Interface Shim Fixture for Stable Adhesive Bond Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shims used in object coupling often shift or fall out before adhesive curing, leading to costly product rejection and adhesive damage during removal.

Innovation Solution

Attaching shims to a fixture that holds them in place between objects, allowing for uniform gap maintenance until adhesive curing, then removing them without disturbing the bond by using a flexible fixture that withstands curing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If shims are placed around the periphery of an opening to maintain gap thickness, then uniform gap thickness is achieved, but the shims shift or fall out before bonding is completed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap thickness uniformityVSAvoidshim position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shims are attached to the fixture before the bonding process begins, ensuring they are already in their correct positions and will not shift or fall out during the bonding operation. This preliminary attachment action resolves the contradiction by maintaining both gap uniformity and shim stability throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A fixture is introduced as an intermediary object to hold the shims in place during the bonding process. The fixture serves as a mediator between the shims and the bonding operation, providing the necessary support to prevent shim displacement while maintaining the desired gap thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If shims are removed after adhesive curing, then the bonding process is complete, but damage occurs to the adhesive layer during shim removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding process completionVSAvoidadhesive layer damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture acts as an intermediary that facilitates shim removal by providing a gripping mechanism. The fixture allows for controlled removal of shims after bonding, minimizing direct manipulation that could damage the adhesive layer while still enabling complete removal for productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixture can be designed with dynamic characteristics, such as flexible arms or adjustable gripping mechanisms, that allow for gentle, controlled removal of shims after bonding. This dynamic approach reduces the force and potential damage to the adhesive layer during the removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a fixture is used to hold shims in place, then shim position stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshim position stabilityVSAvoidfixture structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture can be segmented into simple, modular components that are easy to assemble and disassemble. Each segment performs a specific function (holding shims, providing support), reducing overall complexity while maintaining stability. The segmented design allows for easier manufacturing and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If the fixture withstands heat curing conditions, then the bonding process can be completed, but the fixture material must be able to withstand heating without losing integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive curing completionVSAvoidfixture material compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture material is selected or designed to withstand the specific temperature and chemical conditions of the adhesive curing process. By adjusting the material parameters (temperature resistance, chemical inertness), the fixture can endure the curing conditions without degradation, enabling complete bonding while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11548237B2Interface shim fixture, and method using an interface shim fixture

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A method for making a connection between a pair of objects includes using a fixture to hold in place shims used to control the gap thickness between the objects. The gap may be subsequently filled with adhesive that is then cured. The fixture may be a flexible piece of material that is able to withstand the cure environment, for example being able to withstand heat used to cure the adhesive. The fixture may facilitate maintaining the proper gap by holding the shims in their proper places and orientation until the adhesive is cured and the shims are removed. The use of the fixture may improve the uniformity of the gap at less effort, and may reduce defects in the adhesive layer, for example by facilitating removal of the shims without disturbing or damaging the adhesive, such as by pulling the shims straight out of their locations in the gap.