阅读说明：本技术 流体流动调整板和包括该流体流动调整板的挤出机 (Fluid flow adjusting plate and extruder including the same ) 是由 F·蔡 宋伟东 于 2021-02-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及流体流动调整板和包括该流体流动调整板的挤出机。流体流动调整板(200)包括整体式本体(300),所述整体式本体具有入口侧表面(301)、出口侧表面(302)、第一通道(501)、第二通道(502)、第三通道(503)和第四通道(504)。第一通道(501)、第二通道(502)、第三通道(503)和第四通道(504)均在入口侧表面(301)和出口侧表面(302)之间延伸。第一通道(501)和第二通道(502)在第一相交边界(530)处彼此相交。第三通道(503)和第四通道(504)在第二相交边界(531)处彼此相交。第一通道(501)和第三通道(503)彼此不相交。(The present invention relates to a fluid flow adjusting plate and an extruder including the fluid flow adjusting plate. The fluid flow adjustment plate (200) includes a monolithic body (300) having an inlet side surface (301), an outlet side surface (302), a first channel (501), a second channel (502), a third channel (503), and a fourth channel (504). The first channel (501), the second channel (502), the third channel (503) and the fourth channel (504) each extend between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302). The first channel (501) and the second channel (502) intersect each other at a first intersection boundary (530). The third channel (503) and the fourth channel (504) intersect each other at a second intersection boundary (531). The first channel (501) and the third channel (503) do not intersect with each other.)

1. A fluid flow adjustment plate (200), comprising:

a monolithic body (300) having an inlet side surface (301) and an outlet side surface (302);

a first channel (501) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

a first channel inlet opening (511) having a first channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (311) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

a first channel outlet opening (521) having a first channel outlet opening peripheral boundary (411) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300);

a second channel (502) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

a second channel inlet opening (512) having a second channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (312) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

a second channel outlet opening (522) having a second channel outlet opening peripheral boundary (412) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300);

a third channel (503) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

a third channel inlet opening (513) having a third channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (313) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

a third channel outlet opening (523) having a third channel outlet opening peripheral boundary (413) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300); and

a fourth channel (504) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

a fourth channel inlet opening (514) having a fourth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (314) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

a fourth channel outlet opening (524) having a fourth channel outlet opening perimeter boundary (414) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300); and wherein:

the first channel (501) and the second channel (502) intersect each other at a first intersection boundary (530);

the third channel (503) and the fourth channel (504) intersect each other at a second intersection boundary (531);

the first channel (501) and the third channel (503) do not intersect with each other;

the first channel (501) and the fourth channel (504) do not intersect with each other;

the second channel (502) and the third channel (503) do not intersect with each other;

the second channel (502) and the fourth channel (504) do not intersect with each other;

the first channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (311) has a single point contact with the fourth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (314);

the first channel inlet opening (511) and the second channel inlet opening (512) are separated from each other at least by a portion of the inlet side surface (301);

the first channel inlet opening (511) and the third channel inlet opening (513) are separated from each other at least by a portion of the inlet side surface (301);

the second channel inlet opening (512) and the third channel inlet opening (513) are separated from each other at least by a portion of the inlet side surface (301);

the third channel inlet opening (513) and the fourth channel inlet opening (514) are separated from each other at least by a portion of the inlet side surface (301);

the second channel outlet opening peripheral boundary (412) has a single point contact with the third channel outlet opening peripheral boundary (413);

the first channel outlet opening (521) and the second channel outlet opening (522) are separated from each other at least by a portion of the outlet side surface (302);

the first channel outlet opening (521) and the third channel outlet opening (523) are separated from each other at least by a portion of the outlet side surface (302);

the first channel outlet opening (521) and the fourth channel outlet opening (524) being separated from each other at least by a portion of the outlet side surface (302); and is

The third channel outlet opening (523) and the fourth channel outlet opening (524) are separated from each other at least by a portion of the outlet side surface (302).

2. The fluid flow adjustment plate (200) of claim 1, wherein:

the first channel (501) and the third channel (503) are parallel to each other; and

the second channel (502) and the fourth channel (504) are parallel to each other.

3. The fluid flow adjustment plate (200) of claim 2, wherein:

the first channel (501) and the fourth channel (504) are inclined to each other; and

the second channel (502) and the third channel (503) are inclined to each other.

4. The fluid flow adjustment plate (200) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first channel inlet opening (511), the second channel inlet opening (512), the third channel inlet opening (513) and the fourth channel inlet opening (514) is chamfered.

5. The fluid flow adjustment plate (200) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first channel outlet opening (521), the second channel outlet opening (522), the third channel outlet opening (523), and the fourth channel outlet opening (524) is chamfered.

6. The fluid flow adjustment plate (200) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first, second, third and fourth channel inlet openings (511, 512, 513, 514) are collectively arranged in a circumferentially closed configuration.

7. The fluid flow adjustment plate (200) of claim 6, further comprising:

a fifth channel (561) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

a fifth channel inlet opening (571) having a fifth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary (321) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

a fifth channel outlet opening (575) having a fifth channel outlet opening perimeter boundary (421) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300);

a sixth channel (562) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

a sixth channel inlet opening (572) having a sixth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary (322) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

a sixth channel outlet opening (576) having a sixth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary (422) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300);

a seventh channel (563) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

a seventh channel inlet opening (573) having a seventh channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (323) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

a seventh channel outlet opening (577) having a seventh channel outlet opening peripheral boundary (423) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300); and

an eighth channel (564) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

an eighth channel inlet opening (574) having an eighth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (324) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

an eighth channel outlet opening (578) having an eighth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary (424) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300); and is

Wherein:

the fifth channel (561) and the sixth channel (562) intersect each other at a third intersection boundary (630);

the seventh channel (563) and the eighth channel (564) intersect each other at a fourth intersection boundary (631);

the fifth channel (561) and the seventh channel (563) are disjoint from each other;

the fifth channel (561) and the eighth channel (564) do not intersect with each other;

said sixth channel (562) and said seventh channel (563) do not intersect each other;

the sixth channel (562) and the eighth channel (564) do not intersect with each other;

the fifth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (321) has a single point contact with the eighth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (324);

-said fifth channel inlet opening (571) and said sixth channel inlet opening (572) are separated from each other at least by a portion of said inlet side surface (301);

the fifth channel inlet opening (571) and the seventh channel inlet opening (573) are separated from each other at least by a portion of the inlet side surface (301);

the sixth and seventh channel inlet openings (572, 573) being separated from each other at least by a portion of the inlet side surface (301);

-the seventh channel inlet opening (573) and the eighth channel inlet opening (574) are separated from each other at least by a portion of the inlet side surface (301);

the sixth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary (422) has a single point contact with the seventh channel outlet opening peripheral boundary (423);

the fifth channel outlet opening (575) and the sixth channel outlet opening (576) are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface (302);

the fifth channel outlet opening (575) and the seventh channel outlet opening (577) are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface (302);

the fifth channel outlet opening (575) and the eighth channel outlet opening (578) are separated from each other at least by a portion of the outlet side surface (302); and is

The seventh channel outlet opening (577) and the eighth channel outlet opening (578) are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface (302).

8. The fluid flow adjustment plate (200) of claim 7, wherein the fifth channel inlet opening (571), the sixth channel inlet opening (572), the seventh channel inlet opening (573), and the eighth channel inlet opening (574) are arranged in a second circumferentially closed configuration, the second circumferentially closed configuration being surrounded by the circumferentially closed configuration.

9. The fluid flow adjustment plate (200) of claim 8, further comprising:

a ninth channel (581) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

a ninth channel inlet opening (585) having a ninth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (555) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

a ninth channel outlet opening (481) having a ninth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary (444) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300);

a tenth channel (582) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

a tenth channel inlet opening (586) having a tenth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (556) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

a tenth channel outlet opening (482) having a tenth channel outlet opening perimeter boundary (445) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300);

an eleventh channel (583) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

an eleventh channel inlet opening (587) having an eleventh channel inlet opening perimeter boundary (557) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

an eleventh passage outlet opening (483) having an eleventh passage outlet opening perimeter boundary (446) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300); and

a twelfth channel (584) extending between the inlet side surface (301) and the outlet side surface (302) and comprising:

a twelfth channel inlet opening (588) having a twelfth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (558) defined in the inlet side surface (301) of the monolithic body (300); and

a twelfth passage outlet opening (484) having a twelfth passage outlet opening peripheral boundary (447) defined in the outlet side surface (302) of the monolithic body (300); and wherein:

the ninth channel (581), the tenth channel (582), the eleventh channel (583), and the twelfth channel (584) intersect with each other at a fifth intersection boundary (660).

10. The fluid flow adjustment plate (200) of claim 9, wherein any one of the ninth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (555), the tenth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (556), the eleventh channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (557), and the twelfth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (558) does not have a point of contact with any other one of the ninth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (555), the tenth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (556), the eleventh channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (557), and the twelfth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary (558).

Technical Field

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to apparatus and methods for depositing extrudable materials onto a surface.

