Shiplap Sheet Metal Assembly Adhesive Bead Width Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling motor vehicle body structures using metal sheet stampings with overlapping edges are costly and inefficient, particularly due to the need for shaping edges and complex glue management in junction rabbets, which affects the rigidity and driving comfort of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An assembly of metal sheet elements with spot welds distributed along the rabbet and adhesive cords of reduced width at the ends, where the adhesive cords extend between the welding points and are designed to avoid overflowing, using epoxy-based or elastomeric polyurethane-based glue, and spot welds obtained through electric resistance or laser welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If edges are shaped with projecting portions to control adhesive amount, then adhesive distribution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive bead width is varied locally along its length, being reduced at the ends adjacent to weld points and maintaining average width in intermediate portions. This local variation in adhesive geometry provides precise control over adhesive distribution and prevents overflow at critical locations without requiring complex edge shaping of the metal components.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive beads have uniform width, then application is simpler, but adhesive may overflow near weld points
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive bead is designed with non-uniform width, featuring reduced-width ends at locations adjacent to weld points and average-width intermediate portions elsewhere. This local variation ensures that adhesive quantity is precisely controlled at critical overflow-prone areas while maintaining simple application processes for the overall bead structure.
3Strength
If weld points are distributed closely along the rabbet, then joint strength is improved, but adhesive space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive bead width is locally reduced at ends adjacent to closely-spaced weld points, providing sufficient adhesive quantity in intermediate portions while preventing overflow at locations where space is constrained by the dense weld point distribution. This allows maintenance of high joint strength through close weld spacing without compromising adhesive performance.
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 solution enhances the rigidity of the assembly by optimizing the distribution and width of adhesive and welds, reducing production costs and ensuring the adhesive does not overflow, thereby improving the structural integrity and economic viability of the assembly.
Implementation Method 1
weld points obtained by welding such as electric resistance welding or laser welding
Implementation Method 2
weld points obtained by welding such as electric resistance welding or laser welding
Implementation Method 3
adhesive in the rabbet; the adhesive forming beads extending exclusively between the weld points
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (2) of at least two sheet metal elements (4, 4'), each comprising an edge (6, 6'), said edges being overlapped to form a shiplap joint (8) joining said elements, said edges being assembled by: welding points (10) distributed along the shiplap; and adhesive in the shiplap; the adhesive forming beads (13) extending exclusively between the welding points and and being narrower at the ends (14, 14') thereof, which are adjacent to said welding points. The invention also relates to a method for producing such an assembly (2).