Seal Application Tool with Flexible Membrane for Defective Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying a joint to plates with shape defects or irregularities, such as glass panels for vehicles, face challenges in ensuring impermeability and continuous adhesion due to variations in thickness, curvature, or local protrusions, leading to potential leaks and adhesion issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a tool with a supporting element made of solid material and a flexible element that applies pressure perpendicularly to the plate's surface, using a hardenable composition like polyurethane to form a joint, which compensates for shape defects and ensures impermeability by conforming to the plate's edge, and an adhesive substance is used to secure the joint in a recess within the flexible element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a joint is applied to a plate with shape defects using conventional methods, then the application process is simple, but the impermeability and adhesion continuity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible supporting element (silicone membrane) that can deform to accommodate shape defects on the plate surface. This flexible element maintains continuous contact with the plate edge despite irregularities in thickness or curvature, ensuring impermeability without requiring complex rigid tooling adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the joint material by applying pressure during application. The pressure device compresses the flexible supporting element against the plate, forcing the joint material into intimate contact with the plate edge, which compensates for shape defects and ensures continuous adhesion
2Manufacturing precision
If pressure is applied to compensate for shape defects, then adhesion continuity improves, but the risk of plate breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible supporting element distributes the applied pressure evenly across the plate edge rather than concentrating it at specific points. This distribution effect allows sufficient pressure to be applied for good adhesion continuity while preventing localized stress concentrations that could cause plate breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible supporting element acts as a cushioning medium between the pressure device and the plate. It absorbs and redistributes the mechanical stress, providing a protective effect that prevents direct transmission of high pressure to the plate, thereby reducing breakage risk while maintaining adhesion quality
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid tool is used for joint application, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to shape defects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid tool components with a flexible supporting element that can adapt its shape to match the plate's contour. This flexible element maintains structural stability through its elastic properties while simultaneously providing adaptability to various shape defects, combining both requirements in a single component
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible supporting element transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic component that can deform and adapt during the joint application process. This dynamic capability allows the tool to accommodate different plate geometries and defects while maintaining sufficient stability for precise material application
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 effectively applies a continuous and impermeable joint along the plate's edge, even with shape defects, by exerting controlled pressure and using a reactive polyurethane composition, ensuring the joint adheres uniformly and maintains the plate's integrity without risking breakage.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible element, in particular a flexible pad or a flexible membrane, which pushes towards the plate in such a way that the contact surface is made impermeable
Implementation Method 2
a hardenable composition is deposited on at least a portion of the surface of the tool... the composition hardens after being applied when it is in contact with the ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for applying a joint (2, 102) onto a plate (3), in particular a plate having shape defects. An edge of interest is defined on a portion of the plate (3) onto which the joint (2, 102) is intended to be applied. The plate (3) is then placed on a tool (4, 104) comprising a supporting element (5, 105) made of solid material and a supporting element (6, 106) made of flexible material, in such a way that the edge of interest rests on a portion of the supporting element made of flexible material. While the joint is applied onto the edge of interest, the plate is maintained in a predetermined reference position and the element made of flexible material is pushed against the plate, perpendicularly to an outer surface of the element made of flexible material, the outer surface being opposite to the surface on which the edge of interest rests.