Joining and reinforcing a composite bumper beam and a composite crush can for a vehicle

US9598033B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• United States Council For Automotive Research, LLC · US

Inventors

• Elisabeth J. Berger · Farmington Hills, US
• Leland L Decker · Sterling Heights, US
• Dale Armstrong · Bloomfield Hills, US
• James Truskin · Plymouth, US
• Praveen Pasupuleti · Fairless Hills, US
• Ramesh Dwarmpudi · Novi, US
• Mark Doroudian · Novi, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 9, 2015
• Grant date: Mar 21, 2017
• Expiry date: Nov 9, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2019/1846
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A front bumper beam and crush can (FBCC) system is provided for a vehicle. A bumper beam has an interior surface with a plurality of ribs extending therefrom. The ribs and the interior surface are made of a chopped fiber composite and cooperate to engage a crush can. The chopped fiber composite reinforces the engaging surfaces of the crush can and the interior surface of the bumper beam. The crush can has a tubular body made of a continuous fiber composite. The crush can has outwardly-extending flanges at an end spaced away from the bumper beam. The flanges are at least partially provided with a layer of chopped fiber composite to reinforce a joint between the outwardly-extending flange and the vehicle frame.