Locally reinforced foam-filled composite components for vehicle body structures and methods of making the same
US11358647B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D29/043
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Presented are structurally reinforced components for vehicle body structures, methods for making/using such components, and motor vehicles equipped with such components. A vehicle body structure includes an elongated support rail (e.g., a pair of lateral roof rails) with an inner contoured rail panel joined to an outer contoured rail panel to define an internal rail cavity. An elongated support pillar (e.g., front, side, and/or back vehicle pillars) adjoins the support rail and includes an inner contoured pillar panel joined to an outer contoured pillar panel to define an internal pillar cavity coupled to the internal rail cavity. The inner rail and pillar panels may be integrally from as a single-piece structure, and the outer rail and pillar panels may be integrally from as a single-piece structure. A structural reinforcement insert is located inside the support pillar and support rail, filling a discrete region within the rail cavity and pillar cavity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.