Multiple density interior trim substrate and method and system for making same
US6991446B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2995/0091
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention involves a method and system for manufacturing a multiple density substrate for impact energy absorption with a mold having a mold cavity of a predetermined shape. The substrate is integrally formed by the method comprising providing a first set of unbonded pre-expanded beads having a first density and a second set of unbonded pre-expanded beads having a second density, loading a portion of the mold with the first set of unbonded beads at a predetermined location in the mold sufficiently to leave a void in the mold, and separately injecting the loaded mold portion with a sufficient second set of unbonded beads into the void. The method further includes bonding the first and second sets of beads together with heat to define a molded set of bonded beads having the predetermined shape and cooling the molded set of bonded beads sufficiently to define the substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.