Multi-Groove Adhesive Joint Assembly for Fast Cure and Disassembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing techniques face challenges in efficiently disassembling adhesively bonded structures, particularly in transport structures like automobiles and aircraft, where complex components with advanced features are required.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a tongue-and-groove structure with specific adhesive application and curing methods. A first adhesive is injected into certain grooves and cured before a second adhesive is injected into another groove, allowing for efficient coupling and disassembly of additively manufactured components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple adhesives are injected into different grooves simultaneously, then assembly time is reduced, but adhesive mixing and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint architecture segments the adhesive application process by providing separate grooves (first groove, second groove, third groove) for different adhesives. This spatial segmentation allows each adhesive to be applied and cured independently, preventing mixing while maintaining efficient assembly through parallel processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The first adhesive is applied and cured in advance before the second adhesive is injected. This preliminary action ensures that the first adhesive sets properly without interference from the second adhesive, maintaining application quality while still achieving relatively fast assembly through the use of quick-cure formulations and UV curing.
2Speed
If UV curable adhesive is used with UV light curing, then curing speed is improved, but light penetration and curing completeness may be compromised in deep or opaque grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The joint architecture provides different groove geometries optimized for different adhesive types and curing methods. Shallow grooves accommodate UV curable adhesives for rapid curing, while deeper grooves are designed for structural adhesives that cure through chemical reaction. This local optimization ensures both curing speed and completeness are achieved where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-groove system as an intermediary structure that mediates between the conflicting requirements of UV curing speed and deep groove penetration. By providing separate pathways (different grooves) for different adhesive types, the system allows UV light to effectively cure surface adhesives while structural adhesives fill deeper regions through capillary action and chemical curing mechanisms.
3Strength
If structural adhesive is injected into all grooves, then bond strength is maximized, but assembly time and curing duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of filling all grooves with structural adhesive, the patent uses UV curable adhesive in select grooves (first and third grooves) where rapid bonding is prioritized, and structural adhesive only in the second groove where maximum strength is critical. This partial application of structural adhesive maintains necessary bond strength while significantly reducing overall curing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adhesive parameters (type and curing mechanism) based on the specific groove location and functional requirements. UV curable adhesives provide fast-setting characteristics for non-critical joints, while structural adhesives provide high-strength bonding for critical joints. This parameter differentiation optimizes both strength and time efficiency across the assembly.
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 approach enables efficient assembly and disassembly of complex components, reducing assembly time and maintaining structural integrity, while also accommodating the unique challenges of additive manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
the first adhesive being an ultraviolet (UV) curable adhesive, the first adhesive being cured prior to the injection of the second adhesive
Implementation Method 2
ultraviolet (UV) traveling through the second groove to cure the first adhesive in the third groove
Implementation Method 3
the light beam reflecting from at least one surface of the first groove and the second groove, and the light beam further reflecting from at least one surface of the first tongue and the second tongue
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for assembling components are described. An apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first structure having a first tongue, a second tongue, and a third tongue, the second tongue being between the first tongue and the third tongue, a second structure having a first groove, a second groove, and a third groove, the second groove being between the first groove and the third groove, a first adhesive, coupled to the first tongue and the first groove and coupled to the third tongue and the third groove when the first structure is coupled to the second structure, and a second adhesive coupled to the second tongue and the second groove when the first structure is coupled to the second structure, wherein the first adhesive is injected into the first groove and the third groove and the second adhesive is injected into the second groove.