118A may be configured differently from the second frame end 118B. Unless stated otherwise, descriptions herein directed to “frame end 118” apply to the first frame end 118A, the second frame end 118B, or both.

The first frame end 118A is spaced apart from the second frame end 118B along a longitudinal direction L by a frame side length 120. The frame 112 also includes two or more frame sides 122 extending between the first frame end 118A and the second frame end 118B. A rectangular frame 112 is illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 3A, with a first frame side 122A and a second frame side 122B opposite the first frame side 122A that each extend between the first frame end 118A and the second frame end 118B. The first frame side 122A and the second frame side 122B are spaced apart from one another along a lateral direction T by a frame end length 121. It will be appreciated that the frame 112 may have other shapes as well, with different numbers of frame ends 118 and frame sides 122.

Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the reinforcing fiber 104, which may be in the form of an uncoated tow 106′ as described above, is wrapped around the frame 112 such that the reinforcing fiber 104 contacts each frame end 118 at one or more contact locations 124 (FIGS. 3B and 3C). However, it will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the reinforcing fiber 104 may be wrapped around the frame 112 in contact with the frame sides 122 in addition to or as an alternative to the frame ends 118. Accordingly, the description provided herein of the shapes and/or geometries of the frame ends 118 and/or the motion of the reinforcing fiber 104 relative to the frame ends 118 may be applied to the frame sides 122.

As previously described, the frame 112 may be configured to help maintain tension on the fiber as it is wound on the frame 112 and to help relax or remove tension on the fiber once wound on the frame 112, which can help ensure proper coating of the fiber. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the frame 112 may include a component such as a spacer bar 119 that can transition from a raised position (FIG. 3B) to a lowered position (FIG. 3C) to relax the tension on the uncoated tow 106′ wound on the frame 112.

More particularly, FIG. 3B illustrates the spacer bar 119 in its raised position, and FIG. 3C illustrates the spacer bar 119 in its lowered position. In the raised position, the spacer bar 119 increases the perimeter of the frame 112; the uncoated tow 106′ may be wound on the frame 112 with the spacer bar 119 in the raised position. In the lowered position, the spacer bar 119 is retracted within the frame 112 such that the circumference of the frame 112 is reduced. The spacer bar 119 may be transitioned to its lowered position after winding the uncoated tow 106′ on the frame 112 is complete, which reduces the circumference of the frame 112 supporting the uncoated tow 106′, thereby relaxing or reducing the tension on the uncoated tow 106′. Relaxing the tension on the uncoated tow 106′ may cause the uncoated tow 106′ to separate from one another and/or the frame 112, providing increased space or room for the reactants to surround the uncoated tow 106′ and thereby coat the uncoated tow 106′ to form a coated tow 106.

It will be appreciated that the spacer bar 119 shown in FIG. 3B is by way of example only. The spacer bar 119 may have any appropriate shape and size, and may be disposed at any appropriate location along the frame 112, to support the fiber on the frame 112 as described herein. Further, in some embodiments, more than one spacer bar 119 may be used, and in still other embodiments, a feature or component other than one or more spacer bars 119 may be used to maintain and relax tension on the fiber as described herein. Additionally, changing the distance between the frames 112 (e.g., the distance between the respective ends of adjacent frames 112) using a collapsible frame may also be considered.

Additionally or alternatively, the shape of the frame ends 118 may promote thorough coating of the fiber. In particular embodiments, the frame end 118 may be static relative to the frame 112. Alternatively, the frame end 118 may be moveable relative to the frame 112.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A through 4F, each frame end 118 has a cross-sectional shape including one or more contact locations 124 (shown as 124A and 124B in FIGS. 4A-4F), which adjacent contact locations 124A,124B spaced apart from one another by a separation length 126. Each of FIGS. 4A through 4F provides a cross-sectional view of a different shaped frame end 118 of the frame 112 (represented as frame ends 118, 118′, 118″, 118′″, 118″″, and 118′″″, respectively). For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the cross-sectional shape of the frame end 118 is a duckbill shape including a first contact location 124A spaced apart from a second contact location 124B by the separation length 126.

To promote adequate coating, a minimal length of uncoated tow 106′ should be in contact with or relatively close to the frame 112. For example, the number of contact locations 124 and/or the length of uncoated tow 106′ within a minimum distance 130 from the frame end 118 may be minimized to promote coating of as much of the tow as possible. Referring to FIG. 4A, the frame end 118 slopes inward toward a midline 132 from each of the first contact location 124A and the second contact location 124B to define a generally V-shaped slot 125 between the first and second contact locations 124A, 124B. As such, a distance between the uncoated tow 106′ and the frame end 118 varies along the separation length 126. More particularly, the distance between the uncoated tow 106′ and the frame end 118 varies from zero at the contact locations 124A, 124B (i.e., the uncoated tow 106′ contacts the frame end 118 at the contact locations 124A, 124B) to a maximum distance 134 at the deepest point of the V-shaped slot 125 (i.e., at the midline 132). For instance, moving left to right in FIG. 4A from the first contact location 124A to the second contact location 124B, the distance between the uncoated tow 106′ and the frame end 118 increases from the first contact location 124A to the midline 132 and decreases from the midline 132 to the second contact location 124B.

