The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 20, 2010
Filed:
Feb. 02, 2005
Elizabeth Hetrick, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Larry Reatherford, Clarkston, MI (US);
Jan Skogsmo, Molndal, SE;
Elizabeth Hetrick, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Larry Reatherford, Clarkston, MI (US);
Jan Skogsmo, Molndal, SE;
Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, MI (US);
Jaguar Cars Limited, Whitley, Coventry, GB;
Abstract
An apparatus and method for joining adjacent members, wherein the members are placed in an overlapping layered relationship. The members are clamped between a die and a blank holder. Once clamped, a clinching operation is performed on the members to create at least a partial bond between them. In addition to the clinching operation, a level of vibrational energy is imparted to at least one of the members to reduce clamping force requirements, promote material flow and deformation and provide increased joint strength.