Tolerance-Absorbing Removable Joint for Sealed Display Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing and part tolerances in devices with sealed cavities can cause issues such as glue squeeze-out, inadequate bonding, or distortion due to over-compression or insufficient sealing between the front panel and back cover, affecting the integrity and appearance of components like vehicle infotainment displays.
Innovation Solution
A device with a fastener assembly comprising a stud, retainer, and adhesive that allows for adjustable coupling of the front panel to the back cover and inner body, accommodating manufacturing tolerances by using threaded components and recessed regions to maintain sealing and reduce distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional adhesive sealing is used between front panel and back cover, then sealing function is achieved, but manufacturing tolerances cause glue squeeze-out or inadequate bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the adhesive from liquid to foam through chemical expansion. The adhesive is applied as a liquid or paste and then transforms into an expanded foam structure, increasing its volume and ability to fill gaps caused by manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliable sealing bonding between the front panel and back cover.
2Reliability
If tape or traditional fasteners are used for sealing, then sealing is achieved, but compression distorts the front panel causing visible distortion effects
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive undergoes a parameter change from liquid to expanded foam, providing gentle expansion force rather than rigid compression. This foam expansion fills gaps without exerting excessive localized pressure that would distort the front panel, achieving sealing while maintaining panel shape integrity.
3Shape
If larger distances are maintained between front panel and back cover to avoid compression, then distortion is reduced, but insufficient bonding or sealing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive's transformation from liquid to expanded foam provides both gap-filling capability and strong bonding. The expansion process occurs after positioning, allowing larger initial distances without compromising final bonding strength, as the foam expands to fill the gap and create strong adhesive bonds throughout.
4Reliability
If smaller distances are used to ensure adequate bonding, then adhesion is improved, but glue squeezes out and becomes visible or affects adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied at a controlled quantity as liquid or paste, then expands in-place to foam. This controlled expansion prevents squeeze-out because the foam forms within the bonding interface, expanding uniformly to fill gaps without excessive pressure that would cause material to extrude beyond the joint.
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 solution effectively compensates for manufacturing tolerances, reducing strain and distortion while ensuring secure bonding and sealing, allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly without damaging seals.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive adheres the first and second faces together
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an inner body, back cover, front panel, and fastener assembly. The front panel is sealingly coupled to a front surface of the back cover. The front panel encloses the inner body within the back cover. The fastener assembly supports the inner body relative to the back cover and includes a first component, second component, retainer, and adhesive. The first component includes a stud and a first face. The stud extends through a rear wall of the back cover. The first face is disposed on a forward side of the rear wall. The second component is coupled to a rear side of the inner body and includes a second face opposing the first face. The retainer removably engages the stud on a rear side of the rear wall to couple the first component to the back cover. The adhesive adheres the first and second faces together.