Further, moving from each contact location 124A, 124B along the frame side length 120, the distance between the uncoated tow 106′ and the frame end 118 increases. Moreover, the duckbill-shaped frame end 118 shown in FIG. 4A is undercut, which shortens the length of the uncoated tow 106′ that is spaced apart from the frame 112 by the minimum distance 130 or less. The minimum distance 130 may be the smallest spacing between the uncoated tow 106′ and the frame 112 at which, during the coating process, the reactants 115 (FIG. 2) do not interact with a material from which the frame 112 is formed to inhibit the formation of the coating 116 on the uncoated tow 106′. In some embodiments, the minimum distance 130 may be at least two times a diameter of the uncoated tow 106′; in other embodiments, the minimum distance 130 may be at least three times the diameter of the uncoated tow 106′, at least four times the diameter of the uncoated tow 106′, at least five times the diameter of the uncoated tow 106′, at least six times the diameter of the uncoated tow 106′, or at least seven times the diameter of the uncoated tow 106′.

Accordingly, for the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the frame end 118 slopes to the midline 132 along a width W of the frame end 118 and is undercut moving away from the contact locations 124A, 124B along the frame side length 120. A first length 128A of the uncoated tow 106′ is defined by sum of the first contact location 124A and the adjacent minimum distances 130 from the frame end 118 on both sides. A second length 128B of the uncoated tow 106′ is defined by sum of the first contact location 124A and the adjacent minimum distances 130 from the frame end 118 on both sides. In such an embodiment, the first length 128A is less than the separation length 126 that is adjacent to that first length 128A. The duckbill shaped frame end 118 shown in FIG. 4A helps minimize the total length of the uncoated tow 106′ within the minimum distance 130 from the frame end 118, e.g., by having only two contact locations 124, undercutting the frame end 118, and sloping away from the contact locations 124 as described herein. It will be appreciated that the total length of the uncoated tow 106′ within the minimum distance 130 from the frame end 118 is the sum of each length of the uncoated tow 106′ within the minimum distance 130 from the frame end 118. For example, for the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the total length of the uncoated tow 106′ within the minimum distance 130 from the frame end 118 is the sum of the first length 128A and the second length 128B.

It will be understood that the midline 132 is defined through a widthwise center of the cross-sectional shape of the frame end 118, where a width W of the frame end 118 is perpendicular or orthogonal to each of the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction T (FIG. 3A) defined by the frame 112. Further, it will be appreciated that, in at least some embodiments, the generally V-shaped slot 125 extends along the lateral direction T over the frame end length 121. For example, the generally V-shaped slot 125 may be defined along the frame end 118 such that the generally V-shaped slot 125 extends from the first frame side 122A (FIG. 3A) to the second frame side 122B (FIG. 3A).

Thus, as shown in FIG. 4A, the fibers 104 or uncoated tow 106′ are wrapped around the frame 112 such that the fibers 104 or uncoated tow 106′ contact the first contact location 124A and the second contact location 124B of the frame end 118 and are spaced apart from the frame 112 by the minimum distance 130 or less over a first length 128A including the portion of the fibers 104 or uncoated tow 106′ contacting the first contact location 124A and a second length 128B including the portion of the fibers 104 or uncoated tow 106′ contacting the second contact location 124B. However, the remainder of the fibers 104 or uncoated tow 106′ are spaced apart from the frame 112 by more than the minimum distance 130 to allow a coating to be deposited on the reinforcing fibers, e.g., by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process or other suitable coating process as described herein. It will be appreciated that, for frames 112 having two frame ends 118 configured in a substantially similar manner (e.g., having the same cross-sectional shape), the frame end 118 illustrated in FIG. 3B may be a first frame end 118A and the reinforcing fibers (i.e., fibers 104 or uncoated tows 106′) may contact a third contact location and a fourth contact location of a second frame end 118B in a substantially similar way as the reinforcing fiber contacts the first and second contact locations 124A, 124B shown in FIG. 4A.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the cross-sectional shape of the frame end 118 defines two contact locations 124, which are configured to contact the reinforcing fiber. FIGS. 4B through 4F depict additional or alternative embodiments of the frame end 118, with the cross-sectional shape of the frame end 118 depicted in each embodiment having a plurality of contact locations 124. It will be understood that the additional or alternative embodiments of the frame ends are not mutually exclusive and can be utilized in combination in the same frame and/or the same system having multiple frames. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 4F, in various embodiments of the frame end 118, the plurality of contact locations 124 may have a periodicity factor of at least 2. That is, the contact locations 124 may have a pattern that appears at least twice.

Turning to FIG. 4B, the cross-sectional shape of the frame end 118′ may be an opened mouth shape, which is a major sector of a circle, with or without rounded edges, or also may be referred to as a pacman shape. Like the duckbill shape shown in FIG. 4A, the opened mouth shape of the frame end 118′ shown in FIG. 4B comprises a generally V-shaped slot 125 between a first contact location 124A and a second contact location 124B. The generally V-shaped slot 125 may extend along the lateral direction T over the frame end length 121. For instance, in at least some embodiments, the generally V-shaped slot 125 is defined along the frame end 118 such that the generally V-shaped slot 125 extends from the first frame side 122A (FIG. 3A) to the second frame side 122B (FIG. 3A).

