Apparatus and system for welding self-fixtured preforms and associated method
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKevin T. Slattery, Christopher H. Swallow
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An assembly for positioning a structural assembly for friction stir welding, and a system and method for friction stir welding the structural assembly are provided. The assembly includes a substrate defining a recessed pattern therein, and at least one structural member positioned within the recessed pattern to at least partially secure the structural member therein. The structural member is positioned adjacent to the substrate and within the recessed pattern such that the substrate and structural member are formed of materials capable of being friction stir welded together.
Claims17
An assembly for positioning a structural assembly for friction stir welding, comprising:
- a substrate having an outer periphery and a recessed pattern defined therein, wherein outer periphery completely surrounds the recessed pattern and the recessed pattern is spaced away from the outer periphery;
- and
- at least one structural member positioned within the recessed pattern to at least partially secure the structural member therein, wherein the structural member includes an outer periphery substantially corresponding to at least a portion of the recessed pattern and first and second opposing surfaces extending therebetween, wherein the first and second opposing surfaces extend substantially parallel to one another and the outer periphery extends substantially perpendicular to the first surface, and wherein the entire first surface extending between the periphery is configured to lie in direct contact with the substrate and within the recessed pattern to define an interface therebetween such that the substrate and structural member are configured to be friction stir welded together along at least a portion of the interface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.