Laser welded manifold

摘要

An intake manifold assembly ( 100 includes an inner shell ( 12 ) that is inserted into an outer shell ( 14 ), and a cover ( 25 ) that seals the open end ( 38 ) of the outer shell ( 14 ). The inner shell ( 12 ) includes dividers ( 16 ) that form air passages ( 18 ). A laser device ( 40 ) is traversed along the outer surface of the outer shell ( 14 ) along a predetermined path ( 44 ) that corresponds with the position of the inner shell ( 12 ) such that a desired laser weld joint ( 45 ) is formed The intake manifold assembly ( 10 ) of this invention includes features and methods of assembly that improve the laser weld joints utilized to assemble the plastic intake manifold assembly ( 10 ). Both design details and clamping detail are described, every known configuration of U type manifolds can be made by this technique. The technique provides high value and low cost. High reliability is a well known feature of laser welding.