Method and apparatus for induction welding thermoplastic composite parts

Abstract

The thermoplastic composite laminate component is inductively welded into a unitary structure along the weld joint using an induction coil. The induction coil remains stationary during the welding process and is integrated into a tool configured to mate the component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to joined composite structures, and more specifically to methods and apparatus for induction welding thermoplastic composite parts. Background Technology

[0002] Thermoplastic composite (TPC) parts can be joined together using techniques that create a uniform structure. One technique for joining TPC parts, called induction welding, uses induction coils to heat the parts to their melting temperature, fusing them together along the weld joint. Manipulators, such as those used in gantry robots, are used to move induction coils above the parts along the weld joint, gradually welding the parts together as the coils move.

[0003] The aforementioned welding techniques have several drawbacks. The use of robotic manipulators requires time-consuming motion programming tailored to the specific geometry of the component. Furthermore, induction coils typically have a general geometry that is not optimized for the shape of the component, such as those with curvature or requiring weld widths of varying widths. Using induction coils with generalized geometries involves using a fixed welding formula consisting of welding time, temperature, and current. The use of fixed welding formulas may be undesirable in some component applications with unique electrical requirements.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus for induction welding TPC components that avoids the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to joining TPC components, and more specifically to methods and apparatus for induction welding components. The disclosed methods and apparatus employ an induction coil integrated into a tool and remaining stationary and fixed within the tool during the induction welding process. The tool is configured to match the geometry of the components. The induction coil extends along the entire length of the weld joint between the TPC components, and welds all sections of the weld joint simultaneously rather than incrementally, thereby reducing the time required to perform the welding.

[0006] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided for welding a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component together. The apparatus includes a tool configured to press the first and second thermoplastic components together and an induction coil located on the tool. The induction coil is integrated into the tool and configured to be coupled to a power source that generates an electromagnetic field, which welds the first and second thermoplastic components together by induction heating. The tool and the induction coil remain stationary throughout the welding process, simultaneously forming all sections of the weld joint between the components.

[0007] According to another aspect, a system is provided for welding between a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component along a weld joint. The system includes a tool, an induction coil, a thermal management system, and a controller. The induction coil is integrated into the tool and remains stationary during the welding process. The thermal management system is configured to control the heating / cooling of the thermoplastic component along the weld joint.

[0008] According to another aspect, a method is provided for welding a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component together along a weld joint. The method includes pressing the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component together and forming a weld joint therebetween, including substantially simultaneously melting all sections of the weld joint.

[0009] One advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that the induction coil remains in a fixed, stationary position throughout the welding process, eliminating the need to program the manipulator to move the induction coil during the welding process. Another advantage is that the movement of the manipulator does not need to be programmed. Yet another advantage is that all sections of the weld joint are welded simultaneously, thereby reducing the time required to weld the components together.

[0010] Features, functions, and advantages may be implemented independently in various examples of this disclosure, or may be combined in other examples, where further details can be seen with reference to the following description and figures. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The appended claims set forth novel features that are considered illustrative examples. However, the illustrative examples, their preferred modes of use, further objects and advantages will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the illustrative examples of this disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the combined block and cross-sectional views of two TPC components that are induction welded together.

[0012] Figure 2 It is by Figure 1 An illustration of an enlarged view of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil relative to the welded joint.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The middle is marked as " Figure 3 A diagram of the area marked "".

[0014] Figure 4 This is a plan view of a layer of TPC with woven carbon fiber reinforcement.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an induction coil.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustration showing one form of induction coil integrated into a tool.

[0017] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 6 The illustration shows an alternative form of integrated induction coil.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram of induction coils with two different diameters.

[0019] Figure 9 It has the characteristics of Figure 8 A diagram showing two welded joints of different widths formed by the induction coil.

[0020] Figure 10 This is an illustration of an end view of a blade stringer, showing the use of a tool incorporating an induction coil for induction welding to weld stringer components together.

[0021] Figure 11 This is an illustration showing a cross-sectional view of a TPC blade stringer being induction welded to the TPC wing skin.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a TPC spar being induction welded to the TPC skin.

[0023] Figure 13 This is an illustration showing a cross-sectional view of a TPC rib being induction welded to a TPC skin.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a functional block diagram of a system for induction welding TPC components.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for induction welding TPC components.

[0026] Figure 16 It is a flowchart illustrating the methods for aircraft production and maintenance.

