US 12,337,410 B1
Systems and methods for filling a void on at least one metal workpiece
Johnny W Dingler, Cullman, AL (US); and Stan Blados, Columbus, OH (US)
Assigned to United Launch Alliance, L.L.C., Centennial, CO (US)
Filed by United Launch Alliance, L.L.C., Centennial, CO (US)
Filed on Jan. 26, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/160,266.
Int. Cl. B23K 20/12 (2006.01); B23K 103/10 (2006.01)
CPC B23K 20/126 (2013.01) [B23K 2103/10 (2018.08)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A welding system for filing a void on a curved metal workpiece, the workpiece having a first surface with a first surface area and an opposite second surface with a second surface area, the second surface defining at least a partially enclosed volume, the workpiece having a first edge and a second opposite edge, comprising:
a metal insert configured to fill the void;
a welder configured to perform a friction stir welding process on the curved metal workpiece and the metal insert, and the welder is capable of being positioned adjacent the first surface;
a support assembly having a first clamp, a second clamp and an extension arm connecting the first and second clamps, the first clamp configured to engage the first edge of the curved workpiece and the second clamp configured to engage the second edge of the curved workpiece; and
an anvil coupled to the extension arm and capable of being positioned adjacent the second surface and opposite the welder, the anvil having a third surface area less than the second surface area of the curved workpiece.