Conductive interior liner for a vehicle
US6884084B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02G3/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A conductive liner includes an electrically non-conductive core layer between two electrically conductive layers. At least one of the two electrically conductive layers includes conductive particles. The electrically conductive layers are capable of conducting sufficient electricity to power at least one electrical component in a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive particles are fibers, such as carbon fibers, or the like that are preferably homogeneously dispersed within the conductive layer. The conductive fiber layers provide structural reinforcement to the liner, in addition to providing electrical conductivity. The conductive liner can further include a top and bottom scrim/adhesive layer, as well as a decorative, cover material layer. The present invention eliminates the need for a separate wiring and wire harness as in conventional liners. When the conductive layer comprises reinforcing fiber, the present invention also eliminates the need to have non-conductive reinforcing material, such as fiberglass reinforcing layers to sandwich the core layer of the liner. A method of making the electrically conductive liner of the invention is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.