Abstract: An ultrasonic welding apparatus and method for detaching or effecting release of an ultrasonic welding tool stuck or attached to a weldment. The method includes the step of utilizing a mechanism mounted adjacent to the ultrasonic welding tool to hold the weldment in position during welding and/or while the ultrasonic welding tool is withdrawn and, if necessary, using the mechanism to detach the weldment from the ultrasonic welding tool. The method contemplates providing a twist, rotary or axial motion to one of the ultrasonic welding tool or weldment to effect release of the ultrasonic welding tool. The apparatus may include a clamp member having a distinct clamping area or pad located adjacent to the sonotrode or anvil of the ultrasonic welding tool. The clamp mechanism provides vibration control, noise mitigation, and a more uniform boundary condition during welding and facilitates part release upon the completion of the welding process.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding apparatus having an extractable sonotrode. The sonotrode having a non-threaded outer peripheral surface and a tapered mating surface that meets with a correspondingly tapered aperture formed in the end of the reed of the ultrasonic welding apparatus. In the preferred embodiment the ultrasonic welding apparatus includes a sonotrode removal mechanism for extracting the sonotrode from the reed.

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.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding apparatus and method for detaching or effecting release of an ultrasonic welding tool stuck or attached to a weldment. The method includes the step of utilizing a mechanism mounted adjacent to the ultrasonic welding tool to hold the weldment in position during welding and/or while the ultrasonic welding tool is withdrawn and, if necessary, using the mechanism to detach the weldment from the ultrasonic welding tool. The method contemplates providing a twist, rotary or axial motion to one of the ultrasonic welding tool or weldment to effect release of the ultrasonic welding tool. The apparatus may include a clamp member having a distinct clamping area or pad located adjacent to the sonotrode or anvil of the ultrasonic welding tool. The clamp mechanism provides vibration control, noise mitigation, and a more uniform boundary condition during welding and facilitates part release upon the completion of the welding process.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding apparatus having an extractable sonotrode. The sonotrode having a non-threaded outer peripheral surface and a tapered mating surface that meets with a correspondingly tapered aperture formed in the end of the reed of the ultrasonic welding apparatus. In the preferred embodiment the ultrasonic welding apparatus includes a sonotrode removal mechanism for extracting the sonotrode from the reed.

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.