Patent ID: 7698797
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: B21D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of joining adjacent members comprising: placing the members in an overlapping relationship; clamping the members between a die and a blank holder; performing a clinching operation on the members wherein the clinching operation includes using a punch to compress said members against an anvil of said die causing material of said members to flow outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of said punch thereby deforming the members and creating a uninterrupted button shape that forms a mechanical bond between the members; imparting a level of vibrational energy to at least one of the members including providing both of the punch and anvil with a laterally extending contact surface; compressing the adjacent members between the punch and anvil wherein the contact surface of said punch engages one member and the contact surface of said anvil engages the opposite member; and using one of the punch and anvil to impart vibrational enemy to the adjacent members and create relative motion between the members and form a bond between the members after the members have undergone deformation.