Fiber-reinforced polymer composite components for vehicle body structures and methods of making the same
US11420683B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2021 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D27/023
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Presented are fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite components for vehicle body structures, methods for making/using such components, and motor vehicles equipped with such components. A vehicle body structure includes one or more elongated support rails (e.g., a pair of lateral roof rails) each with an inner contoured rail panel joined to an outer contoured rail panel to define an internal rail cavity. One or more elongated support pillars (e.g., front, side, and/or back vehicle pillars) adjoin the support rail(s) and each 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. One or both contoured pillar panels and one or both contoured rail panels is/are formed, in whole or in part, from an FRP material. A structural reinforcement insert may be located inside the adjoined pillar and rail, filling a discrete region within the internal cavities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.