Patent ID: 7225967
Filing Date: 2007-06-05
Classification: B23K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a preform for a structural assembly having a predetermined configuration, the method comprising: reciprocatingly moving a first structural member relative to a base member and urging the first structural member against a first surface of the base member, thereby forming a plasticized region of material between the first structural member and the base member and linear friction welding the first structural member to the base member such that the first structural member is joined to the base member and defines a connection surface extending from the base member at an angle relative to the first surface of the base member; and reciprocatingly moving a second structural member relative to the base member and the first structural member and urging the second structural member against the base member and the connection surface of the first structural member, thereby forming a plasticized region of material between the second structural member and each of the base member and the first structural member and linear friction welding the second structural member to the base member and the first structural member such that the second structural member is joined to the base member and the first structural member, wherein the first and second structural members are joined to the base member in a configuration corresponding to the predetermined configuration of the structural assembly.