Projection welded fastener with integral sealer
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsJames F. Hengel, Pei-Chung Wang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fastener is provided for projection resistance welding to a panel. The fastener includes a base having a fastening element, such as a threaded stud or a nut integral therewith. Multiple projections formed integral with the base extend therefrom to engage with the panel to be welded to the panel by electric resistance welding. A groove is provided in the base facing the panel and is filled with a heat activated expandable sealer material. Upon heating of the base during the electric resistance welding, or in an oven, the sealer expands to fill and seal any gap between the base and the panel.
Claims18
A fastener for projection resistance welding to a panel;
- comprising:
- a base having a fastening element integral therewith;
- a plurality of projections integral with the base and extending therefrom to engage with the panel for electrical resistance projection welding to the panel;
- a groove provided in the base;
- and a heat activated expandable sealer material deposited in the groove and being heat expanded upon heating of the base to create a seal between the base and the panel.
A fastener for projection resistance welding to a panel having an aperture, comprising:
- a base having a fastening element integral therewith;
- a plurality of projections integral with the base and extending therefrom to engage with the panel and adapted to be electric resistance welded to the panel upon the passage of weld current between the fastener and the panel;
- and a groove provided in the base and containing heat activated expandable sealer material that is heated and electric resistance heating of the sealer during the projection resistance welding of the projections to the panel to seal any space between the base and the panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.