Abstract: An automated sisal-silicon carbide composite material fabrication device, comprising a housing 101 with a touch interactive display panel 102 for user input on the dimensions and shape of composite, a multi-sectioned chamber 103 with electronically controlled nozzles 104 for dispensing epoxy and silicon carbide into a container 118, a motorized shaft 105 with a stirrer blade 106 for mixing materials to form a paste, and a motorized roller 107 for dispensing sisal fabric, a gripper 108 and cutter 109 for fabric manipulation, a pair of robotic arms 110 to lay fabric on a platform 111 with extendable pins 113 for shaping fabric, an extendable hose pipe 114 with a controlled spout 115 for layering paste onto the fabric, a timer to monitor solidification time, and an ultrasonic sensor 117 for detecting defects in the composite material, followed by a chemical immersion process within a cylindrical structure 116 for impurity removal.
Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an automated sisal-silicon carbide composite material fabrication device that allows precise user input to fabricate composite materials with the desired dimensions and shape, while ensuring accurate and controlled dispensing of necessary components for efficient and consistent production.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The fabrication of sisal-silicon carbide (SiC) composite materials is essential due to the growing need for advanced materials with improved mechanical, thermal, and environmental properties. Sisal, a natural fiber, is widely available, sustainable, and cost-effective, making it an attractive choice for reinforcement in composites. When combined with silicon carbide, a highly durable and heat-resistant material, the resulting composite exhibits enhanced strength, stiffness, and wear resistance as well as excellent thermal stability. This combination provides a balance between sustainability and high-performance characteristics in view of offering significant advantages for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. Sisal fibers improve the overall toughness and impact resistance of the composite, while SiC enhances its resistance to abrasion and oxidation, making this suitable for harsh environments. The development of such composites reduces the dependency on non-renewable resources which contribute to the growing demand for eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, the lightweight nature of sisal and the high-performance attributes of SiC composites lead to energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions in various engineering applications. Therefore, the fabrication of sisal-SiC composites aligns with the need for sustainable, high-performance materials that meet the demands of modern industries.
[0003] Traditional methods for fabricating sisal-silicon carbide (SiC) composite materials typically involve techniques such as hand lay-up, compression molding, and conventional casting. In these processes, sisal fibers are manually arranged or placed into molds, followed by the addition of a SiC matrix, often through mechanical mixing or casting techniques. The fibers are usually treated to improve adhesion with the matrix, ensuring better interfacial bonding. These methods are relatively simple and cost-effective, making them suitable for small-scale production. However, there are several drawbacks to traditional fabrication techniques. One major issue is the poor uniformity in fiber distribution, which lead to inconsistent mechanical properties across the composite material. Additionally, the hand lay-up process often results in air entrapment or voids within the material which reduce its overall strength and durability. Compression molding also lead to uneven fiber alignment, further compromising the performance of the composite. Furthermore, traditional methods often require longer curing times and high temperatures, which are inefficient and energy-intensive. The lack of precision and control in these techniques limit the scalability and reliability of the final product, making it less suitable for high-performance applications that demand consistent quality and strength.
[0004] US5494439A discloses a silicon/silicon carbide material which eliminates contamination by outgassing and direct contact is described as well as wafer processing pans made of this material and wafer processing methods using the silicon/silicon carbide material. An ultraclean silicon/silicon carbide material may be formed by first forming a Si/SiC part by prior art methods. The Si/SiC part then is subjected to a temperature sufficient to cause the impurities within the silicon carbide to either react and/or diffuse into the silicon fill. The contaminated silicon fill is then removed, either by high temperature evaporation or by a chemical etch. Clean silicon is then impregnated within the pore space of the silicon carbide pan. The part which results has ultraclean silicon and silicon carbide grains which have most, if not all, of the impurities removed from the surface of the grains. Thus, an ultraclean material results which will not outgas or directly contaminate silicon wafers.
[0005] US20140287907A1 discloses a method of making silicon carbide involving adding agricultural husk material to a container, creating a vacuum or an inert atmosphere inside the container, applying conventional heating or microwave heating, heating rapidly, and reacting the material and forming silicon carbide (SiC).
[0006] Conventionally, many methods are available for carrying out fabrication process. However, the cited invention lacks in providing an automated and precise control over entire production sequence that leads to potential inconsistencies in material quality. The process does not ensure optimal efficiency in terms of time and energy, as this relies on manual or semi-automated stages that require significant human intervention or specialized equipment. The methods also fail to address the need for real-time monitoring and adjustments to maintain uniformity in material properties, which result in defects or irregularities in the final product and hinder the scalability and practical application of the process in industrial settings.