The opened mouth shape shown in FIG. 4B differs from the duckbill shape shown in FIG. 4A along widthwise edges of the respective frame ends 118, 118′. For example, the duckbill shape of FIG. 4A is undercut as described above, with the widest part, or largest width W, of the duckbill shape frame end 118 including the first contact location 124A and the second contact location 124B. In contrast, the opened mouth shape of FIG. 4B includes rounded edges 138, with a first rounded edge 138A arcing outward widthwise with respect to the frame end 118′ from the first contact location 124A and a second rounded edge 138B arcing outward widthwise with respect to the frame end 118′ from the second contact location 124B. The widest part, or largest width W, of the opened mouth shape of the frame end 118′ shown in FIG. 4B is spaced apart from each of the contact locations 124, between lines extending tangential to the rounded edges 138 and parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, a length 128 of the uncoated tow 106′ is within the minimum distance 130 of the frame end 118′ adjacent each rounded edges 138 at the largest width W of the opened mouth shaped frame end 118′ of FIG. 4B. More particularly, a first length 128A of the uncoated tow 106′ is within the minimum distance 130 from the first rounded edge 138A to a first location 136A past the first contact location 124A along the widthwise direction toward the second contact location 124B, and a second length 128B of the uncoated tow 106′ is within the minimum distance 130 from the second rounded edge 138B to a second location 136B past the second contact location 124B along the widthwise direction toward the first contact location 124A.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the frame end 118″ is a ribbed shape. As shown in FIG. 4C, the ribbed shape may include a plurality of ribs 140, with each rib 140 spaced apart from an adjacent rib 140 by the separation length 126, either with similar or differing spacing between adjacent ribs 140. That is, each rib 140 defines a contact location 124, and as described with respect to FIG. 4A, adjacent contact locations may be spaced apart by the separation length 126. It is noted that each rib 140 may be the same in size and shape, or each rib may differ in size and shape. Further, as described with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B, lengths 128 of uncoated tow 106′ may be within the minimum distance 130 adjacent each rib 140, as well as adjacent the rounded edges 138 of the ribbed shaped frame end 118″. The total length of uncoated tow 106′ within the minimum distance 130 may be minimized as described herein to minimize low and uncoated regions of the tow upon completion of the coating process.

As shown in FIG. 4D, in other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the frame end 118′″ is a tooth shape. Similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the tooth shape of the frame end 118′″ of FIG. 4D includes two contact locations 124, a first contact location 124A and a second contact location 124B. The tooth shape also may include a first linear edge 142A extending from the first contact location 124A inward toward a midline 132 and a second linear edge 142B extending from the second contact location 124B inward toward the midline 132. An angle α may be defined between each of the first linear edge 142A and the second linear edge 142B and the midline 132. The angle α may be a non-zero angle less than 90°, such as, in some embodiments, within a range of about 5° to about 80°; in some embodiments, within a range of about 15° to about 60°; and in some embodiments, within a range of about 20° to about 45°. Further, like the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, lengths 128 of uncoated tow 106′ may be within the minimum distance 130 adjacent each contact location 124A, 124B of the tooth shaped frame end 118′″, and the total length of uncoated tow 106′ within the minimum distance 130 may be minimized as described herein to minimize low and uncoated regions of the tow upon completion of the coating process.

Referring now to FIG. 4E, in still other embodiments of the frame end 118″″, the cross-sectional shape is a fluted shape. The fluted shape may include a plurality of semicircular protrusions 144. As shown in FIG. 4E, each semicircular protrusion 144 may be spaced apart from an adjacent semicircular protrusion 144 by the separation length 126. It is noted that any number of protrusions, along with even or uneven spacing, may be utilized. Further, each semicircular protrusion 144 may define a contact location 124, where the reinforcing fiber contacts the fluted shape frame end 118″″ when the reinforcing fiber is wrapped around the frame 112. Similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 4A-4D, lengths 128 of uncoated tow 106′ may be within the minimum distance 130 adjacent each contact location 124 of the fluted shape frame end 118, and the total length of uncoated tow 106′ within the minimum distance 130 may be minimized as described herein to minimize low and uncoated regions of the tow upon completion of the coating process.

Turning to FIG. 4F, in yet other embodiments of the frame end 118′″″, the cross-sectional shape is a finned shape. The finned shape may include a plurality of fins 146. Each fin 146 of the plurality of fins 146 may be spaced apart from an adjacent fin 146 by the separation length 126. It is noted that any number of protrusions, along with even or uneven spacing, may be utilized. Moreover, each fin 146 may define a contact location 124, where the reinforcing fiber contacts the finned shape frame end 118′″″ when the reinforcing fiber is wrapped around the frame 112. Like the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A-4E, lengths 128 of uncoated tow 106′ may be within the minimum distance 130 adjacent each contact location 124 of the finned shape frame end 118′″″. The total length of uncoated tow 106′ within the minimum distance 130 may be minimized as described herein to minimize low and uncoated regions of the tow upon completion of the coating process.

