Friction welded structural assembly and preform and method for same
US7048175B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2101/045
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Expanded structural assemblies and preforms and methods therefor are provided. Each preform can include at least two structural members in a stacked relationship, defining cells that can be inflated to expand the preform. Elongate members can be disposed between the structural members along the cells to define passages through which fluid can be received during expanding. Further, the structural members of the preform can be connected by friction stir weld joints, some of which can extend only partially through the preform so that the preform defines cells that can be expanded. More than one adjacent friction stir weld joint can be disposed between adjacent cells of the preform to define multiple-pass friction stir weld joints.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.