Elastic Compensating Element for Thermal Stress in Adhesive Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing methods in the automotive sector face challenges with crack formation due to thermal expansion changes and micromovements, which can compromise the sealing effectiveness and durability of housing components, leading to potential damage from water or dust exposure.
Innovation Solution
A fixing method using a substrate with a recess filled with a fixing element, where a compensating element made of elastic sealing material is positioned between the joining partner and the fixing element, allowing for thermal and mechanical stress compensation through elastic compression or elongation, thereby minimizing crack formation and enhancing the sealing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical screws are used for fixing housing components, then a secure fixing is achieved, but crack formations occur due to thermal expansion changes and micromovements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical screw connections with a chemical adhesive bonding system. The adhesive is applied in a recess on the substrate surface, creating a bonding area that distributes thermal expansion stresses across a larger area, preventing crack formation at concentrated stress points while maintaining secure fixing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the bonding interface by creating a recess in the substrate surface and filling it with adhesive. This geometric modification allows the adhesive to accommodate thermal expansion changes and micromovements through its viscoelastic properties, preventing crack formations while maintaining bonding strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive is used instead of mechanical fixing elements, then cost reduction and simplified assembly are achieved, but crack formation occurs due to thermal expansion changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the adhesive application by creating a recess in the substrate surface. This recess confines the adhesive, increasing its bonding area and allowing it to accommodate thermal expansion changes through deformation, thereby preventing crack formation while maintaining the simplicity of adhesive-based manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of the substrate, the adhesive material with specific viscoelastic properties, and the joining partner. This composite system combines the rigidity of the substrate with the stress-absorbing capabilities of the adhesive, preventing crack formation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Device complexity
If adhesive is used for fixing, then mechanical fixing elements are eliminated, but the seal is vulnerable to contaminations and dosing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters by creating a recess that confines the adhesive, protecting it from contaminations. The recess structure also provides a defined dosing volume, eliminating dosing errors while maintaining the simplicity of the adhesive-based fixing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable protective covering (foil or cap) on the nozzle during adhesive application. This inexpensive protective element prevents contaminations of the adhesive dosing system and ensures reliable dosing, while being easily replaced after use.
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 effectively prevents crack formation, ensures a tight seal, reduces the need for mechanical fixing elements, simplifies the assembly process, and enhances the robustness of the seal against contamination, dosing errors, and material flaws, while maintaining a cost-effective manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The compensating element is made, in particular, of an elastic sealing material. The compensating element is advantageously situated where the greatest stress occurs within the fixing element in the fixed state. The stress is, in particular, a thermal expansion change or a movement of the fixing element, of the joining partner and/or of the substrate.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a joining partner, which protrudes at a submersion depth into a recess filled at least partially with a fixing element in a substrate surface of a substrate. A compensating element is situated between the joining partner and the fixing element. The compensating element is situated at least partially in the fixing element within the submersion depth of the joining partner. Accordingly, the compensating element is in contact with the joining partner and with the fixing element. In this way, an expansion change or a movement of the fixing element, of the substrate or of the joining partner may be compensated for by a compression or elongation of the compensating element. A crack formation may be avoided or its effect may be minimized by the sealing function.