Adhesive Locking Fastener for Sealed Two-Component Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fastening two components together while sealing the interface between them is cumbersome, requiring multiple components and tools, and takes an extended period of time.
Innovation Solution
An adhesive locking fastener is used to mechanically fasten and seal two components together, featuring bulge features and escape holes with adhesive extending between them, optionally with molds to shape the adhesive into bulge features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing techniques using mechanical fasteners and separate sealers are used, then reliable sealing can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires multiple components and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and mechanical fastening function into a single adhesive fastener component. The adhesive material serves dual purposes: it seals the interface between components and provides mechanical locking through bulge features that engage with escape holes, eliminating the need for separate sealers and fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive fastener performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sealant to prevent leakage, a mechanical fastener to secure components together, and a bonding agent to join surfaces. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of parts required in the system
2Reliability
If traditional sealing techniques with multiple steps are used, then adequate sealing is achieved, but the process takes an extended period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is pre-applied to the component surface in a controlled manner, and the bulge features are pre-formed with escape holes positioned for optimal sealing. When components are assembled, the adhesive is already in place to immediately seal the interface, eliminating the need for separate sealing steps during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing action and fastening action occur simultaneously in a single assembly operation. As the adhesive cures and forms bulge features that lock into escape holes, the seal is created at the same time, reducing the total process time compared to sequential sealing and fastening operations
3Reliability
If adhesive is applied to extend through escape holes to form bulge features, then mechanical locking and sealing are achieved, but precise control of adhesive distribution is required
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive material itself performs the function of creating the bulge features through its own curing and expansion properties. The adhesive is applied in a manner that allows it to naturally form the required shape as it cures, utilizing its inherent material properties rather than requiring precise external shaping or molding
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive's physical parameters (viscosity, curing time, expansion ratio) are selected and controlled to enable self-forming bulge features. By adjusting these material parameters, the adhesive automatically achieves the desired geometry and locking strength without requiring high-precision application equipment or complex positioning systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adhesive locking fastener efficiently fastens and seals the components with a single component, reducing the need for multiple parts and tools, and simplifies the process.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive fastener includes a first bulge feature proximate to a first component having a first escape hole and a second bulge feature proximate to a second component having a second escape hole. In some implementations, the adhesive fastener extends from the first bulge feature through the first escape hole and the second escape hole to the second bulge feature
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided herein for implementing an adhesion mold locking fastener that fasten two components together while optionally sealing the interface between the two components. In an implementation, an adhesive fastener includes a first bulge feature proximate to a first component having a first escape hole and a second bulge feature proximate to a second component having a second escape hole. In some implementations, the adhesive fastener extends from the first bulge feature through the first escape hole and the second escape hole to the second bulge feature. In some implementations, the first bulge feature corresponds to a first profile of a first mold applied to an exterior of the first component and the second bulge feature corresponds to a second profile of a second mold applied to the exterior of the second component.