Hydroform structural reinforcement system
US6523884B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D29/002
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An structural reinforcement system for use with hydroforms and other closed forms having a plurality of members designed to be secured to a closed form, such as an hydroform tube used in automotive applications. A bonding material, such as an epoxy-based reinforcing foam, is disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of each of the plurality of members. Once the system is attached to the closed form, the foam expands and cures during an automobile assembly operation, bonding the reinforcement system to the hydroform tube and the members. As a result, the reinforcement system provides enhanced load distribution over the vehicle frame without adding excessive weight and further serves to reduce noise and vibrational characteristics of the automotive vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.