[0027] Figure 17 It is a block diagram illustration of an aircraft. Detailed Implementation

[0028] First refer to Figures 1 to 4 The disclosed embodiments relate to a method and apparatus 20 for induction welding thermoplastic composite (TPC) components together to form a uniform structure. For example, such as... Figures 1 to 3As shown, the TPC assembly 25 may include a first TPC component 22 induction welded to the second TPC component 24 along the mating surface 55, forming a weld joint 26. Each of the first TPC component 22 and the second TPC component 24 includes a reinforcement 28 held in the thermoplastic substrate 31. Figure 4 The laminate 33 of the layer 23) Figure 4 The reinforcement 28 shown is formed of a woven or knitted conductive material, such as, but not limited to, carbon fiber. The thermoplastic substrate 31 can include any suitable thermoplastic material, such as PEEK, PPS, PEI, PAEK, and PEKK, to name just a few. Figure 4 In the example shown, each sheet 23 includes 0° fibers 27 and 90° fibers 29 woven together in an overlapping contact relationship. However, the reinforcement 28 may include other fiber orientations, such as 45° fibers (not shown). Furthermore, the reinforcement 28 may include conductive unidirectional fibers (not shown) with any desired fiber orientation.

[0029] The device 20 generally includes an induction coil 52, a tool 48, a heat sink 42 inserted between the tool 48 and the TPC assembly 25, and a pressure applicator 40. As will be discussed below, in some embodiments, the induction coil 52 may be integrated 34 into the tool 48, such as Figure 1 As shown, in other embodiments, the induction coil 52 may be attached to or otherwise mounted on the tool 48. However, other mounting arrangements are possible for supporting the coil at a desired location extending along the length L of the weld joint 26. In either case, the induction coil 52 is fixed 37 to the tool 48 or other support such that it remains stationary during the induction welding process and is inductively coupled 29 to the first TPC component 22 and the second TPC component 24. As will be discussed below, the coil 52 may have any shape that matches the tool used to clamp / hold the components 22, 24 together during the welding process. Furthermore, the coil 52 may take any number of forms, such as repeated coil turns 65 ( Figure 5 ) or continuous cylinders or tubes ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The induction coil 52 is connected to and powered by the AC power supply 45. Figure 14 The induction coil 52 is positioned above the TPC assembly 25 such that when the induction coil 52 is energized with high-frequency AC power, the mating surface 55 is positioned within the electromagnetic field 54 (EMF) generated by the induction coil 52. The heat sink 42 forms the thermal management system 41, which will be discussed later. Figure 14It is part of the TPC component 25 and inserted between the tool 48. The thermal management system 41 also includes: a temperature sensor 46, such as a thermocouple for sensing the temperature of the radiator 42; and a coolant circulator 56 that removes heat from the radiator 42 by allowing coolant to pass through the radiator 42.

[0030] Temperature sensor 46 transmits temperature signal 47 to controller 44, which will be discussed later. Temperature signal 47 relates to the welding temperature and the temperature of the weld joint. Controller 44 uses temperature signal 47 to control the electrical power supplied to induction coil 52 and the coolant flow from coolant circulator to radiator 42. Pressure applicator 40 may include any suitable device, such as an inflatable bladder that generates pressure 62, which forces TPC assembly 25 against tool 48, thereby pressing the mating surfaces 55 tightly together during the welding process.

[0031] The electromagnetic field 54 generated by the induction coil 52 induces a current (referred to as eddy current 32) that flows through the reinforcement 28, which, as previously described, is formed of conductive fibers. The reinforcement 28 effectively functions as a sensor to absorb the electromagnetic energy generated by the induction coil 52. The eddy current 32 resistively heats the thermoplastic substrate 31 to its melting temperature, causing the joining surfaces 55 to melt together and form a welded joint 26 that fuses the TPC assembly 25 into a unified structure.

[0032] refer to Figure 5 The induction coil 52 is configured to match the shape of the component being welded and / or to achieve a weld joint having one or more features or characteristics unique to the application. In the example shown, the induction coil 52 is geometrically generally helical and has a cross-sectional diameter 66, which may be constant or may vary along the length 64 of the induction coil 52. The induction coil 52 has a length 64 that substantially matches the length L of the weld joint 26 and is formed of conductive wire having a diameter (gauge) 70 suitable for the application. The induction coil 52 may have any number of coil turns 65, each coil turn 65 having a pitch 68 (space) and a cross-sectional diameter 66 suitable for the application. Thus, by selecting specific values ​​for one or more of the following: the size of the coil turns 65, the cross-sectional diameter 66 of the coil 52, the number of coil turns 65, the size of the induction coil 52, the pitch 68 between the coils, and the geometry of the coil, the induction coil 52 is adapted to the geometry of the component and / or weld joint 26. In other embodiments, the induction coil 52 may include a tube ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 (or other forms of electrical conductors) are configured to generate an electromagnetic field 54, which is capable of generating eddy currents required to perform an induction welding process.