[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a fully automated, efficient, and precise fabrication device that ensures consistent quality and optimal material properties. The developed device needs to integrate real-time monitoring and control that allow for continuous adjustment of key parameters during the fabrication process. This would ensure uniform mixing, precise material dispensing, and accurate shaping, while minimizing human intervention and the risk of defects. The developed device should optimize energy consumption, reduce material waste, and improve scalability for industrial applications, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing overall costs in fabrication.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of or fabricating composite materials by allowing precise user input regarding the desired dimensions and shape of the material to be produced.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring controlled and accurate dispensing of the necessary materials in optimum quantities for creating the composite and facilitating efficient mixing and consistency.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of enabling thorough mixing of the materials at a pre-defined temperature to create a uniform paste to ensure proper bonding for the composite formation.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that aims to automate the process of fabricating the fabric material by cutting and dispensing it to the desired length for promoting precision and efficiency.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing automated manipulation of the fabric material in view of ensuring that the fabric is placed accurately and shaped as per the user's specifications.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of facilitating the solidification of the composite material for ensuring it remains undisturbed for the appropriate amount of time to achieve optimal strength and stability.
[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of checking quality of the formed composite material by detecting potential defects and applying a cleaning process to remove impurities for ensuring a refined and high-quality final product.
[0016] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention relates to an automated sisal-silicon carbide composite material fabrication device that automates the entire fabrication process by enabling the thorough mixing of materials at a predefined temperature, followed by the accurate cutting, dispensing, and placement of fabric to achieve proper alignment and shaping as per user specifications for ensuring uniformity in the final product.
[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated sisal-silicon carbide composite material fabrication device, comprises of a housing with a touch interactive display for user input, where the user specifies the dimensions and shape of the desired composite material. Inside the housing, a multi-sectioned chamber holds and dispenses epoxy and silicon carbide through electronically controlled nozzles actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller. The dispensed materials are mixed by a motorized shaft and stirrer blade in a container, with a temperature sensor and heating unit ensuring optimal mixing conditions. A motorized roller dispenses the sisal fabric, which is then cut by a gripper and cutter. Robotic arms are used to precisely position the cut fabric on a platform where extendable pins shape the fabric as per the user’s specifications. An extendable hose with an electronically controlled spout dispenses the mixed paste onto the laid fabric for ensuring even coating. The composite is left undisturbed for a set time to solidify, with a timer integrated into the microcontroller to manage this period. To check the quality, an ultrasonic sensor detects any cracks or defects in the composite and then, the composite material is dipped into a cylindrical structure with a chemical solution for impurity removal that results in a refined composite product.
[0019] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated sisal-silicon carbide composite material fabrication device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] The present invention relates to an automated sisal-silicon carbide composite material fabrication device that aids in fabrication of composite material and incorporate quality control into the process, where the device not only facilitates solidification of the composite material under optimal conditions, but also detects defects and impurities followed by a cleaning process to ensure the final composite material is of high quality and free from any contaminants.
[0025] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of automated sisal-silicon carbide composite material fabrication device is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, housing 101 is arranged with a touch interactive display panel 102, a multi-sectioned chamber 103 arranged inside the housing 101 and integrated with plurality of electronically controlled nozzles 104, a container 118 arranged underneath the chamber 103 inside the housing 101, a motorized shaft 105 suspended from ceiling of the housing 101 and integrated with a stirrer blade 106.
[0026] Figure 1 further illustrates a motorized roller 107 is arranged inside the housing 101, a motorized gripper 108 installed inside the housing 101 and integrated with a cutter 109, a pair of robotic arms 110 installed inside the housing 101, a platform 111 arranged inside the housing 101, plurality of strips 112 are arranged on the platform 111, each by means of an extendable pins 113, an extendable hose pipe 114 connected with the container 118, end of the pipe 114 is integrated with an electronically controlled spout 115, a cylindrical structure 116 arranged inside the housing 101 and an ultrasonic sensor 117 mounted inside the housing 101.
