Rabbeted Sheet-Metal Assembly With Offset Adhesive and Welds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assembling metal sheet elements, such as those used in motor vehicle crate structures, are costly and inefficient due to the need for edge formatting and glue cleaning, which affects the rigidity and comfort of the assembly.

Innovation Solution

The assembly of metal sheet elements with superimposed edges using welding points along a first axis and a glue strip along a second axis, where the second axis is shifted opposite to the free end, effectively balancing effort distribution and enhancing rigidity without the need for edge formatting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If electrical resistance welding points and glue strip are used to assemble metal sheet edges, then the assembly strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to edge formatting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by shifting the glue strip axis relative to the welding points axis along the rabbet. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the distribution of tearing forces, with the glue strip positioned to counteract forces more effectively at specific locations, thereby improving assembly strength without requiring additional edge formatting operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by applying the glue strip to the rabbet before performing the welding operations. This sequence allows the glue to be in place to reinforce the joint before welding, improving the overall assembly strength while avoiding the need for post-assembly glue cleaning operations that would increase manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If electrical resistance welding points and glue strip are used to assemble metal sheet edges, then the assembly strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple assembly operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly strengthVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the welding and gluing operations into a single integrated assembly process. By positioning both the welding points and glue strip along the same rabbet and coordinating their application sequences, the patent combines two joining methods into one unified assembly operation, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining improved assembly strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If glue strip is applied in the rabbet, then the rigidity of junction hardwoods is improved, but glue cleaning operations are required which reduce productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigidity of junction hardwoodsVSAvoidassembly productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the glue strip specifically in the rabbet region where it is most needed for reinforcing junction hardwoods and improving rigidity. The glue is applied locally along the rabbet rather than across the entire edge, providing targeted reinforcement where tearing forces are most critical, while minimizing the amount of glue that would require cleaning operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by applying the glue strip to the rabbet before performing the welding operations. This sequence allows the glue to be in place to reinforce the joint before welding, improving the rigidity of junction hardwoods while avoiding the need for post-assembly glue cleaning operations that would reduce productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 facilitates a cost-effective and efficient assembly that improves the rigidity and handling quality of the metal sheet elements by optimizing the placement of welding points and glue strips, reducing the impact of tearing forces and enhancing structural stability.

Implementation Method 1

said edges being assembled by welding points distributed along the barbing along a first axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance welding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

at least one glue strip in the wafer extending along said rabbed along a second axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3350458B1Assembly of sheet-metal elements comprising a rabbet
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3350458B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (2) of at least two sheet-metal elements (4, 4') that each comprise an edge (6, 6'), said edges being superposed so as to form a rabbet (8) for joining said elements, said rabbet comprising a free end (14), and said edges being assembled by: - welding points (10) distributed along the rabbet along a first axis; and at least one strip of adhesive (12) in the rabbet, said strip extending along said rabbet along a second axis; the second axis being offset with respect to the first axis in a direction away from the free end of the rabbet. The invention also relates to a method for producing such an assembly (2).