Patent ID: 11518160

Abstract:
A method for non-contact adhesive activation and securement of a decorative skin to a part, including: applying an adhesive to a top surface of the part; applying the decorative skin to the adhesive after it have been applied to the top surface of the part; locating an upper heating element or elements of an upper heating plate or platen adjacent to the top surface of the part; locating a lower heating element or elements of a lower heating plate or platen adjacent to a bottom surface of the part, the bottom surface of the part being opposite to the top surface of the part; activating an adhesive located on the top surface of the part via the upper heating element or elements of the upper heating plate or platen and the lower heating element or elements of the lower heating plate or platen when the upper heating element or elements and the lower heating element or elements are adjacent to the part, wherein the upper heating plate or platen and the lower heating plate or platen do not contact the part and the decorative skin; heating the decorative skin during the activating step without contacting the decorative skin with the upper heating plate or platen and the lower heating plate or platen; moving the upper heating plate or platen and the lower heating plate or platen away from the part after the activating step; and applying pressure to the decorative skin located on the top surface as well as the portion of the bottom surface of the part via an upper plate and a lower plate, wherein portions of the part on the top surface have a curved surface that is covered by the decorative skin, the curved surface being defined by a radius of curvature that is less greater than 0 and less than 25 mm.