Abstract:
An automotive interior component including a substrate adapted to be mounted inside a passenger cabin of a vehicle and a covering on at least a portion of the substrate adapted to define an airbag cushion deployed as a passenger restraint in the event of a collision. The covering includes a core of a cellular material that loses cohesion when an inflation fluid is injected to define a space between a substrate and an elastic outer layer. As the space fills with inflation fluid, the outer layer elastically expands for defining the airbag cushion. The automotive interior component may be made in a multi-shot molding operation with the substrate being formed in one shot and the covering being formed in another shot.
Abstract:
An injection molding system (10) includes a first mold half (20) and a second mold half (22), which forms a cavity (23) with the first mold half (20). A cavity intrusion element (34) is displaceable to extend within the cavity (23). A displacement mechanism (36) is coupled to the cavity intrusion element (34). A controller (38) is coupled to the displacement mechanism (36) and controls the intrusion depth (D) of the cavity intrusion element (34) during an injection molding process. A method of forming an article includes the pressurizing of the cavity (23) within a mold (14) via a gas. A material having a blowing agent is injected into the cavity (23). The gas pressure within the cavity (23) is released. The cavity intrusion element (34) is backed out from within the cavity (23). The material is cured.
Abstract:
An interior vehicle trim panel includes a substrate having a front face and an under face. The under face has a tear seam to allow an airbag to exit the substrate when the airbag is deployed. The tear seam defines an airbag door. The outer layer is bonded to the front face of the substrate. A portion of the outer layer defines a hinge member for the airbag door. The outer layer is preferably mechanically bonded to the substrate in a mold, thereby forming an overmolded interior vehicle trim panel. Preferably, the hinge member of the outer layer is thicker relative to a region of the outer layer adjacent the airbag door.
Abstract:
The present invention provides for an improved trim part, e.g. a bolster or trim plate, with integrated appliqué for use in a trim assembly, and to a continuous two-shot molding operation that may be performed utilizing a single mold assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the trim part, i.e. a bolster, includes a substrate formed by injecting a first material into a first shot mold cavity in a first shot of a molding operation. An appliqué is provided in a second shot mold cavity then a cover is formed between the substrate and appliqué by injecting into a mold chamber a second foamed material in a second shot of the molding operation. The formed cover is integrally molded to at least a portion of the substrate and the appliqué to form a trim part with integrated appliqué.
Abstract:
A modular floor storage system that may be easily and quickly mounted, dismounted, and locked into position without the need for elaborate mounting track systems. Further the modular floor storage system may be configured in many ways by the user and located in several locations within the vehicle. Electrical connection may also be provided allowing power to be supplied for purposes such as battery-charging, lighting and the incorporation of cooling or heating capacity to the storage system.
Abstract:
In at least certain embodiments, the present invention relates to an automobile trim panel with an insert molded decorative component. In at least one embodiment, the automobile interior panel is made by a) providing a molding tool comprising a first mold half and a second mold half that cooperate to form a first mold cavity, b) providing an insert component within the first mold cavity having a substrate made of a first material, and a decorative portion made of a second material less rigid that the first material, with the first mold half, the second mold half, and the insert component forming a second mold cavity, and c) introducing a resin into the second mold cavity to form a panel secured to the insert component.
Abstract:
A cross beam assembly extends between side frame members of a vehicle and includes a beam having a hollow interior. The beam defines an opening formed therein. The assembly further includes an air bag inflator assembly having a source of pressurized gas for expelling gas to inflate an air bag. The inflator assembly is disposed within the hollow interior of the beam such that activation of the inflator assembly expels gas through said opening.
Abstract:
A method and system for storage comprising a console and base. The console being slidable within the base so as to permit it to be easily re-positionable. The method and system relating to re-positioning the base, such as to facilitate folding a second row load floor, to facilitate removing the console, and/or to optimize positioning of the console relative to passengers.
Abstract:
A center console for an automobile includes an armrest that is selectively adjustable by vehicle occupants to and between a first position wherein the armrest is in a substantially horizontal orientation, and a second position wherein the armrest extends angularly away from the console. The console further includes a controllable damper coupled to the armrest and actuable between high and low damping states. In the low damping state, the armrest may be selectively placed at any position desired by the vehicle occupants. When the damper is actuated to the high damping state, the damper maintains the selected position of the armrest.
Abstract:
An automotive trim assembly including a substrate made from a first material and having a front surface adapted to face the interior of the automobile and a back surface opposite the front surface. A cover member made from a second foamed material is molded onto at least a portion of the front surface of the substrate so as to provide a soft feel to the trim assembly. An impact countermeasure, also made from the second foamed material, is molded onto at least a portion of the back surface to absorb an impact force from a vehicle occupant. The trim assembly may be made in a two shot molding operation with the substrate being formed in the first shot of the molding process and the cover member and countermeasure being formed in the second shot of the molding process.