Rotating Cable Adhesive Decoupling for Damage-Free Surface Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for decoupling adhesively bonded elements from surfaces, such as aircraft skin, are labor-intensive and often damage the surfaces due to the use of harsh chemicals or sharp tools, which are ergonomically taxing and can harm workers.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a body, a spool, and a cable is positioned adjacent to the adhesive bond, with the cable intermediate portion placed between the element and the surface, allowing the spool to be rotated to wrap the cable through the adhesive, effectively decoupling the element without chemical solvents or manual cutting tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If harsh liquid chemicals such as organic solvents are used to dissolve and remove the adhesive, then the adhesive bond can be severed to decouple the surfaces, but the bonded or adjacent surfaces can be damaged and workers require protective gear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive removal capabilityVSAvoidsurface damage and chemical exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical methods (organic solvents) with a mechanical method (rotating cable system). The cable is wrapped around the adhesive bond and rotated to mechanically sever the bond, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals that damage surfaces and require protective gear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable acts as an intermediary tool between the operator and the adhesive bond. Instead of directly applying chemicals or using manual cutting tools, the rotating cable systematically severs the adhesive bond through controlled mechanical action, reducing both surface damage and worker exposure risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If sharp tools such as utility knives are used to cut through the adhesive, then the adhesive bond can be severed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and fatigues workers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive cutting capabilityVSAvoidworker efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting tools (utility knives) with an automated rotating cable system. The cable is rotated by a motor or hand crank to automatically sever the adhesive bond, eliminating the labor-intensive manual cutting process and reducing worker fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic motion (rotation) to the cable system, transforming the static manual cutting process into a dynamic automated process. The rotating cable continuously engages with the adhesive bond, efficiently severing it through rotational motion rather than repetitive manual stabbing or slicing motions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If high-strength adhesives are used to bond elements to surfaces for heavy load testing, then the bond strength is sufficient for testing, but the elements become difficult to remove without incurring damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive bond strengthVSAvoidelement removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a mechanical cable rotation system to sever the high-strength adhesive bond. The rotating cable applies concentrated mechanical force to cut through the cured adhesive, enabling removal of elements that were bonded with high-strength adhesives without damaging the underlying surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficiently decouples elements from surfaces without damaging them, reducing labor intensity and eliminating the need for protective gear, thereby improving worker safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

pulling the cable intermediate portion through the adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

when the first spool is rotated, the cable wraps about the first spool, thereby pulling the cable intermediate portion through the adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11260647B2Apparatus and method for decoupling an element that is bonded to a surface by adhesive

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods for decoupling an element that is bonded to a surface by an adhesive are provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a body, a first spool that is rotationally coupled to the body, and a cable having a first cable end portion that is coupled to the first spool, a second cable end portion that is coupled to the body, and a cable intermediate portion that is disposed between the first cable end portion and the second cable end portion. The apparatus is configured to be positioned adjacent to at least one of the element and the surface with the cable intermediate portion disposed adjacent to the adhesive such that when the first spool is rotated, the cable wraps about the first spool, thereby pulling the cable intermediate portion through the adhesive.