Resistance welding fastener, apparatus and methods
AssigneeHowmet Aerospace Inc.
InventorsDonald J. Spinella, Daniel Bergstrom
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for fastening dissimilar materials like steel, plastic and aluminum. A resistance welding fastener having multiple layers may be used with or without a sealant. The fastener may be used to form an aluminum covered steel laminate via a hemming pattern of attachment. The fastener may have a solid shaft or have an extended reach and have features for interacting with the welding electrode. A variety of electrode tips may be employed to cooperate with the fastener.
Claims20
A tip for a welding electrode, comprising:
- a first end;
- a second end opposite the first end;
- a first portion extending from the first end to a first location between the first end and the second end,
- wherein the first portion includes a first diameter;
- a second portion extending from the second end to a second location between the first end and the second end,
- wherein the second portion includes a second diameter,
- wherein the first diameter is larger than the second portion, and
- wherein the second end is a radiused end;
- and
- a transition portion from the first location to the second location,
- wherein the transition portion includes
- a first curved wall portion extending from the first location to a third location between the first location and the second location, wherein the first curved wall portion is convex, and
- a second curved portion extending from the second location to the third location, wherein the second curved portion is concave.
A tip for a welding electrode, comprising:
- a first end;
- a second end opposite the first end;
- a first portion extending from the first end to a first location between the first end and the second end,
- wherein the first portion includes a first diameter;
- a second portion extending from the second end to a second location between the first end and the second end,
- wherein the second portion includes a second diameter,
- wherein the first diameter is larger than the second portion, and
- wherein the second end is a radiused end;
- and
- a transition portion from the first location to the second location,
- wherein the transition portion includes
- a first curved wall portion extending from the first location to a third location between the first location and the second location, wherein the first curved wall portion is concave, and
- a second curved portion extending from the second location to the third location, wherein the second curved portion is convex.
A tip for a welding electrode, comprising:
- a first end;
- a second end opposite the first end;
- a first portion extending from the first end to a first location between the first end and the second end,
- wherein the first portion includes a first diameter;
- a second portion extending from the second end to a second location between the first end and the second end,
- wherein the second portion includes a second diameter,
- wherein the first diameter is larger than the second portion, and
- wherein the second end is a radiused end;
- and
- a transition portion from the first location to the second location,
- wherein the transition portion includes an outer surface having a radius, and
- wherein the radius of the outer surface is at least two times the radius of the radiused end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.