Method for forming a complex-shaped tubular structure
US7484298B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49995
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method is provided for forming a complexly-shaped tubular structure such as a tapered pillar or other structure for a vehicle body. A sheet metal blank having a longitudinal axis is rolled about the longitudinal axis to form a tubular shape and the side edges of the blank are then welded together to form a tube. The tube is then enclosed in a hydroforming die and pressurized to conform the tube to the shape of the die and thereby form the desired complex shape. The sheet metal blank may be formed by the end-to-end welding together of a plurality of separate sheet metal blanks that differ from one another in characteristic including material thickness, material alloy composition, and/or coating. One or more of the blanks can have side edges that are non-parallel so that the tube will taper in diameter along its length.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.