Modular element and manufacturing process

US6092473A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Klaus Altenburg · Würselen, DE
• Franz Peter Goerres · Eschweiler, DE
• Hans-Dieter Kreutz · Bocholt, DE
• Hans-Wilhelm Strauch · Raeren, BE
• August Dederichs · Aachen, DE
• Michael Zimmermann · Brig, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 25, 1998
• Grant date: Jul 25, 2000
• Expiry date: Mar 25, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T30/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to modular elements (1) of differential construction which are particularly suitable for constructing cold-joined large bodywork or containers. All the components of the modular elements, substantially shell (2), shaping frames (3), edge profile (5) and optionally stringers (4) extending transversely to the frames and acting as buckling resistors, are cold-joined to each other, e.g. by pressure joining, punch riveting and the like. As a result, firstly rapid production with good surface quality is achieved, and secondly different materials such as iron and non-ferrous metals, fiber reinforced plastics etc. can be freely combined in hybrid structures to construct the modular elements, the local arrangement of materials in the modular element having to be adapted to the desired mechanical properties. The structure described herein contributes substantially to mechanized, highgrade software-supported manufacture in which the geometrical data for the half-finished products of the modular elements can flow directly (on-line) from a CAD construction, thus achieving at the same time currently unobtainable flexibility when producing different external shape variants e…