In each embodiment described herein, the frame 112 and frame end 118 may be configured such that a total length 128 of the uncoated tow 106′ (e.g., the sum of the length of tow 106′ within the minimum distance 130 on either side of the contact area 124A and the length of tow 106′ within the contact area 124A) to the frame 112 is minimized. As such, the reactants may interact with the reinforcing fibers (rather than the frame 112) to coat the reinforcing fibers within minimal regions of no or low coated fiber area. For example, a ratio of the total length of the uncoated tow 106′ (i.e., the sum of each length 128 for a given frame end 118) to the separation length 126 for a given frame end 118 may be within a range of about 2 to about 10,000, such as about 5 to about 1,000. Further, as described herein, the minimum distance 130 may be at least two times the diameter of the uncoated tow 106′, such as two times, three times, four times, five times, six times, or seven or more times the diameter of the uncoated tow 106′. In some embodiments, the minimum distance 130 may depend on the material from which the frame 112 is formed, the reactants 115 (FIG. 2) used to deposit the coating 116 (FIG. 2) on the uncoated tow 106′, or a combination of these or other factors.

Further, each contact location 124 may define a point contact between the frame end 118 and the reinforcing fiber. In some embodiments, the contact between the frame end 118 and the reinforcing fiber may be a line contact (i.e., having a plurality of adjacent points of contact) or a combination of point and line contacts. For example, for a given configuration of the frame end 118, one contact location 124 may define a point contact between the frame end 118 and the reinforcing fiber while another contact location 124 may define a line contact between the frame end and the reinforcing fiber.

As previously described, the coated reinforcing fiber (e.g., coated fibers or coated tows 106) may be formed into a composite component or article, such as the composite component 100 shown in FIG. 1, which may be a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component. In at least some embodiments, the composite component 100 is a CMC component comprising silicon carbide (SiC) reinforcing fiber in a silicon carbide (SiC) matrix material such that the CMC component is a SiC/SiC component. However, a CMC component may be formed from other ceramic materials as described herein, and in appropriate embodiments, the composite component 100 may be formed from non-ceramic materials or from a mixture of ceramic and non-ceramic materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which show additional or alternative frame ends 118^X, 118^Y(e.g., of frame 112 of FIGS. 3B and 3C), the reinforcing fiber (e.g., an uncoated tow 106′ as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) may be moved relative to the midline 132 (of the frame 112 in FIGS. 3B and 3C) to reduce or eliminate low or uncoated regions in the reinforcing fiber upon completion of the coating process. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, at least one frame end 118 may be rotated, e.g., either clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the lateral direction T (FIG. 2), which extends into and out of the page, to advance or move the reinforcing fiber during the coating process. One or more regions of the reinforcing fiber that, prior to the advancement or movement, may have been obstructed by the frame 112 from the formation of the coating 116 (FIG. 2) on the fiber may be exposed, after advancing or moving the reinforcement fiber relative to the frame 112, to the reactants 115 (FIG. 2). For instance, regions 152A, 152B of the reinforcing fiber that were in contact with a contact location 124 of the frame end 118 in a first position P1 may be advanced or moved to a second position P2 that is spaced apart from a respective contact location 124 to provide sufficient space for the reactants to interact with the reinforcing fiber for formation of the coating 116 (FIG. 2) thereon.

For purposes of explanation only, two such regions 152 are denoted in FIGS. 5A and 5B and are indicated by enlarged circles outlined with dashed lines only to aid in explanation. It will be appreciated that the enlarged circles indicating regions 152 are not intended to convey the size, extent, etc. of any such region 152.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the frame end 118 may have a cross-sectional shape that is the same as or substantially similar to one of the cross-sectional shapes described with respect to FIGS. 4A through 4F. For example, the frame end 118 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B has a cross-sectional shape that is a finned shape, such as described with respect to FIG. 4F, including a plurality of fins 150 that are spaced apart from one another. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the reinforcing fiber may contact the frame end 118 at a plurality of contact locations 124 that are each defined by a respective fin 150. By moving the frame end 118, e.g., by rotating the frame end 118 clockwise or counterclockwise as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 5A, the reinforcing fiber (in the form of an uncoated tow 106′ in the depicted embodiment) initially in contact with the contact locations 124 can be advanced or moved away from the contact locations 124. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, by rotating the frame end 118 clockwise by 180°, the uncoated tow 106′ may be advanced such that the regions 152A, 152B are no longer in contact with the fins 150A, 150B, respectively, that each define a contact location 124.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, it will be appreciated that, in at least some embodiments, the motion of the frame end 118 is such that the fiber, e.g., uncoated tow 106′, does not slide relative to the frame end 118, which can help minimize raising fuzz and broken filament ends. When the uncoated tow 106′ does not slide relative to the frame end 118, then the regions 152 of the uncoated tow 106′ will remain in contact with the fins 150 until the rotation of the frame end 118 reaches the right or left extreme positions (in the end views of FIGS. 5A and 5B), where the regions 152 will travel down the side of the “curtain” formed by the uncoated tow 106′ for coating in a free state. For the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the amount of rotation needed to “free” the regions 152 from contact at the contact locations 124 is 180°, but the linear distance the uncoated tow 106′ must move to be free from contacting the fins 150 may be reduced by reducing the perimeter of the frame end 118. In some embodiments, using two or more supporting frame ends 118 in a roller form similar to the configuration of FIGS. 5A and 5B (e.g., a generally cylindrical shape, with a length of the roller extending along the transverse direction as shown in FIG. 3A) may allow a further reduction of the perimeter of the frame end 118, and the smaller diameter end rollers may not need to rotate a full 180° to free the uncoated tow 106′ due to their small diameters, which may minimize the linear tow length in momentary contact with the fins 150. In some embodiments, the multiple (e.g., two or more) small end rollers may be linked in their rotation by a central gear that moves all of the end rollers synchronously, which can help prevent sliding contact with the tow.

