Vehicle Trim Panel Adhesive Joining and Separation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current trim panel manufacturing methods face challenges in achieving reliable and durable adhesion on complex shapes without requiring special tooling, while also allowing for easy separation and recycling of sheets and adhesives.

Innovation Solution

A thermoplastic adhesive with a low viscosity during application, comprising a mixture of polymerized and non-polymerized parts, allows for easy application and distribution on complex surfaces, and can be easily removed with a chemical solvent, enabling the separation of sheets and recovery of the adhesive for recycling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If thermoset adhesives are used to join sheets, then low viscosity during application and good distribution on complex shapes is achieved, but separation and recycling of sheets becomes difficult due to irreversible curing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applicationVSAvoidease of separation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using a thermoplastic adhesive whose viscosity and bonding properties can be changed through temperature. During application, the adhesive is in a molten state with low viscosity for easy application. After cooling, it solidifies to provide strong bonding. For separation, heat is applied again to melt the adhesive, enabling sheet separation and recycling without damaging the sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of the thermoplastic adhesive material. The adhesive transitions from solid to molten state during application for low viscosity and good distribution. After cooling, it transitions back to solid state for strong bonding. For recycling, heat application causes another solid-to-liquid transition, enabling adhesive removal and sheet separation while maintaining sheet integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Ease of repair

If thermoplastic adhesives are used to join sheets, then separation and recycling becomes easier, but viscosity during application remains high making distribution on complex shapes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of separationVSAvoidease of application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using a thermoplastic adhesive whose viscosity and bonding properties can be changed through temperature. During application, the adhesive is in a molten state with low viscosity for easy application. After cooling, it solidifies to provide strong bonding. For separation, heat is applied again to melt the adhesive, enabling sheet separation and recycling without damaging the sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of the thermoplastic adhesive material. The adhesive transitions from solid to molten state during application for low viscosity and good distribution. After cooling, it transitions back to solid state for strong bonding. For recycling, heat application causes another solid-to-liquid transition, enabling adhesive removal and sheet separation while maintaining sheet integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Reliability

If more joining means are applied to ensure reliable joining on complex shapes, then adhesion strength improves, but amount of adhesive used increases reducing economy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion reliabilityVSAvoidamount of adhesive

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using a thermoplastic adhesive whose viscosity and bonding properties can be changed through temperature. During application, the adhesive is in a molten state with low viscosity for easy application. After cooling, it solidifies to provide strong bonding. For separation, heat is applied again to melt the adhesive, enabling sheet separation and recycling without damaging the sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures a strong and durable bond between sheets, optimizes adhesive usage, and facilitates easy separation and recycling, making the process more economical and efficient.

Implementation Method 1

these adhesives rely on polymer chain entanglement to resist mechanical loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

These adhesives are solids at room temperature. Therefore, in order to be used as joining means they have to be melted by heat application

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP4450275A1Trim panel for vehicles and process for manufacturing thereof

Publication Date: 2024.10.23 GRP ANTOLIN ING SA

Figure 1~3
Figure 4

AI summary

Trim panel for vehicles comprising at least two sheets being joined to each other by a removable thermoplastic adhesive having a low viscosity during its application process due to the fact that it comprises a first part not polymerized, a second part polymerized and a thermal radical initiator. According to a second state wherein the adhesive is solid, the first part is polymerized and the adhesive is removable by the application of a chemical solvent.