Adhesive Dispensing Nozzle for Corrosion-Protected Pipe Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional process of bonding dissimilar metals in HVAC heat exchangers is time-consuming and involves multiple steps, including brazing and applying heat-shrink tubing, which can lead to galvanic corrosion and joint failure.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for dispensing adhesive that combines brazing and heat-shrink tubing into a single operation, applying a structural adhesive to the male pipe to form a sealed joint and prevent galvanic corrosion, using a specially designed nozzle to dispense a precise, uniform adhesive layer onto the pipe surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional brazing and heat-shrink tubing process is used, then dissimilar metals can be joined, but the process is time-consuming and involves multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the brazing and heat-shrink tubing application into a single integrated process. The adhesive dispensing apparatus applies adhesive to the male pipe while it is inserted in the female pipe, eliminating the need for separate brazing and heat-shrink application steps. This merging of operations reduces process time while maintaining joint strength and corrosion protection.
2Reliability
If heat-shrink tubing is applied to prevent galvanic corrosion, then corrosion protection is achieved, but individual heating of each joint is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat-shrink tubing application step entirely from the process. Instead of applying heat-shrink tubing to protect against galvanic corrosion, the invention uses adhesive directly applied to the male pipe surface. This eliminates the need for individual heating of each joint and the associated equipment complexity, while still providing corrosion protection through the adhesive barrier.
3Reliability
If multiple postprocessing steps are used, then galvanic corrosion is eliminated, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the corrosion protection function during the initial adhesive application step rather than as a separate postprocessing step. The adhesive is applied to the male pipe surface before insertion into the female pipe, and this same adhesive layer serves dual purposes: bonding the joints and protecting against galvanic corrosion. This preliminary action eliminates subsequent postprocessing steps while maintaining joint durability.
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 process reduces time and effort required for bonding, provides a strong joint, and eliminates galvanic corrosion by using a structural adhesive that forms a protective coating on the metal interface.
Implementation Method 1
curing the adhesive composition to form an adhesive bond between the male pipe and the female pipe
Implementation Method 2
the cured adhesive composition limits corrosion of at least a portion of the male pipe, the female pipe, or both
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus (2, 4) for dispensing adhesive. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a housing body (12) including a cavity and an aperture (22), wherein the housing body includes a front plate (20) having an angled internal surface (24); an internal member having an angled surface; a channel (226) for adhesive positioned to extrude adhesive between the angled internal surface and the angled surface of the internal member onto the outer surface of the selected male pipe.