Light-Curing Fastening Device for Bonding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for bonding elements, such as T-shaped mounting elements, rely on thermosetting adhesives that require heating or magnetic fields for curing, which may not offer a versatile or efficient solution for various industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A manual and automatic fastening device utilizing a light-curing adhesive, where a movable holder with a light source and positioning device ensures precise alignment and curing of the adhesive between a T-shaped bonding element and a surface, allowing for reliable and efficient fastening without the need for heat or magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thermosetting adhesive is used with heating or magnetic field for curing, then the adhesive can be supplied via supply tube to set head, but the device complexity increases and the process becomes less versatile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal curing system (heating or magnetic field) with a photochemical curing system using light. The light source activates the photoinitiator in the adhesive, triggering polymerization without requiring heat or magnetic fields, thus simplifying the device while maintaining adhesive supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the curing parameter from thermal/magnetic to optical. By using light of specific wavelength to activate the photoinitiator, the curing process occurs at room temperature without additional energy fields, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and device complexity
2Productivity
If light source is integrated into holder for curing adhesive, then curing efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source directly into the holder that positions the bonding element. This integration allows immediate curing upon positioning, improving productivity. The light source becomes an inherent part of the application tool, eliminating separate curing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The holder serves multiple functions: positioning the bonding element, providing the light source for curing, and potentially guiding the light beam. This multi-functionality improves productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component performs multiple roles
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning device is added for precise alignment, then manufacturing precision improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device appears to provide automatic or semi-automatic alignment assistance, reducing the skill level required for precise positioning. The system may include guides, alignment marks, or automated positioning mechanisms that help the operator achieve precise alignment without requiring extensive expertise or complex manual adjustment procedures
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient method for bonding elements to structural components, ensuring optimal alignment and curing of the adhesive, thereby facilitating easy detachment of the fastening device and enabling automated production line applications.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (40), by which light (45) of a defined wavelength can be radiated in the first direction of movement
Data Source
AI summary
A manual and an automatic fastening device for fastening a bonding element to a surface by means of a light-curing adhesive is disclosed. The fastening devices apply the bonding element to the surface with a specific contact pressure, before the light is irradiated onto the bonding element for curing the adhesive. As the bonding element consists of transparent material, the adhesive is cured between the fastening element and the surface.