Methods of forming near-net fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite components

    公开(公告)号:US11584044B2

    公开(公告)日:2023-02-21

    申请号:US16555762

    申请日:2019-08-29

    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a near-net thermoplastic composite component includes co-spraying a mixture comprising a thermoplastic polymer material and a chopped reinforcing material deposited onto at least one region associated with a tool having a first temperature and defining a near-net component shape. The mixture and adjacent tool is heated to a second temperature while the mixture is on the tool. The first temperature is below the solidification temperature of the thermoplastic polymer material and the second temperature is above the solidification temperature. Then, the mixture is exposed to a negative pressure to promote removal of gases from the mixture and put under compressive force to densify the mixture. The thermoplastic polymer material melts and flows. The tool is cooled to the first temperature and removing the mixture to form the near-net thermoplastic composite component having randomly oriented chopped reinforcement material distributed within a thermoplastic polymer matrix.

    STORAGE COMPARTMENT CARGO MANAGEMENT ASSEMBLY

    公开(公告)号:US20210107390A1

    公开(公告)日:2021-04-15

    申请号:US16600979

    申请日:2019-10-14

    Abstract: A cargo storage compartment of a motor vehicle is arranged along a vehicle central axis. The cargo storage compartment includes a first side-wall and a second side-wall, each arranged parallel to the vehicle central axis, and a floor, together defining width, length, and height of the storage compartment. The cargo storage compartment also includes a cargo management assembly for moving objects in the cargo storage compartment along the vehicle central axis. The cargo management assembly also includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail arranged along the respective first and second side-walls. The assembly additionally includes a panel arranged between the first and second side-walls and transverse to the vehicle central axis. The panel is movably mounted on a panel axis to each of the first and second guide rails. The assembly further includes a mechanism configured to shift the panel along the first and second guide rails.

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