Abstract Method and apparatus for deforming a metal workpiece, for upsetting rivets, and for blind riveting which is accomplished by passing a stress wave through the metal workpiece or rivet sufficient to render it momentarily plastic and simultaneously forming it. The apparatus is basically comprised of means for generating a stress wave and a stress wave focussing device or amplifier. In operation, a workpiece is placed in a die or shaping means. The stress wave amplifier is then arranged to direct or focus the stress wave to the metal workpiece. Next, a stress wave is generated and passed through the stress wave focussing device, imparting a momentary state of plasticity to the metal workpiece. The momentarily plastic metal workpiece is then formed or shaped as desired.
A method of setting a blind rivet having a tubular body with a head and extending through the rivet hole of the work to be riveted, a stem extending through said tubular body, the diameter of part of said stem being greater than the inside diameter of said tubular body, said stem having a former which is drawn into the tail of said tubular body, said method comprising: a. generating a stress wave; b. applying the stress wave to the head of said tubular body of said blind rivet; c. controlling the intensity and duration of said stress wave to render said tubular body temporarily plastic; and d. exerting a pressure on said stem counter to and simultaneous with the application of said stress wave to said tubular body to draw said former into said tubular body, creating an interference between said stem and said tubular body and between said tubular body and the walls of said rivet hole and for forming a blind head on the tail of said tubular body and clinching the working.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
176 words
A method of setting a blind rivet having a tubular body with a head and extending through the rivet hole of the work to be riveted, a stem extending through said tubular body, the diameter of part of said stem being greater than the inside diameter of said tubular body, said stem having a former which is drawn into the tail of said tubular body, said method comprising: a. generating a stress wave; b. applying the stress wave to the head of said tubular body of said blind rivet; c. controlling the intensity and duration of said stress wave to render said tubular body temporarily plastic; and d. exerting a pressure on said stem counter to and simultaneous with the application of said stress wave to said tubular body to draw said former into said tubular body, creating an interference between said stem and said tubular body and between said tubular body and the walls of said rivet hole and for forming a blind head on the tail of said tubular body and clinching the working.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of setting a blind rivet as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of generating a stress wave is by the electromagnetic repulsions established by the interaction of a first magnetic field produced by a coil energized by a capacitor bank and a second magnetic field around a driver of suitable conductive material adjacent to said coil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
111 words
The method of setting a blind rivet as defined in claim 2 wherein the step of exerting pressure on said stem comprises: a. establishing a pressure by the electromagnetic repulsion of said first magnetic field produced by said coil and a third magnetic field around a driver of suitable conductive material adjacent to said coil; and b. applying said pressure to said stem to draw said former into said tubular body for creating an interference between said stem and said tubular body and between said tubular body and the walls of said rivet hole and for forming a blind head on the tail of said tubular body and clinching the work.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of setting a blind rivet as defined in claim 3 wherein said second and third magnetic fields are induced in the respective drivers by the magnetic field produced by the coil.