A method is provided for joining a fiber-reinforced joining element, formed from a plastic material, to the joining surfaces thereof by way of an ultrasonic welding method. A concentrator and/or at least one insertion element is arranged in the region of the joining surfaces prior to fusing between the joining surfaces, and the concentrator and/or the insertion element are fused together with the joining surfaces in order to form a positive fit joint therewith after hardening.

A method of resistive implant welding carbon fiber thermoplastic composites which includes providing at least two portions of a component formed with carbon fiber material, the at least two portions of the component each have a welding surface where the at least two portions of the component are welded together. One or more conductors of copper or aluminum mesh material positioned between the welding surface of the two portions. The method includes a forming tool having at least two portions capable of moving between an open position and a closed position. The forming tool has a welding region with non-conductive metal surface areas where electric current is selectively applied to facilitate the welding together of the at least two portions of the component. The forming tool has forming regions with conductive surfaces where the two components are shaped.

A method or apparatus for joining a first component to a second component with an amalgamation plate includes heating the first component, the second component, the amalgamation plate, or combinations thereof, with either a joining tool or a heating element. The components are attached to the amalgamation plate with the joining tool, such that the first component, amalgamation plate, and the second component are fixedly attached to one another, and the amalgamation plate may be substantially surrounded by the first component and the second component, such that it is hidden from exposure. Portions of the amalgamation plate may be embedded into the components via rotation and/or linear force. A portion of the amalgamation plate may be recessed within the joining tool or an anvil before attaching the amalgamation plate to the either component.

An amalgamation plate for joining a first component to a second component has a planar body configured to be placed between the first component and the second component, and a plurality of first protrusions extending from a first side of the planar body. The first protrusions are radially dispersed from an axis of the planar body, and are configured to be embedded within either the first component and the second component. The amalgamation plate may also have a plurality of second protrusions extending from a second side, opposite the first side, of the planar body. The second protrusions are radially dispersed from the axis, and are configured to be embedded within the other of the first component and the second component via application of force substantially along the axis. The first protrusions and the second protrusions may be radially symmetric about the axis of the planar body.

A method of repairing a polymeric composite workpiece. The method comprises identifying a localized area of the polymeric composite workpiece having a defect. A plurality of three dimensional interface structures are aligned adjacent at least a portion of the localized area. The method includes applying a polymeric composite patch to the localized area such that the interface structures are disposed between the polymeric composite workpiece and the polymeric composite patch. An alternating electromagnetic field may be introduced to selectively induce localized heating of the interface structures. The localized heating softens regions of the polymeric composite workpiece and the polymeric composite patch adjacent the interface structures, causing the interface structures to penetrate a distance into the respective polymeric composite workpiece and the polymeric composite patch.

A method for joining a device to an object with the aid of a combination of ultrasonic vibration energy and induction heating, wherein the device includes a portion of a thermoplastic polymer and a susceptor additive wherein this portion is at least partly liquefied or plasticized through the ultrasonic vibration energy in combination with the induction heating and wherein the joining includes establishing a connection between the device and the object which connection is at least one of a positive fit connection, a weld, a press fit connection, and an adhesive connection. The induction heating is applied for rendering the device portion suitable for absorption of ultrasonic vibration energy than other device portions by raising its temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer. The ultrasonic vibration energy is used for liquefying or at least plasticizing the thermoplastic polymer of the named device portion.

A joint including: a first component and a second component; the first component includes a bond region and an array of projections extending from the bond region, wherein the projections are embedded in the second component.

An adaptor for securing a second object includes an anchoring part and an adjustment part, wherein the anchoring part includes a distally facing anchoring surface and a proximally facing first control surface. The adjustment part has a distally facing second control surface positioned to abut against the first control surface. The anchoring part and the adjustment part define a common axis that is not perpendicular to the z direction, wherein the first control surface and possibly also the second control surface is/are helical with respect to the axis. Thereby a relative z position of the adjustment part with respect to the anchoring part is defined by the relative orientation of the adjustment part with respect to the common axis while the second control surface abuts against the first control surface.

Systems and methods are described for applying a self-heating structural adhesive to components of aircraft or other structures. A conductive scrim can be placed in between layers of adhesive for use in joining two components together. Leads can be provided to apply an electrical current to the scrim, which can raise the temperature of the system and cure the adhesives, creating a strong bond with a conductive layer there between.

The invention relates to a method for producing a component (1, 2) consisting of a fibre-reinforced plastic and prepared for the welding of a metal component (4), which comprises at least one fibre element (2) impregnated with a plastic matrix, wherein at least some portions of at least one metal joining partner (1) are integrated into a fibre element, a first section of the joining partner (1) being surrounded by the fibres of the fibre element (2) such that it is in contact therewith, and a second section of the joining partner (1) projecting over a surface of the fibre element (2) or lying at least in the surface, the joining partner (1) being connected, by at least some portions, to the liquid and hardening plastic matrix, especially at least by the first section. The invention also relates to a metal joining partner for integrating into a component consisting of fibre-reinforced plastic in order to weld a metal component (4) thereto.