Light Guide Element Positioning in UV Cured Joint Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light-activated joining agents face challenges in achieving precise and stable positioning of light guide elements within joint gaps, leading to incomplete coverage and weakened adhesive bonds due to pressure differences and gravity-induced movement, especially in opaque or complex joint configurations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating spacers between the light guide element and components to create form-locking connections, and using equalization openings and microstructures to stabilize the light guide element, ensuring precise positioning and complete coverage of the joint surfaces with the joining agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light guide element is embedded in the joining agent to guide light into insufficiently accessible areas, then the curing completeness of the joining agent is improved, but the positioning precision of the light guide element deteriorates due to pressure differences and gravity causing shifting and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by integrating the light guide element into the joint layout before the joining agent is applied. The light guide element is positioned in the joint gap between components prior to adhesive application, ensuring correct initial placement before curing forces or pressure differences can cause displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by incorporating a recess in one of the components to receive the light guide element. This recess acts as a mediator that mechanically anchors the light guide element in place, preventing it from shifting or bending during the joining process while still allowing it to fulfill its light-guiding function
2Strength
If the light guide element is placed exactly in the central plane of the joint gap to ensure complete joint surface coverage, then the adhesive bond strength is improved, but the stability of the light guide element position deteriorates due to forces from pressure differences causing shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide element is pre-positioned in the central plane of the joint gap within a recess before the joining agent is applied. This preliminary positioning ensures that the element remains centrally located throughout the joining process, maintaining complete joint surface coverage and optimal bond strength without subsequent displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the component serves as an intermediary structure that mechanically stabilizes the light guide element. By receiving and anchoring the element in place, the recess prevents shifting caused by pressure differences while allowing the element to maintain its optimal central position for complete adhesive coverage
3Ease of manufacture
If joining agents with low viscosity are used to ensure proper flow and coverage, then the ease of application is improved, but the positioning stability of the light guide element deteriorates due to gravity causing the element to sink
Solution Approach 1:
The recess in the component acts as an intermediary mechanical constraint that prevents the light guide element from sinking under gravity. This structural feature allows the use of low-viscosity joining agents for easy application while simultaneously providing physical support to maintain the light guide element's position, eliminating the contradiction between ease of application and positioning stability
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 ensures precise and unchangeable positioning of the light guide element, maintaining maximum joint surface coverage and adhesive strength, reducing the risk of defects like fissures in the cured bond.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide element placed into the joint gap to guide light into the areas insufficiently accessible from the outside
Implementation Method 2
light-activated joining agents are used to firmly bond components. These are adhesives that cure on exposure to light, for example UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A joint layout is provided for the firm bonding of components by means of a light-activated joining agent. A light guide element is arranged at least in sections in a joint gap between the components. The light guide element is embedded into the joining agent in the joint gap, and light for activating the joining agent can be outcoupled from the light guide element in the joint gap. In this context, at least one spacer is arranged in the joint gap between the light guide element and at least one of the components.