Translucent Connecting Element for Light-Cured Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting elements for gluing onto component surfaces face issues with mechanical load resistance and inadequate adhesion due to the use of heat-activatable adhesives, and light-curing adhesives are not effectively activated when the connecting elements are opaque, leading to unreliable fastening.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with a translucent plate and a retaining bolt featuring an anti-extraction anchorage structure that allows light to reach the adhesive, ensuring reliable attachment using light-curable adhesives, and a manufacturing method that integrates the retaining bolt and plate in a single molding step with surface roughness for enhanced light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connecting element is made opaque to provide mechanical strength, then the structural integrity is improved, but the light-curing adhesive cannot be properly activated
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into two distinct parts: an opaque retaining bolt for mechanical strength and a translucent plate for light transmission. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the connecting element have different optical properties - the retaining bolt is opaque while the plate is translucent. This local differentiation of material properties enables simultaneous mechanical strength and light transmission where needed.
2Reliability
If heat-activated adhesive is used to ensure reliable bonding, then the adhesion strength is improved, but the cycle time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal activation with optical activation by using a translucent plate that allows light to cure the adhesive. This substitutes a thermal process with an optical process, reducing cycle time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter of the adhesive from thermal to optical by selecting a light-curing adhesive and providing a translucent plate for light transmission, thereby improving process efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the plate is made thick to provide structural support, then the mechanical stability is improved, but the light transmission to the adhesive is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is designed with localized thickness variation - thicker at the edges for structural support and thinner at the center where light transmission is needed. This local differentiation optimizes both structural stability and light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate features a curved or domed surface that acts as a lens to focus and transmit light more effectively through the plate material to the adhesive layer, compensating for the thickness required for structural support.
4Strength
If the retaining bolt is securely anchored to prevent pull-out, then the mechanical load resistance is improved, but the anchoring structure blocks light from reaching the adhesive
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring structure is segmented into discrete elements that provide mechanical anchorage while leaving gaps between them. These gaps allow light to pass through and reach the adhesive in the anchoring region.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring structure is designed with a porous or perforated configuration that maintains mechanical anchorage functionality while allowing light transmission through the anchoring region to cure the adhesive completely.
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 provides enhanced mechanical load resistance and reliable adhesion by ensuring complete curing of the adhesive, reducing cycle time and improving the durability of the connection between the connecting element and the component surface.
Implementation Method 1
The plate is made of translucent material in which the retaining bolt is fastened via the anchoring with a pull-out-resistant form... adapted for fastening using a light-activated or light-curing adhesive... allowing light from all directions to reach the light-sensitive adhesive beneath the plate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The connecting element 1 for gluing onto a component surface B comprises a retaining pin 10 having a pin section 20 to which a structural component can be attached. An anchoring element 30 of the retaining pin 10 is attached in a disk 40, made of a material which can be penetrated by light, such that a reliable connection is established between the retaining pin 10 and disk 40 on the basis of the rotation-inhibiting and removal-inhibiting shape of the anchoring element.