Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080201914 | Trim clip - A trim clip for securing a panel to a structural part is disclosed herein. The trim clip includes: a captivating part having an anchor; a body part having a cavity for receiving the anchor; and means for locking the captivating part to the body part. Wherein the body part is engageable with the structural part and has a first flange for seating against the structural part. Wherein the captivating part has a second flange for seating against the panel. Wherein the captivating part and the body part in an unlocked state have a lateral float, an axial float, and an angular tilt float therebetween. Wherein the captivating part and the body part in a locked state have substantially no lateral float, no axial float, and no angular tilt float therebetween. | 08-28-2008 |
20080235932 | Method for positioning and joining panels - A method is provided for precisely positioning and joining first and second sheet panels. A first hole is extruded in the first panel with an annular upstanding wall surrounding the first hole. The first hole has a diameter to fit closely over the locating pin of a support. A second hole is formed in the second panel and has a diameter to fit closely over the annular upstanding wall of the first panel. A bond is created between the first and second panels adjacent to the annular upstanding wall, so that the annular upstanding wall protects the locating pin from being fouled by the bonding material. The bond may be either an adhesive bond or an electric resistance weld or both an adhesive bond and an electric resistance weld and the annular upstanding wall acts as a dam to protect the locating pin from the adhesive or weld splatter. | 10-02-2008 |
20080237303 | Decision method for dressing of welding electrodes - A method is provided for determining that the electrodes of an electric resistance welder are in need of replacement and dressing includes monitoring the rate at which the depth of the weld indentation caused by the electrode changes during the progressive wearing of the electrodes during the making of successive welds. The electrodes are then dressed when it is determined that the rate of change of the depth of the weld indentation formed by the electrodes has substantially leveled off to a stable depth of indentation. | 10-02-2008 |
20090065484 | Welding polymeric panels to metal surfaces - A joining portion of a polymeric component, such as a vehicle door panel, may be welded (for example, a spot weld) to a metal component, such as a mating vehicle panel, using a molded-in-place metallic welding insert. The welding insert is shaped to provide welding surfaces at both surfaces of the joining portion of the plastic component and to conduct a welding current between the surfaces. When the workpieces are assembled for welding, opposing spot welding electrodes bear against the outer surfaces of the metal part and the metal insert in the plastic part. A spot welding operation produces a weld nugget between the facing surface of the metal part and the metal insert anchored in the plastic part. Continuous seam welds or a series of stitch seam welds may be made using suitably shaped welding inserts. | 03-12-2009 |
20090069984 | AUTOMATIC WINDOW REPOSITIONING TO RELIEVE VEHICLE PASSENGER CABIN WIND PRESSURE PULSATION - Methods and apparatus are provided for the detection of conditions indicative of a wind pressure pulsation within the passenger cabin of a vehicle, and for the reduction of the intensity of the pressure pulsation via automatic window repositioning. The apparatus comprises vehicle sensors for detection of a pressure pulsation condition, controllers to process sensor data and issue commands, and power-operated vehicle windows. | 03-12-2009 |
20090162167 | Wire staple for attaching metal sheets - A staple for attaching together first and second metal sheets is made of a length of round wire bent at the ends to form spaced apart depending metal legs, each having a metal piercing point at the end thereof adapted to pierce completely through the first sheet and at least partially through the second sheet and also adapted to spread the legs further apart during the piercing to a spread position in which the legs are anchored within the metal sheets and thereby attach the metal sheets together. The metal piercing points each having an outside bevel surface on the outside of the leg, an inside bevel surface on the inside of the leg, and a blunt end surface between the inside and outside bevel surfaces. | 06-25-2009 |
20090188903 | Method for welding process consistency - A method is provided for monitoring and controlling the process consistency of an arc welding process. The weld voltage signal is monitored and analyzed to determine the occurrence of the detachment of a weld droplet. The weld droplet detachment is determined via statistical techniques as having occurred at a normal interval following a prior detachment indicating consistent weld process or as a sporadic detachment having occurred at an irregular interval with respect to the prior detachment and indicating inconsistent weld process. The weld process is adjusted by controlling the weld process variables to maximize the predominance of droplet detachment at normal intervals and minimize the occurrence of the sporadic detachments. | 07-30-2009 |
20090230723 | VEHICLE CLOSURE ASSEMBLY WITH SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER SEAL - A closure assembly with a shape memory polymer seal is provided for use with a vehicle. The closure assembly includes a frame member configured for attachment to the vehicle body to selectively transition from a closed position to an open position. The seal structure includes a base portion elongated along and attached to a peripheral edge of the frame member or the vehicle body, and a flexible contact portion extending integrally from the base portion and configured for sealing communication with an opposing surface. A thermally-activated smart material (TASM), namely a shape memory polymer member, is disposed inside a cavity within the contact portion. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with the TASM, and is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows therethrough. The TASM is activated in response to the thermal differential of the thermoelectric device, thereby altering at least one physical property of the TASM. | 09-17-2009 |
