Expandable insert with flexible substrate
US8545956B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/249981
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An expandable insert assembly, method of making the same, and a vehicle structure are disclosed. A structure may include a wall defining at least a portion of a cavity, with the wall including an installation surface for the insert. The insert may include a substrate configured to be secured to the installation surface, with the substrate having a stiffness allowing the substrate to deflect relative to an initial shape. The insert further includes a plurality of discrete expandable elements secured to the substrate adjacent the installation surface. Each of the discrete expandable elements are formed of an expandable material and are secured to the substrate such that they do not affect the stiffness of the substrate prior to expansion of the expandable elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.