Patent ID: 7278365

Claim:
A mechanically welded structure comprising a first flat and thin metallic structural element extending in a plane and delimited by a straight edge on one side, and a second metallic structural element welded to the straight edge of the first structural element, or welded to an intermediate element connected to the straight edge and inserted between the first and second structural elements, the second structural element exerting, at at least one point of the straight edge, a force resolving into at least one component extending in the plane perpendicular to the straight edge, wherein the first structural element has a stress-relieving slit extending parallel to the straight edge and situated facing the point at which the force is exerted, at least one edge of the stress-relieving slit flexing to allow the stress-relieving slit to open in response to the force, the stress-relieving slit having two opposite ends, and circular holes at the two opposite ends, and the first structural element is reinforced about the circular holes by backing plates.