초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for permanently joining two or more metallic vehicle frame components using magnetic impulse welding techniques. The vehicle frame may include a pair of similar or dissimilar tubular side rail members in multiple sections joined together by a plurality of transversely extendin

A method and apparatus for permanently joining two or more metallic vehicle frame components using magnetic impulse welding techniques. The vehicle frame may include a pair of similar or dissimilar tubular side rail members in multiple sections joined together by a plurality of transversely extending tubular or "C" of "U" shaped cross members. A plurality of similar or dissimilar material brackets are joined to the side rails and/or cross members to facilitate the attachment of other portions of the vehicle to the vehicle frame. These components are joined via an overlap joint between two individual side rail sections, a cross member section and a side rail section, or a bracket and a side rail section or a cross member section. The first component and the second component, if tubular side rails, are sized so that they may be disposed telescopically with clearance. Similarly, the first component and second component, if a cross member/side rail, a bracket/cross member, or a bracket side/side rail combination are sized and/or positioned so that some clearance exists between the components. An electromagnetic coil is provided for generating a magnetic field that causes the first component and the second component to move toward one another. Portions of the electromagnetic coil are disposed on either side of the side rail sections. A first end of the electromagnetic coil is connected through a switch to a first side of a capacitor, while a second end of the electromagnetic coil is connected directly to a second side of the capacitor. A source of electrical energy is provided for selectively charging the capacitor to store a quantity of electrical energy. By closing the switch, electrical energy is passed from the capacitor through the electromagnetic coil. Consequently, an intense electromagnetic field is generated about the first and second components. This force causes the first and second components to move toward each other at great velocities, when they meet, the large pressures produced on impact cause the first and second components to weld or molecularly bond.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for permanently joining a first metallic vehicle frame component with a second metallic vehicle frame component where said first metallic vehicle frame component is chosen from a group consisting of a tubular side rail and an open channel side rail and said

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for permanently joining a first metallic vehicle frame component with a second metallic vehicle frame component where said first metallic vehicle frame component is chosen from a group consisting of a tubular side rail and an open channel side rail and said second metallic vehicle frame component is chosen from a group consisting of a tubular side rail, an open channel side rail, a tubular cross member, an open channel cross member, and a bracket, said apparatus comprising:means for supporting portions of said first and said second metallic vehicle frame components adjacent to one another;an electromagnetic coil;a source of electrical energy; andmeans for selectively connecting said electromagnetic coil to said source of electrical energy so as to generate an electromagnetic field adapted to cause said first and said second metallic vehicle frame components to move into contact with one another at a high velocity so as to cause said first and said second metallic vehicle frame components to be permanently joined together.