Method and apparatus for producing a hybrid connection
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorSelahattin Tuerel MEMILI
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for producing a connection between a sandwich element and a metal element is disclosed herein. In this method, the sandwich element has an interlayer arranged between two cover elements. The method includes providing the sandwich element and the metal element; placing the sandwich element and the metal element in face-to-face contact at least partially overlapping; adding a fastener from the sandwich-element side while a base of the fastener extends within the sandwich element; and friction welding, from the metal-element side, to form a hybrid connection having a mechanical connection between the fastener and the sandwich element and a welding connection between the fastener and the metal element.
Claims10
A method for producing a connection between a sandwich element and a metal element, wherein the sandwich element has an interlayer arranged between two cover elements, comprising at least the steps:
- providing the sandwich element and the metal element;
- placing the sandwich element and the metal element in face-to-face contact at least partially overlapping;
- adding a fastener from the sandwich-element side, wherein a base of the fastener extends within the sandwich element;
- and
- friction welding, from the metal-element side, to form a hybrid connection having a mechanical connection between the fastener and the sandwich element and a welding connection between the fastener and the metal element.
A connection assembly comprising:
- a sandwich element having an interlayer between two cover layers;
- a metal element;
- a supporting arm having first and second ends;
- a supply and holding device mounted to the first end to introduce a fastener into the interlayer;
- and
- a friction welding device mounted to the second end to weld the metal element to the fastener to form a hybrid connection between the sandwich element and the metal element having a mechanical connection between the fastener and the sandwich element and a welding connection between the fastener and the metal element.
A method for connecting a sandwich element and a metal element comprising:
- driving a fastener into the sandwich element placed upon the metal element such that a base of the fastener is disposed within the sandwich element;
- and
- friction welding the metal element to the fastener to form a hybrid connection including a mechanical connection between the fastener and the sandwich element and a welding connection between the fastener and the metal element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.