Process for forming a hydroformed automotive component with integrated weld flange
US7249481B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49805
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process for forming a hydroformed automotive component with an integrally formed attachment bracket or weld flange begins with a tubular blank manufactured through a roll-forming process to convert sheet metal into a tubular body portion having excess parent sheet metal material extending past the tube weld joint to define an integrated flange. This integrated flange tubular blank is then placed into a forming die and subjected to a conventional hydroforming manufacturing process to form the automotive component into the desired shape and configuration. One side of the forming die is formed with a slot defining a gap in which the integrated flange material is received to create the weld flange or attachment bracket when the die is closed against the integrated flange material while the hydroforming process is undertaken. Alternatively, the integrated flange material could be welded onto the tubular blank during the formation of the tubular blank.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.