Patent ID: 8651361
Filing Date: 2014-02-18
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method of joining, the method comprising: providing a workpiece including a weld surface that is coextensive with at least a portion of a virtual surface that is symmetric about an axis, the workpiece having an exterior surface that is not symmetric about the axis, the weld surface being a part of the exterior surface; providing at least one component part with a complementary surface that conforms to the weld surface; angularly oscillating the weld surface about the axis; urging the weld surface and the complementary surface together with a first predetermined force for a first predetermined time to create a region of a plasticized material between the workpiece and the at least one component part; urging the weld surface and the complementary surface together with a second predetermined force for a second predetermined time, wherein the second predetermined force is greater than the first predetermined force; discontinuing angularly oscillating the weld surface; urging the weld surface and the complementary surface together with a third predetermined force for a third predetermined time; and, discontinuing to urge the weld surface and the complementary surface together when the plasticized material consolidates and the workpiece and the at least one component part coalesce.