20240017685. VEHICLE COMPONENT BASED ON SELECTIVE COMMINGLED FIBER BUNDLE HAVING INTEGRAL ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND EMBEDDED ELECTRONICS simplified abstract (J. & P. COATS, LIMITED)

VEHICLE COMPONENT BASED ON SELECTIVE COMMINGLED FIBER BUNDLE HAVING INTEGRAL ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND EMBEDDED ELECTRONICS

Organization Name

J. & P. COATS, LIMITED

Inventor(s)

George Han of Uxbridge (GB)

Cem Altintas of Uxbridge (GB)

Colin Rowbottom of Uxbridge (GB)

VEHICLE COMPONENT BASED ON SELECTIVE COMMINGLED FIBER BUNDLE HAVING INTEGRAL ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND EMBEDDED ELECTRONICS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240017685 titled 'VEHICLE COMPONENT BASED ON SELECTIVE COMMINGLED FIBER BUNDLE HAVING INTEGRAL ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND EMBEDDED ELECTRONICS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a form for a vehicle component that is made up of a commingled fiber bundle consisting of a reinforcement fiber. This fiber bundle is arranged in a two-dimensional base layer that determines the shape of the form. A conductive fiber or wire is laid out in a pattern on the base layer to ensure electrical continuity throughout the form. Additionally, at least one conductive contact or pad area is created by adding layers of the conductive fiber or wire on top of the base layer. A successive layer is then added to embed the conductive fiber or wire and the conductive contact or pad area. The form also includes through hole apertures where conductive fasteners can be inserted to establish electrical communication with the corresponding conductive contact or pad area. The patent application also provides a method for creating a unitary reinforced composite component.

• The form for a vehicle component is made of a commingled fiber bundle and a conductive fiber or wire.
• The commingled fiber bundle is arranged in a two-dimensional base layer that determines the shape of the form.
• The conductive fiber or wire is laid out in a pattern on the base layer to ensure electrical continuity.
• Overlying layers of the conductive fiber or wire are added to build up at least one conductive contact or pad area.
• A successive layer is added to embed the conductive fiber or wire and the conductive contact or pad area.
• Conductive fasteners can be inserted into through hole apertures to establish electrical communication with the conductive contact or pad area.
• The patent application also provides a method for creating a unitary reinforced composite component.

Potential Applications

• Automotive industry: The technology can be used to create vehicle components that have both reinforcement and electrical conductivity, such as structural parts with integrated sensors or heating elements.
• Aerospace industry: The technology can be applied to develop lightweight and electrically conductive components for aircraft, improving overall efficiency and performance.
• Electronics industry: The conductive fiber or wire can be utilized in the production of electronic devices, enabling the integration of electrical connectivity within the component itself.

Problems Solved

• Integration of reinforcement and electrical conductivity: The technology solves the challenge of combining reinforcement fibers with conductive elements in a single component, eliminating the need for separate layers or additional assembly steps.
• Electrical continuity: The conductive fiber or wire ensures electrical continuity throughout the form, allowing for the transmission of electrical signals or power.

Benefits

• Simplified manufacturing process: The use of a commingled fiber bundle and conductive fiber or wire in the form simplifies the manufacturing process by integrating reinforcement and electrical conductivity in a single step.
• Weight reduction: The technology enables the creation of lightweight components by eliminating the need for separate layers or additional materials for electrical conductivity.
• Enhanced functionality: The integration of electrical conductivity within the component opens up possibilities for additional functionality, such as sensing capabilities or the ability to heat the component.

Original Abstract Submitted

a form for a vehicle component is provided that includes a commingled fiber bundle composed of a reinforcement fiber. the commingled fiber bundle is laid out in a two-dimensional base layer that defines a shape of the form. a conductive fiber or wire laid in a pattern on the two-dimensional base layer to provide electrical continuity across the form. at least one conductive contact or pad area is built up with overlying layers of the conductive fiber or wire on said two-dimensional base layer. a successive layer is added to embed the conductive fiber or wire and at least one conductive contact or pad area. a conductive fastener is inserted into through hole apertures therein. the conductive fastener is in electrical communication with the corresponding conductive contact or pad area. a method of forming a unitary reinforced composite component is also provided.