Sonic weld in place self-tapping screw retainer
US6378480B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/12
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An injection molded screw retainer is employed on an air intake manifold system to retain screws which connect an active system body to a manifold lower assembly. The retainer is substantially “L-shaped” and includes a retaining portion and a substantially perpendicular attachment portion. The retaining portion includes a substantially hemispherical feature positioned substantially over the head of the screw. The oversized attachment portion is inserted within a pocket in the active system body. Ultrasonic energy applied by a sonic welding process slightly melts the outer surface of the attachment portion, creating a weld interference between the attachment portion and the pocket, securing the attachment portion within the pocket.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.