Localized panel stiffener

Abstract

A device (10) comprising a carrier material (14) and a matrix material (12) deposited onto the carrier material in a pattern that leaves a predetermined amount of space (18) between each deposition of matrix material.

1 . A device comprising:
 a carrier material; and   a matrix material deposited onto the carrier material in a pattern that leaves a predetermined amount of space between each deposition of matrix material.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each deposition of matrix material is about 0.5 mm or more in diameter and about 10 mm or less in diameter. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is capable of bending without breaking. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device will bend under its own weight when held at its end. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the matrix material is an activatable material and the volumetric activation of the matrix material is at least about 100% and less than about 300%. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the matrix material includes a structural adhesive material. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the matrix material includes a sealant material. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each deposition of matrix material is about 1 mm or more in diameter and about 4 mm in diameter or less. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is free of any sharp corners and includes only rounded corners. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined amount of space between each deposition of matrix material is at least about 0.5 mm, at least about 1 mm, at least about 2 mm or even at least about 5 mm. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , including an elastic material deposited onto the carrier material in a pattern that leaves a predetermined amount of space between each deposition of elastic material. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the matrix material and the elastic material are deposited in an alternating pattern onto the carrier. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the matrix material is deposited onto only one surface of the carrier. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is substantially free of any film material. 
     
     
         15 . A device comprising:
 a carrier material; and   a matrix material deposited onto the carrier material and intended for direct contact with a sheet metal surface, wherein the coefficient of thermal expansion of the matrix material is substantially the same as the coefficient of thermal expansion of the sheet metal.   
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the sheet metal is steel. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the coefficient of thermal expansion is at least about 5×10 −6  m/mK. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the coefficient of thermal expansion is at least about 10×10 −6  m/mK. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the matrix material is deposited onto only one surface of the carrier. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the carrier is substantially free of any film material.