Clinching Tool Head Adhesive Displacement Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining sheet formed materials with an intermediate layer of viscous adhesive often result in excessive adhesive at the clinch joint, which detracts from the quality of the joint.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that displace adhesive from the joint area before the joining process, using a tool head with a punch and stripper that applies force and hydraulic pressure to create a flat surface for adhesive displacement, potentially aided by heat and adjustable process parameters to control adhesive flow and thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an intermediate layer of viscous adhesive is used between sheet formed members during clinching, then the bonding strength between work pieces is improved, but excessive adhesive accumulates at the joint area which deteriorates the quality of the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is pre-positioned between the sheet formed members before the clinching operation begins. The punch then performs a preliminary action by pressing the work pieces together to distribute and control the adhesive layer, preventing excessive adhesive accumulation at the joint area before the actual clinching occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscosity of the adhesive is carefully controlled and optimized to achieve the desired balance between bonding strength and prevent excessive accumulation. The adhesive's flow characteristics are adjusted to ensure it remains in the joint area without creating harmful excess material during the clinching process.
2Manufacturing precision
If adhesive is locally removed from the joint area before joining, then excessive adhesive is prevented, but additional process steps are required which reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application and distribution functions are merged into the clinching tool itself. The punch and die structure incorporates features that simultaneously perform the joining operation and control adhesive distribution, eliminating the need for separate adhesive removal steps and maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clinching tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the joining device and the adhesive control device. The tool structure includes elements that can apply pressure to distribute adhesive while performing the clinching operation, combining multiple functions into a single apparatus to avoid additional process steps.
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 minimizes the negative effects of excessive adhesive, ensuring high-quality joints by effectively removing adhesive from the clinch area and allowing for precise control of the adhesive layer thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a tool head with a punch and stripper that applies force and hydraulic pressure to create a flat surface for adhesive displacement
Implementation Method 2
potentially aided by heat and adjustable process parameters to control adhesive flow and thickness
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for joining superimposed sheet formed material with an intermediate layer of adhesive together by means of gluing in combination with clinching, at which a tool comprising a first and a second co-axial tool parts, co-operate for producing said joint, said first tool part comprising a punch (1) with an impact surface, surrounded by a stripper (2) with an impact surface, said second tool part comprising a die with an impact surface surrounding a die cavity at the bottom of which an anvil with an impact surface is arranged. In a step before making the clinch joint positioning and locking said punch (1) and said stripper (2) of said first tool part relative to each other so that said impact surfaces present a first, common, squeezing surface (6) of the first tool part, having essentially the same size and form as a second, squeezing surface of the second tool part. Then squeezing together the work pieces (9, 10) with the intermediate layer of adhesive over a surface corresponding to said squeezing surfaces in order to laterally displace excessive adhesive out from the corresponding area of the work pieces.