Laser welding of wire strands to an electrode pin
US5269056A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 1992 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49213
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus for butt welding a stranded wire to an electrode pin in close proximity to igniter material using laser beams. The wire and electrode pin are preferably part of an initiator assembly used in an airbag system. In a preferred embodiment, the wire is made of copper and the electrode pin is made of a steel alloy. The wire and pin are vertically aligned in contact with each other, without any external force or pressure applied to them. A plurality of beams contact portions of both materials at the same time, causing them to melt, substantially without any melted material extending beyond the width or diameter of the wire.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.