Actively controlled vibration welding system and method
US8408445B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K20/26
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vibration welding system includes a controller, welding horn, an active material element, and anvil assembly. The assembly may include an anvil body connected to a back plate and support member. The element, e.g., a piezoelectric stack or shape memory alloy, is positioned with respect to the assembly. The horn vibrates in a desirable first direction to form a weld on a work piece. The element controls any vibrations in a second direction by applying calibrated response to the anvil body in the second direction. A method for controlling undesirable vibrations in the system includes positioning the element with respect to the anvil assembly, connecting the anvil body to the support member through the back plate, vibrating the horn in a desirable first direction, and transmitting an input signal to the element to control vibration in an undesirable second direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.