Abstract:
Disclosed are metalworking rollers for fabricating multi-gauge sheet metal parts, methods for making and methods for using such rollers, and rolling mill machines employing variable-radius metalworking rollers for fabricating multi-gauge metal components. A metalworking roller for a rolling mill machine is disclosed. The metalworking roller includes a cylindrical roller body that rotatably and drivingly connects to the rolling mill machine. An outer diameter surface spanning around the roller body circumference includes an outermost peak region and an innermost valley region recessed radially inward from the outermost peak region and elongated circumferentially around the roller body. During operation of the rolling mill machine, the outermost and innermost regions of the roller body's outer diameter surface sequentially press against and thereby modify the gauge of a metal workpiece. Each region has a respective transverse width and circumferential length extending across and around the longitudinal length and circumference, respectively, of the roller body.
Abstract:
A seal aligning and retaining assembly includes a seal trough defined by a first side wall, a second side wall and a base. Also included is at least one protrusion integrally formed with the base and extending therefrom, the at least one protrusion having an outer surface. Further included is a seal having at least one aperture including a first elastically deformable inner surface, the seal also having a first elastically deformable outer wall, the seal configured to elastically deform upon disposition of the seal in the seal trough at a first interface between the first elastically deformable inner surface and the outer surface of the at least one protrusion and at a second interface between the first elastically deformable outer wall and at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a composite panel includes arranging a continuous reinforcing fiber on a surface in a predetermined pattern to form a structural insert; encapsulating the structural insert in a first resin to form a composite panel; and at least one of painting an exterior surface of the composite panel; applying a film to the exterior surface of the composite panel; and using a transparent resin for the first resin to allow light to transmit through at least a portion of the composite panel.
Abstract:
A deployable ramp is provided for a cargo loading system of a vehicle. The ramp includes one or more rigid element having a surface for supporting a load. The ramp further includes one or more bladders defining a chamber that is fluidly connected to an outlet of a compressor. The chamber is adapted to receive a fluid from the compressor. The bladder is attached to rigid element, and the at bladder is movable to a collapsed state where the chamber has a first volume. The bladder is further movable to an expanded state where the chamber has a second volume and contains a pressurized fluid for supporting the rigid element, in response to the bladder receiving the fluid from the compressor. The second volume is higher than the first volume.
Abstract:
A rocker assembly for a vehicle body structure includes a rocker rail having a boxed cross-section defining a rocker rail interior space, a rocker rail length, and a rocker rail outer surface along the length. The rocker rail defines at least one aperture connecting the interior space and the panel outer surface. The rocker assembly also includes an insert member configured to fit within the rocker rail interior space and extend along the panel length to reinforce the panel. The insert member includes at least one projection configured to match up with and extend at least partially through a respective at least one aperture. The projection(s) are configured to reinforce the rocker rail by opposing deformation of the boxed cross-section. The projection(s) oppose deformation via interference with the boxed cross-section at the respective aperture(s) when the rocker rail is subjected to an applied load perpendicular to the panel outer surface.
Abstract:
An assist step assembly includes a linkage assembly including a first linkage member and a second linkage member, an assist step coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first assist step position to a second assist step position, an aerodynamic member coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first aerodynamic member position to a second aerodynamic member position, a movement mechanism coupled to the aerodynamic member and configured move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position, and a controller in electronic communication with the movement mechanism, the controller configured to determine an operating condition, determine a position of the assist step based on the operating condition, and generate one or more control signals to move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position.
Abstract:
A system, apparatus, or method for joining components is provided. The system applies force along an axis, with a friction pin, to a first substrate, such as with a joiner or joining apparatus. The system also frictionally melts a portion of the first substrate adjacent the friction pin by rotating the friction pin about the axis at a first speed within the first substrate. The system also applies force to the second substrate along the axis and frictionally melts a portion of the second substrate adjacent the friction pin by rotating the friction pin at a second speed within the second substrate. The system embeds a portion of the friction pin within the first substrate and the second substrate. In some configurations, the first speed and the second speed are substantially equivalent. In other configurations, the first speed is different from the second speed.
Abstract:
A number of variations may include a product that may include a part that may include a composite material that may include a plurality of tubes that may include a plurality of fibers arranged in a generally tubular shape and having at least two sizings temporarily capping the ends of the plurality of tubes and containing a resin.
Abstract:
A system and method for bonding structures includes a method of bonding a first panel to a second panel. An adhesive material is applied to at least one of the first panel and the second panel and is disposed between the first panel and the second panel. A welding device having at least a first electrode and a second electrode is configured to receive and position the first panel and second panel between the first and second electrodes. The welding device generates an electric current with the first and second electrodes to apply to the first panel and the second panel. The electric current generates thermal energy having a first temperature that cures the adhesive material positioned between the first and second electrodes to bond the first panel with the second panel.
Abstract:
A number of variations may include a method that may include providing a composite material that may include nano-tubes that may include pressure activated resin, forming the composite material such that the resin within the nano-tubes may begin to cure, holding the composite material in a formed state, removing the composite material from the formed state, and curing the composite material.