Abstract: A bonded body formed by frictional pressure-contact, includes: a first member including an end surface and a hollow portion with an opening in the end surface; and a second member including a body portion bonded to the end surface and a protrusion portion protruding from the body portion, the protrusion portion being accommodated in the hollow portion, wherein at least one of an inner peripheral surface of the hollow portion and an outer peripheral surface of the protrusion portion includes an inclined portion inclined to a radial direction of the opening, while the other is in contact with the inclined portion.

Abstract: A method or apparatus for joining a first component to a second component with an amalgamation plate includes heating the first component, the second component, the amalgamation plate, or combinations thereof, with either a joining tool or a heating element. The components are attached to the amalgamation plate with the joining tool, such that the first component, amalgamation plate, and the second component are fixedly attached to one another, and the amalgamation plate may be substantially surrounded by the first component and the second component, such that it is hidden from exposure. Portions of the amalgamation plate may be embedded into the components via rotation and/or linear force. A portion of the amalgamation plate may be recessed within the joining tool or an anvil before attaching the amalgamation plate to the either component.

Abstract: Provided is a projection bolt welding method, which involves welding a projection bolt to a steel sheet component by electric resistance welding. The projection bolt includes a shank, a circular enlarged diameter portion, and a welding projection including an initial fusion portion with a tapered portion and a main fusion portion. A ratio of a volume of the initial fusion portion to a volume of a portion of the steel sheet component having the same diameter as a diameter of the initial fusion portion is selected, or a ratio of a circular area of the initial fusion portion to a sheet thickness of the steel sheet component is selected.

Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, an arc resistant exhaust and intake for medium and high voltage switchgear is provided. In one embodiment, an arc resistant drive system may comprise: a drive cabinet comprising a vent; and an arc resistant shutter plate assembly coupled to the drive cabinet and aligned adjacent to the vent, wherein the arc resistant shutter plate assembly comprises a plurality of shutter plates configured to automatically transition from an open position to a closed position when air pressure inside the drive cabinet exceeds a predetermined value, such that the shutter plates substantially restrict air flow through the vent in the closed position.

Abstract: A method of making a panel assembly that includes forming a thermoplastic panel, placing a thermoset portion into a pocket in a mold, placing an attachment member into the pocket in the mold, positioning the thermoplastic panel in the mold, cooling the thermoplastic panel while heating the thermoset portion to flow at least a portion of the thermoset portion into openings defined in the thermoplastic panel, and cooling the panel assembly so that the thermoset portion hardens, thereby securing the attachment member to the thermoplastic panel.

Abstract: A weld stud including a shank that has a reduced diameter portion, and a larger diameter portion. A weld base is defined on the reduced diameter portion and a flange is positioned on the larger diameter portion. A bore wall extends axially through a face of the flange and into the larger diameter portion. The bore wall has a threaded portion that has a threaded diameter for receiving a fastener. A base diameter of the weld base is smaller than a larger diameter of the larger diameter portion and substantially equal to, or smaller than the threaded diameter. The threaded portion is axially spaced from the face of the flange by a first unthreaded portion, which defines a first unthreaded diameter that is larger than the threaded diameter. These features limit the loads transmitted to the fastener, thus allowing the weld stud to withstand shock loads to prevent fastener failures.

Abstract: A friction welding process includes: providing a first workpiece having a first weld surface, and a second workpiece having a second weld surface; aligning the workpieces with the weld surfaces facing each other, moving one workpiece relative to the other workpiece, and engaging the first and second weld surfaces such that the movement raises the temperature at the weld surfaces to create a weld interface; and ceasing the movement and allowing the weld interface to cool to weld the workpieces together at the interface. The first workpiece has a plurality of flash removal channels formed in and/or adjacent to the first weld surface. The channels provide pathways for ejection of material from the weld interface during welding.