[0027] The device disclosed herein includes a housing 101 that is developed to be placed securely on a ground surface for ensuring stability during operation. The housing 101 encloses and protect the various components of the fabrication device from external environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and physical impact. The housing 101 is equipped with a touch interactive display panel 102 that is installed on its exterior. The display panel 102 serves as the user interface that allows the user to easily interact with the device and input specific details regarding the composite material to be fabricated. The touch interface enables users to provide precise instructions on various parameters, such as the dimensions, shape, and design of the sisal-silicon carbide composite material. The display panel 102 include but not limited to a range of input fields, buttons, sliders, or graphical interfaces, making the interface intuitive and easy to operate, even for individuals with minimal technical knowledge.
[0028] Through the touch interactive panel 102, users specify the exact measurements and configuration of the composite material they intend to produce whether it's a simple rectangular shape, a complex geometric form, or a customized design. These user-defined inputs are fed into the device which communicates them to an inbuilt microcontroller that governs the operation of the device. This allows the user to have full control over the fabrication process in view of ensuring that the resulting composite material precisely matches the desired specifications.
[0029] A multi-sectioned chamber 103 is positioned within the housing 101 to hold and store the two essential ingredients of the composite such as epoxy resin and silicon carbide powder. The chamber's multi-section configuration allows for the compartmentalization of the two materials for ensuring that the epoxy and silicon carbide are kept separate until the appropriate moment in the fabrication process. This compartmentalization is crucial for maintaining the integrity of each material and ensuring that they are dispensed in precise proportions for the creation of the composite material.
[0030] Each section of the chamber 103 is equipped with electronically controlled nozzles 104 that regulate the dispensing of both the epoxy and the silicon carbide. These nozzles 104 are integrated with valves that work in conjunction with the inbuilt microcontroller to ensure that the exact amount of each material is dispensed into a mixing container 118 position underneath the chamber 103. The microcontroller, which acts as the central processing unit of the device that monitors and controls the flow of the materials through the nozzles 104 based on user inputs and pre-fed settings by ensuring that the correct proportions of epoxy and silicon carbide are used in the creation of the composite paste.
[0031] The dispensing process is highly automated which eliminates the need for manual intervention. Once the required quantities of epoxy and silicon carbide are determined, the microcontroller activates the respective nozzles 104 in a carefully controlled sequence. The flow of materials is regulated based on the predetermined settings which take into account factors such as material viscosity, the required paste consistency, and the specific application for which the composite is being fabricated. By precisely controlling the amount of each material dispensed, the device ensures that the final composite have the desired properties, such as strength, flexibility, and durability. The materials are dispensed directly into the container 118 that collect the epoxy and silicon carbide mixture for ensuring that they are properly combined.
[0032] A motorized shaft 105 is suspended from the ceiling of the housing 101 which is integrated with a stirrer blade 106 for thoroughly blending the two materials once they are dispensed from the multi-sectioned chamber 103 into the container 118 below. The stirrer blade 106 is developed to rotate continuously, agitating the mixture and ensuring that the silicon carbide powder and epoxy resin are evenly distributed throughout the container 118. This continuous motion prevents clumping or uneven mixing for ensuring that the final paste has consistent properties, such as viscosity and strength, which are crucial for forming a durable composite material.
[0033] The rotation of the stirrer blade 106 is controlled by the microcontroller, which adjusts the speed and duration of mixing based on the specific requirements for the composite material. The microcontroller ensures that the paste reaches the desired consistency which vary depending on the type of composite material being produced and the intended application. The mixing process is automated and precise which reduces the potential for human error and ensuring a consistent outcome across multiple fabrication cycles.
[0034] To further enhance the mixing process, a temperature sensor and a heating unit are integrated inside the container 118. The temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the mixture which ensures that the mixture remains within the predefined range for optimal mixing. Epoxy resins typically require specific temperature conditions to properly cure and bond with the silicon carbide, so maintaining the right temperature is essential to achieve the desired properties of the composite material. The heating unit, which is also controlled by the microcontroller, activates when necessary to raise the temperature of the mixture to the required level for ensuring that the epoxy resin becomes more fluid and easier to blend with the silicon carbide. The heat-assisted mixing promotes a smoother, more uniform paste, further enhancing the material's consistency and performance.
[0035] In parallel with the mixing process, the fabrication device also handles the preparation of the sisal fabric, which is to be coated with the prepared epoxy-silicon carbide paste. A motorized roller 107 is installed inside the housing 101, which holds a coil of sisal fabric. The roller 107 is powered by a motor and is controlled by the microcontroller to rotate at a precise speed. This rotation unwinds the fabric from the coil and dispenses it in the exact length required for the composite material fabrication. The motorized roller 107 ensures that the sisal fabric is dispensed smoothly and consistently, without the risk of tangling or misalignment.
