Orthopedic Component Orienting Device for Adhesive Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting structural parts of orthopedic components, such as fiber-reinforced plastics, are labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring manual finishing operations to ensure precise orientation and adhesive bonding, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A method using an orienting device that forms a hollow space between structural parts, allowing for precise orientation and adhesive filling, with a feed connection and outlet channel to ensure complete filling and curing without manual intervention, and where the orienting device remains attached to serve as a mold and protective component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual finishing operations are used to remove adhesive residue and ensure precise orientation, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but productivity is reduced and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting device is designed to pre-establish the precise spatial relationship between structural parts before adhesive application. The device includes positioning features that guide parts into correct orientation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and finishing operations afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The orienting device serves as an intermediary tool that temporarily holds structural parts in the correct orientation during adhesive bonding. This mediator ensures precise positioning without requiring manual intervention, and is subsequently removed after the adhesive cures.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual finishing operations are performed to clean adhesive residue, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting device acts as a mediator that controls adhesive flow and positioning during the bonding process. It prevents adhesive from spreading to areas where it would create residue requiring cleanup, thereby eliminating manual finishing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The orienting device is designed to self-regulate the adhesive application process. The device's geometry and positioning features automatically ensure that adhesive remains confined to the bonding area, making the system self-cleaning and eliminating the need for separate finishing operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If structural parts are held in oriented position during adhesive curing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting device is segmented into separate functional elements: positioning features, clamping mechanisms, and support structures. Each segment performs a specific function, making the overall device less complex while maintaining positioning accuracy. The segments can be independently designed and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The orienting device is designed with multi-functional elements that perform multiple tasks. For example, the positioning features simultaneously guide part placement, maintain orientation during adhesive application, and provide support during curing. This reduces the number of separate components needed.
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 method enables reproducible, precise, and efficient adhesive bonding of structural parts, reducing finishing efforts and ensuring a strong, durable connection, while preventing adhesive residue and allowing for the use of resilient materials like PU, TPU, or TPE for enhanced performance.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive for adhesively bonding the structural parts is introduced into the hollow space
Data Source
AI summary
A method for connecting at least two structural parts of an orthopedic component, wherein the structural parts are retained in an orienting device while oriented in relation to each other, and an intermediate space thus being formed between the structural parts. The orienting device and the structural parts together form a cavity, which has a flow connection to at least one feed connection, via which an adhesive for adhesively bonding the structural parts is introduced into the cavity.