Structurally enhanced attachment of a reinforcing member
US6561571B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24322
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A structurally enhanced attachment for use in reinforcing automotive rocker assemblies. An expandable material, such as a polymer-based foam, is disposed on a surface of an aluminum extrusion prior to integration of the extrusion into the vehicle and final assembly of the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. The system is activated as the vehicle undergoes the final vehicle assembly process, which activates and transforms the expandable material, preferably during an automobile paint operation, to expand, bond and fill the rocker assembly structure thereby structural adhering the extrusion with the rocker assembly and facilitating enhanced structural reinforcement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.