Patent ID: 8322593
Filing Date: 2012-12-04
Classification: A61F,A61L,B23K

Abstract:
1. A method of cutting, polishing and then welding together first and second metallic components, in which the respective components are cut to define respective cut surfaces that are to be polished and fitted together, both to define the relative positions of the two components to be fixed by the welding and to provide facing weld surfaces at which the two components can be welded together, the method comprising: i) making a centerline slot along a centerline of the first component, and making a first short slot and a second short slot symmetrically one on each side of the centerline of the first component, each of the first and second short slots having a length less than a length of the centerline slot, the centerline slot and first and second short slots together dividing a portion of the first component into a plurality of portions and creating at least one zone of elastic deformation that deforms when the cut surfaces are fitted together, wherein the first component is a male component and forms a plug having a head portion extending from a stem portion, with the head portion including at least a portion of the centerline slot and being wider than the stem portion, and wherein the second component is a female component defining a socket having a channel portion into which the stem portion is received and a recess portion into which the head portion is received, the recess portion having substantially the same shape as the head portion; ii) polishing the cut surfaces before fitting them together; iii) welding the polished cut surfaces together, wherein the zone of elastic deformation compensates for variations of dimensions at the welding interface and provides the strain that will maintain the correct relative positions of respective components during welding.