Background

During the assembly of structures such as aircraft or components thereof, components made of highly filled composite materials may be utilized. These highly filled composites are semi-liquid, solid compounds (referred to herein as "fluids") comprising a highly viscous resin filled with short reinforcing fibers. Examples of highly filled composite materials include, but are not limited to, thermoset resin materials and thermoplastic materials having reinforcing fibers therein. These materials are considered "highly filled composites" because, in some examples, such materials have a reinforcement fiber saturation of at least about 40% fibers to about 60% fibers. In other examples, the highly filled composite has a reinforcement fiber saturation of less than about 40% or greater than about 60%. The reinforcing fibers may be any suitable reinforcing fibers including, but not limited to, glass fibers and carbon fibers having a suitable length, such as high aspect ratio fiber bundles having a length of several millimeters. However, extrusion of highly filled composites with high aspect ratio fibers tends to align the fibers along the length or longitudinal axis of the extruded material in the direction of fluid flow, resulting in an anisotropic material. For example, after passing a highly filled composite material through an extrusion die, the longitudinal axis of the fiber bundle tends to align with the longitudinal axis of the extrudate, rather than being randomized or misaligned relative to the longitudinal axis of the extruded material.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, an apparatus and method that aims to address at least the above concerns would be useful.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of the subject matter disclosed herein.

A fluid flow adjustment plate is disclosed herein that includes a monolithic body, a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel. The monolithic body has an inlet side surface and an outlet side surface. The first passage extends between the inlet-side surface and the outlet-side surface and includes a first passage inlet opening and a first passage outlet opening. The first channel inlet opening has a first channel inlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the inlet side surface of the monolithic body. The first passage outlet opening has a first passage outlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the outlet side surface of the monolithic body. The second passage extends between the inlet side surface and the outlet side surface and includes a second passage inlet opening and a second passage outlet opening. The second channel inlet opening has a second channel inlet opening perimeter boundary defined in the inlet side surface of the monolithic body. The second channel outlet opening has a second channel outlet opening perimeter boundary defined in the outlet side surface of the monolithic body. The third passage extends between the inlet-side surface and the outlet-side surface and includes a third passage inlet opening and a third passage outlet opening. The third passage inlet opening has a third passage inlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the inlet side surface of the monolithic body. The third passage outlet opening has a third passage outlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the outlet side surface of the monolithic body. The fourth channel extends between the inlet side surface and the outlet side surface and includes a fourth channel inlet opening and a fourth channel outlet opening. The fourth channel inlet opening has a fourth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the inlet side surface of the monolithic body. The fourth channel outlet opening has a fourth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the outlet side surface of the monolithic body. The first channel and the second channel intersect each other at a first intersection boundary. The third and fourth channels intersect each other at a second intersection boundary. The first and third channels do not intersect with each other. The first channel and the fourth channel do not intersect each other. The second and third channels do not intersect each other. The second channel and the fourth channel do not intersect each other. The first channel inlet opening perimeter boundary has a single point contact with the fourth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary. The first channel inlet opening and the second channel inlet opening are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface. The first channel inlet opening and the third channel inlet opening are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface. The second channel inlet opening and the third channel inlet opening are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface. The third channel inlet opening and the fourth channel inlet opening are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface. The second channel outlet opening perimeter boundary has a single point contact with the third channel outlet opening perimeter boundary. The first and second channel outlet openings are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface. The first and third channel outlet openings are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface. The first and fourth channel outlet openings are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface. The third channel outlet opening and the fourth channel outlet opening are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface.

The fluid flow conditioning plate randomizes the orientation of the fibers of the highly filled composite material during extrusion to produce an isotropic material and structures formed therefrom having substantially similar mechanical properties in substantially all directions.

Also disclosed herein is an extruder comprising a material feed chamber, a nozzle, and a fluid flow adjustment plate coupled to the material feed chamber and the nozzle. The fluid flow adjustment plate includes a monolithic body, a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel. The monolithic body has an inlet side surface and an outlet side surface. The first passage extends between the inlet-side surface and the outlet-side surface and includes a first passage inlet opening and a first passage outlet opening. The first channel inlet opening has a first channel inlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the inlet side surface of the monolithic body. The first passage outlet opening has a first passage outlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the outlet side surface of the monolithic body. The second passage extends between the inlet side surface and the outlet side surface and includes a second passage inlet opening and a second passage outlet opening. The second channel inlet opening has a second channel inlet opening perimeter boundary defined in the inlet side surface of the monolithic body. The second channel outlet opening has a second channel outlet opening perimeter boundary defined in the outlet side surface of the monolithic body. The third passage extends between the inlet-side surface and the outlet-side surface and includes a third passage inlet opening and a third passage outlet opening. The third passage inlet opening has a third passage inlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the inlet side surface of the monolithic body. The third passage outlet opening has a third passage outlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the outlet side surface of the monolithic body. The fourth channel extends between the inlet side surface and the outlet side surface and includes a fourth channel inlet opening and a fourth channel outlet opening. The fourth channel inlet opening has a fourth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the inlet side surface of the monolithic body. The fourth channel outlet opening has a fourth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary defined in the outlet side surface of the monolithic body. The first channel and the second channel intersect each other at a first intersection boundary. The third and fourth channels intersect each other at a second intersection boundary. The first and third channels do not intersect with each other. The first channel and the fourth channel do not intersect each other. The second and third channels do not intersect each other. The second channel and the fourth channel do not intersect each other. The first channel inlet opening perimeter boundary has a single point contact with the fourth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary. The first channel inlet opening and the second channel inlet opening are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface. The first channel inlet opening and the third channel inlet opening are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface. The second channel inlet opening and the third channel inlet opening are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface. The third channel inlet opening and the fourth channel inlet opening are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface. The second channel outlet opening perimeter boundary has a single point contact with the third channel outlet opening perimeter boundary. The first and second channel outlet openings are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface. The first and third channel outlet openings are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface. The first and fourth channel outlet openings are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface. The third channel outlet opening and the fourth channel outlet opening are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface.

An extruder including a fluid flow adjusting plate forces the highly filled composite material through the fluid flow adjusting plate, and the fluid flow adjusting plate randomizes the orientation of the fibers of the highly filled composite material during extrusion to produce an isotropic material.

Drawings

Reference will now be made to the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views. In the drawings:

1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2 are collectively block diagrams of an extruder including a fluid flow conditioning plate for depositing extrudable masses according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 2A is FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1A-1, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein,

1B-2 and FIGS. 1C-1, 1C-2;

FIG. 2B is a schematic end view N-N of the extruder of FIG. 2A showing the shape of the extrusion nozzle outlet, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 2C is a schematic end view N-N of the extruder of FIG. 2A showing the shape of the extrusion nozzle outlet, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an inlet side of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an outlet side of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating a partial cross-section of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 377 in FIG. 3, in accordance with one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along section 6-6 of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 377 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 377 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 7C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 377 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 7D is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 377 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

fig. 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic perspective views of intersections between channels of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of fig. 2A, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view illustrating a partial cross-section of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 378 in FIG. 3, in accordance with one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 378 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 378 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 10C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 378 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 10D is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 378 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 11A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 379 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 379 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 11C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 379 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 11D is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 379 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 11E is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 379 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 11F is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 379 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

fig. 11G is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of fig. 2A taken along circle 379 in fig. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 11H is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow adjustment plate of the extruder of FIG. 2A taken along circle 379 in FIG. 3, according to one or more examples of the subject matter disclosed herein;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aircraft production and service method; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an aircraft.

Detailed Description

In the above-described fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, the solid lines connecting the various elements and/or components (if any) may represent mechanical, electrical, fluidic, optical, electromagnetic, and other couplings, and/or combinations thereof. As used herein, "coupled" means directly and indirectly associated. For example, component a may be directly associated with component B, or may be indirectly associated therewith, e.g., via another component C. It should be understood that not necessarily all relationships between the various disclosed elements are shown. Thus, couplings other than those depicted in block diagrams may also exist. The dashed lines connecting blocks representing various elements and/or components (if any) represent couplings similar in function and purpose to those represented by solid lines; however, the coupling represented by the dashed lines may be selectively provided or may relate to alternative examples of the subject matter disclosed herein. Also, elements and/or components (if any) represented by dashed lines indicate alternative examples of the subject matter disclosed herein. One or more elements shown in solid and/or dashed lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. The environmental elements (if any) are represented by dashed lines. Virtual (phantom) elements may also be shown for clarity. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that some of the features shown in fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2 may be combined in various ways without necessarily including other features described in fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, other figures, and/or the accompanying disclosure, even if such combination or combinations are not explicitly shown herein. Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented may be combined with some or all of the features shown and described herein.

In fig. 12, referring to the above, the blocks may represent operations and/or portions thereof, and the lines connecting the various blocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations or portions thereof. Blocks represented by dashed lines represent alternate operations and/or portions thereof. The dashed lines connecting the various blocks (if any) represent alternative dependencies of the operations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not necessarily all dependencies between the various disclosed operations are represented. Fig. 12 and the accompanying disclosure describing the operations of the methods set forth herein should not be construed as necessarily determining the order in which the operations are to be performed. Rather, although an illustrative order is indicated, it should be understood that the order of the operations may be modified as appropriate. Thus, certain operations may be performed in a different order or concurrently. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all of the operations described need be performed.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which may be practiced without some or all of these details. In other instances, details of well-known devices and/or processes have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. While some concepts will be described in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose order, position, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which they refer. Furthermore, for example, reference to "a second" item does not require or exclude the presence of, for example, "a first" or lower numbered item and/or, for example, "a third" or higher numbered item.

