Adhesive Analytic Model for Vehicular Joint Deformation

Solution Overview

Problem

The evaluation of adhesives for vehicular joints is time-consuming and expensive due to the need for testing various materials to prevent flutter and distortion, such as dimples, in vehicle panels.

Innovation Solution

A method using an adhesive analytic model that simulates the transformation of vehicular joints based on system variables like vehicle structure, adhesive properties, and manufacturing conditions, outputting a deformation rating scale to determine the optimal adhesive by preparing controlled plaques with different deformation levels and assigning deformation scores.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If physical testing of various adhesive materials is conducted to prevent flutter and distortion, then adhesive selection accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive selection accuracyVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical testing process through a computer simulation model that replicates adhesive behavior under various conditions. The simulation model reproduces the mechanical properties, curing characteristics, and deformation responses of real adhesives without requiring physical samples, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming physical testing while maintaining evaluation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical testing system with a computational simulation system. Instead of physically applying loads, curing adhesives in ovens, and measuring deformations on real vehicle assemblies, the invention uses finite element analysis and computational algorithms to predict adhesive performance, transforming a mechanical experimental process into a digital computational one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If physical testing of various adhesive materials is conducted to prevent flutter and distortion, then adhesive selection accuracy is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive selection accuracyVSAvoidtesting cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical testing process through a computer simulation model that replicates adhesive behavior under various conditions. The simulation model reproduces the mechanical properties, curing characteristics, and deformation responses of real adhesives without requiring physical samples, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming physical testing while maintaining evaluation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical testing system with a computational simulation system. Instead of physically applying loads, curing adhesives in ovens, and measuring deformations on real vehicle assemblies, the invention uses finite element analysis and computational algorithms to predict adhesive performance, transforming a mechanical experimental process into a digital computational one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If adhesive materials are tested to prevent both flutter and distortion, then joint performance is improved, but evaluation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint performanceVSAvoidevaluation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex evaluation process into distinct computational modules: a physics-based module that calculates mechanical stresses and deformations, a curing kinetics module that models adhesive hardening, and an optimization module that selects the best adhesive formulation. This modular segmentation allows each aspect of joint performance to be evaluated independently and systematically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically varies key parameters such as adhesive modulus, bond line thickness, and curing temperature in the simulation to observe their individual and combined effects on flutter resistance and distortion prevention. By changing parameters in a controlled manner within the simulation, the complex interactions between multiple factors can be isolated and understood without the complexity of physical experimentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11281818B2Method for evaluating an adhesive for a vehicular joint

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 FORD MOTOR CO

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed toward a method that includes simulating, by an adhesive analytic model, transformation of at least one vehicular joint joined by a selected adhesive based on one or more system variables, and outputting, by the adhesive analytic model, an adhesive analysis identifying deformation for the selected adhesive along the at least one vehicular joint based on the simulated transformation and a deformation rating scale.