Active material-augmented vibration welding system and method of use
US8011559B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C66/73921
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for controlling welding forces of a weld tip to a work piece during a vibration-welding process includes positioning an Active Material (AM) element adjacently to a welding interface, and varying a property of the AM element to regulate the welding force. The AM element may be disposed between the weld tip and a weld face thereof, or between the work piece and an anvil. The property may be varied as a function of heat generated by the welding process. A property of each of a plurality of AM elements may be independently and selectively varied via an energy source, or passively. A vibration welding system includes a weld tip and an AM element connected adjacently to a welding interface. The system regulates a welding force applied by the weld tip to a work piece during the welding process by varying a property of the AM element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.