Abstract: A self-integrating insert sleeve assembly, comprising an insert sleeve and an expander pin, for insertion into an aperture of a work piece is provided. Upon installation, the insert sleeve component is incrementally expanded by interaction with the pin, and secured to the aperture of the work piece, such that the resulting aperture of the installed insert sleeve has a predetermined diameter, and the resulting structure now contains compressive residual stresses. Thus, the installed insert sleeve may be employed as a hole repair solution, allowing for the installation of an original size fastener per structural design within a damaged and reconditioned aperture, or simply for enhanced structural fatigue life. The installation of this insert sleeve may be done through various manners, including pull type, push type, and blind type installation processes.

Abstract: What is described is a fuel vaporizer comprising a housing which comprises an inlet opening with an internal thread, an inlet tube which is seated in the inlet opening. According to this disclosure, it is provided that the inlet tube comprises an undercut head and the inlet tube protrudes through a bushing the inside diameter of which is smaller than the outside diameter of the head, wherein the bushing comprises an external thread with which it is screwed into the inlet opening of the housing. What is additionally described is a kit for the production of a fuel vaporizer.

Abstract: A receptacle for a fastener is provided that may be relatively light weight and compact, may reduce the number of parts required for mounting an object to a surface, and may allow for greater flexibility in positioning the fastener. Additionally, a corresponding method for installing a receptacle and mounting an object is provided. The receptacle has an outer housing and a floating insert, and the floating insert is positioned within an internal cavity of the outer housing. A fastener may be inserted into an internal cavity of the floating insert through apertures in the outer housing and the floating insert. The floating insert is configured such that it is movable within the outer housing. As a result, the location of the aperture of the floating insert is adjustable, providing greater tolerances during the installation process.

Abstract: A welding stud including a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank has an end region opposite the head and the end region includes at least two angled surfaces which incline towards an axis of the shank in a direction moving away from the head.

Abstract: A fastening post for a traffic-rated utility vault cover comprising an oblong mass with a tapped hole on its upper surface and a drainage port in its side surface where the upper end of tapped hole intersects with the lower end of drainage port in the interior of the oblong mass to form a smooth junction between these members. This design allows all debris falling into the tapped hole to slide down into the drainage port where it continues to fall and exit the oblong mass through the lower end of the drainage port. Fastening post has overall width that is at least three times that of the bolts or fasteners used to fasten down the hatch to the frame of the utility vault cover. Together with a specifically designed utility vault cover, fastening post provides a vibration-free reversible connection between the hatch and the frame of utility vault cover.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a joining element to a hollow core board with the aid of mechanical vibration. The hollow core board has a first and second outer layers and a middle layer disposed between the outer layers. An opening, including a mouth, is provided in the hollow core board, the opening penetrating the first outer layer and the middle layer. The joining element includes a wall anchoring portion situated between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. A distal end of the wall anchoring portion is positioned into or onto the mouth with a sealing portion on a proximal end of the wall anchoring portion. The wall anchoring portion is forced through the mouth by applying mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the joining element axis, whereby thermoplastic material of the wall anchoring portion is liquefied and pressed into the first outer layer.

Abstract: This invention provides a fastening assembly and a method for manufacturing the fastening assembly. The method for manufacturing the fastening assembly is used for an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes a first case. The method at least includes the following steps. A boss is embedded into a seat by hot melting to allow the boss and the seat to form a first fastening element, and the boss has a screwed hole. Then, the first fastening element is disposed at the first case by hot melting.

Abstract: A component for use with a rotary tool is designed to be inserted through a surface of a workpiece made of a first material showing friction-induced plasticity for attachment to the workpiece. The component has a head portion having a base and a working end being threaded at its outer surface, and further has an insert portion having a penetrating end and extending along an insertion axis. At least an outer surface of the insert portion is made of a second material harder than the first material. The insert portion is provided with a threaded bore closed at its penetrating end and extending along the insertion axis to initially receive the threaded working end.

Abstract: Attachment mechanisms are provided that may be riveted on one end and welded on another flanged end. The flanges may allow the rivets to be welded to a frame or other part without additional support plates. In certain embodiments, the rivets may simplify manufacturing and packaging as well as reduce the weight of the attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanisms may promote load distribution, allow for the use of thinner materials, facilitate attachment to heat treated materials, allow for attachment of parts that are difficult to access, reduce fixturing, and improve manufacturing efficiency, among other things.

Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration includes a proximal end and a distal end that are spaced from one another along an axis of the joining element. A contact face is in the area of the proximal end, the contact face being suitable for being contacted with a vibrating tool for applying, to the joining element, mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the axis. The wall anchoring portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end, and has a circumferential surface being equipped with a plurality of recesses and radially protruding energy concentrating elements between the recesses. A tubular portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end and extends distally from the wall anchoring portion.

Abstract: A component for use with a rotary tool and to be inserted through a surface of a workpiece made of a material showing friction-induced plasticity such as aluminum, is rotated in a first direction while an axial force of a sufficient magnitude is applied onto the component to produce insertion thereof by plasticizing the material through friction. The component includes a connection portion and an insert portion having a penetrating end defining a maximum outer diameter, and an outer surface forming at least one generally circular anchoring recess defining a minimum diameter. The connecting portion is adapted not to substantially deform upon insertion of the insert portion, and a ratio of minimum diameter and maximum diameter is between about 65% and 90%.

Abstract: A welding stud includes a shank and a head flange, which projects radially relative to the shank and whose outer circumference is of polygonal design in order to be able to apply a test torque (T) to the stud by means of a tool. The flange includes an annular section (16) whose front facing and radially extending annular surface is designed as a welding surface. The annular section directly adjoins the flange, and the annular section and the flange form a head section which has a uniform outside diameter (D) throughout, and wherein the polygonal shape of the flange extends over the annular section up to its front annular surface.

Abstract: A thermal expansion joint apparatus includes an insert extending through respective first and second components to loosely restrain the first component between the second component and an enlarged head of the insert, thereby allowing thermal expansion of the respective first and second components relative to each other. The insert is secured to the second component by a fastener which can be removed, for example, when the insert is to be removed from the engine.

Abstract: An automotive fuel tank is provided in which a plurality of mounting members are provided on a built-in part which are fusion bonded to an inner surface of an outer wall of the fuel tank so as to attach the built-in part in place in the fuel tank. An abutment portion is formed on the mounting member which is brought into abutment with an inner surface of the outer wall of the fuel tank. The abutment portion has formed thereon an abutment surface which is made to tightly stick to the inner surface of the outer wall of the fuel tank and elongated projections which project from the abutment surface, whose cross section at their distal end portions is of triangular shape and which penetrate into an interior of the outer wall of the fuel tank, and a height of an apex of the elongated projection from the abutment surface is in the range of 30% to 70% of a thickness of the outer wall of the fuel tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for connecting a metal workpiece and a plastic workpiece by means of a joining tool, including positioning the metal workpiece and the plastic workpiece, bringing the front end of the pin, the sleeve and the clamping ring in contact with an outer surface of the metal workpiece, rotating the sleeve and the pin so as to generate friction between the front ends of the sleeve and the pin and the outer surface of the metal workpiece, and moving the pin and the sleeve in the axial direction while both are rotated, one of the sleeve and the pin penetrating into the metal workpiece and the other of the sleeve and the pin being retracted from the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration comprises a sealing portion and a wall anchoring portion. The sealing portion is substantially cylindrical and has a smooth circumferential surface. The wall anchoring portion has a circumferential surface which comprises the thermoplastic material and energy directors. A cross section of the sealing portion envelops the cross section (including energy directors) of the wall anchoring portion and is arranged adjoining to the latter on its proximal side. The joining element is anchored in an opening provided in the object wherein a cross section of the opening corresponds to the cross section of the sealing portion of the joining element such that the latter can be forced into a mouth of the opening resulting in a press fit. For anchoring the joining element in the opening, mechanical vibrations e.g.

