Securing a second object to a first object
US11911972B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 2022 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/737
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of mechanically securing a first object including a thermoplastic material in a solid state to a second object with a generally flat sheet portion, with a perforation of the sheet portion, and with the sheet portion having an edge along the perforation is provided, wherein the first object is positioned relative to the second object so that the edge is in contact with the thermoplastic material and wherein mechanical vibration energy is coupled into the assembly including the first and second objects until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material due to friction heat generated between the edge and the thermoplastic material becomes flowable and flows around the edge to at least partially embed the edge in the thermoplastic material. After the mechanical vibration stops, the thermoplastic material is caused to re-solidify, whereby the re-solidified thermoplastic material at least partially embedding the edge anchors the first object in the second object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.