Friction stir welding apparatus and associated thermal management systems and methods
US7121448B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K37/06
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a friction stir welding apparatus and associated thermal management systems and methods for joining one or more similar or dissimilar materials forming a workpiece along a joint to be welded. The friction stir welding apparatus includes a pin tool apparatus selectively disposed adjacent to and in direct contact with a first surface of the workpiece along the joint to be welded and a heating member disposed adjacent to a second surface of the workpiece along the joint to be welded, the heating member operable for controllably heating at least a portion of the workpiece adjacent to the joint to be welded. The friction stir welding apparatus also includes an annular spindle having an interior portion and an axis, the interior portion of the annular spindle at least partially defining one or more cooling channels, the one or more cooling channels operable for containing a cooling fluid. The friction stir welding apparatus further includes a shoulder disposed adjacent to the annular spindle and substantially aligned with the axis of the annular spindle and a pin tool disposed adjacent to the shoulder and substantially aligned with the axis of the annular s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.