20090236834 | Retractable Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System For Vehicle Head Rest - An enhanced head-and-neck restraint system is provided for use with a vehicle having a passenger compartment with a seat assembly and a safety belt assembly mounted therein. The restraint system includes first and second collar straps each having an inflatable cushion integrated thereto. A first end of each collar strap is attached to a headrest portion of the seat assembly to transition between a retracted position, in which the collar straps are substantially inside the headrest portion, and a use position, in which each collar strap attaches to a belt webbing of the safety belt system. A fluid dispensing apparatus is in fluid communication with the inflatable cushions, and operable to selectively transition the inflatable cushions from a non-expanded state to an expanded state when the collar straps are in the use position. | 09-24-2009 |
20090259354 | ENERGY ECONOMY MODE USING PREVIEW INFORMATION - A method for improving energy efficient operation of a vehicle includes monitoring vehicle operating characteristics, modeling operation of the vehicle by utilizing the vehicle operating characteristics to estimate energy consumption rates of the vehicle across an allowable vehicle operating range, and generating a control output to the vehicle on the basis of the energy consumption rates. | 10-15-2009 |
20090277880 | Method and System for Welding Workpieces - A method of welding two or more workpieces employing a motion-controlled electrode that reduces temperature and residual stresses at a workpiece-to-electrode interface is disclosed. During a first period of time, a first electrode force is applied to the workpieces to be welded, and a weld current is applied that causes heating of an associated workpiece-to-workpiece faying surface, the first electrode force being applied at a first electrode stroke. A temperature of the faying surface indicative of a weld nugget formation thereat is determined, and in response thereto the electrode force is reduced to a second level during a second period of time while maintaining a constant electrode stroke. During a third period of time, the electrode force is further reduced to a third level while simultaneously reducing the electrode stroke to a second level. Welding is stopped after the third period of time, resulting in a weld joint having reduced residual stresses and reduced likelihood of stress crack formation. | 11-12-2009 |
20100018027 | METHOD OF JOINING WITH SELF-PIERCING RIVET AND ASSEMBLY - A method of joining a multiple member work-piece includes stacking the members of the work-piece on a die such that a first of the members rests on the die. Next, a rivet is driven into the second member until the rivet penetrates the members and deforms. The rivet is then welded to the first member to strengthen the riveted joint. Different mechanisms may be used to accomplish the welding. For example, a laser beam may be directed through a passage in the first die to target the area of the riveted joint to be welded. Alternatively, the die set, rivet, and first member may be arranged to form an electrical circuit that welds the joint via resistance heating. An assembly of a multiple member work-piece and a rivet made according to the method is also provided. | 01-28-2010 |
20100019785 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING ADHESIVE QUALITY - A method and apparatus inspect a quality of an adhesive material used for joining a pair of work surfaces during a weld-bonding process. A pair of work pieces are at least partially bonded by a layer of the adhesive material, and the dynamic displacement of one or both electrodes is measured through a duration of the resistance welding process to determine relative moisture content of the adhesive. A control action is executed when the dynamic displacement exceeds a stored threshold value. The apparatus includes a welding device having a pair of electrodes for providing a clamping force and an electrical current necessary for forming the welded joint, a sensor for measuring a dynamic displacement of at least one of the pair of electrodes and/or another portion of the welding device during formation of the welded joint. A controller has an algorithm for determining a relative moisture using the dynamic displacement. | 01-28-2010 |
20100172716 | Fastener For Attachment By Friction Stir Processing - A fastener is provided for attachment to a workpiece by a friction stir process. The fastener includes a base having an underside adapted to seat upon the workpiece and a fastener portion attached to the top side of the base. An anchor portion projects from the underside of the base and is adapted to be rotated and advanced at high speed and inserted into the workpiece by friction stirring of the workpiece. The anchor portion is embedded in the workpiece upon cooling of the workpiece. The anchor portion has an indent in the surface thereof enabling the softened stirred material to flow into the indent and thereby mechanically capture the anchor portion within the solidified workpiece. | 07-08-2010 |