As shown in FIG. 6, the frame 112 may be part of a system 10 for coating reinforcing fiber of a composite component, such as the composite component 100 of FIG. 1. In addition to the frame 112, the system 10 can include a movement mechanism 154 that includes an actuator 156, e.g., which initiates motion of one or more components of the movement mechanism 154. The movement mechanism 154 may be operably coupled to the frame 112 to induce movement of the reinforcing fiber relative to the frame 112.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the movement mechanism 154 includes a rack 158 and at least one gear 160 in operative communication with the rack 158, e.g., in a rack and pinion type configuration. As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the at least one gear 160 may be a first gear 160A and a second gear 160B, which are disposed at opposite ends of the rack 158.

Keeping with the embodiment of FIG. 6, the depicted actuator 156 includes a rotary vacuum feedthrough 162 operably coupled to a drive motor 164. A screw drive member 166 is operably coupled to the rotary vacuum feedthrough 162, and a slider 168 defining a cam 170 is disposed on the screw drive member 166. The cam 170 is configured to contact the rack 158, e.g., to induce linear motion of the rack 158 as the slider 168 translates along the screw drive member 166. For example, the drive motor 164 drives the rotary vacuum feedthrough 162 to rotate the screw drive member 166, which causes the slider 168 to translate along the screw drive member 166. When the cam 170 is in contact with the rack 158, e.g., at a rack end 172 of the rack 158 as shown in FIG. 6, the cam 170 moves along an end surface 173 of the rack end 172 and bears against the rack 158 to initiate linear motion of the rack 158. For instance, the end surface 173 may define a follower surface shaped complementary to the cam 170.

It will be appreciated that, although not depicted in the figures, each of the rack 158 and the at least one gear 160 defines a plurality of gear teeth that mesh with one another such that linear motion of the rack 158 induces rotational motion of the one or more gears 160. In some embodiments, the rotational motion of the one or more gears 160 may be used, e.g., to rotate a frame end 118 of the frame 112 as described with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B. In other embodiments, the reinforcing fiber may be in contact with the rack 158 and/or gear(s) 160, such that the linear motion of the rack 158 and/or the rotational motion of the gear(s) 160 causes the reinforcing fiber to move relative to the frame 112, which may promote adequate coating of the reinforcing fiber by exposing a low or insufficiently coated region or an uncoated region of the reinforcing fiber while the coating process is ongoing. Also, it will be understood that, instead of translating the rack 158 with the actuator 156, in other embodiments an actuator 156, configured differently from the actuator 156 shown in FIG. 6, could rotate the one or more gears 160 instead of inducing linear motion of the rack 158.

As further illustrated in FIG. 6, in at least some embodiments, multiple rack and gear assemblies 174 may be included in the system 10. Each rack and gear assembly 174 may include a rack 158 and at least one gear 160 configured as described above. The rack and gear assemblies 174 may be spaced equidistant from one another within or adjacent the frame 112, or in other embodiments, at least one spacing distance between adjacent rack and gear assemblies 174 may be different from at least one other spacing distance between other adjacent rack and gear assemblies 174. Additionally, multiple cams may be included to move multiple frame ends similarly or via other motion devices.

Moreover, the system 10 may include a controller 176, with the controller 176 being operably connected to the actuator 156, such as to the drive motor 164 of the actuator 156 shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, the controller 176 generally includes a network interface 178. The network interface 178 may be operable with any suitable wired or wireless communications network for communicating data with other components of, e.g., the system 10 and/or other components or systems not depicted. As is illustrated using phantom lines, for the embodiment of FIG. 6, the network interface 178 utilizes a wireless communication network 180 to communicate data with other components. For example, through the network interface 178 of the controller 176 and the wireless communication network 180, the controller 176 is operably coupled to the actuator 156. It will be appreciated, of course, that although the network interface 178 utilizes the wireless communication network 180 for the embodiment of FIG. 6, in other embodiments, the network interface 178 may instead utilize a wired communication network or a combination of wired and wireless communication networks.

Referring still to FIG. 6, the controller 176 further includes one or more processors 182 and memory devices 184. The memory device 184 stores data 186 and instructions 188 accessible by the one or more processors 182. The one or more processors 182 can include any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, logic device, and/or other suitable processing device. The one or more memory devices 184 can include one or more computer-readable media, including, but not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, and/or other memory devices. The instructions 188, when executed by the one or more processors 182, cause the controller 176 to perform functions. The instructions 188 within the memory device 184 can be any set of instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 182, cause the one or more processors 182 to perform operations, such as one or more of the operations described herein. In certain exemplary embodiments, the instructions 188 within the memory device 184 can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally and/or alternatively, the instructions can be executed in logically and/or virtually separate threads on processor(s) 182. The memory device(s) 184 can further store other data 188 that can be accessed by the processor(s) 182.

