Lap Joint Corrosion Protection via Segmented Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lap joints often suffer from corrosion at the seam due to the difficulty in applying anticorrosion materials, leading to reduced product longevity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for configuring a lap joint with angled channels and openings at the seam to allow anticorrosion material to reach the seam, using calculations for optimal channel shape and opening placement to ensure effective coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If anticorrosion material is applied to all areas except the lap joint, then the manufacturing process is simple and efficient, but the lap seam becomes susceptible to rust and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The lap joint structure is segmented by introducing channels and openings that divide the sealed lap joint into accessible pathways. This segmentation allows the anticorrosion material to reach previously inaccessible interior surfaces of the lap joint, solving the corrosion resistance problem while maintaining coating application efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Channels and openings act as intermediary structures that facilitate the delivery of anticorrosion material to the lap seam area. These intermediaries bridge the gap between the exterior coating application area and the previously inaccessible interior lap joint surfaces.
2Strength
If the lap joint is sealed without channels or openings, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the anticorrosion material cannot reach the lap seam
Solution Approach 1:
The lap joint structure is modified with local quality changes: channels and openings are introduced only in specific locations where material delivery is needed, while the overall structural integrity of the lap joint is preserved. The channels are strategically positioned to provide corrosion protection without compromising the strength of the joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The lap joint is transformed from a sealed solid structure to a partially porous structure with channels and openings. This porous configuration allows anticorrosion material to penetrate and coat the interior surfaces while maintaining sufficient structural integrity for the application.
3Reliability
If channels are added to allow material flow into the lap joint, then corrosion protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to seal the lap joint and find ways to protect it from the exterior, the invention inverts the approach by creating internal pathways that actively deliver protective material into the joint. This inversion transforms the problem from preventing corrosion entry to enabling protective material access.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection strategy moves from a two-dimensional exterior coating approach to a three-dimensional solution that includes internal channels and openings. This dimensional change allows the anticorrosion material to access surfaces that are invisible from the exterior, providing comprehensive protection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a system, method, and apparatus for preventing corrosion in a lap joint. The lap joint includes a first member and a second member. The first member is adjacent to the second member to form a lap seam of the lap joint. The first member forms a channel at the lap seam relative to the second member. The channel forms a “V” shape, a “U” shape, or a semicircle shape relative to a horizontal plane of the lap joint. One or more openings are formed on the first member and/or the second member. The openings and channel of the present invention allows anticorrosion material to coat the lap seam of the lap joint.