I-Section automotive bumper formed from mineral-filled glass mat thermoplastic (GMT) composite
US6286879A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2019/1853
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is a fiber reinforced thermoplastic automotive bumper wherein the reduced fiber additions consist of a long, chopped glass mat with the addition of mineral fillers such as mica, talc or clay. The modified thermoplastic is used to produce I-section bumpers. The improved reinforced thermoplastic material has favorable flow characteristics which enable the material to substantially fill the deep ribs and mounting stay structures used in I-section bumpers during compression molding while improving the modulus or cross-face stiffness of the finished part. For the first time, improved flow characteristics during molding permit the material to flow evenly into small ribs, bosses and other features. The invention makes it possible to increase part integration, molding pencil braces, fascia supports, mounting holes and mounting stays. The front surface of the bumper may be covered with a conformal energy absorber made of plastic foarn. Moreover, the absorber serves to mount appearance fascia. The result is a cost-reduced, weight-reduced bumper with improved impact resistance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.