Methods and apparatus for thermoplastic welding
US10899081B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/3076
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for thermoplastic welding includes at least one tool configured to support first and second thermoplastic composite parts in a first welding position having one or more joint lines between the first and second thermoplastic composite parts. The tool includes a plurality of induction coils. The apparatus further includes a susceptor removably positioned along the one or more joint lines. The susceptor is configured to heat the one or more joint lines when exposed to a magnetic flux generated by the plurality of induction coils to bond the first and second thermoplastic composite parts along the one or more joint lines. The apparatus also includes a susceptor removal device coupled to the susceptor and configured to remove the susceptor during bonding of the first and second thermoplastic composite parts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.