[0036] Once the fabric is dispensed to the desired length, a motorized gripper 108, integrated with a cutter 109, is positioned within the housing 101 to facilitate the cutting process of the fabric. The gripper 108 is responsible for gripping the dispensed fabric securely and holding it in place while the cutter 109 also actuated by the microcontroller, makes a clean and precise cut as per the requirement. This automation eliminates the need for manual cutting and ensuring that each piece of fabric is uniform and precisely cut according to the specifications set by the user. The microcontroller controls the timing and movement of the gripper 108 and cutter 109 for safeguarding that the fabric is not damaged during the cutting process and that the fabric meets the exact dimensions required for the next stages of composite material formation.
[0037] A pair of robotic arms 110 are installed inside the housing 101 for precisely handling and placing of the cut fabric during the composite formation process. The robotic arms 110 contains several segments that are attached together by motorized joints also referred to as axes. Each joints of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic arms 110 to complete a specific motion in gripping, positioning, and laying the sisal fabric onto a designated platform 111 within the housing 101. The control of these arms 110 is entirely managed by the microcontroller which interprets the user inputs from the interactive display panel 102 and directs the arms 110 to perform specific actions accordingly.
[0038] Once the sisal fabric is dispensed and cut to the required size by the motorized gripper 108 and cutter 109, the robotic arms 110 securely pick up the fabric which ensures that the fabric is held firmly without causing damage or distortion. The arms 110 feature adjustable jaws that adapt to the dimensions and texture of the fabric for allowing a firm yet gentle hold onto the fabric. Once the fabric is gripped, the robotic arms 110 position it above the platform 111 that serves as the base for laying the fabric and is equipped with a series of extendable pins 113 arranged in a specific pattern with multiple strips 112. These extendable pins 113 and strips 112 aids in shaping and positioning the fabric with high accuracy. Each pins 113 is able to extend or retract based on the instructions given by the microcontroller, which regulates their movement. The pins 113 are arranged on the platform 111 to facilitate the precise placement and shaping of the fabric by means of strips 112 allowing it to conform to the specific dimensions and design specified by the user. The retractable nature of the pins 113 means they are adjusted to create a smooth, tensioned surface for the fabric, preventing wrinkles, folds, or misalignments that negatively impact the quality of the final composite material.
[0039] The microcontroller ensures that the robotic arms 110 interact seamlessly with the extendable pins 113 to position the fabric in the correct shape. As the robotic arms 110 lay the fabric onto the platform 111, the microcontroller coordinates the extension of the pins 113, which gradually pushes up through the fabric at precise intervals, creating the desired surface tension and shape. This controlled shaping ensures that the fabric is laid flat and evenly distributed across the platform 111 for avoiding any distortions in the fabric that lead to inconsistencies in the composite material. The shaping process is important as the fabric’s structure and alignment directly affect the strength and integrity of the final composite product.
[0040] The extendable pins 113 also allow for flexibility in the design of the composite. For example, the user specifies varying fabric shapes or structures, such as curves or complex geometries. The device adjusts the pins 113 accordingly, allowing the fabric to be shaped with the appropriate contours. Once the fabric is properly laid out and shaped according to the user's input, the robotic arms 110 release their grip, and the fabric remains securely positioned on the platform 111 and ready for the fabrication process, such as the application of the epoxy-silicon carbide paste.
[0041] An extendable hose pipe 114 aids in the final application of the epoxy-silicon carbide paste onto the laid sisal fabric for forming composite material. This hose pipe 114 is connected to the container 118 where the epoxy and silicon carbide mixture is stored and prepared. The hose allows it to be extended or retracted as necessary to position it precisely over the platform 111 where the fabric is laid. This flexibility ensures that the paste is applied accurately and uniformly over the fabric's surface, regardless of the shape or layout of the fabric. The hose pipe 114 ensures that the paste is dispensed at the right location and in the right quantity.
[0042] The end of the hose pipe 114 is equipped with an electronically controlled spout 115 which is responsible for dispensing the epoxy-silicon carbide paste onto the fabric. The spout 115 is carefully developed to deliver the paste in a controlled manner for ensuring that the correct amount is dispensed at a consistent rate. This ensures a uniform coating over the fabric which is essential for achieving a strong and durable composite material. The spout 115 is actuated by the microcontroller which directs it to release the paste based on the specifications provided by the user through the touch interactive display panel 102. The microcontroller ensures that the paste is dispensed with the correct flow rate and consistency, according to the needs of the composite material being fabricated.
