High strength lightweight vehicle and an improved method for producing same
US8641133B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D29/008
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A high-strength-per-unit-weight spaceframe-like vehicle has a front subassembly, a core frame and a rear subassembly configured to be bolted together, forming a spaceframe core platform. A roof structure assembly of formed, extruded or stamped components is bolted to the spaceframe core platform in a common plane and height. Closure panels common to a vehicle family style are provided, and non-load bearing colored panels defines the vehicle body color. A vehicle assembly method includes bolting together a plurality of subassemblies, bolting a roof structure assembly to the core platform, installing at a plant closure panels common to a vehicle family style, and thereafter installing a series of non-structural colored panels defining the vehicle body color and having only aesthetic and aerodynamic functionalities as the last assembly step in the plant or optionally at the point of sale or the other location outside the plant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.