Multi-Chamber Adhesive Device for Motor Vehicle Component Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching components to motor vehicle body parts using adhesive media require large volumes, leading to long curing times and difficulties in adjusting components due to central tolerance compensation and non-activatable adhesives.

Innovation Solution

A device with two independent chambers for the adhesive medium allows decentralized tolerance compensation, enabling adjustment in multiple directions with a reduced adhesive volume, and rapid curing by external means such as temperature or light activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large volume of adhesive medium is used for central tolerance compensation, then the component can be adjusted in all essential directions, but the curing time becomes relatively long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidcuring time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive medium is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) instead of using a single large volume adhesive. Each chamber contains a smaller amount of adhesive and provides adjustment in specific directions, collectively achieving full 6-degree-of-freedom adjustment while reducing total curing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If the adhesive medium volume is reduced, then the curing time is shortened, but the adjustment capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring timeVSAvoidadjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the adjustment capability from 3-dimensional (X, Y, Z directions) to 6-dimensional by adding rotational adjustments (pitch, roll, yaw) through the multi-chamber design. Each chamber pair provides adjustment in orthogonal directions, enabling comprehensive 6-DOF tolerance compensation with reduced adhesive volume per chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the adhesive medium is made activatable for rapid curing, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional activation means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidactivation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive medium's curing state is changed by applying external energy parameters (light, heat, or chemical activation) to transition from a flexible first state suitable for adjustment to a rigid second state for fixation. This parameter change enables rapid curing without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables rapid adjustment and secure fixation of components with significantly reduced curing time, eliminating the need for additional mechanical fastening elements and optimizing the adjustment process.

Implementation Method 1

the adhesive medium being cured in the second state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

by increasing the temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature activation: Heating

Implementation Method 3

admitting light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight activation: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 4

humidity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHumidity activation: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2461048B1Device for fixing a component on a bodywork section of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.11.25 HBPO GMBH
  • EP2461048B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2461048B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2461048B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has mating parts attached with each other by an adhesive medium (3) that is brought into two states (1, 2). The medium allows adjustment of the component at a body part (5) of a motor vehicle and is hardened in the respective states so that fixation of the component at the body part is achieved. The medium is provided in two chambers (11, 12), where one of the chambers is partially defined by an intermediate element (30) and a base element (40) of the mating parts. The chambers respectively enable adjustment of the component in directions (X-Z) that intersect each other. An independent claim is also included for a method for fastening a component at a body part of a motor vehicle.