Method and apparatus for joining multiple components
US8528187B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53996
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of joining multiple components includes stacking the components vertically. Each component includes two opposite substantially planar surfaces that are arranged in a column when the components are stacked. The method also includes placing the stacked components in a clinch-crimping apparatus having a first punch, a second punch, and a crimping element. The method also includes displacing a section of the substantially planar surfaces of the stacked components by driving the first punch in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surfaces. The method additionally includes retracting the first punch from the displaced section and crimping the displaced section by the crimping element to form a crush initiator. The method additionally includes disengaging the crimping element from the crimped, displaced section. Furthermore, the method includes clinching the crimped, displaced section by driving the second punch in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.