[0033] Now for reference Figure 6The induction coil 52 can be integrated into the tool 48, which can be formed of any suitable non-magnetic material. In this example, the heat sink 42 is a separate component inserted between the first TPC part 22 and the tool 48; however, in other examples, the heat sink 42 can be integrated into the tool 48. Figure 7 An alternative embodiment is shown in which the induction coil 52 is encapsulated 35 in a carrier 72, which is removably attached to the tool 48 by any suitable means.

[0034] Now let's turn our attention to... Figure 8 and Figure 9 This illustrates the use of an induction coil 52 with varying diameters, which produces weld joints 26 with varying widths W1 and W2. In the example shown, the induction coil 52 has two segments, 53a and 53b, arranged in series, with different diameters D1 and D2, respectively. Due to the width 38 of the electromagnetic field 54 ( Figure 2 The value depends on the size of the induction coil 52 (in this case, the diameter of the induction coil 52), so Figure 8 The induction coil 52 shown generates a weld joint 26 with two different widths W1 and W2. Therefore, the induction coil 52 can be configured to generate a weld joint 26 of any desired width, including weld joints 26 whose width varies continuously along their length L.

[0035] Equipment 20 can be used to induction weld various TPC components into a single structure, such as the structure forming components of an aircraft. For example, Figure 10 A blade stringer 82, which can be used to reinforce the skin (not shown), is illustrated. The blade stringer 82 comprises two L-shaped members 92, 94, all formed of TPC laminate and induction welded together, and a base 96. The blade portions 84, 86 of the L-shaped members 92, 94 are induction welded together using an induction coil 52a, which is integrated and held in place within a tool 48a. A radiator 42a is inserted between the tool 48a and the blade portions 84. The blade portions 84, 86 are pressed against the tool 48a by a pressure 62 applied using any suitable force applicator (not shown). Similarly, the flange portions 88, 90 of the L-shaped members 92, 94 are induction welded to the base 96 using a tool 48b with separate integrated induction coils 52b, 52c, which extend in length together with the flange portions 88, 90, respectively.

[0036] exist Figure 10In the example shown, the heat sink 42b is positioned between the tool 48b and the base 96; however, in other examples, the heat sink 42b may include two separate sections (not shown) positioned below the flange portions 88 and 90, respectively. Similarly, the tool 48b may include two separate sections. A pressure 62 applied separately to the flange portions 88 and 90 forces them against the base 96 and the tool 48b. As a result of this arrangement, induction coils 52b and 52c generate separate electromagnetic fields (not shown) that weld the flange portions 88 and 90 to the base 96. As in the aforementioned example, induction coils 52b and 52c are integrated into the tool 48b. When the L-shaped members 92 and 94 and the base 96 are induction welded into a single structure, the induction coils 52b, 52c, and 52c remain stationary.

[0037] Now pay attention Figure 11 It shows several L-shaped blade stringers 98 with an induction welded flange 100 to a skin 74. Multiple induction coils 52 are integrated into a tool 48 below the flange 100 of the skin 74 and remain fixed (stationary) during the welding process. A heat sink 42 is integrated into the tool 48 and inserted below the induction coils 52 and the flange 100. A pressure applicator 40 applies pressure 62 during the induction welding process to force the flange 100 against the skin 74.

[0038] Figure 12 Another application is shown where the device 20 is used to induction weld the curved flange 104 of a spar 78 to a skin 110 having a curvature 106 that matches the curvature of the curved flange 104. An induction coil 52 integrated into a tool 48 has a curvature 108 that substantially matches the curvature 106 of the skin 110. Curvature 108 allows the induction coil 52 to uniformly heat the flange 100 along the weld joint 26 and weld it to the skin 74. As in the previous example, a radiator 42 is inserted between the tool 48 and the skin 74, while a pressure applicator 40 is used to generate pressure 62 that presses the flange 80 against the skin 74.

