Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a friction-stir weldments and systems and methods for producing the same. SOLUTION: A metal product includes a first metal plate 110 having a first center-neutral axis 115, a second metal plate 120 comprising a second center-neutral axis 125 and a friction-stir corner weld that connects the first metal plate to the second metal plate, where the first center-neutral axis of the first metal plate is transverse to the second center-neutral axis of the second metal plate. A system 150 for producing friction-stir weldments includes a backup anvil 160 having a first supporting face 162 and a second supporting face 164, where the first supporting face is adapted to receive and support the first metal plate, and where the second supporting face is adapted to receive and support a second metal plate, wherein the center-neutral axis of the first metal plate is transverse to the center-neutral axis of the second metal plate. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
Portable friction stir welding apparatus having a crawler (200) which supports a motor (308) for rotating a Friction Stir Welding tool (213) and is coupled to a drive mechanism for urging the crawler along a predefined weld path on work pieces. The crawler can comprise one member (201) or a set of two or three physically separated members (201, 202, 203) each rotatably coupled to the friction stir welding tool. When one member is used to make a weld, it is located on top of the work pieces. When two members are used to make a weld, one member is located on the top of the work pieces and the second member is located on bottom of the work pieces. When three members are used to make two welds simultaneously on an upper work piece and a lower work piece, one member of the crawler is located on the top surface of the upper work piece, a second member is located between the two work pieces, and a third member is located on the bottom surface of the lower work piece. The friction stir welding tool for making the weld is rotatably coupled to each member and restricts axial displacement of the physically separate members relative to each other. The members are adapted to engage rails on the work pieces which provide at least one of guiding, alignment, fixturing, torque compensation for the members as the friction stir welding tool is rotated and the crawler is moved along a joint.
Abstract:
Structural connectors (500) for watercrafts, buildings and aircrafts are disclosed. In general, each structural connector includes at least a pair of members (510A, 512A) extending outwardly from and substantially perpendicular to a body (502) of the structural connector, the members spaced apart from one another so as to form a recess (514A) therein between. In some embodiments, the recess may be sized and shaped for receiving supporting members (550) including the likes of stringers and support plates.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to fire-resistant systems, methods, and apparatus. In one embodiment, a fire-resistant system includes a fire-resistant panel and a protected material coupled to the fire-resistant panel. The fire-resistant panel includes a passive layer and a back layer. The passive layer comprises a phyllosilicate material. The back layer comprises an inorganic material and may be coupled to the passive layer. Optionally, the fire-resistant panel may include a secondary layer comprising a functional material, where the functional material comprises one of a phase change material or an endothermic material.
Abstract:
A joint structure (12) is ideally suited for use in the manufacture of assemblies and subassemblies in aluminum structures. More particularly, the alternative joint structures and methods of forming joint structures facilitate the assembly of a vehicle body-in-white. The friction welded joints (42, 52') of this invention provide assemblies in which lineals and sheet, cast, or extruded components are joined together.
Abstract:
A joint structure is ideally suited for use in the manufacture of assemblies and subassemblies in aluminum structures. More particularly, the alternative joint structures and methods of forming joint structures facilitate the assembly of a vehicle body-in-white. The friction welded joints of this invention provide assemblies in which lineals and sheet, cast, or extruded components are joined together.
Abstract:
A tool for making simultaneously a plurality of parallel friction stir welds includes at least one shank for holding in a chuck or collet of a friction stir welding machine, a plurality of friction stir welding pins, and friction stir welding shoulders including at least four working surfaces adjacent said ins, the shoulders and pins mounted in axial relationship; dimensions of said friction stir welding pins and shanks corresponding to dimensions and spacings of said friction stir welds.
Abstract:
A method of welding metal components together including moving a laser beam in a first direction along an interface between a pair of metal components such that in the vicinity of the focused beam, metal from each component is vaporized to produce a keyhole in a pool of molten metal. The laser beam is oscillated in a direction different from (e.g., transverse to) the first direction such that the keyhole oscillates through the pool of molten metal and molten metal fills into the keyhole as the position of the keyhole changes.
Abstract:
A method of welding metal components (24, 26) together including moving a laser beam (20) in a first direction (A) along an interface (22) between a pair of metal components such that in the vicinity of the focused beam, metal from each component is vaporized to produce a keyhole (28) in a pool of molten metal (30). The laser beam (20) is oscillated in a direction (B) different from (e.g., transverse to) the first direction (A) such that the keyhole (28) oscillates through the pool of molten metal (30) and molten metal (30) fills into the keyhole (28) as the position of the keyhole (28) changes.
Abstract:
Friction stir welding tool (10) to facilitate stress reduction within the tool that may include a body (20), a pin (30), a tension member (50), and an end assembly (60), the tension member (50) and end assembly (60) facilitating axial compression of the pin (30). The tension member (50) may be decoupled from the pin (30) and/or body (20) of the tool (10) via one or more decoupling members (62). The end assembly (60) may comprise spring members (64) to provide an axial force to the tension member (50). The pin (30) may include various features to facilitate stress reduction proximal the pin (30).