Reference herein to "one or more examples" means that one or more features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the examples are included in at least an implementation. The phrase "one or more examples" in various places in the specification may or may not refer to the same examples.

As used herein, a system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured to" perform a particular function is actually capable of performing the particular function without any alteration, and does not have the potential to perform the particular function only after further modification. In other words, a system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured to" perform a particular function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing that particular function. As used herein, "configured to" refers to an existing characteristic of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enables the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform a particular function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as "configured to" perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as "adapted to" and/or "operated to" perform that function.

The following provides illustrative, non-exhaustive examples of the subject matter disclosed herein, which may or may not be claimed.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 3-6, 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, for example, in particular, and for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, a fluid flow adjustment plate 200 is disclosed. The fluid flow adjustment plate 200 includes a monolithic body 300, a first channel 501, a second channel 502, a third channel 503, and a fourth channel 504. The monolithic body 300 has an inlet side surface 301 and an outlet side surface 302. The first channel 501 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a first channel inlet opening 511 and a first channel outlet opening 521. The first passage inlet opening 511 has a first passage inlet opening peripheral boundary 311 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The first passage outlet opening 521 has a first passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 411 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The second channel 502 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a second channel inlet opening 512 and a second channel outlet opening 522. The second channel inlet opening 512 has a second channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 312 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The second channel outlet opening 522 has a second channel outlet opening peripheral boundary 412 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The third passage 503 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a third passage inlet opening 513 and a third passage outlet opening 523. The third passage inlet opening 513 has a third passage inlet opening peripheral boundary 313 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The third passage outlet opening 523 has a third passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 413 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The fourth channel 504 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a fourth channel inlet opening 514 and a fourth channel outlet opening 524. The fourth channel inlet opening 514 has a fourth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 314 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The fourth passage outlet opening 524 has a fourth passage outlet opening perimeter boundary 414 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The first channel 501 and the second channel 502 intersect each other at a first intersection boundary 530. The third channel 503 and the fourth channel 504 intersect each other at a second intersection boundary 531. The first channel 501 and the third channel 503 do not intersect each other. The first channel 501 and the fourth channel 504 do not intersect each other. The second channel 502 and the third channel 503 do not intersect with each other. The second channel 502 and the fourth channel 504 do not intersect with each other. The first channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 311 has a single point contact 700 with the fourth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 314. The first channel inlet opening 511 and the second channel inlet opening 512 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface 301. The first passage inlet opening 511 and the third passage inlet opening 513 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface 301. The second channel inlet opening 512 and the third channel inlet opening 513 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface 301. The third channel inlet opening 513 and the fourth channel inlet opening 514 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface 301. The second channel outlet opening perimeter boundary 412 has a single point contact 701 with the third channel outlet opening perimeter boundary 413. The first and second passage outlet openings 521, 522 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface 302. The first and third passage outlet openings 521, 523 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface 302. The first and fourth passage outlet openings 521, 524 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface 302. The third channel outlet opening 523 and the fourth channel outlet opening 524 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface 302. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a first example of the subject matter disclosed herein.

The arrangement of the first 501, second 502, third 503 and fourth 504 channels of the fluid flow conditioning plate randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 of the highly filled composite material 211 during extrusion to produce an isotropic material.

As described above, the highly filled composite material 211 is a semi-liquid solid compound composed of a high-viscosity resin filled with short reinforcing fibers. Examples of highly filled composite materials 211 include, but are not limited to, thermoset resin materials and thermoplastic materials having reinforcing fibers 212 therein. In some examples, the highly filled composite 211 has a saturation of the reinforcing fibers 212 of at least about 40% fibers to about 60% fibers. In other examples, the highly filled composite 211 has a reinforcement fiber saturation of less than about 40% or greater than about 60%. In one or more examples, the reinforcing fibers 212 are any suitable type of reinforcing fibers, including but not limited to glass fibers and carbon fibers having any suitable length, such as high aspect ratio fiber bundles having a length of about a few millimeters.

At least first channel 501, second channel 502, third channel 503, and fourth channel 504 are angled with respect to each other and to the direction 298 of fluid flow of highly filled composite 211 through extruder 299, as will be described in greater detail herein.

In one or more examples, at least first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, 504 are angled relative to each other and the fluid flow direction 298 with the highly filled composite material 211 exiting each of the first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, 504 as respective fluid flow streams that are interleaved and mixed with other fluid flow streams from the first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, 504. As the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202, the staggering and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211. In one or more examples, the randomized orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 results in the reinforcing fibers 212 extending at various angles relative to each other and the fluid flow direction 298, as shown in fig. 2A, thereby creating an isotropic material.

In some examples, the first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, and 504 have smooth surfaces such that a laminar flow of the highly filled composite material 211 passes through a respective one of the first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, and 504. In other examples, the first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, 504 have a textured surface that causes turbulence in the flow of the highly-filled composite material 211 through a respective one of the first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, 504. In one or more examples, turbulence within first channel 501, second channel 502, third channel 503, and fourth channel 504 causes further randomization of the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 of highly filled composite 211 during extrusion to produce an isotropic material.

Referring also to fig. 8A-8C, in one or more examples, the first channel 501 intersects the second channel 502 at a first intersection boundary 530 in any suitable manner. In some examples, referring to fig. 8A, the intersection between the first channel 501 and the second channel 502 is a single branching curve, which occurs when one channel (e.g., the first channel 501 or the second channel 502) only partially passes through the other channel (e.g., the other of the first channel 501 or the second channel 502). In some examples, referring to fig. 8B, the intersection between the first channel 501 and the second channel 502 is a two-branch curve, which occurs when one channel (e.g., the first channel 501 or the second channel 502) passes completely through the other channel (e.g., the other of the first channel 501 or the second channel 502). Here, the second channel 502 passes completely through the first channel 501 such that the second channel 502 forms a circumferentially closed curve with the first channel 501 (or vice versa), wherein the circumferentially closed curve (and thus the channel cross-section) may be circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal, irregular, etc. In some examples, referring to fig. 8C, the intersection between the first channel 501 and the second channel 502 is a fourth-order curve with one point of emphasis, which occurs when two cylinders (e.g., the first channel 501 and the second channel 502) have a common tangent plane. In one or more examples, the intersection between the third channel 503 and the fourth channel 504 is a single branch curve, two branch curves, or a fourth order curve.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 5, 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, for example, in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, the outlet side surface 302 is parallel to the inlet side surface 301. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a second example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the second example also encompasses the first example described above.

The outlet side surface 302, which is parallel to the inlet side surface 301, provides ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, for example, in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, a first channel 501 and a third channel 503 are parallel to each other, and a second channel 502 and a fourth channel 504 are parallel to each other. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a third example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the third example further includes the above first example or second example.

The first and third channels 501, 503 that are parallel to each other and the second and fourth channels 502, 504 that are parallel to each other provide ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques, such as drilling.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, for example, in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, first channel 501 and fourth channel 504 are inclined with respect to one another, and second channel 502 and third channel 503 are inclined with respect to one another. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a fourth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fourth example also includes the third example above.

The first and fourth channels 501, 504 inclined with respect to each other and the second and third channels 502, 503 inclined with respect to each other improve the randomization of the reinforcing fibers 212 of the highly filled composite 211 during extrusion compared to the randomization of the reinforcing fibers 212 with parallel channels described in the third example above.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 5, 7A, and 7B specifically, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, and referring to fig. 5, 7A, and 7B specifically, first passage 501 has a first passage centerline 591, and first passage centerline 591 is a straight line. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a fifth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fifth example further includes any of the first through fourth examples above.

The straight first passage centerline 591 provides for ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques, including but not limited to drilling and boring.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 5, 7A, and 7B specifically, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, and referring to fig. 5, 7A, and 7B specifically, second channel 502 has a second channel centerline 592, and second channel centerline 592 is a straight line. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a sixth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the sixth example further includes any one of the first to fifth examples described above.

The straight second channel centerline 592 provides ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, drilling and boring.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 5, 7A, and 7B, for example, in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, the third channel 503 has a third channel centerline 593, and the third channel centerline 593 is a straight line. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a seventh example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the seventh example further comprises any of the first through sixth examples described above.

The rectilinear third passage centerline 593 provides for ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, drilling and boring.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 5, 7A, and 7B, for example, in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, fourth channel 504 has a fourth channel centerline 594, and fourth channel centerline 594 is a straight line. The foregoing paragraphs characterize an eighth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the eighth example further includes any of the first through seventh examples described above.

The straight fourth passage centerline 594 provides ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, drilling and boring.

Referring to fig. 7A and 7B, in one or more examples, first, second, third, and fourth channel centerlines 591, 592, 593, and 594 are at any suitable angle a relative to the fluid flow direction 298 that facilitates interleaved and mixed fluid flow streams from the first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, and 504. For example, the angle α produces a highly-filled material flow exiting each of the first, second, third, and fourth passages 501, 502, 503, and 504 having a fluid flow component in a direction transverse to the fluid flow direction 298 and a fluid flow component in the direction of the fluid flow direction 298. In one or more examples, angle α is about 30 ° to about 45 °; however, in one or more other examples, the angle α is less than about 30 ° or greater than about 45 °.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, as well as 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 7C and 7D, for example, in particular, only for illustrative purposes and not by way of limitation, first passage 501 has a first passage centerline 591, and first passage centerline 591 is curvilinear. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a ninth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the ninth example further includes any one of the first to fourth examples described above.