[0039] Now let's turn our attention to... Figure 13 This illustrates a further application of the device 20 for induction welding C-ribs 116 to wing skin 112 of an aircraft, wherein the upper wing skin 112a includes a ramp 122 in thickness. An inflatable bladder 114 placed within the C-ribs 116 acts as a pressure applicator 40, generating pressure 62 that forces the C-ribs 116 against the wing skin 112. A pair of induction coils 52a, 52b, integrated into a fixing tool (not shown), are positioned above and below the wing skin 112, respectively. The induction coils 52a, 52b generate an electromagnetic field (…). Figure 13(Not shown in the image), the electromagnetic field inductively welds the C-rib 116 to the wing skin 112. However, in this example, the induction coil 52a is configured with a protrusion 123 along its length, which roughly matches the ramp 122 in the wing skin 112. The protrusion 123 in the induction coil 52a results in uniform heating of the weld joint 26 between the wing skin 112 and the C-rib 116. As in the previous example, suitable heat sinks 118, 120 are inserted between the tool containing the induction coils 52a, 52b and the wing skin 112.

[0040] Figure 14 Components of one embodiment of an apparatus 20 for induction welding TPC laminated parts into a single structure are shown in general. Alternating current of the desired frequency is applied to the induction coil 52 via an AC power supply 140 operated by a controller 44. The controller 44 may include a PC (personal computer) or one or more processors (not shown). The controller 44 controls the operation based on one or more programs including one or more welding programs stored in a memory 138. The controller 44 also controls the operation of a pressure applicator 40 and a thermal management system 41. As previously described, the thermal management system 41 includes one or more heat sinks 42, a temperature sensor 46, and a coolant circulator 56 that absorbs heat from the heat sinks 42 by allowing coolant to pass through the heat sinks 42, thereby reducing the time required to lower the temperature of the weld joint 26.

[0041] Now for reference Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 14 In use, the first TPC component 22 and the second TPC component 24 are assembled together, and their mating surfaces 55 are in contact with each other, such as... Figure 1As shown. The heat sink 42 is then placed above the TPC assembly 25 and in the area covering the bonding surface 55. A tool 48 containing an integrated induction coil 52 is then placed on the heat sink 42. A pressure applicator 40 is activated to apply pressure 62, which presses the first TPC component 22 and the second TPC component 24 together against the tool 48. The controller 44 then instructs the AC power supply 140 to energize the induction coil 52 with AC current. The induction coil 52 generates an electromagnetic field 54 that induces eddy currents flowing through the first TPC component 22 and the second TPC component 24 in the region of the weld joint 26. The eddy currents heat the first TPC component 22 and the second TPC component 24 to their melting temperatures, causing these components to fuse together along the weld joint 26. During this heating process, a temperature sensor 46 senses the temperature of the heat sink 42 and transmits a temperature signal 47 to the controller 44. When welding is complete, the controller 44 instructs the coolant circulator 56 to deliver coolant through the heat sink 42 as needed to rapidly cool the weld joint 26. At the end of the welding cycle, the controller 44 instructs the AC power supply 142 to remove power from the induction coil 52 and also deactivates the pressure applicator 40, thereby removing the pressure 62 and allowing disassembly of the equipment 20.

[0042] Figure 15 The steps described above for induction welding of TPC components using an induction coil 52, which remains stationary throughout the induction welding process, are illustrated in summary. At 142, the mating surfaces 55 of the first TPC component 22 and the second TPC component 24 are pressed together by a pressure applicator 40. Then at 144, the induction coil 52 is used to melt all sections of the mating surfaces 55 substantially simultaneously, forming a weld joint 26 between the first TPC component 22 and the second TPC component 24.

[0043] The examples disclosed herein can be used in a variety of potential applications, particularly in the transportation industry, including, for example, aerospace, marine, automotive applications, and others, where thermoplastic composite laminate components are joined together to form a unified structure. Therefore, reference is now made to... Figure 16 and Figure 17 Examples of this disclosure can be found in, for example, Figure 16 The aircraft manufacturing and maintenance methods 146 shown are as follows: Figure 17Used in the context of the aircraft 148 shown. The disclosed example aircraft application may include various structural components and sub-components, such as spars, stringers, and other reinforcements. During pre-production, maintenance methods 146 may include the specification and design 150 of the aircraft 148 and material procurement 152. During production, the manufacturing 154 of the aircraft 148's parts and sub-components and system integration 156 are carried out. Thereafter, the aircraft 148 may undergo certification and delivery 158 for entry into service 160. When used by a customer, the aircraft 148 is scheduled for routine maintenance and upkeep 162, which may also include modifications, reconfigurations, refurbishments, etc.

[0044] Each process of maintenance method 146 may be performed or executed by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this specification, a system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and main system subcontractors; a third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, etc.

[0045] like Figure 17 As shown, an aircraft 148 produced by maintenance method 146 may include a fuselage 164 having multiple advanced systems 166 and an interior 168. The fuselage 164 may have any number of components or sub-components including TPC parts induction welded together. Examples of advanced systems 166 include one or more of a propulsion system 170, an electrical system 172, a hydraulic system 174, and an environmental system 176. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles of this disclosure can be applied to other industries, such as the marine and automotive industries.

