Curable Adhesive Tape Jacketing for Stiff Cable Looms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable loom jacketing methods using adhesive tapes result in flexible cable looms, which are undesirable for manufacturing due to additional material expenditure and assembly complexity, and require subsequent injection-molded parts for maintaining shape.
Innovation Solution
A method using a rigid adhesive tape with a thermally curable carrier, comprising a polymeric film former matrix and a curable composition with epoxy resins and imidazole compounds, is applied in a helical or axial direction, cured by thermal energy to achieve stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If adhesive tape with curable adhesive is used for jacketing cable looms, then the cable loom can be stiffened to maintain shape, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing thermal energy to transform the adhesive from a flexible, uncured state to a rigid, cured state. The adhesive composition contains epoxy resins and curing agents that undergo chemical transformation when exposed to heat, changing the physical properties of the adhesive layer from flexible to stiff, thereby maintaining the cable loom shape without requiring additional structural components
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive composition is a composite material system combining epoxy resins, curing agents (imidazole compounds), and optionally accelerators or fillers. This composite formulation enables the adhesive to achieve both initial tack for bonding and subsequent rigidity through curing, eliminating the need for separate stiffening components while simplifying the manufacturing process
2Shape
If adhesive tape with curable adhesive is used for jacketing cable looms, then the cable loom can be stiffened to maintain shape, but the production time increases due to curing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the two-stage adhesive process: initial application at room temperature provides immediate bonding, followed by controlled thermal curing that transforms the adhesive properties. This periodic transformation allows the process to proceed in distinct phases, with the curing step being optimized to complete rapidly at elevated temperatures (e.g., 80-150°C for 10-60 minutes), thereby minimizing total production time while ensuring adequate shape retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal energy as an intermediary that mediates the transformation of the adhesive from uncured to cured state. By using heat as a controllable intermediary, the curing process can be precisely managed in terms of temperature profile and duration, enabling rapid curing that does not significantly extend production time while still achieving the desired shape retention
3Ease of manufacture
If standard adhesive tapes are used for cable loom jacketing, then the manufacturing process is simple and fast, but the cable loom remains flexible and requires additional injection-molded parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single adhesive tape product: the adhesive provides both bonding function (holding cables together) and structural function (maintaining cable loom shape through curing). This consolidation eliminates the need for separate injection-molded parts that would otherwise be required to maintain shape, thereby reducing assembly complexity while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple
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 method provides a stiffened cable loom with improved manufacturing efficiency by eliminating the need for additional parts, enhancing shape retention and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the curing reagent comprises at least one imidazole compound... the curable adhesive is made to cure by the supply of thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
the curable adhesive is made to cure by the supply of thermal energy, especially at a temperature between 120° C. and 200° C. for 10 to 120 minutes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for covering elongated articles, in particular cable sets using a curable adhesive tape.