Magnetic pulse welding and forming for plates
AssigneeDana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
InventorsBoris A. Yablochnikov, Eve S. Steigerwalt, Tom O'Neil, Jack A. Kummerow
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of welding two workpieces together is described. A conductor in electrical communication with a pulse circuit is provided. A portion of the second workpiece is located adjacent the conductor. The two workpieces are also located together. A portion, or all, of one workpiece is welded to the other by applying a pulse current to one of the workpieces. A method of forming a workpiece is disclosed using a pulse current to move the workpiece into a desired shape.
Claims27
A method of welding two workpieces together, comprising:
- providing a first workpiece, the first workpiece being substantially flat;
- providing a second workpiece, the second workpiece having a substantially flat portion and an embossed portion formed therein;
- providing a conductor in electrical communication with a pulse circuit;
- placing the embossed portion of the second workpiece adjacent the conductor, the second workpiece in electrical contact with the pulse circuit and the conductor;
- abuttingly disposing the first workpiece against the substantially flat portion of the second workpiece;
- welding the embossed portion of the second workpiece to the first workpiece by applying the pulse current to the second workpiece;
- restraining the first workpiece and the second workpiece against a restraining member.
A method of welding workpieces together, comprising:
- providing a first workpiece;
- providing a second workpiece, the second workpiece having an embossed portion formed therein;
- placing the first workpiece against the second workpiece so that the embossed portion extends from the first workpiece;
- placing the embossed portion adjacent a conductor;
- welding the embossed portion of the second workpiece to the first workpiece by applying a pulse current through the embossed portion;
- restraining the first workpiece and the second workpiece against a restraining member.
A method of forming a workpiece, comprising:
- providing a first workpiece;
- placing the first workpiece in direct contact a first electrical contact and placing the first workpiece in direct contact with a second electrical contact, said second electrical contact in electrical communication with a magnetic field generating portion;
- applying a pulse current through said first electrical contact to travel through said first workpiece in a first direction to said second electrical contact;
- creating a magnetic field by routing said pulse current in a second direction, opposite said first through said magnetic field generating portion;
- forming said first workpiece into at least a portion of a restraining member located adjacent said first workpiece;
- restraining the first workpiece and the second workpiece against said restraining member.
A method of attaching two workpieces, comprising:
- providing a first non-planar workpiece;
- providing a second non-planar workpiece;
- locating a restraining member adjacent said first workpiece and said second workpiece to restrain said workpieces, said restraining member having a complimentary shape to said first workpiece;
- locating a magnetic field generating portion adjacent said second workpiece, said magnetic field generating portion having a complimentary shape to said second workpiece;
- positioning an insulator between said magnetic field generating portion and said second workpiece;
- providing a first contact for delivering a pulse current through said second workpiece to a second contact in a first direction, said pulse current extending through said magnetic field generating portion in a second direction, opposite said first direction, to develop a magnetic field that drives said second workpiece into welded contact with at least a portion of said first workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.