Method for estimating nugget diameter and weld parameters
AssigneeDaimlerChrysler AG
InventorsManohar Das, James W. Strausbaugh, Vernon Fernandez, Gerald Grzadzinski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for estimating weld nugget diameter includes receiving current and voltage inputs, a time input, and a force input. In certain embodiments, the method also uses other weld parameters including type of material, type of stack, stack thickness, applied force, preheat current, RMS value of weld current, weld level, and weld time. The method further determines a resistance curve based on the current and voltage inputs, and time input. It also derives parameters from the resistance curve, and determines a weld nugget diameter estimate based on both resistance parameters.
Claims16
A method for estimating weld nugget diameter, the method comprising:
- receiving current and voltage inputs;
- receiving a time input;
- receiving a force input;
- determining a resistance curve based on the current and voltage inputs, the time input and the force input;
- deriving weld parameters from the resistance curve;
- and
- determining a weld nugget diameter estimate based on weld parameters derived from the resistance curve.
A computerized method for using a neural network to estimate weld nugget diameter, the method comprising:
- receiving current and voltage inputs;
- receiving a time input;
- receiving a force input;
- determining a resistance curve based on the current and voltage inputs, the time input, and the force input;
- using the resistance curve, deriving weld parameters;
- using the weld parameters derived from the resistance curve to operate the neural network;
- and
- operating the neural network to provide a nugget diameter output.
A computerized method for using a neural network to estimate weld parameters, the method comprising;
- receiving a degree of expulsion input;
- receiving a nugget diameter input;
- receiving a shear strength input;
- receiving an indentation input;
- using the degree of expulsion input, nugget diameter input, sheer strength input and indentation input to operate the neural network;
- and
- operating the neural network to provide a weld parameter output.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.