Laser welded air control valve and method

摘要

An engine air control valve assembly (10) includes a valve shaft (12) and a valve plate (14) made from composite polymeric plastics that are formed to be welded together by infrared laser welding. In a preferred embodiment, the valve shaft (12) includes an intermediate portion (20) with a longitudinal open groove (22) along one side. The valve plate (14) is formed with a raised central portion (28) that engages the valve shaft (12) in assembly. A tongue (32) extends inward from the raised portion (28) of the plate (14) and is fitted into the shaft groove (22) after assembly of the shaft (12) into a valve body (18). The tongue (32) is softened by a laser beam applied to the tongue/groove interface, thereby welding the valve components (12, 14) together in the installed location.