Joining thermoplastic workpieces with induction heating
US10933590B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2019 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2507/04
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of joining workpieces includes the steps of bringing a first workpiece and a second workpiece together, induction heating a susceptor material, and pressing the workpieces together. Each workpiece may include a thermoplastic material, and the workpieces are brought together at a joint interface so that a protrusion of the first workpiece is aligned with a receptacle of the second workpiece. The susceptor material is in contact with the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece during heating such that the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece softens. The step of pressing is performed while the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece is softened, thereby reshaping the first workpiece where the susceptor material is in contact with the thermoplastic material of the first workpiece. The protrusion is deformed to form an interlock with the receptacle at the joint interface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.