Adhesive creep fixture
AssigneeHonda Motor Co., Ltd.
InventorJason Ruminski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention provides a test apparatus capable of testing an adhesive bond in multiple loading modes, such as in tension and in shear. The test apparatus includes a test frame, a force generator, and a force transfer arm. The test frame is configured so that the force generator may be attached to the test frame in a plurality of locations, where each location allows for a different loading mode to be tested. The test apparatus also may be used within an environmental chamber for testing the adhesive bond at extreme environmental conditions.
Claims20
A testing apparatus comprising:
- a first testing surface;
- a second testing surface adhered to the first testing surface with a layer of an adhesive;
- a first wall associated with the first testing surface;
- a second wall attached to the first wall, wherein the second wall is positioned orthogonally to the first wall;
- a force generator associated with the second testing surface, wherein the force generator can generate a constant force;
- a force transfer arm associated with the force generator, wherein the force transfer arm transfers the constant force from the force generator to the second surface;
- the force transfer arm associated with the second testing surface with a ball joint so that the force generator is rotatably attached to the second testing surface;
- wherein the testing apparatus tests the adhesive capability of the adhesive in a first mode when the force transfer arm extends through the first wall so that the force generator is positioned against the first wall;
- wherein the testing apparatus tests the adhesive capability of the adhesive in a second mode when the force transfer arm extends through the second wall so that the force generator is positioned against the first wall;
- and wherein the force transfer arm is rotated on the ball joint to move from the first mode to the second mode.
An adhesive tester comprising:
- a frame;
- a force generator attached to the frame for generating a test force;
- a force transfer arm configured to transfer the test force from the force generator to an adhesive layer disposed between a glass surface and a second surface;
- a ball joint attaching the force transfer arm to the second surface;
- wherein the force generator may be attached to the frame in any one of a plurality of orientations;
- and
- wherein the ball joint isolates rotational forces from being transferred from the force transfer arm to the second surface.
A method of testing an adhesive, the method comprising the steps of:
- positioning a force generator on a test frame in a first mode configuration;
- removably attaching a first test surface to the force generator with a force transfer arm, wherein the first test surface is adhered to a glass surface with a first layer of an adhesive, and wherein the force transfer arm is attached to the first test surface with a ball joint;
- applying a first load until the first layer of the adhesive fails;
- rotating the force transfer arm on the ball joint to position the generator on the test frame in a second mode configuration;
- adhering the first test surface to the glass surface with a second layer of the adhesive;
- and
- applying a second load until the second layer of the adhesive fails.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.