Interlocking Joint Structure for Adhesive-Bonded Reinforcement Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The mechanical strength of the coupled portion between a reinforced member and a reinforcing member is insufficient when connected using only an adhesive, and the use of bolts or rivets requires penetration holes, which is undesirable.

Innovation Solution

A joint structure where the connection member is coupled to both the reinforced and reinforcing members using an adhesive or welding, with the first coupling portion and joint portion being shaped to catch each other in the joining direction, eliminating the need for bolts or rivets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a bolt or rivet is used to couple the connection member to the reinforcing member, then mechanical strength of the coupled portion is improved, but penetration holes are required which increases device complexity and manufacturing difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strength of coupled portionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (bolts or rivets requiring penetration holes) with a chemical bonding system (adhesive). The adhesive is applied to the bonding surface of the connection member to bond it to the reinforcing member, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and penetration holes while maintaining coupling strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If only adhesive is used to couple the connection member to the reinforcing member, then device complexity is reduced and no penetration holes are needed, but mechanical strength of the coupled portion becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmechanical strength of coupled portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the connection member by adding a protrusion that fits into a corresponding recess in the reinforcing member. This structural parameter change creates a mechanical interlocking effect that complements the adhesive bonding, thereby enhancing the overall coupling strength without requiring penetration holes or additional fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If bolts or rivets are used to ensure mechanical strength, then reliability of the coupled portion is improved, but the number of components and assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of coupled portionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of mechanical fastening and chemical bonding into a single integrated system. The protrusion-recess structure provides mechanical interlocking while the adhesive provides chemical bonding, combining both mechanisms into one coupled structure. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners and reduces assembly steps, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration enhances the mechanical strength of the coupled portion without the need for additional fastening elements, reducing the number of components and simplifying the assembly process by eliminating the requirement for penetration holes.

Implementation Method 1

the connection member coupled to the reinforced member is coupled to the reinforcing member by an adhesive and a bolt (or rivet)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3954907B1Joint structure and assembly method for same
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 IHI AEROSPACE CO LTD
  • EP3954907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3954907B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3954907B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A joint structure (10) includes a connection member (5) provided between a reinforced member (1) and a reinforcing member (3) and connecting both of them to each other. The connection member (5) includes a first coupling portion (5a) and a second coupling portion (5b) that are coupled to one and another of the reinforced member (1) and the reinforcing member (3), respectively. The first coupling portion (5a) is coupled to a joint portion (3a) of one of the reinforced member (1) and the reinforcing member (3) by an adhesive (9) or welding. The first coupling portion (5a) and the joint portion (3a) are shaped so as to be caught by each other in a joining direction (D3) in which the reinforced member (1) and the reinforcing member (3) are joined to each other.