Methods for joining components by heat staking
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsPei-Chung Wang, Bradley J. Blaski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present technology discloses methods for joining a first workpiece and a second workpiece through a heat stake, and products formed thereby. The first workpiece has an aperture configured to receive a stud positioned on a second workpiece. The system is formed by applying energy to the first workpiece using electrodes, which indirectly heats the stud, at least partially softening material of the stud. Pressure is then applied to the softened material of the stud, and causing the material to form according to a predetermined geometry. After pressure is released, the stud forms a stake forming an interlocked joint connecting the workpieces.
Claims13
A method, for joining a first workpiece to a second workpiece, the first workpiece having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an aperture having a first width, the second workpiece having a third surface and a stud extending from the third surface, the method comprising:
- positioning the first workpiece adjacent the second workpiece with the second surface contacting the third surface and the stud extending through the aperture;
- positioning, axial to a centerline of the stud, an electrical-conducting punching device comprising (i) a first electrode arranged and configured to contact the first surface adjacent the aperture and adjacent the stud, (ii) a second electrode, connectably attached to and electrically isolated from the first electrode and arranged and configured to contact the first surface adjacent the aperture and adjacent the stud, and (iii) a punch movably positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode within the electrical-conducing punching device;
- applying energy using the first electrode to heat a first portion of the first surface of the first workpiece and the second electrode to heat a second portion of the first surface of the first workpiece, wherein the energy is applied to the first portion and the second portion to soften material of the stud;
- and
- compressing, using the punch, the softened material of the stud, yielding a stake forming a joint connecting the first workpiece and the second workpiece.
A method, for joining a first workpiece to a second workpiece, the first workpiece having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an aperture having a first width, the second workpiece having a third surface and a stud extending from the third surface, the method comprising:
- positioning the first workpiece adjacent the second workpiece with the second surface contacting the third surface and the stud extending through the aperture;
- positioning, axial to a centerline of the stud, an electrical-conducting punching device comprising (i) a first electrode arranged and configured to contact a first portion of the first surface adjacent the aperture and adjacent the stud, (ii) a second electrode arranged and configured to contact a second portion of the first surface adjacent the aperture and adjacent the stud, (iii) an insulator positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, and (iv) a punch movably positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode within the electrical-conducing punching device;
- applying energy using the first electrode to heat the first portion of the first surface and the second electrode to heat the second portion of the first surface, wherein the energy applied to the first portion and the second portion to soften material of the stud;
- and
- compressing, using the punch, the softened material of the stud, yielding a stake forming a joint connecting the first workpiece and the second workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.