Abstract: A welding stud including a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank has an end region opposite the head and the end region includes at least two angled surfaces which incline towards an axis of the shank in a direction moving away from the head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a friction-welded connection between a plurality of superimposed flat components held together by a connecting member, wherein a collar of said connecting member rests on an upper component and the front end of said connecting member forms a friction-welding zone with a lower component, said friction-welding zone being produced by rotation and pressure of the connecting member. After formation of the friction-welding zone, the rotation of the connecting member ceases at the end of a first step and, in a second step, upon cessation of the rotation of the connecting member prior to contact of the collar with the upper component, a pressure is exerted on the connecting member by a pressure-applying tool, said pressure pressing the collar against the upper component because of a deformation.

Abstract: A welding pin for the aligned joining of structural parts includes a shank that has a flange; on one side of the flange is a welding end and on the other side of the flange is a fastening section. The welding pin also includes a conical section which is arranged between the flange and the fastening section, and tapers in the direction of the fastening section. The welding pin is suitable for a joining arrangement for the aligned joining of structural parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a friction welding joint of a plurality of two-dimensional components positioned on top of each other, which are held together by means of a connecting body, which rests on an upper component by means of a collar. The connecting body is configured as a pipe piece, and the upper component is penetrated by the connecting body having a front annular cutting edge by means of rotation and pressure, wherein the connecting body, after cutting through the upper component with the front thereof and receiving the cut-out material of the upper component in the hollow space thereof, together with the lower component forms a friction welding zone created by means of rotation and pressure of the connecting body.

Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a stud bolt including a bolt portion and a weld end to be welded to a workpiece, and a nut member to be screwed into the stud bolt. The nut member screwed into the stud bolt before welding is formed out of an electrically conductive material to allow the welding current to flow through the nut member into the stud bolt and weld the nut member to the workpiece while connected to the stud bolt. Then an attachment member is disposed on top of the workpiece, and the attachment member is fastened to the workpiece when the nut member is turned in the fastening direction.

Abstract: A drainable container system for a vehicle includes a container defining an interior cavity configured for storing a fluid, and a drain hole configured for draining the fluid from the interior cavity. The drainable container system further includes a drain plug configured for plugging the drain hole, and a weld nut attachable to the container and configured for receiving the drain plug. The weld nut includes a coupling portion matable with the drain plug and having a longitudinal axis, and a flange portion extending from the coupling portion and disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The flange portion defines at least one channel therein configured for conducting the fluid to the drain hole.

Abstract: A floating fastener includes a mounting socket defining therein an annular locating groove, a locking member having a head, a shank and a retaining portion located on the periphery of the shank, a spring member sleeved onto the shank of the locking member and stopped between the head of the locking member and a shoulder in the mounting socket, a cap member affixed to the head of the locking member and axially slidable coupled to the mounting socket, and a locating ring mounted in the annular locating groove of the mounting socket for engagement with the retaining portion of the locking member to prohibit the locking member from floating when bonding the mounting socket to a predetermined metal plate member.

Abstract: A cage nut assembly for a drain pan includes a nut having a barrel with a barrel end and a distal end opposed thereto. A flange at the distal end has a flange face abutting the drain pan inner surface. A threaded bore is defined along a central axis through the barrel and flange. At least one channel is defined in the flange face and allows substantially complete drainage of a fluid from a sump through a single drain aperture. A cage having a plate with a central aperture receives the barrel with substantial clearance to an edge of the central aperture. Leg(s) extend substantially orthogonally from the plate. An attachment projection on the leg(s) attaches the assembly to the drain pan. The assembly accepts a flange bolt removably installed through the single drain aperture. The flange bolt removably compresses a seal around a periphery of the single drain aperture.

Abstract: A weld nut includes a main body and a flange. The flange is extended outwardly from the main body and surrounding the main body, and comprises teeth disposed evenly on the periphery thereof. Mis-positioning of the weld nut is avoided when soldering the weld nut to a printed circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element having a concentric end face forming a frictional surface for friction welding joining to a flat part by rotational force and axial force applied by the fixing element to the part, and having multiple radially oriented ridges on the end face. The ridges are limited in the direction of rotation by a front groove introduced into the friction surface, the ridges rising only slightly over the friction surface in the axial direction and being provided with a scraping surface that pushes the material scraped during the friction welding process into the front groove.

