Stud Applicator With Flexible Legs for Curved Surface Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching studs to non-airflow surfaces, such as the inner fixed surface of a thrust reverser, face challenges in securely bonding thermal blankets and control cables due to the need for precise adhesive application and surface compatibility, especially on irregular or curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible applicator system with angled legs and adhesive feet is used to hold a stud in place while an adhesive cures, allowing for secure attachment to various surface types, including planar, concave, and convex surfaces, and can be easily removed once the adhesive has set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible applicator with adhesive feet is used to hold the stud during curing, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for holding the stud and separate flexible legs with adhesive feet for surface attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall reliability while keeping the design manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible legs with adhesive feet act as an intermediary between the applicator body and the surface. They provide a reliable connection during the curing process without requiring complex clamping or fastening mechanisms, thus improving attachment reliability with minimal added complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the applicator uses flexible legs with adhesive feet, then the adaptability to different surface geometries is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the curing time requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible legs change their physical state from flexible during application to rigid after adhesive curing. This parameter change allows the applicator to adapt to various surface geometries during placement, then maintain that position reliably once the adhesive sets, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and operational ease.
3Manufacturing precision
If the applicator body has a receptacle for the stud base, then the manufacturing precision of the attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle in the applicator body is designed to automatically position the stud base through its geometry, which complements the shaped base of the stud. This self-aligning feature improves manufacturing precision without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or complex positioning systems.
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
The system ensures reliable and durable attachment of studs to different surface geometries, maintaining structural integrity and thermal insulation, while allowing for easy removal of the applicator without damaging the surface or the stud.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive 140 is disposed on each anchor foot 130. The adhesive 140 adheres to the surface when each anchor foot 130 is in contact with the surface.
Implementation Method 2
The applicator 100 includes two or more flexible legs 120 extending away from the body 110
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus for applying a stud are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an applicator for temporarily holding a fastener that includes a base and shaft against a contact surface includes a generally planar body having a lower surface, an upper surface, and a receptacle. The receptacle is configured to releasably receive at least a portion of the shaft of the fastener. The applicator further includes at least two legs extending from the body, each leg being movable between a relaxed position and a contact or applied position.