Caterpillar Inc.

Daniel J Lingenfelser

Timothy A Vik

Jeffrey Paul Nash

Todd Edwin Moser

Engineers have found that use of a slot and tab method to assemble a fabrication assembly is limited to fabrication assemblies that will be subjected to relatively low stress. In order to expand the use of the slot and tab method to fabrication assemblies that are subjected to relatively higher stress, the present invention increases the fatigue resistance of a welded slot and tab joint. A fabrication assembly includes a first fabrication element including a perimetric inner surface defining a slot and a second fabrication element including a tab. The tab includes a shoulder that includes a perimetric side surface. The tab is cooperative with the slot to lock the first fabrication element to the second fabrication element. At least one of the perimetric inner surface and the perimetric side surface includes portions that are oriented to one another at an angle different than 0&#xb0; and 90&#xb0;. The geometry of at least one of the shoulder of the tab and the perimetric inner surface defining the slot can increase the fatigue resistance of the welded slot and tab joint.

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Chillicothe, IL, United States of America

Daniel J Lingenfelser