Tailored panel assembly and method of manufacturing the same
US11132986B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2018 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R13/0838
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A panel assembly is formed by a plurality of bonds between two sheet materials in a face to face relationship to form a preform. The plurality of bonds define a closed perimeter region between the two sheet materials and an open perimeter region between the two sheet materials. The preform may be formed into a predefined shape. Pressurized fluid is applied through an inlet into the open perimeter region to expand the preform. The pressurized fluid expands the open perimeter region such that the two sheet materials expand in an opposing direction, thereby defining an expanded open perimeter region. The closed perimeter region between the two sheet materials remains vacant of the pressurized fluid such that the closed perimeter region is not expanded. The expanded open perimeter region is filled with a filler material for improving a performance characteristic of the panel assembly, e.g., strength, sound absorption, or stiffness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.