[0043] The dispensing process is highly automated, with the microcontroller constantly adjusting the actions of the hose pipe 114 and spout 115 to ensure that the paste is applied precisely. The user input specific parameters, such as the required thickness of the paste layer or the speed at which the paste is applied. These inputs are then processed by the microcontroller, which regulates the operation of the hose pipe 114 and spout 115 to achieve the desired result. By controlling both the location and the amount of paste dispensed, the device ensures that each layer of the composite material is formed with consistency and accuracy which are important for the structural integrity of the final product.
[0044] Once the paste is dispensed onto the laid fabric, the next step is to allow the paste to solidify. The microcontroller monitors this process through a built-in timer which tracks the amount of time the fabric and paste has to remain undisturbed to achieve the optimal curing or solidification of the material. The timer is integrated into the microcontroller's and is pre-fed to evaluate the appropriate threshold time needed for the paste to set properly. This time period varies depending on the type of epoxy resin used, the ambient temperature, and the desired properties of the final composite material. The microcontroller uses the timer to track this period for ensuring that the paste is given enough time to cure and bond to the fabric without being disturbed, which is crucial for the integrity of the composite.
[0045] During this time, the fabric is left undisturbed on the platform 111, with the paste gradually solidifying to form a strong, cohesive layer over the sisal fabric. The device ensures that the paste is given enough time to bond properly with the fabric which is essential for achieving the desired strength, durability, and other mechanical properties in the composite material. The microcontroller's precise control over the solidification process minimizes the risk of defects such as incomplete curing or weak bonding which undermine the performance of the final composite product.
[0046] An ultrasonic sensor 117 is mounted inside the housing 101 above the platform 111 for safeguarding the quality control of the formed composite material. Positioned over the platform 111 where the sisal fabric is coated with the epoxy-silicon carbide paste and allowed to solidify, the ultrasonic sensor 117 continuously scans the surface of the composite material for any potential defects, such as cracks or vents. Ultrasonic sensor 117 is widely used for non-destructive testing because they emit high-frequency sound waves that travel through the material and reflect back when they encounter irregularities or flaws within the material. The sensor 117 detects these reflections, and based on the time taken for the sound waves to return, the ultrasonic sensor 117 analyze the internal structure and surface of the composite material.
[0047] The ultrasonic sensor 117 is developed to detect even the smallest cracks or vents that form during the solidification process which compromise the integrity of the material. Cracks or vents, even small ones severely weaken the composite's mechanical properties and lead to failure when the composite material is subjected to stress or environmental factors. The ultrasonic sensor's ability to detect these defects ensures that only high-quality composite materials are allowed to proceed to the next stage of the process.
[0048] The data collected by the ultrasonic sensor 117 is sent to the microcontroller, which processes the information and evaluates whether the composite material meets the required quality standards. If the sensor 117 detects any defects such as cracks or voids on the surface or within the composite material, the microcontroller is pre-fed to trigger corrective actions to address the issue. These actions involve reprocessing the material or performing additional treatments to rectify the flaw. Once the ultrasonic sensor 117 has completed its assessment and the composite material is determined to meet quality standards, the robotic arms 110 interact with the composite material and are re-actuated by the microcontroller to grip the solidified composite from the platform 111 and carefully lift the composite for ensuring that the composite is handled with precision and without causing any further damage to the material while preventing any deformation or further stress that affect its structure.
[0049] The robotic arms 110 then transport the composite material to a cylindrical structure 116 located inside the housing 101. The cylindrical structure 116 is filled with a chemical solution specifically chosen to remove any impurities or residual substances that are present on the surface of the composite. These impurities include excess resin, dust, or any other foreign particles that are adhered to the material during the fabrication process. The chemical solution is formulated to effectively clean and refine the composite material without damaging its structural integrity or altering its properties. The chemical solution works by gently dissolving or loosening any unwanted substances on the material’s surface.
[0050] The robotic arms 110 lower the composite material into the cylindrical structure 116 for ensuring that the composite is fully submerged in the chemical solution for the necessary amount of time to remove any impurities. This is important because even small traces of impurities on the surface of the composite negatively affect its performance, leading to reduced strength, durability, or resistance to environmental factors. By immersing the composite in the chemical solution, the device ensures that the material is thoroughly cleaned, thus removing any contaminants that interfere with its intended use. After the composite material is adequately cleaned and refined, the robotic arms 110 are once again used to remove it from the cylindrical structure 116. At this point, the composite material is free of any surface impurities and is considered ready for storage or further processing.
