained spaces and there may be very few locations that are visible. Once a fluid conveying system is installed, it becomes very difficult to identify and replace selected components since it may not be immediately known what particular part number is compatible for placement.
  • RFID tagging system each separate component of the fluid conveying system can be interrogated as installed by use of a small interrogator or reader that can be easily inserted within the small spaces of the installed fluid conveying system.
  • the electronic nature of the data stored may also make identifying old or discontinued parts easier for replacement with currently available compatible parts.
  • FIG. 6 another embodiment of the invention is illustrated with respect to composite tubes that incorporate integral identification or labeling.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a knitted reinforcement layer 120 having two bends or turns, however it shall be understood that the shape of the reinforcement layer 120 in Fig. 6 is simply exemplary, and as with the previous embodiments, this fluid conveying embodiment is not limited to any particular shape or configuration.
  • the reinforcement layer 120 has a plurality of identifying markings, and this figure is intended to illustrate the markings comprising knitted fibers or groups of fibers/strands incorporated directly into the knitted reinforcement layer.
  • the ends 122 and 124 of the reinforcement layer 120 may both include a distinct stitching pattern and/or fibers of different color or texture in a crosshatched pattern 126.
  • This pattern 126 could indicate a designation for the type of connection or seal to be made between the respective ends 122 and 124 and adjoining tube sections or fluid conveying components (not shown).
  • Other markings are provided including attaching or assembly instructions 128, fluid flow direction indicators 130, and part or component identification data 132.
  • the identification data 132 may include information such as the manufacturer's name, the part number, the date upon which the part is manufactured, and a corresponding serial number or other identification number for the particular fluid conveying component. For each of these markings, they may comprise a distinct knitted pattern, different types of knitted fibers, different groups of fibers or strands of threads, or fibers of different colors and/or textures.
  • the matrix material applied has a color that may enable the markings to be viewed with the unaided eye; accordingly, the matrix material may preferably have a substantially clear or translucent color.
  • a ultra-violet light source could be used to detect the markings through the overlying matrix material that is transparent only when viewed through this selected wavelength of light.
  • FIG. 7 another example of a knitted reinforcement layer 140 is illustrated, including various markings as shown including the crosshatched pattern 126 located at the ends 142 and 144, attaching or assembly instructions 128, flow direction indicators 130, and identification data 132.
  • the reinforcement layer 140 has a single bend or turn, and it again shall be understood that the knitted reinforcement layer 140 incorporating the integral identification or labeling is not limited to any particular shape or configuration.
  • detailed labeling of the fluid conveying components can be achieved within the knitted reinforcement layer without having to execute an additional processing or manufacturing step as required with traditional labeling techniques.
  • identification/labeling By knitting to create the identification/labeling, this provides a simplified and permanent solution because the identification/labeling is protected by an overlying matrix material.
  • the identification/labeling cannot be inadvertently removed by wear or abrasion, which may occur if identification/labeling was applied according prior art techniques of printing or engraving on the exterior surface of the fluid conveying component, or by use an externally applied tag.
  • identification/labeling may also be achieved with a combination of the RFID tags and the distinct knitting patterns and/or knitting fibers. For example, it may be desirable to visually display assembly instructions and flow directions by use of the distinct knitting patterns or fibers, but it may be desirable to record identification data electronically so that such identification data may be revised over time. This combination provides yet further options to optimize identification/labeling in a simplified yet permanent and cost effective manner.
  • a composite tube system for incorporation within a larger assembly such as an aircraft or vehicle.
  • a plurality of separate composite tubes form a fluid conveying network with tubes having various diameters, lengths, and shapes. Because of the ease at which shape and diameter modifications can be achieved, the composite tube system is highly adaptable for applications in which there are constrained spaces for mounting a fluid conveying network, such as a fuel system.

