Patent ID: 7431194
Filing Date: 2008-10-07
Classification: B23K,B29C

Abstract:
1. A preform for use in forming a structural assembly of predetermined dimensions, comprising: a first structural member defining a joining surface; a second structural member defining a joining surface, said joining surfaces of said first and second structural members defining a cavity therebetween that tapers at an angle from a larger section to a smaller section; and a joining member disposed between said joining surfaces of said structural members, said joining member corresponding to the angle defined by said joining surfaces and joined by friction weld joints to the joining surfaces, wherein each structural member defines a clamping portion extending from the respective structural member, said clamping portions defining clamping surfaces for engaging an aperture of a clamping device, each clamping portion also including an alignment portion for directly engaging the alignment portion of the other clamping portion to define an interface therebetween, wherein the structural members and the joining member are configured to define a space between the joining member and the interface proximate the smaller section of the cavity, said space being configured to receive flash from at least one of the joining member and the structural members.