Surface features for locating net substrate buttons to enable self-piercing riveting (spr) on brittle and low toughness materials
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsAndrey Ilinich, Amanda Freis, Garret Huff
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dimpled substrate for use in an assembly having joined substrates is provided that defines at least one preformed interior cavity, at least one preformed exterior profile adjacent the interior cavity and defining a wall therebetween, and at least one locating feature configured to identify a location of the at least one preformed exterior profile. In one form, the locating feature is disposed in the preformed exterior profile or adjacent to the preformed exterior profile. Alternatively, the locating feature is a notch formed into the dimpled substrate away from the preformed exterior profile.
Claims20
A dimpled substrate for use in an assembly having joined substrates, the dimpled substrate defining:
- at least one preformed interior cavity;
- at least one preformed exterior profile adjacent the interior cavity and defining a wall therebetween;
- and
- at least one locating feature configured to identify a location of the at least one preformed exterior profile.
An assembly comprising:
- an upper substrate;
- a dimpled substrate defining:
- a preformed interior cavity;
- a preformed exterior profile adjacent the preformed interior cavity and defining a wall therebetween;
- and
- a locating feature configured to identify a location of the preformed exterior profile;
- and
- a self-piercing rivet extending through the upper substrate and into the preformed interior cavity of the dimpled substrate.
A method of locating a feature for installation of a self-piercing rivet comprising:
- positioning an upper substrate;
- positioning a dimpled substrate adjacent to the upper substrate, the dimpled substrate comprising:
- at least one preformed interior cavity;
- at least one preformed exterior profile adjacent the interior cavity and defining a wall therebetween;
- and
- at least one locating feature configured to identify a location of the at least one preformed exterior profile;
- identifying a location of the locating feature;
- positioning an installation tool adjacent to the locating feature;
- and
- installing the self-piercing rivet through the upper substrate and into the dimpled substrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.