In such a manner, it will be appreciated that in at least certain embodiments, the controller 176 may be configured to initiate movement of the movement mechanism 154, e.g., via the actuator 156, to induce movement of the reinforcing fiber relative to the frame 112. For example, the controller 176 may be configured to operate the actuator 156, and thereby initiate movement of the movement mechanism 154, in response to data received from one or more sensors, e.g., disposed on the frame 112 and/or within the reactor 114 (FIG. 2). As an example, the controller 176 may be configured to operate the actuator 156 after the flow of reactants 115 (FIG. 2) has been flowing within the reactor 114 for a given amount of time, or when a temperature and/or pressure within the reactor 114 has reached a threshold value.

As described herein, in at least some embodiments, the frame 112 includes a frame end 118 including at least one contact location 124 (e.g., 124A, 124B) where the reinforcing fiber (e.g., fiber 104 (FIG. 1) and/or uncoated tows 106′ (FIG. 2)) contacts the frame 112. For example, the frame end 118 may have a cross-sectional shape that defines one or more contact locations 124 (e.g., 124A, 124B, etc.). As previously discussed, the cross-sectional shape may be a duckbill shape, an opened mouth shape, a ribbed shape, a tooth shape, a fluted shape, or a finned shape, e.g., as described with respect to FIGS. 3B through 4E. The movement mechanism 154 may be configured to rotate the frame end 118 to change a position of the reinforcing fiber relative to at least one contact location 124. For instance, the actuator 156 of the movement mechanism 154, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6, may be operated to rotate the frame end 118 to advance the reinforcing fiber from a first position P1 to a second position P2 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in some embodiments, the frame end 118^Z(e.g., of the frame 112 of FIGS. 3B and 3C) may vibrate, thereby causing the reinforcing fiber to move relative to the contact locations 124A, 124B. For example, a frame end 118 of the frame 112 may define one or more openings 190, with a spline 192 disposed in each respective opening 190. Each spline 192 may define at least one contact location 124 (e.g., 124A, 124B, respectively).

The frame 112 may include a retention cap 194 that retains the one or more splines 192 within a respective opening 190. For instance, as shown in FIG. 7A, the retention cap 194 may have a cross-sectional shape complementary to a cross-sectional shape of each opening 190 to ensure the one or more splines 192 do not separate from the frame 112 while permitting motion of each spline 192. That is, the one or more splines 192 may move relative to the frame end 118 and the retention cap 194, e.g., the one or more splines 192 may vibrate, but the frame end 118 and retention cap 194 may be shaped such that the one or more splines 192 do not separate from the frame 112.

In at least some embodiments, the one or more splines 192 are in operative communication with a movement mechanism 154, such as the movement mechanism 154 described with respect to FIG. 6 or a different movement mechanism 154. Referring to FIG. 7A, one or more splines 192 of the frame 112 may have a cross-sectional shape that is generally a T shape. Referring to FIG. 7B, one or more splines 192′ of the frame 112 may have a cross-sectional shape that is generally a teardrop shape.

Each spline 192, 192′ may include a rocker end 196 and a contact end 198 opposite the rocker end 196. For the generally T-shaped splines 192 shown in FIG. 7A, the crossbar of the T defines the rocker end 196. For the generally teardrop-shaped splines 192′ shown in FIG. 7B, the bulbous end of the teardrop defines the rocker end 196′. For any cross-sectional shape of the spline 192, 192′, the contact end 198 of the spline 192, 192′ may define a contact location 124A, 124B for contact between the reinforcing fiber and the frame 112.

It will be appreciated that the rocker end 196 may be in operative communication with the movement mechanism 154 to initiate movement of the spline 192. For example, an actuator 156 of the movement mechanism 154 may be operated to drive the one or more splines 192 in a vibratory or other type of motion. The one or more splines 192 may be driven orbitally, along the longitudinal direction L, the lateral direction T (FIG. 3A), along a widthwise direction W, or in any other suitable direction or motion. In other embodiments, the one or more splines 192 may be driven from support bars (not shown) underneath the splines 192, driven by gas jets (not shown) underneath the splines 192, or driven by any other suitable actuator 156 and/or movement mechanism 154.

Various mechanical mechanisms for initiating vibration of the reinforcing fiber and/or frame 112 are described with respect to FIGS. 7A and 7B. Alternatively or additionally, non-mechanical actuation may be utilized to initiate vibration of the reinforcing fiber and/or frame 112. For example, the reinforcing fiber may naturally vibrate if a rate of the flow of reactants 115 (i.e., a gas flow rate) within the reactor 114 (FIG. 2) is above a threshold gas flow rate. Similarly, the reinforcing fiber may naturally vibrate when a gas pressure within the reactor 114 (FIG. 2) is at or above a threshold pressure. As another example, acoustic waveguides that penetrate the reactor 114 (FIG. 2) could be used to drive vibration of the reinforcing fiber and/or frame 112 within the reactor 114. Vibration of the reinforcing fibers and/or frame 112 may be achieved using any individual or combination of the mechanical or non-mechanical actuation mechanisms described herein.

