Method for metal working using high pressure fluid pulses
US6301766A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49956
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus employing an ultra high-pressure fluid pulse to perform metal working operations, including joining and cold working. In one application, an ultra high-pressure fluid pulse is directed into a hollow rivet that is seated within an orifice formed in two metal sheets, causing the fastener to expand outwardly, in an interference fit with the orifice that joins the metal sheets together. The ultra high-pressure fluid pulse can alternatively be applied to the metal sheets to plastically deform them into a cavity to form a clinch fastener joint. Further, the ultra high-pressure fluid pulse is usable to plastically deform the interface between stacked metal sheets or other components into surface features that are provided on one of the sheets, to form a mechanical interlock. Metal or ceramic powders placed between the metal sheets can be used to cause melting of the surfaces of the sheets at their interface upon the application of an ultra high-pressure fluid pulse, thus welding the sheets together with a tack weld. An ultra high-pressure fluid pulse can also be used to cold work an orifice in a metal component, thereby increasing the fatigue life around the orifice …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.