Bellows Vulcanization Bonding to Eliminate Sewn Seams

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bellows for gangways in vehicles and bridges suffer from complex seam formation during sewing, leading to moisture and dirt ingress and imperfect appearance, while adhesive bonds in prior art are not fully detailed.

Innovation Solution

The bellows are produced by materially bonding first and second blanks with adhesives, including viscous substances and self-adhesive tapes, eliminating the need for sewing and providing a strong, durable bond that withstands movement and extreme temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If sewing is used to connect blanks, then structural integrity is achieved, but moisture and dirt ingress through needle holes and appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmoisture and dirt ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sewing system (needle and thread piercing the material) with a chemical bonding system (adhesive bonding). This substitution eliminates the needle holes that cause moisture and dirt ingress while maintaining the structural integrity of the bellows through strong adhesive bonds between blanks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an adhesive as an intermediary substance between the blanks to achieve bonding. This adhesive layer fills and seals any potential gaps or imperfections, preventing moisture and dirt ingress while providing strong structural connection, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and protection from harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If sewing is used to connect blanks, then structural integrity is achieved, but production complexity and time increase due to seam sealing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidseam formation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical sewing and seam sealing process with a simpler adhesive bonding process. This eliminates the need for separate seam sealing operations, reducing production complexity and time while maintaining structural integrity through the adhesive bond.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the bonding function and the sealing function into a single adhesive application step. The adhesive simultaneously provides structural connection between blanks and seals against moisture and dirt, eliminating the need for separate seam sealing operations and reducing overall production complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If adhesive bonding is used instead of sewing, then production time and complexity are reduced, but bond strength under extreme conditions may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction timeVSAvoidbond durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular parameters for the adhesive including temperature resistance of at least 80°C and elasticity of at least 100%. These parameter specifications ensure that the adhesive bonding process achieves both high productivity and bond durability under extreme conditions, resolving the contradiction between production efficiency and bond strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs adhesive compositions with specific properties including temperature resistance and high elasticity, potentially using composite or specially formulated adhesive materials. These material properties ensure the bond maintains strength and flexibility under extreme thermal and mechanical conditions while enabling simplified production processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This method reduces production time and costs, enhances structural integrity, and improves appearance by eliminating the need for seam sealing, while maintaining flexibility and elasticity.

Implementation Method 1

The bellows is obtainable by a method comprising the following steps: A) providing the first blank, B) providing the second blank, C) applying an adhesive tape with a non-vulcanized elastomer to the first blank, D) applying the second blank to the adhesive tape, and E) vulcanizing the adhesive tape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVulcanization:

Data Source

PatentUS20250206090A1Vulcanization bonding instead of seam

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 HUBNER GMBH

AI summary

A bellows, as gangway protection for a transitional bridge between two movably connected wagon bodies of a multi-part vehicle or between two movably connected portions of a passenger bridge or passenger stairs, has a roof and two side walls arranged opposite one another. The two side walls or the roof or a connecting region between one of the two side walls and the roof each have a plurality of folds or corrugations. The plurality of folds or corrugations include at least a first blank and a second blank connected to the first blank made of a flexible sheet material, and the first blank and the second blank are at least partially materially bonded to one another.