Process and apparatus for weakening an automotive trim piece for an airbag deployment opening
US6423933B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/2165
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming lines of weakness in an automotive trim piece so as to enable formation of an airbag deployment opening in the trim piece. A cutting beam, such as a laser is directed at the trim piece surface to be scored and a sensor emits a sensing beam, and a beam combining device receives both the sensor beam and the laser beam and causes downstream beam segments to be collinear with each other as they impinge the trim piece surface. The scoring is thereby able to be carried out in a single pass, and is precise, repeatable and independent of cutting depth, angle of cutting, scoring patterns, material inconsistency, material color, and surface grain variability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.