The curved first channel centerline 591 increases the exit angle β of the highly filled composite material 211 (see fig. 2A) from the first channel 501 relative to the fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more the first passage centerline 591 is curved, the greater the exit angle β. The increased exit angle β results in the staggering and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the first, second, third and fourth channels 501, 502, 503 and 504 and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In some examples, a first passage 501 is provided for a curved first passage centerline 591 having an inlet substantially parallel to the fluid flow direction 298 while providing an exit angle β.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 7C and 7D, for example, in particular, first passage centerline 591 is free of inflection points for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a tenth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the tenth example further includes the ninth example above.

In one or more examples, the first passage centerline 591 without an inflection point substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through the first passage 501. For the purposes of this disclosure, an inflection point is defined as the transition point between a concave portion and a convex portion of a curve or line segment, which abut each other when viewed from one side of the curve or line segment.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 7C and 7D, for example, in particular, the second channel 502 has a second channel centerline 592 for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and the second channel centerline 592 is curvilinear. The foregoing paragraphs characterize an eleventh example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the eleventh example further includes any of the first through fourth, ninth, and tenth examples described above.

In one or more examples, the curvilinear second channel centerline 592 increases an exit angle β of the highly filled composite 211 (see fig. 2A) from the second channel 502 relative to the fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more the second channel centerline 592 is bent, the greater the exit angle β. The increased exit angle β results in the staggering and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the first, second, third and fourth channels 501, 502, 503 and 504 and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In one or more examples, a second channel centerline 592 that is curvilinear provides a second channel 502 having an inlet substantially parallel to the fluid flow direction 298 while providing an exit angle β.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1 and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B and 2C in general, and to FIGS. 7C and 7D in particular, for example, only for illustrative purposes and not for limiting purposes, the second channel centerline 592 has no inflection point. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a twelfth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the twelfth example also includes the eleventh example described above.

In one or more examples, the second channel centerline 592 without an inflection point substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through the second channel 502.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 7C and 7D, for example, in particular, the third channel 503 has a third channel centerline 593, and the third channel centerline 593 is curvilinear, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a thirteenth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the thirteenth example further includes any of the above first-fourth and ninth-twelfth examples.

In one or more examples, the curvilinear third channel centerline 593 increases the exit angle β of the highly filled composite material 211 (see fig. 2A) from the third channel 503 relative to the fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more the third passage centerline 593 bends, the greater the exit angle β. The increased exit angle β results in the staggering and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the first, second, third and fourth channels 501, 502, 503 and 504 and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In one or more examples, a curved third channel centerline 593 is provided with a third channel 503 having an entrance substantially parallel to the fluid flow direction 298 while providing an exit angle β.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 7C and 7D, for example, in particular, the third channel centerline 593 does not have an inflection point for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a fourteenth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fourteenth example also includes the thirteenth example above.

In one or more examples, the third passage centerline 593 without an inflection point substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through the third passage 503.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 7C and 7D, for example, in particular, fourth channel 504 has a fourth channel centerline 594 for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, fourth channel centerline 594 being curvilinear. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a fifteenth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fifteenth example further includes any of the first through fourth and ninth through fourteenth examples described above.

In one or more examples, curving fourth channel centerline 594 increases an exit angle β of highly filled composite 211 (see fig. 2A) from fourth channel 504 with respect to fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more curved the fourth passage center line 594, the greater the exit angle β. The increased exit angle β results in the staggering and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the first, second, third and fourth channels 501, 502, 503 and 504 and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In one or more examples, a curved fourth passage centerline 594 provides the fourth passage 504 with an inlet substantially parallel to the fluid flow direction 298 while providing the exit angle β.

While the exit angle β is shown to be substantially the same for the first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, and 504, in one or more examples, the exit angle of one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, and 504 is different than the exit angle of another of the first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, and 504. In one or more examples, the exit angle β is about 30 ° to about 45 °; however, in one or more other examples, the exit angle β is less than about 30 ° or greater than about 45 °.

In one or more examples, the first, second, third, and fourth channel centerlines 591, 592, 593, and 594 are curvilinear, and thus the first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, and 504 are curved channels formed using any suitable manufacturing technique, including but not limited to additive manufacturing, lost wax casting, sand casting, and the like.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 7C and 7D, for example, in particular, fourth passage centerline 594 has no inflection point for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a sixteenth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the sixteenth example further includes the fifteenth example described above.

In one or more examples, fourth passage centerline 594, which has no inflection point, substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through fourth passage 504.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 3, 7B, and 7D, for example, in particular, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth channel inlet openings 511, 512, 513, and 514 is chamfered for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a seventeenth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the seventeenth example further includes any of the first through sixteenth examples described above.

At least one of the first, second, third and fourth channel inlet openings 511, 512, 513 and 514 is chamfered, which reduces the surface area of the inlet side surface 301. Reducing the surface area of the inlet side surface 301 allows the highly filled composite material 211 to enter the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 with reduced stagnation of fluid flow.

In the example shown in fig. 7B and 7D, the first channel inlet opening 511 has a chamfer 781, the second channel inlet opening 512 has a chamfer 782, the third channel inlet opening 513 has a chamfer 783, and the fourth channel inlet opening 514 has a chamfer 784. In one or more other examples, one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth channel inlet openings 511, 512, 513, and 514 are not chamfered.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 7B and 7D, for example, in particular, at least one of first channel outlet opening 521, second channel outlet opening 522, third channel outlet opening 523, and fourth channel outlet opening 524 are chamfered for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing paragraphs characterize an eighteenth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the eighteenth example further includes any of the first through seventeenth examples described above.

In one or more examples, at least one of first, second, third, and fourth channel outlet openings 521, 522, 523, and 524 is chamfered, which increases a size of an outlet area of at least one of first, second, third, and fourth channel outlet openings 521, 522, 523, and 524 to facilitate changing a fluid flow direction and mixing respective fluid flow streams from first, second, third, and fourth channels 501, 502, 503, and 504.

In the example shown in fig. 7B and 7D, the first channel outlet opening 521 has a chamfer 791, the second channel outlet opening 522 has a chamfer 792, the third channel outlet opening 523 has a chamfer 793, and the fourth channel outlet opening 524 has a chamfer 794. In one or more other examples, one or more of first, second, third, and fourth channel outlet openings 521, 522, 523, and 524 are not chamfered.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 3 and 6, for example, in particular, first channel inlet opening 511, second channel inlet opening 512, third channel inlet opening 513, and fourth channel inlet opening 514 are collectively arranged in a circumferentially closed configuration 367 for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing paragraphs of this paragraph characterize a nineteenth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the nineteenth example further includes any of the first through eighteenth examples above.

Arranging the first channel inlet opening 511, the second channel inlet opening 512, the third channel inlet opening 513 and the fourth channel inlet opening 514 in a circumferentially closed configuration 367 provides ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200. Arranging the first channel inlet opening 511, the second channel inlet opening 512, the third channel inlet opening 513 and the fourth channel inlet opening 514 in the circumferentially closed configuration 367 also reduces the surface area of the inlet side surface 301.

For exemplary purposes only, the circumferentially closed configuration 367 is shown in fig. 3 and 6 as being circular. In one or more other examples, the circumferentially closed configuration 367 is circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal, irregular, or any other suitable shape.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 3, 4, 9, 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, for example, in particular, and for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 further includes a fifth passage 561, a sixth passage 562, a seventh passage 563, and an eighth passage 564. A fifth channel 561 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a fifth channel inlet opening 571 and a fifth channel outlet opening 575. The fifth channel inlet opening 571 has a fifth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 321 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The fifth channel outlet opening 575 has a fifth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary 421 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The sixth passage 562 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a sixth passage inlet opening 572 and a sixth passage outlet opening 576. The sixth channel inlet opening 572 has a sixth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 322 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The sixth passage outlet opening 576 has a sixth passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 422 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The seventh passage 563 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a seventh passage inlet opening 573 and a seventh passage outlet opening 577. The seventh passage inlet opening 573 has a seventh passage inlet opening peripheral boundary 323 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The seventh passage outlet opening 577 has a seventh passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 423 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The eighth passage 564 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes an eighth passage inlet opening 574 and an eighth passage outlet opening 578. The eighth channel inlet opening 574 has an eighth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 324 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. Eighth channel outlet opening 578 has eighth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary 424 defined in outlet side surface 302 of monolithic body 300. The fifth channel 561 and the sixth channel 562 intersect each other at the third intersection boundary 630. The seventh channel 563 and the eighth channel 564 intersect each other at a fourth intersection boundary 631. The fifth channel 561 and the seventh channel 563 do not intersect each other. The fifth and eighth passages 561, 564 do not intersect each other. Sixth channel 562 and seventh channel 563 do not intersect each other. The sixth and eighth passages 562, 564 do not intersect with each other. Fifth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 321 has a single point contact 1000 with eighth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 324. Fifth channel inlet opening 571 and sixth channel inlet opening 572 are separated from each other by at least a portion of inlet side surface 301. The fifth and seventh passage inlet openings 571, 573 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface 301. Sixth and seventh passage inlet openings 572, 573 are separated from each other by at least a portion of inlet side surface 301. Seventh and eighth channel inlet openings 573, 574 are separated from one another by at least a portion of inlet side surface 301. Sixth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary 422 has a single point contact 1001 with seventh channel outlet opening peripheral boundary 423. The fifth channel outlet opening 575 and the sixth channel outlet opening 576 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface 302. The fifth channel outlet opening 575 and the seventh channel outlet opening 577 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface 302. Fifth channel outlet opening 575 and eighth channel outlet opening 578 are separated from each other by at least a portion of outlet side surface 302. Seventh channel outlet opening 577 and eighth channel outlet opening 578 are separated from each other by at least a portion of outlet side surface 302. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a twentieth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the twentieth example further includes the nineteenth example above.

