System and method for bonding structural components
US10688731B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C66/7392
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
System includes a first object having an energy-assisted bonding (EAB) mechanism along a surface of the first object. The EAB mechanism includes a heat-activatable adhesive layer and a carbon-filled (CF) sheet material. The CF sheet material is electrically conductive for resistive heating. A control sub-system is configured to control a coupling actuator to drive an actuator body toward the first object, wherein the actuator body and the first object engage each other. The coupling actuator is configured to apply pressure to the EAB mechanism along the surface of the first object. The control sub-system is also configured to control the power source to apply a current through the CF sheet material of the EAB mechanism to provide thermal energy through resistive heating that activates the adhesive layer along the interface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.