Folded Two-Component Adhesive Tape Applicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adhesive tapes struggle to effectively bridge varying adhesive joints of a few millimeters with minimal air pockets, requiring multiple layers and specialized techniques, and are difficult to apply in all positions without soiling sensitive surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An applicator for a folded 2-component adhesive tape that combines chemical activation of adhesive films with subsequent folding, using an adhesive tape roll with reactive components and a folding device to create a thicker tape that can be applied to bridge gaps and fully cure after application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If adhesive tapes are applied in multiple layers to bridge varying adhesive gaps of several millimeters, then the adhesive gap bridging capability is improved, but the application complexity and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive tape is folded back onto itself to create multiple layers (segments) within a single continuous application. This segmentation allows the tape to provide thick adhesive coverage equivalent to multiple layers while being applied as a single unit, reducing application complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive tape is folded back onto itself in a nested configuration, with one portion of the tape containing another portion. This nesting creates multiple adhesive layers within a compact structure that can be applied in a single operation, eliminating the need to apply multiple separate layers.
2Manufacturing precision
If adhesive beads are used to fill adhesive joints, then complete filling with minimal air inclusions is achieved, but adhesive squeezing and running occur making application impossible in every position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible folded adhesive tape structure that can conform to different application positions and orientations. The folded tape maintains its shape and adhesive distribution regardless of orientation, allowing application in vertical, horizontal, or inclined positions without adhesive running or squeezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive tape is pre-folded to create the desired thickness and adhesive distribution before application. This preliminary folding ensures that the adhesive is already positioned correctly to fill the joint completely without air inclusions, and the folded structure prevents squeezing during application.
3Ease of operation
If the adhesive tape is folded after chemical activation, then the adhesive tape can be handled and applied, but the polymerization reaction continues and may affect application quality
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive tape is folded while the polymerization reaction is initiated but not yet complete. This preliminary folding creates the desired thick adhesive structure before the reaction fully completes, allowing the tape to be handled and applied in the folded state. The reaction then continues after application to achieve full bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the dynamic state of the adhesive during polymerization - the tape is folded when the adhesive has sufficient viscosity to hold the fold but remains flexible enough for handling. As polymerization progresses, the adhesive transitions from a flexible state to a rigid bonded state, ensuring both handleability during folding and reliable bonding after 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
Enables the creation of a thicker adhesive tape that can bridge large gaps between parts, ensuring optimal bonding with minimal air pockets and allowing for application in various positions without soiling sensitive surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive film comprises or is formed by the adhesive component, which is initially unpolymerized, uncrosslinked or not fully crosslinked, but can certainly be tacky, and whose complete crosslinking, i.e., curing/hardening and its firm adhesive bond with a substrate surface, is only achieved by activating the adhesive component through the action of the other adhesive component. Activation here means that a polymerization reaction is initiated within the adhesive film and the surrounding layer.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an applicator for a folded adhesive tape (8), comprising a two-component adhesive system, an adhesive tape roll (6) having an adhesive tape (7), which comprises an adhesive film (30) having a reactive adhesive component and a reactive outer side (31), an unwinding device for the adhesive tape (7) from the adhesive tape roll (6), a feeding device of a reactive further adhesive component onto the reactive outer side (31) of the adhesive film (30) of the unwound adhesive tape (7) for forming an activated adhesive tape (7), and a folding device (10) for the activated adhesive tape (7) arranged downstream of the feeding device in a running direction of the activated adhesive tape (7) for producing the folded adhesive tape (8).