Hybrid Component Bonding via Segmented Adhesive and Rivets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing hybrid components from different materials often result in large-area material connections, leading to surface unevenness and thermal expansion issues due to material differences, which affect the rigidity and appearance of the final product.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid component is produced by partially bonding a profile component to a flat component using a combination of adhesive and riveted connections, with strategically placed holes or embossings to minimize large-area connections and manage thermal stresses, thereby enhancing rigidity and reducing weight and surface irregularities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a large-area material-bonded connection is used to join different material components, then the connection strength is improved, but surface irregularities and thermal expansion issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsurface irregularities
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding area is segmented into discrete bonding zones rather than a continuous large-area connection. Rivets are positioned at specific intervals to create localized connection points, dividing the bonding function into multiple small segments that reduce thermal stress accumulation and prevent surface irregularities while maintaining overall connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different connection methods are applied to different regions: material-bonded connections (adhesive or solder) are used in specific bonding zones where strength is critical, while form-fit connections are used in other areas. This localized application of different connection qualities allows optimal performance in each region without the drawbacks of uniform large-area bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If different materials are bonded over a large area, then the structural rigidity is improved, but thermal expansion differences cause surface irregularities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidthermal expansion effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into modular sections with discrete bonding zones. Rivets are positioned at specific intervals rather than continuous bonding, creating thermal expansion joints that allow each material section to expand and contract independently, preventing the accumulation of thermal stresses that would cause surface irregularities while maintaining overall structural rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rivets serve as intermediary elements between the material-bonded connection zones and the free sections. These intermediaries provide mechanical fastening while allowing for thermal movement, mediating between the need for strong connection and the need to accommodate thermal expansion differences between materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a combination of adhesive and riveted connections is used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into discrete bonding zones and rivet positions that are pre-defined in the tooling. This segmentation allows for automated application of adhesive in specific zones followed by automated rivet placement at predetermined locations, reducing manufacturing complexity through standardization while maintaining high reliability through multiple connection methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Adhesive is applied in preliminary action before rivet installation. The adhesive is applied to specific bonding zones first, allowing it to set partially or fully before rivets are positioned and installed. This preliminary bonding action ensures that components remain aligned and positioned correctly during the riveting process, improving connection reliability while the pre-planned sequence reduces manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 achieves high rigidity and improved surface appearance by avoiding large-area material connections and thermal expansion issues, resulting in a lightweight and resilient hybrid component with reduced surface irregularities.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive material, in particular an adhesive, is applied section by section between the component and the flange areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

rivet connections are formed outside the sections of the flange areas provided with the adhesive material, forming a force-fit and/or form-fit connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

These precisely defined round or elongated holes relieve the differing thermal stresses between the profile component and the hybrid component, thus preventing surface irregularities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP2753535B1Composite structural element and production method of the same
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 ADIENT LUXEMBOURG HLDG SARL
  • EP2753535B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2753535B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2753535B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a hybrid component (1) that is formed by a profiled component (2) of a first material, which is materially bonded in certain sections to a component (3) made of a second material, and is connected by means of a form-fit and/or force-fit connection (7) outside the sections with a material bond (6). This creates sections that relieve the strains resulting from differing thermal expansion. The invention further relates to a method for producing a hybrid component (1).