Infrared welded liftgate assembly and process of making same
US11724576B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2018 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/778
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A liftgate assembly having finished show surfaces, and process of manufacturing same. The liftgate assembly includes local reinforcements that are overmolded to first reinforcements, and the first reinforcements are infrared welding to a first panel. Second and third reinforcements are also infrared welded to the first panel. To infrared weld the respective reinforcements to the first panel in predetermined locations with respect to the first panel, nesting structures are provided to hold the respective reinforcements and first panel. At least one infrared heating fixture heats various predetermined surfaces on the reinforcements and first panel, and the parts are then pressed together for joining the predetermined surfaces of the respective parts together. The process is repeated, if needed, until all of the reinforcements are infrared welded to the first panel. Outer panels are bonded to the second and third reinforcements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.