The arrangement of the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels of the fluid flow tuning plate randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 of the highly filled composite material 211 during extrusion to create an isotropic material.

At least fifth passageway 561, sixth passageway 562, seventh passageway 563, and eighth passageway 564 are angled with respect to each other and to the fluid flow direction 298 of highly filled composite 211 through extruder 299 in a manner similar to that described herein with respect to first passageway 501 through fourth passageway 504. In one or more examples, at least fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels are angled relative to each other and the fluid flow direction 298 with the highly-filled composite material 211 exiting each of the first 501, second 502, third 503, and fourth 504 channels as respective fluid flow streams that are interleaved and mixed with other fluid flow streams from the first 501, second 502, third 503, and fourth 504 channels. As the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202, the staggering and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211. In one or more examples, the randomized orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 results in the reinforcing fibers 212 extending at various angles relative to each other and the fluid flow direction 298, as shown in fig. 2A, thereby creating an isotropic material.

In one or more examples, the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels have smooth surfaces such that a laminar flow of the highly-filled composite material 211 passes through a respective one of the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels. In one or more other examples, the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels have textured surfaces that cause turbulence in the flow of the highly-filled composite material 211 through a respective one of the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels. In one or more examples, the turbulence within fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels causes further randomization of the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 of the highly filled composite 211 during extrusion to produce an isotropic material.

In one or more examples, the intersection between the fifth passageway 561 and the sixth passageway 562 is a single branch curve, two branch curves, or a fourth order curve, as described herein with respect to fig. 8A-8C. In one or more examples, the intersection between the seventh channel 563 and the eighth channel 564 is a single branch curve, two branch curves, or a fourth order curve.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 3 and 6 in particular, for example, and for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth channel inlet openings 571, 572, 573, and 574 are disposed in a second circumferentially closed configuration 368 that is surrounded by a circumferentially closed configuration 367. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a twenty-first example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the twenty-first example also includes the twentieth example described above.

Arranging fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth passage inlet openings 571, 572, 573, and 574 in the second circumferentially closed configuration 368 provides ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200. Arranging the first channel inlet opening 511, the second channel inlet opening 512, the third channel inlet opening 513 and the fourth channel inlet opening 514 in the circumferentially closed configuration 367 also reduces the surface area of the inlet side surface 301. In one or more examples, the second circumferentially closed configuration 368 surrounded by the circumferentially closed configuration 367 also reduces the surface area of the inlet side surface 301.

For exemplary purposes only, the second circumferentially closed configuration 368 is shown as circular in fig. 3 and 6. In one or more other examples, the second circumferentially closed configuration 368 is circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal, irregular, or any other suitable shape.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to FIGS. 3 and 6, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, for example, a second circumferentially closed configuration 368 is concentric with a circumferentially closed configuration 367. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a twenty-second example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the twenty-second example also includes the twenty-first example above.

A second circumferentially closed configuration 368 concentric with the circumferentially closed configuration 367 reduces the surface area of the inlet side surface 301.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 3, 4, 6, and 11A-11H, for example, in particular, and for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, fluid flow adjustment plate 200 further includes ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, and 584. The ninth channel 581 extends between the inlet-side surface 301 and the outlet-side surface 302, and includes a ninth channel inlet opening 585 and a ninth channel outlet opening 481. The ninth channel inlet opening 585 has a ninth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 555 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The ninth channel outlet opening 481 has a ninth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary 444 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The tenth passage 582 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a tenth passage inlet opening 586 and a tenth passage outlet opening 482. The tenth channel inlet opening 586 has a tenth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 556 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The tenth passage outlet opening 482 has a tenth passage outlet opening perimeter boundary 445 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The eleventh passage 583 extends between the inlet-side surface 301 and the outlet-side surface 302, and includes an eleventh passage inlet opening 587 and an eleventh passage outlet opening 483. The eleventh channel inlet opening 587 has an eleventh channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 557 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The eleventh passage outlet opening 483 has an eleventh passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 446 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The twelfth passage 584 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a twelfth passage inlet opening 588 and a twelfth passage outlet opening 484. The twelfth channel inlet opening 588 has a twelfth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 558 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The twelfth passage outlet opening 484 has a twelfth passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 447 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, and 584 intersect with each other at a fifth intersection boundary 660. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a twenty-third example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the twenty-third example further includes the twenty-first or twenty-second example above.

The arrangement of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584 of the fluid flow conditioning plate randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 of the highly filled composite material 211 during extrusion to produce an isotropic material.

At least ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584 are angled relative to one another and the direction 298 of fluid flow of highly filled composite 211 through extruder 299 in a manner similar to that described herein with respect to first through fourth channels 501-504. In one or more examples, at least the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584 are angled relative to one another and the fluid flow direction 298 with the highly-filled composite material 211 exiting each of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584 as a respective fluid flow stream that interleaves and mixes with other fluid flow streams from the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584. As the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202, the staggering and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211. In one or more examples, the randomized orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 results in the reinforcing fibers 212 extending at various angles relative to each other and the fluid flow direction 298, as shown in fig. 2A, thereby creating an isotropic material.

In one or more examples, the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584 have smooth surfaces such that a laminar flow of the highly-filled composite 211 passes through a respective one of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584. In one or more other examples, the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584 have a textured surface that causes turbulence in the flow of the highly-filled composite material 211 through a respective one of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584. In one or more examples, the turbulence within the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584 causes further randomization of the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 of the highly filled composite 211 during extrusion to produce an isotropic material.

In one or more examples, the intersection between the ninth channel 581, the tenth channel 582, the eleventh channel 583, and the twelfth channel 584 includes one or more of a single branch curve, two branch curves, or a fourth order curve as described herein with respect to fig. 8A-8C.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 11A, 11B, 11E, and 11F specifically, for example, and for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, any of ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel inlet opening perimeter boundaries 555, 556, 557, 558 does not have a point of contact with any other of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel inlet opening perimeter boundaries 555, 556. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a twenty-fourth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the twenty-fourth example further includes the above twenty-third example 23.

Any one of the ninth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 555, the tenth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 556, the eleventh channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 557, and the twelfth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 558 does not have a point of contact with any other one of the ninth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 555, the tenth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 556, the eleventh channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 557, and the twelfth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 558, this spaces the ninth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 555, the tenth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 556, the eleventh channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 557, and the twelfth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 581 from one another, to create stagnation in the fluid flow, thereby turbulently mixing the highly filled composite material 211 prior to entering the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 582.

Referring also to fig. 3, 11C, 11D, 11G, and 11H, in other examples, the ninth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 555 has a single point of contact with each of the tenth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 556 and the twelfth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 558. The twelfth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 558 has a single point of contact with each of the ninth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 555 and the eleventh channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 557. The eleventh channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 557 has a single point of contact with each of the twelfth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 558 and the tenth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 556. The tenth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 556 has a single point of contact with each of the eleventh channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 557 and the ninth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 555. In one or more examples, this single point contact arrangement of the ninth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 555 and each of the tenth and twelfth channel inlet opening perimeter boundaries 556, 558 reduces the surface area of the outlet side surface 302 to reduce stagnation of the highly filled composite material 211 prior to entering the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584 as compared to the examples shown in fig. 11A, 11B, 11E, and 11F.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 11A, 11B, 11E, and 11F specifically, for example, and for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, any of ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel outlet opening peripheral boundaries 444, 445, and any other of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel outlet opening peripheral boundaries 444, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel outlet opening peripheral boundaries 447 have no point of contact. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a twenty-fifth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the twenty-fifth example further comprises the twenty-third or twenty-fourth example above.

Any one of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel outlet opening peripheral boundaries 444, 445, 446, and 447 has no contact points with any other of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel outlet opening peripheral boundaries 444, 445, 446, and 447, which spaces the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel outlet opening peripheral boundaries 444, 445, 446, and 447 apart from one another to create turbulent mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584.

Referring also to fig. 3, 11C, 11D, 11G, and 11H, in other examples, the ninth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary 444 has a single point contact with each of the tenth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary 445 and the twelfth channel outlet opening peripheral boundary 447. The twelfth passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 447 has a single point contact with each of the ninth and eleventh passage outlet opening peripheral boundaries 444 and 446. The eleventh passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 446 has a single point of contact with each of the twelfth passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 447 and the tenth passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 445. Tenth passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 445 has a single point of contact with each of eleventh passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 446 and ninth passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 444. In one or more examples, this single point contact arrangement of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel outlet opening peripheral boundaries 444, 445, 446, and 447 reduces the surface area of the outlet side surface 302 as compared to fig. 11A, 11B, 11E, and 11F to achieve a higher density of interlacing and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the ninth, tenth, eleventh, 583, and twelfth channels 581, 582.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to FIGS. 3 and 6, for example, in particular, any of ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel inlet openings 585, 586, 587, 588 are disposed in a third circumferentially closed formation 369 surrounded by circumferentially closed formations 367 and 368 for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a twenty-sixth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the twenty-sixth example further includes any of the twenty-third through twenty-fifth examples above.

