E-MOBILITY
are being deployed, including one system which was developed with Audi back in 2014. Called the TSSD (Thermischer Stoff-Schluss-Dom), which translates into English as ‘thermal adhesive bonding boss’, this 9mm diameter fibreglass reinforced thermoplastic polymer boss found its first live application came when designers needed a way to create a fast high-strength joint in a parcel shelf manufactured from a PUR fibreglass and paper honeycomb composite. The TSSD is a joining process which involves installing the plastic
TSSD in a polypropylene honeycomb plus polypropylene glass fibre top layer with a pull-out force of 800 N
The TSSD installed in a parcel shelf application
The TSSD in paper honeycomb plus PUR glass fibre top layer. Pull-out force of 900 N
boss with a certain rotational speed, which generates heat to create a bond, and axial load. Once inserted, the TSSD boss can then be used in conjunction with either the Ejot Delta PT or Evo PT screw. It was co- developed with a partnering OEM of installation equipment in Germany, but it has since evolved in the
UK
to incorporate different drive options, including a full automated system and handheld DC tools. Several variants have been developed too, including a boss with a ball-headed ‘snap-on’ connector moulded in and a male and female hinged connection. Fast-forward to 2023 and TSSD
The TSSD in polypropylene glass fibre foam plus polypropylene glass fibre top layer with a pull-out force of 1,900 N
is now playing a key role in EV design, as one application for a premium British vehicle manufacturer demonstrates. In the development of a new model, which includes EV versions within the range, Ejot was
approached by the design team to explore the potential of using TSSD to overcome a similar challenge to that which Audi faced in 2014. In this latest application, the vehicle
manufacturer will used closed cell foam with fabric stiffener for the parcel shelf, into which the TSSD boss will be inserted to accommodate the parcel shelf hinge pin. The resulting fastening element enables this manufacturer to utilise lightweight materials to reduce the overall vehicle weight, whilst at the same time delivering a secure joint that reflects the premium quality throughout the vehicle.
Dan Lunn is an Application Engineer UK South at Ejot.
www.ejot.co.uk
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