Abstract: A metal plate member fixation device installation method includes the step of preparing a barrel, the step of bonding the barrel to one of two metal plate members to be affixed by a reflow soldering process, the step of providing a screw member and a cap and coupling the screw member and the cap tightly together, the step of preparing a spring member and sleeving the spring member onto the shank of the screw member and then inserting the screw member and the spring member into the barrel at the metal plate member, the step of axially slidably coupling the cap to the barrel to let the spring member be stopped between a step in the barrel and a part of the shoulder of the screw member, and the step of releasing the pressure from the cap to finish the installation.

Abstract: Friction-welded connection between a sheet metal element and a therein inserted rotation body. The sheet metal element is provided with a protruding, circular annular wall as a pressure face, which pressure face is adapted to be engaged by the rotation body with a counter-pressure face. At least one pressure face is of such conicity that the insertion of the rotation body loads the annular wall with increasing pressure, there being formed a friction-welded connection between rotation body and annular wall as a result of rotation of the rotation body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insert comprising a tubular plastic body having a hollow, axially extending threaded interior, and a plurality substantially parallel ribs extending radially outward from the plastic body and along the majority of the length of the insert. The insert is capable of threadable engagement with a threaded fastener, such as a crew, to attach a base to a component.

Abstract: A method for joining a first component made of a plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic material, to a second component by applying a joining element on the first component, wherein the joining element has a supporting plate formed of a thermoplastic and/or thermosetting plastic material and comprising a connecting means and a supporting plate bore. A joining element for creating a junction in accordance with the method, is also disclosed. Furthermore, a device, in particular for performing the method, is disclosed.

Abstract: A welding stud includes a shank and a head flange, which projects radially relative to the shank and whose outer circumference is of polygonal design in order to be able to apply a test torque (T) to the stud by means of a tool. The flange includes an annular section (16) whose front facing and radially extending annular surface is designed as a welding surface. The annular section directly adjoins the flange, and the annular section and the flange form a head section which has a uniform outside diameter (D) throughout, and wherein the polygonal shape of the flange extends over the annular section up to its front annular surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a fastener to the inside wall of a member. The fastener may be a bolt or a nut having a shank and a shaped head with head portions radiating from the shank. A hole is made in the member and has a shape closely corresponding to the shape of the head. The head of the fastener is inserted into the shaped hole and the fastener is reoriented so that the head engages with the inside walls of the member and therefore the fastener cannot be withdrawn. Electric current is applied to the fastener and the member to bond the head to the inside wall of the member either by heat curing an adhesive coating the head or by creating an electric resistance projection weld between the fastener head and the member.

Abstract: A weld stud 10 comprises a weld flange adapted to be welded to a workpiece and a portion integrally formed with the weld flange. The flange has a surface to be welded. The surface includes a flattened annular portion of a predetermined radial width at an outer periphery thereof and a conical recess conically formed from the annular portion to the center thereof, so that only the annular portion is welded to the workpiece.

Abstract: A friction stir nut is disclosed. The friction stir nut includes a body, a cap, and an anti-rotation feature. The body has an elongated cylindrical shank extending between a first end and a second end, the cap being disposed at the second end, and the anti-rotation feature being disposed at the cap and/or an outer surface of the body. The body and cap have a blind axial hole extending from the first end to the second end, the first end being blind and the second end being open. The outer surface of the first end has a flat surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shank, and the body has a cylindrical wall thickness suitable for receiving internal threads. In response to a mandrel tool friction stir welding the friction stir nut to a workpiece and then being extracted, uniform internal threads result at the body. The anti-rotation feature bonds to the workpiece by metallurgical bonding and/or mechanical bonding.