Arranging the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel inlet openings 585, 586, 587, 588 in the third circumferentially closed configuration 369 provides for ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200. The arrangement of the ninth channel inlet opening 585, the tenth channel inlet opening 586, the eleventh channel inlet opening 587, and the twelfth channel inlet opening 588 also reduces the surface area of the inlet side surface 301. In one or more examples, the third circumferentially closed formation 369, surrounded by the circumferentially closed formation 367 and the second circumferentially closed formation 368, also reduces the surface area of the inlet side surface 301.

The third circumferentially closed formation 369 is shown as a circle in fig. 3 and 6 for exemplary purposes only. In one or more other examples, the third circumferentially closed formation 369 is circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal, irregular, or any other suitable shape.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 3 and 6, for example, in particular, the third circumferentially closed configuration 369 is concentric with the circumferentially closed configuration 367 and the second circumferentially closed configuration 368 for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a twenty-seventh example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the twenty-seventh example further includes the twenty-sixth example above.

A third circumferentially closed formation 369 concentric with the circumferentially closed formations 367 and 368 reduces the surface area of the inlet side surface 301.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C in general, and to FIGS. 3 and 6 in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, the fifth intersection boundary 660 is centered on an axis extending through the center of the third circumferentially closed configuration. The foregoing paragraphs of this paragraph characterize a twenty-eighth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the twenty-eighth example further comprises the twenty-sixth or twenty-seventh example above.

The fifth intersecting boundary 660, which is centered on an axis extending through the center of the third circumferentially closed configuration, reduces fluid flow stagnation in the central region of the fluid flow adjustment plate 200.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 11A-11D, for example, in particular, ninth passageway 581 has a ninth passageway centerline 1191 for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and ninth passageway centerline 1191 is a straight line. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a twenty-ninth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the twenty-ninth example further includes any of the twenty-third to twenty-eighth examples above.

The rectilinear ninth passage centerline 1191 provides for ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, drilling and boring.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 11A-11D, for example, in particular, tenth channel 582 has a tenth channel centerline 1192 for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and tenth channel centerline 1192 is a straight line. The foregoing section characterizes a thirtieth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the thirtieth example further includes any of the twenty-third to twenty-ninth examples above.

The rectilinear tenth passage centerline 1192 provides for ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, drilling and boring.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 11A-11D, for example, in particular, eleventh passageway 583 has an eleventh passageway centerline 1193 for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and eleventh passageway centerline 1193 is a straight line. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a thirty-first example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the thirty-first example further comprises any of the twenty-third to thirty-third examples above.

The rectilinear eleventh passage centerline 1193 provides for ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, drilling and boring.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to FIGS. 11A-11D, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, and referring to FIGS. 11A-1C-2 specifically, twelfth channel 584 has a twelfth channel centerline 1194, and twelfth channel centerline 1194 is a straight line. The foregoing section features a thirty-second example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the thirty-second example further includes any of the twenty-third to thirty-first examples above.

The rectilinear twelfth channel centerline 1194 provides ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, drilling and boring.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to FIGS. 11E-11H specifically, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, ninth passageway 581 has a ninth passageway centerline 1191, and ninth passageway centerline 1191 is curvilinear. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a thirty-third example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the thirty-third example further includes any of the twenty-third to twenty-eighth examples above.

In one or more examples, the curvilinear ninth channel centerline 1191 increases the exit angle/of the highly filled composite material 211 (see fig. 2A) from the ninth channel 581 relative to the fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more the ninth channel centerline 1191 curves, the greater the exit angle/. The increased exit angle/results in the staggering and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584, and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In one or more examples, a ninth channel centerline 1191 that is curvilinear also provides a ninth channel 581 having an entrance substantially parallel to fluid flow direction 298 while providing exit angle/.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1 and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B and 2C in general, and to FIGS. 11E-11H in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, for example, the ninth tunnel centerline 1191 has no inflection points. The foregoing section characterizes a thirty-fourth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the thirty-fourth example further includes the thirty-third example above.

In one or more examples, the ninth passageway centerline 1191 without an inflection point substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through the ninth passageway 581.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to FIGS. 11E-11H, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, and referring to FIGS. 11E-11H specifically, tenth channel 582 has a tenth channel centerline 1192, and tenth channel centerline 1192 is a curve. The foregoing section characterizes a thirty-fifth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the thirty-fifth example further includes any of the twenty-third to twenty-eighth, thirty-third, and thirty-fourth examples above.

In one or more examples, tenth channel centerline 1192, which is curvilinear, increases the exit angle/of highly filled composite 211 (see fig. 2A) from tenth channel 582 relative to fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more the tenth passage centerline 1192 curves, the greater the exit angle/. The increased exit angle/results in the staggering and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584, and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In one or more examples, tenth channel centerline 1192, which is curvilinear, also provides tenth channel 582 with an entrance substantially parallel to fluid flow direction 298, while providing exit angle/.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to FIGS. 11E-11H, for example, in particular, the tenth tunnel centerline 1192 has no inflection point for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing section characterizes a thirty-sixth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the thirty-sixth example further includes the thirty-fifth example above.

In one or more examples, the tenth passage centerline 1192 without an inflection point substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through the tenth passage 582.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 11E-11H, for example, in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, eleventh channel 583 has an eleventh channel centerline 1193, and eleventh channel centerline 1193 is a curve. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a thirty-seventh example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the thirty-seventh example further includes any of the twenty-third to twenty-eighth examples and thirty-third to thirty-sixth examples above.

In one or more examples, the curved eleventh channel centerline 1193 increases the exit angle/of the highly filled composite 211 (see fig. 2A) from the eleventh channel 583 relative to the fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more the eleventh channel centerline 1193 curves, the greater the exit angle/. The increased exit angle/results in the staggering and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584, and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In one or more examples, the eleventh channel centerline 1193, which is curvilinear, also provides an eleventh channel 583 having an inlet that is substantially parallel to the fluid flow direction 298, while providing the exit angle/.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 11E-11H, for example, in particular, and for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the eleventh tunnel centerline 1193 does not have an inflection point. The foregoing section characterizes a thirty-eighth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the thirty-eighth example further includes the thirty-seventh example above.

In one or more examples, the eleventh passage centerline 1193 without an inflection point substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through the eleventh passage 583.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to FIGS. 11E-11H, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, and referring to FIGS. 11E-11H specifically, twelfth channel 584 has a twelfth channel centerline 1194, and twelfth channel centerline 1194 is a curve. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a thirty-ninth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the thirty-ninth example further includes any of the twenty-third to twenty-eighth examples and thirty-third to thirty-eighth examples above.

In one or more examples, the curved twelfth channel centerline 1194 increases an exit angle/of the highly filled composite material 211 (see fig. 2A) from the twelfth channel 584 relative to the fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more the twelfth channel centerline 1194 curves, the greater the exit angle/. The increased exit angle/results in the staggering and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584, and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In one or more examples, the twelfth channel centerline 1194, which is curvilinear, also provides a twelfth channel 584 having an entrance substantially parallel to the fluid flow direction 298, while providing the exit angle/.

While the exit angle/is shown as being substantially the same for the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584, in one or more examples, the exit angle of one or more of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584 is different from the exit angle of another of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, 584. In one or more examples, the exit angle/is about 30 ° to about 45 °; however, in one or more other examples, the exit angle/is less than about 30 ° or greater than about 45 °.

In one or more examples, the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel centerlines 1191, 1192, 1193, and 1194 are curvilinear and, thus, the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channels 581, 582, 583, and 584 are curved channels formed using any suitable manufacturing technique, including, but not limited to, additive manufacturing, lost wax casting, sand casting, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C in general, and to FIGS. 11E-11H in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, the twelfth tunnel centerline 1194 has no inflection points. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a fortieth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, with the fortieth example also including the thirty-ninth example described above.

In one or more examples, the twelfth channel centerline 1194 without an inflection point substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through the twelfth channel 584.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, as well as 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 3, 11C, 11D, 11G, and 11H, for example, in particular, at least one of the ninth channel inlet opening 585, the tenth channel inlet opening 586, the eleventh channel inlet opening 587, and the twelfth channel inlet opening 588 is chamfered for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a forty-first example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the forty-first example further includes any of the twenty-third through forty-fourth examples above.

At least one of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel inlet openings 585, 586, 587, 588 is chamfered, which reduces the surface area of the inlet side surface 301. Reducing the surface area of the inlet side surface 301 allows the highly filled composite material 211 to enter the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 with reduced stagnation of fluid flow.

In the example shown, ninth channel inlet opening 585 has chamfer 1104, tenth channel inlet opening 586 has chamfer 1108, eleventh channel inlet opening 587 has chamfer 1107, and twelfth channel inlet opening 588 has chamfer 1103. In one or more examples, one or more of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth channel inlet openings 585, 586, 587, 588 are not chamfered.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 11C, 11D, 11G, and 11H, for example, in particular, only for illustrative purposes and not by way of limitation, at least one of the ninth passage outlet opening 481, the tenth passage outlet opening 482, the eleventh passage outlet opening 483, and the twelfth passage outlet opening 484 is chamfered. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a forty-second example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the forty-second example further includes any of the twenty-third to forty-first examples above.

