Process for producing a tubular structural element
US6460250B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4994
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process for forming an elongate structural element of desired shape being of large and small cross-sectional dimensions at spaced locations along its length, the process including the steps of:(i) selecting a first tube for forming a first selected length of the element having cross-sectional dimensions within a first range of relatively small cross-sectional dimensions within the hydro-forming-elongation ratio capabilities of the material from which the first tube is formed, said first tube being of a first constant cross-sectional dimension along its length,(ii) selecting a second tube for forming a second selected length of the element adjacent to the first length, the second length of the element having cross-sectional dimensions within a second range of relatively large cross-sectional dimensions within the hydro-forming elongation ratio capabilities of the material from which the second tube is formed, said second tube being of a second constant cross-sectional dimension along its length which is different to said first constant cross-sectional dimension,(iii) joining adjacent ends of said first and second tubes together, and(iv) performing forming operations on the first a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.