Abstract: A stud for joining onto a flat workpiece, in particular for the purpose of stud welding. The stud including a joining portion, by means of which the joining component can be joined onto the workpiece, and a fastening portion, formed as a single piece with the joining portion and to which at least one further structural element can be fastened. The joining portion including a joining surface that contacts the flat workpiece during joining and has a circumference. There being realized in the joining surface at least one recess that extends transversely relative to the circumference and that divides the joining surface into at least two partial surfaces.

Abstract: A weld nut includes a main body and a flange. The flange is extended outwardly from the main body and surrounding the main body, and comprises teeth disposed evenly on the periphery thereof. Mis-positioning of the weld nut is avoided when soldering the weld nut to a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A threaded weld fitting and a method of welding a threaded weld fitting to the tank wall of a water storage tank are provided. The threaded weld fitting comprises a body defining an aperture and having a facing surface configured to be positioned facing the tank wall. A female thread is formed along the aperture. A first beveled surface portion of the facing surface extends from an edge of the body. A landing surface portion of the facing surface extends from the first beveled surface portion toward a longitudinal axis of the aperture. A second beveled surface portion of the facing surface extends from the landing surface and to the female thread. The landing surface portion and the second beveled surface portion together define an open annular area positioned to receive a portion of a weld formed by welding the threaded weld fitting to the tank wall.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for attachment to a workpiece by a friction stir process. The fastener includes a base having an underside adapted to seat upon the workpiece and a fastener portion attached to the top side of the base. An anchor portion projects from the underside of the base and is adapted to be rotated and advanced at high speed and inserted into the workpiece by friction stirring of the workpiece. The anchor portion is embedded in the workpiece upon cooling of the workpiece. The anchor portion has an indent in the surface thereof enabling the softened stirred material to flow into the indent and thereby mechanically capture the anchor portion within the solidified workpiece.

Abstract: An exemplary connecting structure (30), for connecting a first metal element (31) and a second metal element (32), includes a threaded weld bushing (34) and a fastener (36). The threaded weld bushing includes a main body (340) for being spot welded to the first metal element with a plurality of weld joints, and a collar (342) extending from one end of the main body for abutting the first metal element and connecting to the second metal element, and a fastener latching portion (346) defined in the main body and the collar. The fastener is configured for engaging with the fastener latching portion so as to prevent the second metal element detaching from the threaded weld bushing.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for attachment to a workpiece by a friction stir process. The fastener includes a base having an underside adapted to seat upon the workpiece and a fastener portion attached to the top side of the base. An anchor portion projects from the underside of the base and is adapted to be rotated and advanced at high speed and inserted into the workpiece by friction stirring of the workpiece. The anchor portion is embedded in the workpiece upon cooling of the workpiece. The anchor portion has an indent in the surface thereof enabling the softened stirred material to flow into the indent and thereby mechanically capture the anchor portion within the solidified workpiece.

Abstract: A threaded fastener such as a weld nut or a weld stud has a projection from a surface thereof, with the projection bearing a thread. A weld ring substantially surrounds the threaded projection. In a fastener system using the fastener, a mounting structure has a keyhole including a larger diameter hole and a narrower diameter slot. In the assembly, a portion of the weld ring projects into the slot to resist rotation of the fastener relative to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for projection resistance welding to a panel. The fastener includes a base having a fastening element, such as a threaded stud or a nut integral therewith. Multiple projections formed integral with the base extend therefrom to engage with the panel to be welded to the panel by electric resistance welding. A groove is provided in the base facing the panel and is filled with a heat activated expandable sealer material. Upon heating of the base during the electric resistance welding, or in an oven, the sealer expands to fill and seal any gap between the base and the panel.

Abstract: A drive lug for a torque converter cover, including: a central portion including first and second substantially opposite sides, first and second substantially opposite ends, a threaded opening for receiving a fastener, and a first width between the first and second sides; and first and second wing sections extending length-wise from the first and second ends, respectively. The first and second wing sections have second and third widths, respectively. Respective minimum extents of the second and third widths are less than a minimum extent of the first width. In one embodiment, respective maximum extents of the second and third widths are less than a maximum extent of the first width.