In one or more examples, at least one of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth passage outlet openings 481, 482, 483, 484 is chamfered, which increases the size of the outlet area of at least one of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth passage outlet openings 481, 482, 483, 484, thereby facilitating a change in the direction of fluid flow and a mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth passages 581, 582, 583, 584.

In the example shown in fig. 11C, 11D, 11G, and 11H, the ninth passage outlet opening 481 has a chamfer 1102, the tenth passage outlet opening 482 has a chamfer 1106, the eleventh passage outlet opening 483 has a chamfer 1105, and the twelfth passage outlet opening 484 has a chamfer 1101. In one or more examples, one or more of the ninth passage outlet opening 481, the tenth passage outlet opening 482, the eleventh passage outlet opening 483, and the twelfth passage outlet opening 484 are not chamfered.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 3, 9, and 10A-10D, for example, in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, the fifth channel 561 and the seventh channel 563 are parallel to each other, and the sixth channel 562 and the eighth channel 564 are parallel to each other. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a forty-third example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the forty-third example further includes any of the above twenty-second to forty-second examples.

The fifth and seventh passages 561, 563 that are parallel to each other and the sixth and eighth passages 562, 564 that are parallel to each other provide ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques, such as drilling.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 3, 9, and 10A-10D, for example, in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, the fifth and eighth passages 561, 564 are inclined to each other, and the sixth and seventh passages 562, 563 are inclined to each other. The foregoing section characterizes a forty-fourth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the forty-fourth example also includes the forty-third example described above.

The fifth and eighth channels 561, 564 angled to each other and the sixth and seventh channels 562, 563 angled to each other improve the randomization of the reinforcing fibers 212 of the highly filled composite 211 during extrusion compared to the randomization of the reinforcing fibers 212 with parallel channels described in the forty-third example above.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 9, 10A, and 10B specifically, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, the fifth passageway 561 has a fifth passageway centerline 991, and the fifth passageway centerline 991 is a straight line. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a forty-fifth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the forty-fifth example further includes any of the above twenty-fourth to forty-fourth examples.

The straight fifth passage centerline 991 provides ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, drilling and boring.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 9, 10A, and 10B specifically, for example, and for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, sixth channel 562 has a sixth channel centerline 992, and sixth channel centerline 992 is a straight line. The foregoing section characterizes a forty-sixth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the forty-sixth example further includes any of the twenty-fifth through forty-fifth examples above.

The rectilinear sixth passage centerline 992 provides ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, drilling and boring.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 9, 10A, and 10B specifically, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, and referring to fig. 9, 10A, and 10B specifically, seventh passage 563 has a seventh passage centerline 993, and seventh passage centerline 993 is a straight line. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a forty-seventh example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the forty-seventh example further includes any of the twenty-fourth to forty-sixth examples above.

The rectilinear seventh passage centerline 993 provides ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, drilling and boring.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to, for example, FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B specifically, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, the eighth passage 564 has an eighth passage centerline 994, and the eighth passage centerline 994 is a straight line. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a forty-eighth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the forty-eighth example further includes any of the twenty-seventh through forty-seventh examples above.

The rectilinear eighth passage centerline 994 provides ease of manufacturing the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 using conventional manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, drilling and boring.

Referring to fig. 10A and 10B, in one or more examples, fifth passage centerline 991, sixth passage centerline 992, seventh passage centerline 993, and eighth passage centerline 994 are each at any suitable angle, e.g., a, relative to fluid flow direction 298, which facilitates the interleaving and mixing of fluid flow streams from fifth passage 561, sixth passage 562, seventh passage 563, and eighth passage 564 in a manner as described above with respect to first passage 501, second passage 502, third passage 503, and fourth passage 504. Although the angles of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth channel centerlines 991, 992, 993, and 994 are shown as being the same as the angles of the first, second, third, and fourth channel centerlines 591, 592, 593, and 594, in one or more examples, these angles are different.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 10C and 10D, for example, in particular, fifth channel 561 has a fifth channel centerline 991 for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and fifth channel centerline 991 is curvilinear. The foregoing section characterizes a forty-ninth example 49 of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the forty-ninth example further includes any of the twenty-fourth through forty-fourth examples above.

In one or more examples, the curvilinear fifth passage centerline 991 increases an exit angle λ of the highly filled composite 211 (see fig. 2A) from the fifth passage 561 relative to the fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more the fifth passage centerline 991 curves, the greater the exit angle λ. The increased exit angle λ causes interleaving and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In one or more examples, the curvilinear fifth passage centerline 991 also provides a fifth passage 561 having an inlet substantially parallel to the fluid flow direction 298, while providing an exit angle λ.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 10C and 10D, for example, in particular, fifth channel centerline 991 has no inflection point for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing section characterizes a fifty-th example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fifty-th example also includes the forty-ninth example described above.

In one or more examples, the fifth passage centerline 991 without an inflection point substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through the fifth passage 561.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 10C and 10D, for example, in particular, sixth channel 562 has a sixth channel centerline 992 for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and sixth channel centerline 992 is curvilinear. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a fifty-first example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fifty-first example further includes any of the twenty-fourth to forty-fourth, forty-ninth, and fifty-third examples above.

In one or more examples, the curved sixth channel centerline 992 increases an exit angle λ of highly filled composite 211 (see fig. 2A) from sixth channel 562 relative to fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more the sixth channel centerline 992 bends, the greater the exit angle λ. The increased exit angle λ causes interleaving and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In one or more examples, the curvilinear sixth channel centerline 992 also provides a sixth channel 562 having an inlet substantially parallel to the fluid flow direction 298 while providing an exit angle λ.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 10C and 10D, for example, in particular, sixth channel centerline 992 is free of inflection points for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a fifty-second example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fifty-second example also includes the fifty-first example described above.

In one or more examples, the sixth passage centerline 992 without an inflection point substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through the sixth passage 562.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 10C and 10D, for example, in particular, seventh channel 563 has a seventh channel centerline 993 and seventh channel centerline 993 is curvilinear, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a fifty-third example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fifty-third example further includes any of the twenty-fourth to forty-fourth and forty-ninth to fifty-second examples above.

In one or more examples, the curvilinear seventh channel centerline 993 increases the exit angle λ of the highly filled composite 211 (see fig. 2A) from the seventh channel 563 with respect to the fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more the seventh passage centerline 993 bends, the greater the exit angle λ. The increased exit angle λ causes interleaving and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In one or more examples, the curvilinear seventh channel centerline 993 also provides a seventh channel 563 having an entrance substantially parallel to the fluid flow direction 298 while providing an exit angle λ.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 10C and 10D, for example, in particular, seventh passage centerline 993 does not have an inflection point for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a fifty-fourth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fifty-fourth example also includes the fifty-third example described above.

In one or more examples, the seventh passage centerline 993 without an inflection point substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through the seventh passage 563.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1 and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B and 2C in general, and to, for example, FIG. 10C and 10D in particular, for illustrative purposes only and not by way of limitation, eighth passage 564 has an eighth passage centerline 994, and eighth passage centerline 994 is curvilinear. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes example 55 of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fifty-fifth example also includes any of the twentieth through forty-fourth and forty-ninth through fifty-fourth examples described above.

In one or more examples, the curvilinear eighth channel centerline 994 increases the exit angle λ of the highly filled composite 211 (see fig. 2A) from the eighth channel 564 relative to the fluid flow direction 298. For example, the more the eighth channel centerline 994 bends, the greater the exit angle λ. The increased exit angle λ causes interleaving and mixing of the respective fluid flow streams from the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels and randomizes the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202 (see fig. 2A). In one or more examples, the curved eighth passage centerline 994 also provides an eighth passage 564 with an inlet substantially parallel to the fluid flow direction 298 while providing an exit angle λ.

While the exit angle λ is shown as being substantially the same for the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels, in one or more examples, the exit angle of one or more of the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels is different than the exit angle of another of the fifth 561, sixth 562, seventh 563, and eighth 564 channels. In one or more examples, the exit angle λ is about 30 ° to about 45 °; however, in one or more other examples, the exit angle λ is less than about 30 ° or greater than about 45 °.

In one or more examples, fifth passage centerline 991, sixth passage centerline 992, seventh passage centerline 993, and eighth passage centerline 994 are curvilinear, and thus fifth passage 561, sixth passage 562, seventh passage 563, and eighth passage 564 are curved passages formed using any suitable manufacturing technique, including but not limited to additive manufacturing, lost wax casting, sand casting, and the like.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 10C and 10D, for example, in particular, eighth passage centerline 994 has no inflection point for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a fifty-sixth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fifty-sixth example also includes the fifty-fifth example 55 described above.

In one or more examples, the eighth passage centerline 994 without an inflection point substantially prevents fluid flow stagnation through the eighth passage 564.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 3, 10B, and 10D, for example, in particular, at least one of fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth channel inlet openings 571, 572, 573, and 574 is chamfered for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a fifty-seventh example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fifty-seventh example further comprises any of the twenty-fifth through fifty-sixth examples above.

