US 12,391,006 B2
Systems and methods for joining thermoplastic components
Paul G. Werntges, Charleston, SC (US); Gregory J. Hickman, University City, MO (US); and Samuel J. Knutson, Charleston, SC (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Nov. 11, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/054,610.
Prior Publication US 2024/0157655 A1, May 16, 2024
Int. Cl. B29C 65/20 (2006.01); B29C 65/00 (2006.01); B29C 65/78 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 65/20 (2013.01) [B29C 65/7841 (2013.01); B29C 66/73921 (2013.01); B29C 66/91231 (2013.01); B29C 66/91421 (2013.01); B29C 66/9221 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for joining a first thermoplastic component of a workpiece with a second thermoplastic component of the workpiece, the system comprising:
a first joining plate assembly comprising a housing, a heat plate, a thermal insulator disposed between the housing and the heat plate and a release film directly on the heat plate, wherein the heat plate defines a heating surface;
a second joining plate assembly opposed from the heating surface of the first joining plate assembly; and
a clamping assembly engaged with both the housing of the first joining plate assembly and the second joining plate assembly;
wherein the clamping assembly is configured to apply a clamping force that urges the second joining plate assembly toward the first joining plate assembly such that, when the workpiece is between the first joining plate assembly and the second joining plate assembly, the clamping force is transferred by the first joining plate assembly to the first thermoplastic component of the workpiece and by the second joining plate assembly to the second thermoplastic component of the workpiece.