Further, it will be appreciated that, without regard to whether the vibration is actuated mechanically or non-mechanically, a vibration pattern may be established for the reinforcing fiber and/or the frame 112. The vibration pattern may be fixed, swept, burst, or random frequency or amplitude.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flow diagram of a method 800 of coating reinforcing fiber of a composite component in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is provided. One or more of the exemplary systems 10 and/or frames 112 described above with reference to FIGS. 2 through 7B may be utilized in the method 800 of FIG. 8 to coat a reinforcing fiber of a composite component, such as the composite component 100 described with respect to FIG. 1. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the method 800 may generally be utilized with a frame having a cross-sectional shape and/or movement mechanism for minimizing or eliminating low or uncoated regions of the reinforcing fiber upon completion of the coating process. However, in other exemplary aspects, the method 800 may additionally or alternatively be utilized with any other suitable support frame and/or mechanism for promoting movement of fiber relative to a support frame during a coating process.

As is depicted, the method 800 includes at (802) wrapping reinforcing fiber around a frame 112, which is shown as an optional step for preparing the fiber for coating thereon. As described herein, the frame includes at least one frame end 118 having a cross-sectional shape that includes a first contact location 124A spaced apart from a second contact location 124B by a separation length 126. In at least some embodiments, wrapping the reinforcing fiber around the frame 112 comprises unwrapping the fiber from a bobbin 110 (FIG. 2), e.g., with the fiber under a winding tension as described herein, and disposing or placing the reinforcing fiber in contact with the first contact location 124A and the second contact location 124B. When wrapped around the frame 112, the reinforcing fiber extends from the first contact location 124A to the second contact location 124B such that a minimal length of the uncoated tow 106′ is within a minimum distance 130 of the frame 112, e.g., with the fiber under a steady state tension once unwound from the bobbin 110 (FIG. 2) as described herein. Various cross-sectional shapes for the frame end 118 are described herein, e.g., with respect to FIGS. 4A through 4F.

As described herein, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process may be used to deposit a coating 116 (FIG. 2) on the reinforcing fiber. Referring to FIG. 8, the method 800 includes at (804) inserting the frame into a reactor 114 (FIG. 2) and at (806) initiating a flow of reactants 115 (FIG. 2) into the reactor 114. A temperature and a pressure within the reactor 114 may be elevated, e.g., compared to an ambient temperature and pressure, to aid in the formation of the coating 116 from the reactants 115 on the reinforcing fiber. Upon completion of the deposition process, as shown at (808), the method 800 includes removing the frame 112 from the reactor 114.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow diagram of a method 900 of coating reinforcing fiber of a composite component in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is provided. One or more of the exemplary systems 10 and/or frames 112 described above with reference to FIGS. 2 through 7B may be utilized in the method 900 of FIG. 9 to coat a reinforcing fiber of a composite component, such as the composite component 100 described with respect to FIG. 1. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the method 900 may generally be utilized with a frame having a cross-sectional shape and/or movement mechanism for minimizing or eliminating low or uncoated regions of the reinforcing fiber upon completion of the coating process. However, in other exemplary aspects, the method 900 may additionally or alternatively be utilized with any other suitable support frame and/or mechanism for promoting movement of fiber relative to a support frame during a coating process.

As is depicted, the method 900 includes at (902) wrapping reinforcing fiber around a frame 112. As described herein, wrapping the reinforcing fiber around the frame 112 may include placing the reinforcing fiber in contact with a frame end 118 of the frame 112. In some embodiments, the frame includes at least one frame end 118 having a cross-sectional shape that includes a first contact location 124A spaced apart from a second contact location 124B by a separation length 126, and various cross-sectional shapes for the frame end 118 are described herein, e.g., with respect to FIGS. 4A through 4F.

In at least some embodiments, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process may be used to deposit a coating 116 (FIG. 2) on the reinforcing fiber. Referring to FIG. 9, the method 900 includes at (904) inserting the frame into a reactor 114 (FIG. 2) and at (906) initiating a flow of reactants 115 (FIG. 2) into the reactor 114. A temperature and a pressure within the reactor 114 may be elevated, e.g., compared to an ambient temperature and pressure, to aid in the formation of the coating 116 from the reactants 115 on the reinforcing fiber.

Further, the method 900 includes at (908) initiating movement of the reinforcing fiber relative to the frame while the frame is positioned in the flow of reactants. That is, while the reactants 115 are flowing within the reactor 114, e.g., following initiation of the flow as shown at (906), the reinforcing fiber may be moved relative to the frame 112. Such movement of the reinforcing fiber relative to the frame may expose one or more regions of the reinforcing fiber that, without movement, could be uncoated or have a low coating thickness at the completion of the coating process. Accordingly, by initiating movement of the reinforcing fiber relative to the frame while the frame is positioned in the flow of reactants, regions of low or uncoated reinforcing fiber can be minimized or eliminated. It will be appreciated that such regions could be minimized in number and/or length or the like, or such regions could be eliminated altogether.