[0051] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.
[0052] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be positioned on the ground surface as disclosed in the proposed invention and the process begins with the user providing input on the dimensions and shape of the composite material via the touch interactive display panel 102. The microcontroller then activates the multi-sectioned chamber 103 to dispense optimal amount of epoxy and silicon carbide into the container 118, where the motorized shaft 105 with the stirrer blade 106 mixes the materials to form the paste. The temperature sensor and heating unit inside the container 118 maintain the pre-defined temperature for thorough mixing. The motorized roller 107 dispenses the required length of sisal fabric, which is then cut by the gripper 108 and cutter 109. The robotic arms 110, guided by the microcontroller, grip the cut fabric and lay it on the platform 111, where extendable pins 113 and strips 112 integrated onto the platform regulate the fabric's shape as per the user’s input. The extendable hose pipe 114 with the controlled spout 115 dispenses the epoxy-silicon carbide paste onto the laid fabric. After application, the fabric is left undisturbed for set period to allow the paste to solidify. The ultrasonic sensor 117 then checks the quality of the composite material for any cracks or defects. If the material passes inspection, the robotic arms 110 transfer the composite into the cylindrical structure 116 filled with the chemical solution, where any impurities are removed. Then, the refined composite material is stored for further use or processing.
[0053] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , C , Claims:1) An automated sisal-silicon carbide composite material fabrication device, comprising:
i) a housing 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein said housing 101 is arranged with a touch interactive display panel 102 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding dimensions and shape of a sisal-silicon carbide composite material to be fabricated;
ii) a multi-sectioned chamber 103 arranged inside said housing 101 and integrated with plurality of electronically controlled nozzles 104 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for dispensing an optimum amount of epoxy and silicon carbide stored in said chamber 103 into a container 118 arranged underneath said chamber 103;
iii) a motorized shaft 105 suspended from ceiling of said housing 101 and integrated with a stirrer blade 106 that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for mixing said dispensed silicon carbide with said epoxy to form a paste, wherein a motorized roller 107 is arranged inside said housing 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for dispensing an appropriate length of a sisal fabric coiled on said roller 107, followed by actuation of a motorized gripper 108 installed inside said housing 101 and integrated with a cutter 109 to cut said fabric;
iv) a pair of robotic arms 110 installed inside said housing 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to grip said cut fabric and lay said fabric on a platform 111 arranged inside said housing 101, wherein plurality of strips 112 are arranged on said platform 111, each by means of an extendable pins 113 that are actuated by said microcontroller to extend/retracted in a regulated manner for shaping surface of said fabric as per said user-specified shape;
v) an extendable hose pipe 114 connected with said container 118 in a manner that end of said pipe 114 is oriented suspended over said platform 111, wherein end of said pipe 114 is integrated with an electronically controlled spout 115 that is actuated by said microcontroller to dispense a required quantity of said paste on said laid fabric in view of layering said paste on said fabric, followed by leaving said fabric undisturbed for a threshold time period in view of allowing solidification of said paste over said fabric to form said composite material; and
vi) an ultrasonic sensor 117 mounted inside said housing 101, over said platform 111 for determining presence of any cracks or vents on said formed composite material in view of checking quality of said composite material, followed by actuation of said arms 110 for gripping said composite material from said platform 111 and dip said material into a cylindrical structure 116 arranged inside said housing 101 and filled with a chemical solution to remove any impurities coated on said material in order to store refined form of said composite material.
2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor and a heating unit are integrated inside said container 118 for heating said silicon carbide and epoxy at a pre-defined temperature for ensuring thorough mixing of said paste.
3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a timer is integrated with said microcontroller for monitoring time duration, in accordance to which said microcontroller evaluate said threshold time period.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202421094389-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 2 | 202421094389-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 3 | 202421094389-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 4 | 202421094389-POWER OF AUTHORITY [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 5 | 202421094389-FORM-9 [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 6 | 202421094389-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 7 | 202421094389-FORM 18 [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 8 | 202421094389-FORM 1 [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 9 | 202421094389-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 10 | 202421094389-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 11 | 202421094389-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 12 | 202421094389-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 13 | 202421094389-DRAWINGS [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 14 | 202421094389-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 15 | 202421094389-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [01-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-01 |
| 16 | Abstract.jpg | 2024-12-26 |
| 17 | 202421094389-FORM-26 [03-06-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-06-03 |