Resistive Spot Welding High Stack Ratio Metal Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional resistive spot welding technologies face challenges in reliably welding stacks of sheet metal with four or more sheets or a stack ratio of seven or higher, resulting in welds that are not suitable for structural applications due to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a servo-gun resistive spot welding device with two welding tips of differing surface areas, applying a first current pulse followed by a second pulse of longer duration with lower current, and incorporating squeeze pressure to effectively weld stacks of sheet metal, including those with high stack ratios, while maintaining flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional resistive spot welding technologies are used to weld stacks of sheet metal with four or more sheets or high stack ratios, then the welding process can be performed with standard equipment, but the weld reliability and structural suitability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the current waveform from traditional single-pulse to multi-pulse sequences with varying amplitudes and durations. Specifically, it uses a first current pulse at a first amplitude followed by a second current pulse at a second amplitude, where the ratio of amplitudes and durations is optimized to achieve reliable welds in high stack ratio configurations. This parameter optimization enables structural-grade welds without requiring complex specialized equipment.
2Reliability
If specialized high stack ratio welding devices are used, then weld reliability for high stack ratios improves, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes standard servo-gun style spot welders universal by equipping them with programmable power sources that can execute multi-pulse current sequences. This allows a single standardized device to handle both traditional low stack ratio welds and high stack ratio welds by simply changing the current waveform parameters. The system achieves multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining weld reliability.
3Productivity
If multiple welding tips per side are used in high stack ratio devices, then welding capability for thick stacks improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the use of multi-pulse current sequences where current is applied in discrete pulses rather than continuously. The first current pulse creates initial heating and metallurgical conditions, followed by a second current pulse that completes the welding process. This periodic application of current enables effective welding of thick stacks by delivering energy in controlled stages, achieving the productivity of multiple tips while maintaining single-tip device simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables reliable resistive spot welding of high stack ratio metal stacks, ensuring strong welds suitable for structural applications with improved efficiency and reduced costs compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
applying a squeeze pressure to the stack of sheet metal between the first welding tip and the second welding tip
Implementation Method 2
a high current is applied thereto, which current interacts with the resistances of the metal sheets to create heat
Implementation Method 3
current interacts with the resistances of the metal sheets to create heat
Implementation Method 4
This heat in turn melts, fuses, or welds the metal sheets together
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and corresponding methods are disclosed to resistively spot weld a stack of sheet metal having a plurality of sheets of sheet metal. In one embodiment, a method includes contacting a first welding tip to a first side of the stack and contacting a second welding tip to a second side of the stack, the second side comprising a thinnest exterior sheet of the stack, the second welding tip including a contacting surface area less than the first welding tip; applying a squeeze pressure to the stack; and applying a current to the stack by applying a first current pulse for a first duration followed by applying a second current pulse for a second duration longer than the first duration and with a lower current than a current of the first current pulse.