[0046] The systems and methods embodied herein can be employed during any one or more phases of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance method 146. For example, a component or sub-component corresponding to component and sub-component manufacturing 154 can be manufactured or produced in a manner similar to that of a component or sub-component produced when the aircraft 148 is in use. Moreover, one or more apparatus examples, method examples, or combinations thereof can be utilized during component and sub-component manufacturing 154 and system integration 156, for example, by significantly accelerating the assembly of the aircraft 148 or reducing the cost of the aircraft 148. Similarly, one or more of the apparatus examples, method examples, or combinations thereof can be utilized when the aircraft 148 is in use, for example, but not limited to repair and maintenance 162.

[0047] As used in this article, when used with a list of items, the phrase "at least one of" means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and only one of each item in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of items A, B, and C" can include, but is not limited to, items A, B, and C, or item B. This example could also include items A, B, and C, or items B and C. Items can be specific objects, things, or categories. In other words, it means that at least one of any combination of items and the number of items can be used from the list, but not all items in the list are required.

[0048] Various illustrative examples have been presented for purposes of explanation and description, and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the examples of the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, different illustrative examples may offer different advantages compared to other illustrative examples. The disclosure of various examples, with various modifications suitable for the intended particular purpose, is provided in order to best explain the principles and practical applications of the examples and to enable those skilled in the art to understand them.

Claims

1. An apparatus for welding a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component together, the apparatus comprising: A tool configured to press the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component together; as well as An induction coil located on the tool is connected to a power source that generates an electromagnetic field, which welds the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component together along the weld joint by induction heating.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The induction coil welds the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component together along the weld joint by induction heating.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The induction coil has at least one feature that varies along the length of the induction coil, and wherein the at least one feature is related to the geometry of the thermoplastic part.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The induction coil extends substantially along the entire length of the weld joint between the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The induction coil is fixed and is inductively coupled to the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component along substantially the entire length of the weld joint.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The induction coil is integrated into the tool.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The induction coil is encapsulated within a carrier.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein, The carrier is fixed to the tool.

9. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: A thermal management system configured to control heating of the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component along the weld joint.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The thermal management system includes a heat sink between the induction coil and one of the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component have at least one feature that varies along the length of the welded joint, and The induction coil has at least one feature that varies along the length of the welded joint.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one feature of the welded joint includes one of the following: curvature, and width.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one feature of the induction coil includes one of the following: The cross-sectional diameter of the coil turns, The number of coil turns The dimensions of the coil, The spacing between coil turns, and The geometry of the coil turns.

14. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: A pressure applicator configured to press the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component together along the weld joint.

15. A system for welding between a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component along a weld joint, the system comprising: tool; An induction coil is configured to be connected to a power source and to be inductively coupled to the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component along the weld joint; A thermal management system located between the first thermoplastic component and the induction coil, the thermal management system being configured to control heating of the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component along the weld joint; and A controller configured to control the induction coil and the thermal management system.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising: A pressure applicator configured to press the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component together and abut against the tool.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The weld joint has a length, and the induction coil extends along the length of the weld joint.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The induction coil is stationary and fixed to the tool.

19. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The induction coil is integrated into the tool.

20. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The thermal management system includes a heat sink between the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component and the tool.

21. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The thermal management system includes a temperature sensor connected to the controller and configured to sense the temperature of the weld joint.

22. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The induction coil includes at least one feature that varies along the length of the induction coil.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The at least one feature includes one of the following: curvature, width, The number of coil turns The spacing between coil turns.

24. A method for welding a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component along a weld joint, the method comprising: Press the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component together; as well as A weld is formed between the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component, comprising simultaneously melting all sections of the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component along the weld joint.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, Melting of all sections of the first and second thermoplastic components along the weld joint is performed by induction heating of the first and second thermoplastic components.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, Induction heating of the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component includes: When the induction coil is energized, The induction coil is inductively coupled to the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component.

27. The method of claim 24, further comprising: Control the temperature of the welded joint.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The temperature of the welded joint is controlled using a thermal management system.

29. A method for welding a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component along a weld joint, the method comprising: Press the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component together; as well as Simultaneously control the induction welding temperature along each section of the weld joint.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, Controlling the induction welding temperature includes: The radiator is placed against the welded joint, and Cool the heat sink.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, Controlling the induction welding temperature includes: Sensing the temperature of the heat sink, and The heat sink is cooled based on its temperature.

Images