Improving mechanical performance of Al-steel weld joints by limiting steel sheet deformation
US10857618B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2018 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2103/20
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of resistance spot welding a workpiece stack-up that includes a steel workpiece and one or more aluminum workpieces involves locally stiffening the steel workpiece to resist steel workpiece deformation. The local stiffening of the steel workpiece is achieved by incorporating an electrode receiving wall into the steel workpiece along with one or more integral elevated portions of the steel workpiece that are disposed at least partially around the electrode receiving wall. The electrode receiving wall includes an electrode-contact surface and an opposed interface contact surface. During welding, a weld face of one welding electrode is pressed against the electrode-contact surface of the electrode receiving wall of the steel workpiece, and electric current is momentarily passed between that welding electrode and another welding electrode on the opposite side of the workpiece stack-up to form a weld joint that bonds to the interface contact surface of the electrode receiving wall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.