Multi-Port Filament Adhesion for Consistent Surface Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manual techniques for adhering filaments to surfaces are time-consuming, skill-dependent, and result in variations along the length of the installation, particularly in locations with limited accessibility or visibility, and there is a need for consistent and reliable application of filaments to surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for adhering filaments to a surface using a body with a filament inlet, multiple outlet ports, and a reservoir chamber containing viscous adhesive material, where relative axial movement between the body and filaments coats the filaments with adhesive, allowing for simultaneous application of multiple filaments to a surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual techniques are used to adhere filaments to surfaces, then the process allows flexibility in application, but the installation is time-consuming and results in variations along the length of the installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of filament adhesionVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus segments the filament application process into multiple independent outlet ports (e.g., 4-8 ports around the circumference), allowing simultaneous application of multiple filaments. Each outlet port operates independently to apply adhesive-coated filament to the inner surface, increasing productivity while maintaining consistency through standardized port designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus combines multiple filament application functions into a single integrated device. Multiple outlet ports are combined within one body, and the reservoir chamber is shared across all ports, enabling simultaneous application of multiple filaments with consistent adhesive coating from a single adhesive supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If manual adhesive application techniques are used, then the process is simple to implement, but the adhesion depends at least in part on the skill of the technician

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion consistencyVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus introduces an intermediary reservoir chamber that acts as a mediator between the adhesive supply and the filament application points. The reservoir chamber ensures consistent adhesive delivery to all outlet ports, eliminating variability caused by manual application skill while the overall apparatus structure remains relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of adhesive delivery from manual control to controlled flow through the reservoir chamber system. This standardizes the adhesive application parameters (volume, consistency, timing) across all filament applications, improving reliability without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a single filament is adhered at a time, then the application can be controlled precisely, but the installation process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of filaments applied simultaneouslyVSAvoidnumber of outlet ports and travel paths
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The body is segmented with multiple outlet ports (e.g., 4-8 ports) spaced around its circumference, each with its own travel path to the inner surface. This segmentation enables simultaneous application of multiple filaments while keeping each individual path simple and controlled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reservoir chamber serves multiple functions: it stores adhesive, distributes adhesive to multiple outlet ports, and maintains consistent adhesive flow. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to handle multiple filaments simultaneously without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If adhesive is applied manually over the surface, then the adhesive can be distributed broadly, but the process requires the surface to be accessible and visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility requirementVSAvoidadhesive distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying adhesive manually over the surface from outside, the apparatus inverts the approach by applying adhesive-coated filament from the inside of the conduit. The outlet ports are positioned to deliver filament directly to the inner surface, eliminating the need for external surface accessibility while maintaining precise adhesive placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Facilitates consistent and reliable adhesion of filaments to surfaces, even in locations with limited accessibility, enabling quicker installation and reducing the need for manual skill, while allowing for adjustable adhesive volume and application of various filament types.

Implementation Method 1

An apparatus and method for adhering filaments to a surface... each filament is coated with the viscous adhesive material when exiting via a respective one of the filament outlet ports, for adhesion to the inner surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3482245B1Apparatus and method for adhering a filament to a surface
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITED
  • EP3482245B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3482245B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3482245B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An apparatus for adhering a filament to a surface can include a body having a filament inlet port, at least a first filament outlet port spaced apart from the filament inlet port, and at least a first filament travel path extending between the filament inlet port and the first filament outlet port. A reservoir chamber can form a portion of the first filament travel path between the filament inlet port and the first filament outlet port and can contain a viscous adhesive material. Imparting relative axial movement between the body and a first filament can urge the first filament along the first filament travel path and through the reservoir chamber so that the first filament is coated with the viscous adhesive material when exiting via the first filament outlet port, for adhesion to the surface.