Stretchable Vehicle Structure Sealing Carrier With Patterned Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation industry faces challenges in finding materials for baffling, sealing, and reinforcement that provide improved functionality while reducing weight and cost, as existing solutions often result in increased weight and cost due to the need for additional material for strength, and expandable materials are difficult to control.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming openings in materials that allow them to stretch, enabling customization and reduced material usage by stretching the material to at least 1.3 times its initial length for precise fit and application, with openings alternating to minimize material removal and improve expansion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid materials are used to improve strength, then strength is improved, but weight and cost increase due to additional material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a thin material layer with formed openings that allows the material to stretch and expand to provide reinforcement. Instead of using thick rigid materials, a thin film with strategic openings enables expansion to achieve the desired strength while minimizing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the material by forming openings that allow it to stretch from its initial length to a placement length of at least 1.3 times the initial length. This parameter change enables the thin material to achieve the structural properties of thicker rigid materials.
2Weight of moving object
If expandable materials are used to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but control over expansion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the material by forming openings in repetitive patterns along the material. This segmentation allows controlled expansion in specific directions while maintaining stability, enabling the material to expand predictably to at least 1.3 times its initial length without losing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry by forming openings that are perpendicular to the horizontal axis and alternating patterns where every other opening severs the material at the terminating edge while remaining adjacent openings sever along the horizontal axis. This asymmetric pattern provides directional control over expansion.
3Quantity of substance
If material is stretched to reduce the amount needed, then material usage is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the openings in the material before stretching and application. The openings are created in a repetitive pattern along the material in its initial state, which facilitates subsequent stretching to at least 1.3 times its length and ensures consistent expansion behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a porous structure by forming openings in the material, creating a controlled porous network that allows the material to stretch and expand. This porous design enables the material to be stretched to the required length while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the total amount of material needed.
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 reduces the amount of material required for effective sealing or reinforcement, allows for customized application, and ensures consistent expansion for improved reinforcement and sealing, while maintaining access to the underlying structure for fastening and welding.
Implementation Method 1
The material may then be stretched to a placement length that is at least 1.3 times the initial length
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforcing, baffling, or sealing device for a vehicle structure, the device comprising a carrier, an expandable material applied to the carrier, and openings formed in the carrier. The expandable material is formed of a heat activated material having foamable characteristics. The openings are formed in a repetitive pattern and perpendicular to a horizontal axis of the device. The device is stretched along the horizontal axis.