Hinge pillar assembly having an inner retainer panel, and method of manufacturing the same

US9102373B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Robert N. Saje · Shelby Charter Township, US
• Martin G. Foulkes · Howell, US
• William P. Ciaramitaro · Sterling Heights, US
• Jack E. Brown · Akron, US
• Michael W. Davenport · Clarkston, US
• Keith J. Saari · Macomb Township, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 27, 2013
• Grant date: Aug 11, 2015
• Expiry date: Nov 27, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49622
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A hinge pillar assembly includes a hinge pillar panel that is cast from a die casting process, and that defines an interior surface. An acoustic foam layer is disposed adjacent the interior surface of the hinge pillar panel. An inner retainer panel is attached to the hinge pillar panel. The inner retainer panel secures the acoustic foam layer between the inner retainer panel and the hinge pillar panel. The hinge pillar assembly is cast to define a cored boss that is used to retain the hinge pillar panel within an upper ejector half of a die set during the casting process. A fastener is disposed in the threaded engagement with the cored boss to attach the inner retainer panel to the hinge pillar panel. A vehicle component may be attached to the inner retainer panel.