Abstract: A method of repairing a first automotive part that includes providing a connector tab and applying a fluidic thermoplastic material to the connector tab and/or the first automotive part to attach the connector tab to the first automotive part. The connector tab comprises: a retainer portion sized to attach to the first automotive part, wherein the retainer portion has a plurality of holes formed therethrough, and wherein the plurality of holes is configured to receive the fluidic thermoplastic material to secure the retainer portion to the first automotive part; and a coupler portion defining a shape corresponding to a portion of the first automotive part, the coupler portion forming a coupler, which is configured to operably engage another coupler of a second automotive part.

Abstract: A repair system that includes a handheld device comprising a first extruder tip having an interior passageway extending between an inlet and a tip outlet, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a solid thermoplastic material and the tip outlet is configured to dispense a fluidic thermoplastic material; a nozzle surrounding the first extruder tip to form an annulus between an interior surface of the nozzle and an exterior surface of the first extruder tip; and a heater that is configured to heat the interior passageway of the first extruder tip such that the solid thermoplastic material becomes the fluidic thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the repair system also includes a gas source in fluid communication with the annulus such that a skirt-shaped curtain of gas extends from the annulus and in a direction towards the tip outlet of the extruder tip.

Abstract: A repair system that includes a handheld device comprising a first extruder tip having an interior passageway extending between an inlet and a tip outlet, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a solid thermoplastic material and the tip outlet is configured to dispense a fluidic thermoplastic material; a nozzle surrounding the first extruder tip to form an annulus between an interior surface of the nozzle and an exterior surface of the first extruder tip; and a heater that is configured to heat the interior passageway of the first extruder tip such that the solid thermoplastic material becomes the fluidic thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the repair system also includes a gas source in fluid communication with the annulus such that a skirt-shaped curtain of gas extends from the annulus and in a direction towards the tip outlet of the extruder tip.

Abstract: A method of repairing a first automotive part that includes providing a connector tab and applying a fluidic thermoplastic material to the connector tab and/or the first automotive part to attach the connector tab to the first automotive part. The connector tab comprises: a retainer portion sized to attach to the first automotive part, wherein the retainer portion has a plurality of holes formed therethrough, and wherein the plurality of holes is configured to receive the fluidic thermoplastic material to secure the retainer portion to the first automotive part; and a coupler portion defining a shape corresponding to a portion of the first automotive part, the coupler portion forming a coupler, which is configured to operably engage another coupler of a second automotive part.