Trelleborg has been granted a patent for a rib-stiffened composite structure. The structure includes a composite face sheet with continuous reinforcing fiber in a polymer matrix, a polymer core in a grid pattern, and a composite rib-cap with continuous reinforcing fiber in a polymer matrix. The fibers of the rib-cap are oriented along the grid pattern of the polymer core. GlobalData’s report on Trelleborg gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Trelleborg, Marine fenders was a key innovation area identified from patents. Trelleborg's grant share as of September 2023 was 62%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Rib-stiffened composite structure with reinforcing fibers in polymer matrix
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11760038B2) describes a rib-stiffened composite structure that offers improved strength and durability. The structure consists of a composite face sheet with continuous reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix, a polymer core in a grid pattern, and a composite rib-cap with continuous reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix. The fibers in the rib-cap are oriented along the grid pattern of the polymer core.
The patent claims that the polymer used in the composite face sheet, rib-cap, and core is the same, ensuring compatibility and uniformity throughout the structure. The side wall of the polymer core is left uncovered by the face sheet or rib-cap. The core material can be a variety of polymers, including foam or filled polymers with fillers such as chopped fiber, nanotubes, or graphene.
The continuous reinforcing fibers in the composite face sheet and rib-cap can be carbon fiber and/or glass fiber. The face sheet and rib-cap can be planar or have curves, with the rib-cap matching the shape of the face sheet curves in some cases.
The structure can be manufactured using two different methods outlined in the patent. The first method involves forming the face sheet and rib-cap separately, securing the rib-cap a distance from the face sheet using a mold, injecting a core material into the hollow space between the face sheet and rib-cap, and removing the mold to obtain the rib-stiffened composite structure. The second method involves depositing the extruded polymer core in a grid pattern on the face sheet using a material extrusion process, and then depositing the rib-cap on top of the core.
The patent also mentions that the grid pattern of the polymer core includes junctions where the first and second series of paths cross. These junctions have alternating layers of continuous prepreg, ensuring consistent thickness throughout the structure.
Overall, this patent describes a rib-stiffened composite structure that offers improved strength and durability. The use of continuous reinforcing fibers and a grid pattern in the polymer core enhances the structural integrity of the composite. The compatibility of the polymer materials used in the face sheet, rib-cap, and core ensures uniformity and compatibility throughout the structure. The two manufacturing methods outlined in the patent provide flexibility in production.
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