Patent ID: 6824040
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: B06B,B23K,B29C

Abstract:
A method of vibration welding a workpiece, the method comprising the steps of:fastening a first workpiece portion to a fixed position; fastening a second workpiece portion to a linearly reciprocating member, the reciprocating member operably connected to a flexure assembly comprising a plurality of flexure members, the flexure members developing a spring force responsive to a displacement of the reciprocating member from a relaxed position substantially centered at and defining a zero point, the spring force operable to urge the reciprocating member to return to the relaxed position; energizing a first single winding magnet with direct current power to create a first magnetic field, whereby the reciprocating member is urged in a first direction by the first magnetic field and simultaneously urged towards the relaxed position by the spring force developed by the flexural members when the reciprocating member is displaced from the relaxed position; sensing a location of the reciprocating member with respect to the zero point, the reciprocating member having a first maximum displacement from the zero point toward the first single winding magnet defining a first amplitude and a second maximum displacement from the zero point toward a second single winding magnet defining a second amplitude; and energizing die second single winding magnet with direct current power when the reciprocating member has crossed the zero point while moving towards the first single winding magnet to create a second magnetic field in the second single winding magnet, wherein the second magnetic field is maximized when the reciprocating member is at the first amplitude, thereby urging the reciprocating member in a second direction by a combination of the spring force of the flexure members and the second magnetic field.