At least one of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth passage inlet openings 571, 572, 573 and 574 is chamfered, which reduces the surface area of the inlet side surface 301. Reducing the surface area of the inlet side surface 301 allows the highly filled composite material 211 to enter the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 with reduced stagnation of fluid flow.

In the example shown, fifth passage inlet opening 571 has a chamfer 1081, sixth passage inlet opening 572 has a chamfer 1082, seventh passage inlet opening 573 has a chamfer 1083, and eighth passage inlet opening 574 has a chamfer 1084. In one or more examples, one or more of fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth passage inlet openings 571, 572, 573, 574 are not chamfered.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1, and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B, and 2C generally, and to fig. 10B and 10D, for example, in particular, at least one of fifth channel outlet opening 575, sixth channel outlet opening 576, seventh channel outlet opening 577, and eighth channel outlet opening 578 is chamfered for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The foregoing paragraphs characterize a fifty-eighth example of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein the fifty-eighth example further comprises any of the twenty-fifth through fifty-seventh examples above.

In one or more examples, at least one of fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth channel outlet openings 575, 576, 577, and 578 is chamfered, which increases the size of the outlet area of at least one of fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth channel outlet openings 575, 576, 577, and 578, thereby facilitating changing the fluid flow direction and mixing the respective fluid flow streams from fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth channels 561, 562, 563, and 564.

In the example shown, fifth channel outlet opening 575 has a chamfer 1091, sixth channel outlet opening 576 has a chamfer 1092, seventh channel outlet opening 577 has a chamfer 1093, and eighth channel outlet opening 578 has a chamfer 1094. In one or more examples, one or more of fifth channel outlet opening 575, sixth channel outlet opening 576, seventh channel outlet opening 577, and eighth channel outlet opening 578 are not chamfered.

Referring to fig. 1A-1, 1A-2, 1B-1, 1B-2, 1C-1 and 1C-2, and 2A, 2B and 2C in general, and to fig. 3-6 and 7A in particular, for example, for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, an extruder 299 is disclosed. The extruder 299 comprises a material feed chamber 201, a nozzle 202, and a fluid flow adjustment plate 200 coupled to the material feed chamber 201 and the nozzle 202. The fluid flow adjustment plate 200 includes a monolithic body 300, a first channel 501, a second channel 502, a third channel 503, and a fourth channel 504. The monolithic body 300 has an inlet side surface 301 and an outlet side surface 302. The first channel 501 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a first channel inlet opening 511 and a first channel outlet opening 521. The first passage inlet opening 511 has a first passage inlet opening peripheral boundary 311 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The first passage outlet opening 521 has a first passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 411 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The second channel 502 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a second channel inlet opening 512 and a second channel outlet opening 522. The second channel inlet opening 512 has a second channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 312 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The second channel outlet opening 522 has a second channel outlet opening peripheral boundary 412 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The third passage 503 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a third passage inlet opening 513 and a third passage outlet opening 523. The third passage inlet opening 513 has a third passage inlet opening peripheral boundary 313 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The third passage outlet opening 523 has a third passage outlet opening peripheral boundary 413 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The fourth channel 504 extends between the inlet side surface 301 and the outlet side surface 302 and includes a fourth channel inlet opening 514 and a fourth channel outlet opening 524. The fourth channel inlet opening 514 has a fourth channel inlet opening peripheral boundary 314 defined in the inlet side surface 301 of the monolithic body 300. The fourth passage outlet opening 524 has a fourth passage outlet opening perimeter boundary 414 defined in the outlet side surface 302 of the monolithic body 300. The first channel 501 and the second channel 502 intersect each other at a first intersection boundary 530. The third channel 503 and the fourth channel 504 intersect each other at a second intersection boundary 531. The first channel 501 and the third channel 503 do not intersect each other. The first channel 501 and the fourth channel 504 do not intersect each other. The second channel 502 and the third channel 503 do not intersect with each other. The second channel 502 and the fourth channel 504 do not intersect with each other. The first channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 311 has a single point contact 700 with the fourth channel inlet opening perimeter boundary 314. The first channel inlet opening 511 and the second channel inlet opening 512 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface 301. The first passage inlet opening 511 and the third passage inlet opening 513 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface 301. The second channel inlet opening 512 and the third channel inlet opening 513 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface 301. The third channel inlet opening 513 and the fourth channel inlet opening 514 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the inlet side surface 301. The second channel outlet opening perimeter boundary 412 has a single point contact 701 with the third channel outlet opening perimeter boundary 413. The first channel outlet opening 521 and the second channel outlet opening 522 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface 302. The first and third channel outlet openings 521, 523 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface 302. First channel outlet opening 521 and fourth channel outlet opening 524 are separated from each other by at least a portion of outlet side surface 302. The third channel outlet opening 523 and the fourth channel outlet opening 524 are separated from each other by at least a portion of the outlet side surface 302. The foregoing section of this paragraph characterizes a fifty-ninth example of the subject matter disclosed herein.

The extruder 299 including the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 forces the highly filled composite 211 through the fluid flow adjustment plate 200, and the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 randomizes the orientation of the fibers of the highly filled composite 211 during extrusion to create an isotropic material.

The extruder 299 further includes any suitable motor for driving the piston 271 through the material feed chamber 201 to push the highly filled composite material 211 through the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 and out of the nozzle 202, the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 being constructed as described herein. In one or more examples, the motor 270 is connected to any suitable controller that drives the motor 270 to drive the piston 271 in the fluid flow direction 298 at any suitable predetermined feed rate. In one or more examples, the material feed chamber 201 includes any suitable temperature control system, such as a heater 207 controlled by any suitable controller, such as controller 208, to maintain the temperature of the highly filled composite material 211 within the material feed chamber 201 at any suitable predetermined temperature.

In one or more examples, the nozzle 202 has an exit orifice of any suitable shape, such as a circular shape 205 or a rectangular shape 206. In one or more examples, exit orifice 203 having circular shape 205 has any suitable diameter, where a length 221 of fluid flow adjustment plate 200 extending from inlet side surface 301 to outlet side surface is about two to about five times diameter 220. In one or more examples, length 221 is less than about two times diameter 220 or greater than about five times diameter 220. In one or more examples, the exit apertures 203 having the rectangular shape 206 have any suitable height and width, wherein the length 221 of the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 extending from the inlet side surface 301 to the outlet side surface is about two to about five times the height 226 or/width 225. In one or more examples, length 221 is less than about two times height 226 and/or width 225 or greater than about five times height 226 and/or width 225. In one or more examples, the nozzle 202 is a variable gate nozzle having an exit orifice of adjustable size. Where the size of the exit aperture is adjustable, in one or more examples, the length 221 is sized five times larger than the smallest exit aperture and two times larger than the largest exit aperture.

As described above, the different channels of the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 redirect the highly filled composite material 211 pushed from the material feed chamber through the fluid flow adjustment plate 200 by the piston 271 so that the respective fluid flow streams of highly filled composite material 211 from the channels are staggered and mixed within the nozzle 202 to randomize the orientation of the reinforcing fibers 212 in the highly filled composite material 211 as the highly filled composite material 211 exits the nozzle 202.

Examples of the subject matter disclosed herein may be described in the context of an aircraft manufacturing and service method 1200 as shown in FIG. 12 and an aircraft 1202 as shown in FIG. 13, during pre-production, illustrative method 1200 may include specification and design of aircraft 1202 (block 1204) and material procurement (block 1206). During production, component and subassembly manufacturing (block 1208) and system integration (block 1210) of the aircraft 1202 may occur. Thereafter, the aircraft 1202 may undergo certification and delivery (block 1212) to be placed in service (block 1214). In service, the aircraft 1202 may be scheduled for routine maintenance and repair (block 1216). Routine maintenance and repair may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and the like of one or more systems of aircraft 1202.

Each of the processes of the illustrative method 1200 may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer). For purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; the third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of suppliers, subcontractors, and suppliers; and the operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, maintenance organization, and so on.

As shown in fig. 13, the aircraft 1202 produced by the illustrative method 1200 may include a fuselage 1218 having a plurality of advanced systems 1220 and interior 1222. Examples of high-level systems 1220 include one or more of a propulsion system 1224, an electrical system 1226, a hydraulic system 1228, and an environmental system 1230. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. Thus, in addition to aircraft 1202, the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other vehicles, such as land vehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles, and the like.

The apparatus (es) and method(s) shown or described herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and service method 1200. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to the fabrication of components and subassemblies (block 1208) may be fabricated or processed (block 1214) in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while the aircraft 1202 is in service. Further, during production stages 1208 and 1210, one or more examples of equipment(s), method(s), or a combination thereof may be utilized, for example, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft 1202. Similarly, for example, without limitation, one or more examples of a device or method implementation, or a combination thereof, may be utilized while the aircraft 1202 is in service (block 1214) and/or during maintenance and service (block 1216).

Different examples of the device(s) and method(s) disclosed herein include various components, features, and functions. It should be understood that the various examples of the apparatus(s) and method(s) disclosed herein may include any of the components, features, and functions of any other example of the apparatus(s) and method(s) disclosed herein, in any combination.

Many modifications to the examples set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these examples pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the subject matter disclosed herein is not to be limited to the specific examples shown and that modifications and other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe examples of the subject matter disclosed herein in the context of certain illustrative combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the reference signs placed between parentheses in the claims are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter to the specific example provided herein.