Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
FUNCTIONALLY OPTIMIZED ADHESIVE BEADS

Abstract:

A method of making a roof assembly includes bringing first and second adhesive beads into contact with a roof panel and a roof stiffener to thereby define a chamber. The first adhesive bead forms a continuous perimeter around a first vacuum aperture in the roof stiffener to thereby define a first vacuum chamber. The second adhesive bead defines a second continuous perimeter around a second vacuum aperture in the roof stiffener to thereby define a second vacuum chamber. A vacuum is created in each of the first and second vacuum chambers. An outer periphery of each of the first and second adhesive beads is in direct fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere through a perimeter opening of the chamber.