Variable-Property Adhesive Seams for Composite Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining methods for composite structures, such as those in automobile construction, face challenges in adapting adhesive seam characteristics to varying requirements, leading to complex and costly production processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves varying the additive proportion in a single adhesive system during application to locally adjust the adhesive properties, using separate additive and adhesive reservoirs connected via a supply line system, allowing for continuous application and precise dosing of additives to meet specific connection requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different adhesives are used to adjust adhesive seam characteristics, then the adhesive properties can be optimized for varying requirements, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the additive content in the adhesive at different positions along the adhesive seam. The supply system includes multiple additive reservoirs (first additive reservoir, second additive reservoir) that can independently dose different additives into the adhesive stream at different locations, enabling local adjustment of adhesive properties such as flexibility or stiffness according to specific structural requirements at different joint locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by using a single adhesive base component that can serve multiple functions through the addition of different additives. Instead of requiring multiple different adhesive formulations stored in separate reservoirs, the system uses one universal adhesive reservoir that can be modified along the application path to produce adhesives with different properties, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single adhesive system is used for all requirements, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to adapt to varying local requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple additive reservoirs in the supply system, each containing specific additives that will be dosed at predetermined locations along the adhesive seam. The control unit is pre-programmed with the dosing schedule and locations, enabling automatic adjustment of adhesive properties without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the adhesive application process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple additives are dosed into the adhesive, then adhesive properties can be precisely adjusted, but the dosing system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the adhesive base component itself as an intermediary carrier that transports and distributes the additives along the application path. The additives are dosed into the moving adhesive stream, which acts as a conveyor medium, eliminating the need for separate complex delivery mechanisms for each additive. The control unit coordinates the dosing of multiple additives into this single flowing medium, simplifying the overall architecture compared to having separate delivery systems for each adhesive formulation.
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 enables flexible and uniform production with reduced adhesive costs, allowing for high production flexibility and precise adjustment of adhesive properties along the bonded seam, accommodating different material expansion coefficients and operational loads.
Implementation Method 1
the hardener initiates the curing reaction through the application of heat. For example, curing takes place in a temperature range of 130° to 220°C
Implementation Method 2
the thermally or chemically activatable adhesive starting component (for example, a resin monomer) is supplied by the vendor ready-to-use with a pre-mixed hardener
Implementation Method 3
the adhesive base component and the hardener are intensively mixed together during the adhesive application in a supply system leading to the application nozzle
Implementation Method 4
The resulting hybrid structure is typically subjected to a cathodic dip coating (e-coating) process to guarantee its corrosion resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a joining method for producing a component connection, in which the joining partners (1, 3) are joined at a bonded seam (3) which has at least one adhesive characteristic, such as ductility or rigidity, the size of which varies over a bonded seam application length (I) varies depending on varying requirements, with a liquid or pasty adhesive starting component (12) together with at least one additive (10) for setting the characteristic value being applied to at least one joining partner (1, 3) over the application length (I) by means of an application unit . According to the invention, the proportion of additives in the adhesive starting component (12) is varied during the application process in order to vary the adhesive characteristic over the application length (I) of the bonded seam (3).