As described herein, the frame 112 can comprise a movement mechanism 154. In some embodiments, the movement mechanism 154 shifts a position of the reinforcing fiber relative to the frame 112. For example, initiating movement of the reinforcing fiber relative to the frame 112 as shown at (908) may include operating an actuator 156 of the movement mechanism 154 to shift or advance a position of the reinforcing fiber from a first position P1 (FIG. 5A) to a second position P2 (FIG. 5B) relative to the frame 112. In some embodiments, the movement mechanism 154 rotates a frame end 118 of the frame 112 to advance the reinforcing fiber from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

In other embodiments, the movement mechanism 154 is in operative communication with at least one spline 192 (FIGS. 7A, 7B), and initiating movement of the reinforcing fiber relative to the frame comprises initiating vibration of the at least one spline 192. The at least one spline 192 may include a rocker end 196 and a contact end 198 opposite the rocker end 196, and the at least one spline 192 may have a cross-sectional shape that is generally a T shape, a teardrop shape, or other suitable shape that defines the rocker end 196 and contact end 198. In some embodiments, the contact end 198 defines a point contact between the at least one spline 192 and the reinforcing fiber.

In some embodiments, initiating movement of the reinforcing fiber relative to the frame 112 comprises initiating vibration of the reinforcing fiber or the frame 112. For instance, initiating vibration of the frame 112 includes mechanically initiating vibration of the frame. As another example, initiating vibration of the frame 112 includes manipulating a gas pressure within the reactor 114 (FIG. 2) to induce vibration of the frame 112.

Other ways of inducing movement between the reinforcing fiber and the frame 112 may be used as well. Further, such movement may occur once, twice, three, or four or more times as the reactants 115 (FIG. 2) flow within the reactor 114 (FIG. 2). For example, a controller 176 (FIG. 6) may periodically initiate movement of the reinforcing fiber relative to the frame 112, e.g., based on the passage of time, a temperature within the reactor 114, a pressure within the reactor 114, etc.

Referring to FIG. 9, upon completion of the process of depositing the coating 116 (FIG. 2), as shown at (910), the method 900 includes removing the frame 112 from the reactor 114.

As described herein, the present subject matter provides apparatus and methods for reducing or eliminating low or uncoated regions of coated fibers. For example, the number and/or configuration of contact locations between a frame on which uncoated fiber is disposed for support during a coating process minimizes low or uncoated regions of the coated fiber. As another example, moving the fiber relative to the frame during the coating process can minimize or reduce low or uncoated regions of the coated fiber.

Further aspects are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

A frame for use in coating a reinforcing fiber, the frame comprising: a first frame end having a first cross-sectional shape, wherein the first cross-sectional shape includes one or more contact locations that are spaced apart from each other, and wherein the reinforcing fiber contacts the first frame end at the one or more contact locations.

The frame of any preceding claim, further comprising: a second frame end opposite the first frame end, wherein the second frame end has a second cross-sectional shape, wherein the second cross-sectional shape includes one or more contact locations that are spaced apart from each other, and wherein the reinforcing fiber contacts the second frame end at the one or more contact locations.

The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the second cross-sectional shape is the same as the first cross-sectional shape.

The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the first frame end includes a first contact location spaced apart from an adjacent second contact location by a separation length, wherein a first length is defined by the first contact location, wherein the first length is less than the separation length.

The frame of any preceding claim, wherein each contact locations define a point contact between the first frame end and the reinforcing fiber.

The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the first frame end is static relative to the frame.

The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the frame end is moveable relative to the frame.

The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more contact locations are a plurality of contact locations, and wherein the plurality of contact locations has a periodicity factor of at least 2.

The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the first cross-sectional shape is a duckbill shape, wherein the duckbill shape comprises a first contact location of the one or more contact locations and a second contact location of the one or more contact locations, wherein the duckbill shape is undercut adjacent each of the first contact location and the second contact location, and wherein the first contact location and the second contact location are separated by a generally V-shaped slot.

The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the first cross-sectional shape is an opened mouth shape, wherein the opened mouth shape comprises a first contact location of the one or more contact locations and a second contact location of the one or more contact locations, the first contact location and the second contact location separated by a generally V-shaped slot, and wherein the opened mouth shape comprises a rounded edge adjacent each of the first contact location and the second contact location and opposite the generally V-shaped slot.

The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the first cross-sectional shape is a tooth shape, wherein the tooth shape comprises a first contact location of the one or more contact locations, a second contact location of the one or more contact locations, and a midline defined between the first contact location and the second contact location, and wherein the tooth shape further comprises a first linear edge adjacent the first contact location and a second linear edge adjacent the second contact location, each of the first linear edge and the second linear edge extending inward toward the midline at a non-zero angle less than 90°.

The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the first cross-sectional shape is a ribbed shape, and wherein the ribbed shape comprises a plurality of ribs, each rib of the plurality of ribs defining a contact location of the one or more contact locations.

The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the first cross-sectional shape is a fluted shape, and wherein the fluted shape comprises a plurality of semicircular protrusions, each semicircular protrusion of the plurality of semicircular protrusions defining a contact location of the one or more contact locations.