Endless Belt Joining via Adhesive Width Press
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining belt ends, such as fusion bonding, often result in resin flash, altered physical properties, and belt thinning due to high pressure, compromising the flatness and integrity of the joint.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of adhesive to diagonal or perpendicular end faces of the belt ends, with complementary shapes, and bonding them by pressing in the belt width direction to avoid fusion bonding and high pressure, using a press mold with a movable member to ensure a stable and strong joint without altering the belt's physical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fusion bonding is used to join belt ends, then bond strength is achieved, but resin flash is formed and flatness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A resin-free zone (spacer) is introduced as an intermediary element between the belt ends during joining. This spacer prevents resin from flowing out to form flash while still allowing the belts to be bonded together, thus maintaining flatness while achieving bond strength
Solution Approach 2:
The joining method changes from fusion bonding (thermal process) to adhesive bonding (chemical process). This parameter change eliminates the melting and flowing of resin that causes flash, while still providing strong bonding between belt ends
2Strength
If high pressure is applied in belt thickness direction to fill resin, then bonding is achieved, but belt thinning occurs due to plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing direction is changed from the belt thickness direction (vertical) to the belt width direction (horizontal). This dimensional change allows bonding to occur without compressing the belt thickness, thus preventing plastic deformation and belt thinning while still achieving strong bonding
3Strength
If heat and fusion are used to bond belt ends, then bonding is achieved, but physical properties of the joint portion differ from the rest of the belt
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal fusion process is replaced with a mechanical adhesive bonding process. This substitution avoids the heat-affected zone that alters the physical properties of the belt material, thereby maintaining consistent physical properties throughout the entire belt including the joint portion
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 approach achieves high bond strength without resin flash or physical property changes, maintaining the belt's original thickness and properties, and prevents deformation, resulting in a more reliable and consistent endless belt joint.
Implementation Method 1
bonding the first and second end faces through the adhesive by pressing the butted portion of the first and second belt ends in the belt width direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A flat belt 20 is prepared. A first belt end 21 of the belt 20 has a finger shape and a second belt end 22 of the belt 20 has the complimentary shape to the first belt end 21. An adhesive is applied to one of an end face 21K of the first belt end 21 and an end face 22K of the second belt end 22 or to both. Next, both end faces 2 IK and 22K are butted. The butted portion B of the first and second belt ends 21 and 22 are pressed in the belt width direction. Due to this, the end faces 21K and 22K are bonded by the adhesive so that the first and second belt ends 21 and 22 become joined.