Injectable structural adhesive

Abstract

Injectable structural adhesives, methods of using the same, and products formed therewith, are described. The adhesive is introduced through a first opening into an internal cavity formed between two or more components. The adhesive is then permitted or forced to flow through the internal cavity, substantially filling the cavity, until it reaches a second spaced opening. Any air contained within the internal cavity is removed by the flow of the adhesive.

1 . A bonded component system, comprising: 
 a first component;    a second component adjacent to the first component, the second component defining at least two spaced apertures;    wherein an area defining an internal cavity is formed between the first component and the second component; and    an adhesive material disposed within the cavity sufficient to bond the first component to the second component and provide structural support to the bonded component system, wherein a sufficient amount of the adhesive material is introduced into the cavity through either of the apertures such that the adhesive material reaches an area proximate to the other spaced aperture.    
     
     
         2 . The invention according to  claim 1 , wherein the apertures are substantially opposed from one another.  
     
     
         3 . The invention according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive material is pumped into the cavity.  
     
     
         4 . The invention according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive material substantially completely fills the cavity.  
     
     
         5 . The invention according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive material is comprised of an acrylic-type adhesive material.  
     
     
         6 . The invention according to  claim 1 , wherein a suction source is applied to the other spaced aperture so as to draw at least a portion of the adhesive material towards an area proximate to the other spaced aperture.  
     
     
         7 . A method for forming a bonded component system, comprising: 
 providing a first component;    providing a second component adjacent to the first component, the second component defining at least two spaced apertures;    wherein an area defining an internal cavity is formed between the first component and the second component; and    disposing an adhesive material within the cavity sufficient to bond the first component to the second component and provide structural support to the bonded component system, wherein a sufficient amount of the adhesive material is introduced into the cavity through either of the apertures such that the adhesive material reaches an area proximate to the other spaced aperture.    
     
     
         8 . The invention according to  claim 7 , wherein the apertures are substantially opposed from one another.  
     
     
         9 . The invention according to  claim 7 , wherein the adhesive material is pumped into the cavity.  
     
     
         10 . The invention according to  claim 7 , wherein the adhesive material substantially completely fills the cavity.  
     
     
         11 . The invention according to  claim 7 , wherein the adhesive material is comprised of an acrylic-type adhesive material.  
     
     
         12 . The invention according to  claim 7 , wherein a suction source is applied to the other spaced aperture so as to draw at least a portion of the adhesive material towards an area proximate to the other spaced aperture.