Method of roll-forming an automotive support member
US7963019B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49968
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A roll-forming process for the manufacture of a structural member can be used in the manufacture of an automotive vehicle. The roll-forming process creates a component that has multiple cells with an integral internal web separating the cells, enhancing the strength, rigidity and stiffness of the component for any given size and shape. The roll-forming process starts with a piece of sheet metal and rolls the sheet metal into a desired shape and then rolls the tube back over on itself to create a second cell with the internal reinforcing web positioned between two structural cells of the beam. The rolled form is then welded into the formed shape to create the structural beam. The two cells of the beam can be the same general size or be formed as completely disparate sizes, depending on the design requirements of the structural member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.