20110209814 | METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR WELD-BONDING WORKPIECES - A method of weld-bonding a plurality of workpieces to produce an improved peel joint, includes the formation of an adhesive layer and a weld nugget, and the securing of an adhesive cover relative the workpieces during bonding. The method is operable to partially prevent the migration of fluid adhesive material during construction, and to transfer at least a portion of peel loads to the shear strength of the adhesive material in the produced joint. The method may also be performed utilizing other interconnection means such as clinching or riveting. | 09-01-2011 |
20130125467 | NONCONTACT OBSTACLE DETECTION SYSTEM USING RFID TECHNOLOGY - An obstacle detection system includes a first component and a second component. The motor is configured to move the second component toward the first component. Radio frequency identification tags (RFIDs) are connected to one of the first component and the second component. A controller is operatively connected to the motor and has a transmitter operatively connected to the other of the first component and the second component. The transmitter is operable to create a magnetic field between the first component and the second component. Each of the RFIDs is operable to provide a respective signal in response to the field. The controller is configured to modify power delivery from a power source to the motor when the respective signals received by a receiver change due to at least a portion of the magnetic field being at least partially blocked or attenuated. A method of detecting an obstacle is also provided. | 05-23-2013 |
20140138366 | SELF-ADJUSTING WIRE FOR WELDING APPLICATIONS - Disclosed are self-adjusting wires, methods of making these self-adjusting wires, and thermal joining processes (such as gas metal arc welding or laser brazing) and other processes using these self-adjusting wires. The wires have a core of a metal or metal alloy suitable as a joining material in the joining process and an exterior layer of a shape-memory alloy, which may be continuous about the exterior of the core or discontinuous such as a longitudinal strip or strips. The shape-memory alloy of the self-adjusting wire is “trained” to a straight-wire shape in its austenite phase. In using the self-adjusting wire in a process, a bent end of the self-adjusting wire is straightened by heating the self-adjusting wire above the austenite phase transition temperature of the shape-memory alloy. | 05-22-2014 |
20140138367 | SELF-ADJUSTING CLAD WIRE FOR WELDING APPLICATIONS - Disclosed are self-adjusting wires, methods of making these self-adjusting wires, and thermal joining processes (such as gas metal arc welding or laser brazing) and other processes using these self-adjusting wires. The wires have an outer layer of a metal or metal alloy suitable as a joining material in the joining process and a core of a shape-memory alloy. The outer layer may be continuous about the exterior of the core or discontinuous such as a longitudinal strip or strips. The shape-memory alloy of the self-adjusting wire is “trained” to a straight-wire shape in its austenite phase. In using the self-adjusting wire in a process, a bent end of the self-adjusting wire is straightened by heating the self-adjusting wire above the austenite phase transition temperature of the shape-memory alloy. | 05-22-2014 |
20140178152 | FABRICATED-IN-PLACE INSERTS TO RECEIVE SELF-PIERCING RIVETS - One or more ductile metal inserts may be selectively incorporated into articles of limited ductility, including metal castings and molded polymers. The inserts are positioned at joint locations for joining of the article to other articles using self-piercing riveting (SPR). The inserts are of suitable ductility, thickness and strength to receive and retain self-piercing rivets and enable a strong riveted joint between the article and a second article. In an embodiment the articles are magnesium alloy castings formed by any of sand casting, die casting and semi-solid metal casting. The chemical composition of the insert may be informed by the anticipated corrosive environment of the joint and the casting temperature of the magnesium alloy. For magnesium alloy castings which may be exposed to corrosive environments, aluminum alloy inserts are preferred. | 06-26-2014 |
20150034609 | RESISTANCE WELDING WITH MINIMIZED WELD EXPULSION - A system for forming a weld nugget in a metal work piece includes a power supply, actuator, electrodes, and controller. The actuator delivers a variable electrode force to the work piece in response to a force command. The controller executes a method by transmitting a welding current command to the power supply to cause the power supply to output a welding current to the electrodes. The controller transmits the force command to the actuator to apply the variable electrode force, via the electrodes, to the work piece at a first force level. The variable electrode force increases from a second force level immediately upon conclusion of a first duration to minimize weld expulsion. The second force level commences at a point in time in the dynamic resistance profile at which a dynamic resistance value of the work piece decreases at a threshold rate during formation of the weld nugget. | 02-05-2015 |
20150041047 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED ULTRASONIC WELDING USING ENERGY-DIRECTOR-LOCATING ALGORITHM - A process, for locating a welding energy director, for effective welding together of multiple workpieces at an area of the director. The director includes positioning a workpiece arrangement in preparation to make approaches, for locating the director, wherein the workpiece arrangement includes a proximate workpiece of the multiple workpieces, a distal workpiece, and the welding director positioned therebetween. The process also includes performing a sub-routine comprising moving a locating implement toward the proximate workpiece. The routine also includes determining whether a push-back force, being received at the locating implement from the workpiece, indicates that the locating implement has been lowered to a local terminal point. The routine includes relocating, in response to a negative result, the implement for repeating until a positive result, and determining, in response to the positive results in the location determination, that the director is located directly beneath an area corresponding to the positive result. | 02-12-2015 |
