Hybrid transparent structural composite
A method for fabricating a hybrid transparent composite structure includes providing a metallic insert and a transparent composite preform including reinforcing fibers and transparent resin; heating the transparent composite preform; and arranging the metallic insert and the transparent composite preform in a mold and applying at least one of heat and pressure to form the hybrid transparent composite structure. At least a portion of the transparent composite preform is not obscured by the metallic insert and allows viewing through the hybrid transparent composite structure.
1 . A method for fabricating a hybrid transparent composite structure, comprising:
providing a metallic insert and a transparent composite preform including reinforcing fibers and transparent resin;
heating the transparent composite preform; and
arranging the metallic insert and the transparent composite preform in a mold and applying at least one of heat and pressure to form the hybrid transparent composite structure,
wherein at least a portion of the transparent composite preform is not obscured by the metallic insert and allows viewing through the hybrid transparent composite structure,
wherein the transparent composite preform includes at least one transparent area,
wherein the metallic insert includes a solid portion defining an open area aligning with the transparent area of the transparent composite preform,
wherein the solid portion further defines a plurality of mesh portions or interlocking holes located between the open area and an edge of the metallic insert to interlock the metallic insert and the transparent composite preform, and
wherein the hybrid transparent composite structure is an A pillar.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the transparent composite preform includes:
stitching the reinforcing fibers to a substrate; and
encapsulating the reinforcing fibers and the substrate in the transparent resin.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein providing the transparent composite preform includes arranging the reinforcing fibers on the substrate with a robot.
4 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of cutting, forming, and shaping the metallic insert prior to applying heat and pressure using the mold.
5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising injecting transparent resin into the mold.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the metallic insert is selected from a group consisting of steel, aluminum, and magnesium.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing fibers comprise a material selected from a group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, and basalt.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing fibers comprise commingled fibers made of at least two different materials.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing fibers including commingled fibers including at least one material selected from a group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, and basalt and at least one material selected from a group consisting of nylon, acrylic, and polycarbonate.
10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein providing the transparent composite preform includes:
stitching the reinforcing fibers to a substrate; and
encapsulating the reinforcing fibers and the substrate in the transparent resin.
11 . A method for fabricating a hybrid transparent composite structure, comprising:
providing a metallic insert and a transparent composite preform including reinforcing fibers and transparent resin;
heating the transparent composite preform;
arranging the metallic insert and the transparent composite preform in a mold and applying at least one of heat and pressure to form the hybrid transparent composite structure; and
connecting the hybrid transparent composite structure between roof rails of a vehicle,
wherein at least a portion of the transparent composite preform is not obscured by the metallic insert and allows viewing through the hybrid transparent composite structure,
wherein the transparent composite preform includes at least one transparent area,
wherein the metallic insert includes a solid portion defining an open area aligning with the transparent area of the transparent composite preform, and
wherein the solid portion further defines a plurality of mesh portions or interlocking holes located between the open area and an edge of the metallic insert to interlock the metallic insert and the transparent composite preform.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein providing the transparent composite preform includes:
stitching the reinforcing fibers to a substrate; and
encapsulating the reinforcing fibers and the substrate in the transparent resin.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein providing the transparent composite preform includes arranging the reinforcing fibers on the substrate with a robot.
14 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising at least one of cutting, forming, and shaping the metallic insert prior to applying heat and pressure using the mold.
15 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising injecting transparent resin into the mold.
16 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the metallic insert is selected from a group consisting of steel, aluminum, and magnesium.
17 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the reinforcing fibers comprise a material selected from a group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, and basalt.
18 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the reinforcing fibers comprise commingled fibers made of at least two different materials.
19 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the reinforcing fibers including commingled fibers including at least one material selected from a group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, and basalt and at least one material selected from a group consisting of nylon, acrylic, and polycarbonate.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein providing the transparent composite preform includes:
stitching the reinforcing fibers to a substrate; and
encapsulating the reinforcing fibers and the substrate in the transparent resin.