Rocker panel and method for minimizing sag lines in molded part
US7083844B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24653
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved rocker panel on side sill construction includes a substantially planar horizontal top portion, a side portion with a substantially convex show surface and a substantially concave hidden surface opposite the show surface, and a clip house mounting structure disposed on the hidden surface. The improvement consists of joining the clip house to the rocker panel or side sill at the juncture formed between the top show surface and side show surface of the part. Preferably, this joint comprises at least one hollow channel surrounded by a reinforcing rib connecting to the hidden surface proximate the juncture of the top portion with the side portion and connecting the clip house mounting structure to this rib. The channel and reinforcing rib may run substantially longitudinally the length of the rocker panel. The channel and reinforcing rib inhibiting sagging in the top portion of the part between adjacent clip house mounting structures. The rocker panel or side sill may be made by gas-assisted injection molding wherein a mold including a mold cavity having the desired final shape, including one or more channel cavities, is provided. A predetermined amount of thermoplastic mate…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.