20150041070 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED ULTRASONIC WELDING USING A MULTI-HEIGHT ENERGY-DIRECTING DEVICE - A multi-height energy-directing device, for facilitating staged welding together of workpieces. The device includes multiple elements extending from a body, wherein the elements do not all have a same height. Each element of a first group of the elements has a first height while each element of a second group of the elements has a second height differing from the first height. The elements are configured to channel welding energy through the device in a pre-determined manner. The predetermine manner includes channeling the energy through taller, primary, elements, of said elements, in an initial stage of the welding process, while passing none through shorter, secondary, elements, of said elements, in the initial stage. | 02-12-2015 |
20150053328 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR JOINING POLYMERIC COMPOSITES USING CONDUCTIVE INK AND A CONDUCTIVE RIVET - A process, for joining workpieces using hybrid mechanical connector-resistance welding. The process in some embodiments includes introducing a conductive fluid to an interface between the workpieces. The process also includes inserting at least one mechanical conductive connector into at least one of the workpieces so that the connector reaches the interface having the conductive fluid therein. The process in some embodiments includes further applying energy for welding to the at least one mechanical conductive connector so that the energy passes, through the connector, to the conductive fluid and heat is generated in the workpieces at the interface, thereby melting the workpieces and forming a weld joint connecting the workpieces. | 02-26-2015 |
20150059958 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REPAIRING DISCREPANT WELDS USING A SPECIALLY-DESIGNED MECHANICAL INTERMEDIARY - A method, for repairing a discrepant weld in a workpiece arrangement including at least two workpieces, comprising positioning a mechanical intermediary adjacent the discrepant weld and inserting the intermediary through the discrepant weld and into at least a distal workpiece of the two workpieces, wherein upon insertion, a proximate surface of the intermediary is exposed at a proximate side of the workpiece arrangement. The method further includes delivering weld energy to the intermediary. The intermediary is configured, and the weld energy provided, so that energy passes through the intermediary in a pre-determined manner. Energy passing through the intermediary in the pre-determined manner generates heat in material of the workpieces causing the material to melt at an arrangement interface. The method further comprises allowing or causing the material melted to cool, wherein the melted material, when cooled, forms and/or strengthens a robust joint connecting the workpieces. | 03-05-2015 |
20150068660 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADAPTIVE PROCESS CONTROL USING A TARGET KINEMATICS PROFILE IN WELDING TOGETHER MULTIPLE POLYMERIC WORKPIECES - An ultrasonic welding system, for welding together two workpieces wherein at least one of the workpieces includes a polymeric composite, comprising an energy applicator positioned along an action axis so that, in operation, ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the energy applicator during a welding routine, are transmitted to the workpieces generally at and/or adjacent the axis. The system also includes a primary, course-control, actuator positioned along action axis so that a first load, output by the primary actuator, acts along the system action axis. The system further comprises a secondary, fine-control, actuator positioned along the system action axis so that a second load output, by the secondary actuator, acts along the axis. And the system comprises a controller for providing first command signals and second command signals to the primary actuator and second actuator to control them to effect loads on the workpieces, during the welding routine and along the axis. | 03-12-2015 |
20150068662 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR JOINING POLYMERIC COMPOSITES USING A HYBRID FRICTION/ULTRASOUND TECHNIQUE FOR ACHIEVING DESIRED WELD CHARACTERISTICS - A hybrid shaping-and-energizing system, for use in efficiently joining together multiple workpieces while inhibiting establishment of weld material in unwanted areas. The system including a shaping tool configured to form at least one recess in a proximate workpiece of the workpieces to be joined, and a weld-energy applicator connected to the shaping tool and configured to apply weld energy to the proximate workpiece. The recess is formed, and weld energy applied, so that molten workpiece material becomes disposed within the recess, thereby inhibiting formation of weld material in any undesired position. | 03-12-2015 |
20150068663 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REPAIRING DISCREPANT WELDS - A custom weld-repair tool, for use in repairing a discrepant weld between workpieces, including an extended portion and a cavity adjacent the extended portions. The discrepant weld includes an insufficient primary portion and the tool is configured to, when the extended portion is in contact with a proximate one of the workpieces, channel welding energy, received at or generated at the tool, to the proximate workpiece via the extended portion, to form or enlarge a weld at a periphery of the primary portion or directly adjacent the primary portion. | 03-12-2015 |