Rivet with sliding cap and extendable stirrer for friction stir riveting
US6702535B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49968
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A friction stir rivet is rotated and driven through a first fusible workpiece into an engaged second fusible workpiece, causing local portions of the first and second workpieces to plasticize. A slideable cap contacts the exposed surface of the first workpiece shortly after the process begins. The cap acts as a retaining element limiting plasticized material from escaping during the process. As the rivet is further driven into the members the cap slides up the rivet and actuates an angled stirring member to increase the stir radius around the body of the rivet. Once the rivet is driven into the first and second workpieces, rotation is stopped and the plasticized material cools and hardens around the rivet, creating a weld joining the workpieces and encompassing the rivet, which provides additional mechanical strength.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.