Abstract

Selon l'invention, le tube composite (10) comprend un agencement tubulaire de fibres tricotées (20, 100, 120, 140) ayant une pluralité de boucles d'inter-verrouillage. Le motif tricoté permet des options électriques, mécaniques et géométriques variables. Un matériau de base (22) est appliqué sur le motif de fibres tricotées et peut durcir. Le matériau de base (22) peut être appliqué par un processus de moulage au sac sous vide. La couche de renforcement tricotée (20, 100, 120, 140) souple permet l'utilisation d'une vessie gonflable (12) pour maintenir la couche de renforcement dans la forme souhaitée, permettant ainsi de faciliter des constructions de tube (10) de formes et de diamètres variables. Une application continue du matériau de base (22) évite la formation des coutures superposées, qui sont enclines à un délaminage. Une identification et un étiquetage (128, 130, 132) du tube composite peuvent être obtenus par distinction de motifs tricotés (60, 62, 126) ayant différents types et différentes couleurs de fibres tricotées dans la couche de renforcement tricotée. Un matériau de base (22) clair ou translucide permet la visualisation des motifs tricotés sous-jacents. L'identification peut également comprendre des étiquettes RFID (14) directement incorporées dans la couche de renforcement tricotée.
PCT/US2014/042033 2013-06-20 2014-06-12 Étiquetage d'identification par radiofréquence (rfid) et de produit intégré dans des tubes composites de tricot pour un système de distribution de fluide WO2014204765A1 (fr)

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US13/922,567 US9470352B2 (en) 2010-12-31 2013-06-20 RFID and product labelling integrated in knit composite tubes for fluid delivery system

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GB2547079A (en) * 2015-12-25 2017-08-09 Ong Ching-Long Method and device for forming a composite pipe
PL126874U1 (pl) * 2017-12-14 2019-06-17 Plastpipe Spółka Z Ograniczoną Odpowiedzialnością Spółka Komandytowa Rura z tworzywa termoplastycznego
EP3522138A1 (fr) 2018-02-01 2019-08-07 Smart Textiles Sp. z o.o Tuyau thermoplastique
EP3567294A1 (fr) * 2018-05-08 2019-11-13 Witzenmann GmbH Composant mobile métallique

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US3971233A (en) 1973-11-22 1976-07-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho Circular knitting machine with pattern producing devices
EP0028310A1 (fr) 1979-09-24 1981-05-13 Ameron, Inc. Article en matière plastique armée de fibres
WO2001041993A2 (fr) * 1999-12-07 2001-06-14 The Boeing Company Procede de diffusion sous vide a double enveloppe et systeme de fabrication de composite avance a faible cout
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WO2009087372A2 (fr) 2008-01-11 2009-07-16 Crompton Technology Group Ltd Tuyaux d'alimentation en carburant avec résistivité commandée
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EP0028310A1 (fr) 1979-09-24 1981-05-13 Ameron, Inc. Article en matière plastique armée de fibres
WO2001041993A2 (fr) * 1999-12-07 2001-06-14 The Boeing Company Procede de diffusion sous vide a double enveloppe et systeme de fabrication de composite avance a faible cout
WO2003023104A1 (fr) * 2001-09-12 2003-03-20 Lockheed Martin Corporation Preforme tissee pour joints structuraux
EP1749642A2 (fr) * 2005-08-03 2007-02-07 The Boeing Company Dépôt de couche en matière composite utilisant des étiquettes d'identification électronique
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US20120168012A1 (en) * 2010-12-31 2012-07-05 Eaton Corporation Composite tube for fluid delivery system

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2547079A (en) * 2015-12-25 2017-08-09 Ong Ching-Long Method and device for forming a composite pipe
PL126874U1 (pl) * 2017-12-14 2019-06-17 Plastpipe Spółka Z Ograniczoną Odpowiedzialnością Spółka Komandytowa Rura z tworzywa termoplastycznego
EP3522138A1 (fr) 2018-02-01 2019-08-07 Smart Textiles Sp. z o.o Tuyau thermoplastique
EP3567294A1 (fr) * 2018-05-08 2019-11-13 Witzenmann GmbH Composant mobile métallique

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