Vehicle bumper beam with non-uniform cross section
US6349521B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04C2003/0465
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method includes rollforming and sweeping a tubular beam with a constant longitudinal cross section, and then reforming the tubular beam 10 to form a tubular beam having a non-constant cross section. The non-constant cross sections have specific shapes chosen to provide particular structural properties and surfaces along the reshaped beam, and also to provide a stylized appearance, such that the reformed beam is useful as a vehicle bumper. In particular, the reshaped beam includes integrally formed vehicle mounting structure, angled end sections forming aerodynamic but impact-resistant bumper ends, and a high-energy absorbing but flexible center section.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.