Method of bonding panels of dissimilar material and bonded structure

摘要

A method of bonding a first panel made of a first material to a second panel made of a second material is provided. The method includes creating a second panel hole in the second panel at a weld location. An insert composed of the first material is inserted into the second panel hole in the second panel. At least a portion of the insert is fittable in the second panel hole and sized to correspond to the second panel hole. The first panel and the insert are welded together at the weld location, thereby bonding the first and second panels. In one embodiment, the first and second panels are placed between the first and second electrodes of a welding gun. A force is applied to clamp the insert and the first panel between the first and second electrodes and a welding current is delivered. A bonded structure is provided.

主权项

1. A method of bonding a first panel made of a first material to a second panel made of a second material, the method comprising:
creating a second panel hole in the second panel at a weld location; inserting an insert composed of the first material into the second panel hole in the second panel, the insert having first and second portions such that the first portion is wider than the second portion; wherein the first portion of the insert is configured to extend within the second panel hole; wherein respective thicknesses of the second panel and the first portion of the insert are the same; positioning a third panel between the first and second panels; forming a third clearance hole in the third panel, the third clearance hole being substantially coaxially aligned with the second panel hole; wherein the second portion of the insert is configured to extend within the third clearance hole; wherein respective thicknesses of the third panel and the second portion of the insert are the same; securing the first portion of the insert in the second panel hole, including creating a chamfered edge along a surface of the first portion of the insert and creating an inner wall in the second panel hole configured to correspond with the chamfered edge of the insert; and after said securing the first portion of the insert in the second panel hole, welding the first panel and the insert at the weld location, thereby bonding the first and second panels.