Engineering
Ultrasonic Welding with Real-Time Quality Control
WARF: P120081US01
Inventors: Xiaochun Li, Hongseok Choi, Hang Li, Wayne Cai, Jeff Abell, Jingzhou Zhao
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing an ultrasonic welding system that uses thin-film sensors to monitor temperature and heat flux.
Overview
In ultrasonic welding, work pieces are clamped between a horn and anvil and then joined using high-frequency vibration energy. Friction and heat between the surfaces causes them to soften and meld together upon cooling. Battery tabs needed for electric vehicles are formed in this way using ultrasonic energy. However, factors like temperature and heat flux are difficult to assess and control, leading to poor weld quality and reduced battery life.
Introducing a new sensor into the process could help monitor and control factors that are crucial to weld quality.
Introducing a new sensor into the process could help monitor and control factors that are crucial to weld quality.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers and others have developed an ultrasonic welding system that uses thin-film sensors to measure control values, like temperature and heat flux, at the working surface.
The system includes an anvil, welding horn and process controller. The process controller receives measurements taken by the sensors. It then can determine weld quality as the joint is being formed or record the results to help evaluate tool wear.
The thin-film sensors can be commercially available microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors. They may be inserted into slots or attached in the welding device adjacent to the working surface.
The system includes an anvil, welding horn and process controller. The process controller receives measurements taken by the sensors. It then can determine weld quality as the joint is being formed or record the results to help evaluate tool wear.
The thin-film sensors can be commercially available microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors. They may be inserted into slots or attached in the welding device adjacent to the working surface.
Applications
- Quality control and monitoring
- Battery bus bar fabrication for electric cars
Key Benefits
- Temperature and heat flux is monitored in situ.
- Enables real-time process control
- Measurements can be recorded and compared over time.
- Can signal the need for tool repair or replacement
Additional Information
Related Technologies
Tech Fields
For current licensing status, please contact Michael Carey at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9867