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. 10, 2018
Filed:
Jun. 23, 2009
Christopher James Clarke, Tarporley, GB;
Roger Stanton Doo, Hope, GB;
Margaret Lucas, Kirkintilloch, GB;
Russell John Trinick, Mold, GB;
Christopher James Clarke, Tarporley, GB;
Roger Stanton Doo, Hope, GB;
Margaret Lucas, Kirkintilloch, GB;
Russell John Trinick, Mold, GB;
Henrob Limited, Flintshire, GB;
Abstract
A joint is produced in at least two overlapping workpieces using a joining tool including a punch reciprocally disposed in a cylinder. The workpieces are disposed between the tool and a die. The tool applies a compressive force to deform the workpieces into a joint at a joining area between the tool and die. Continuous ultrasonic energy is applied to at least one of the workpieces in the joining area for at least part of the time during production of the joint to increase the ductility of at least one of the workpieces in the joining area. This induces an acousto-plastic effect in the material being formed which temporarily reduces its strength so as to exhibit increased ductility. The joining method may be used in self-piercing riveting and clinching techniques and enables viable joints to be formed in high strength materials or thick sheets of material.