Method for joining thermoplastic polymer material
US9296185B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for joining two components includes positioning a thermoplastic polymer portion of a first component adjacent a thermoplastic polymer portion of a second component such that the first and second portions form an interface. At least one of the portions includes a microstructure having a plurality of closed cells, each cell containing a void and each cell having a maximum dimension extending across the void. The method also includes exerting pressure on the thermoplastic polymer portions to form a bond at the interface that holds the portions together. The plurality of closed cells, and especially those adjacent the surface of the thermoplastic polymer portion that form the interface, help isolate thermally and/or chemically the surface from the remainder of the portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.