Self-centering Sealant Applicator for Fastener Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying sealant to fasteners often result in uneven or excessive application, failing to meet manufacturing standards, which increases production time and costs due to the need for rework.
Innovation Solution
A sealant applicator comprising a shaping portion, a centering portion, and a support system that positions the shaping portion accurately around the fastener, allowing for uniform sealant application and maintaining the desired position during and after application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a cap and sealant are pressed down over the fastener to ensure adhesion, then the sealant covers the fastener, but the sealant application becomes uneven and excess sealant squeezes out
Solution Approach 1:
A centering portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the shaping portion and the fastener. This centering portion includes a channel that receives the fastener and positions the shaping portion in a desired position around the fastener, ensuring uniform sealant application without excess squeezing out while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant applicator is divided into distinct functional segments: a shaping portion that forms the sealant layer, a centering portion that positions the shaping portion and receives the fastener, and a support system that maintains the desired position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of operation
2Ease of manufacture
If sealant is applied manually with a dauber, then the process is simple, but the sealant thickness is uneven and does not meet manufacturing standards
Solution Approach 1:
The centering portion acts as a mediator that guides the shaping portion to the correct position around the fastener, ensuring uniform sealant thickness. This intermediary component transforms the simple manual application process into a precision operation without adding significant complexity to the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the sealant applicator by incorporating a centering portion with a specific channel design and a shaping portion with a cavity of predetermined dimensions. These parameter changes ensure that the sealant is applied at a consistent thickness that meets manufacturing standards while maintaining ease of manufacture
3Manufacturing precision
If fasteners are measured and reworked to meet standards, then quality is improved, but production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centering portion is designed with a channel that pre-positions the fastener and guides the shaping portion into the correct position before sealant application. This preliminary action ensures that the sealant is applied uniformly at the correct thickness from the first attempt, eliminating the need for subsequent measurement and rework, thereby improving productivity while maintaining quality
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for applying sealant. The apparatus may comprise a shaping portion (130), a centering portion (132), and a support system (134). The shaping portion may have a cavity 138() configured to receive a fastener system (114) and receive a sealant (124). The centering portion may have a channel (154) configured to position the shaping portion in a desired position around the fastener system when the fastener system is received in the cavity. The support system may be configured to maintain the desired position of the apparatus.