Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for producing a flat element (2) for vehicle bodies according to the sandwich construction technique. Said flat element comprises an outer cladding (4) and a hump plate (6), with edge sections (8, 10) located between them. According to the inventive method, a first step consists of at least partially bonding the edge sections (8, 10) to the hump plate (6) using a mechanical joining process. A second step consists of bonding the hump plate (6) to the outer cladding (4) by adhesion and a third step consists of at least partially joining the edge sections (8, 10) to the outer cladding (4) using a mechanical joining process. These measures result in a flat element with a high degree of transversal resistance and resistance to buckling.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a component made of a composite material and to a method for producing the same. The component consists of at least one layer comprised of a massive metallic material and of at least one layer comprised of a foamable metallic material. The inventive component can be configured as flat composite sheet metal or as a hollow body. The production method of the component ensures that the bond between the massive metallic layer and the foamable layer is very good and that the foamable layer adheres to the metallic layer.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for deforming through high inner pressure at least two hollow bodies (2, 3) having each at least one opening, especially metal tubes or metal hollow profiles. A theoretical rupture point (11) is first defined in the external wall (2a) of said first hollow body (2), in the connection area (V) where said first hollow body (2) is to be subsequently connected to said second hollow body (3). Then, the relevant outer wall (2a) of said first hollow body is further enlarged in the aforementioned connection area (V) of the two hollow bodies (2, 3) by means of a hydraulic pressure medium. If a burst pressure is exceeded (Pb), the pressure medium expands in the second hollow body (3) until optional deformation through high inner pressure or connection of said first hollow body (2) to said second hollow body (3) is obtained.
Abstract:
A method of installing a front seat assembly in a vehicle interior is disclosed. The front seat assembly has first and second seats which are fastened together prior to installation of the front seat assembly in the vehicle. The front seat assembly is positioned in the vehicle as a single unit and then fastened to the vehicle. A method of installing a rear seat assembly is also disclosed. The rear seat assembly includes a seat back and a package tray pivotally attached to the seat back. Prior to installation, the package tray is positioned so that the rear seat assembly can be inserted through a door opening of the vehicle. The rear seat assembly is inserted through the door opening and the package tray is positioned to an extended position from the seat back and fastened to the vehicle. The seat back is also fastened to the vehicle.
Abstract:
A method for mounting a bushing into a metal member which comprises providing a metal member forming a bushing receiving opening in the metal member, the opening defined by an annular edge portion surrounding the opening. A bushing is then forced through the opening in a bushing driving direction such that the bushing engages the annular edge portion and deforms the annular edge portion in the bushing driving direction to form an annular flange portion on the metal member which projects in the driving direction and engages an exterior surface of the bushing in an interference fit relation so as to securely retain the bushing within the opening. Also disclosed is a metal member and bushing assembly, which may constitute part of a vehicle frame structure.
Abstract:
A method for hydroforming a closed channel member (10) that allows the perimeter to be increased, but which maintains a uniform wall thickness throughout, includes the initial step of disposing a closed channel member (10), such as a tube, within a first hydroforming die (11) defining a first die cavity (12a, 13a). The inner surface of the first die cavity (12a, 13a) corresponds in cross sectional shape to the outer surface of the tube throughout some or all of the length thereof. A preliminary hydroforming operation is performed at a high pressure to expand the tube into conformance with the first die cavity (12a, 13a). The preliminary expanded tube is disposed within a second hydroforming die (15) defining a second die cavity (16a, 17a). The inner surface of the second die cavity (16a, 17a) corresponds in cross sectional shape to the desired final shape for the tube. When the second hydroforming die is closed, a final hydroforming operation is performed at a low pressure to deform the tube into conformance with the second die cavity (16a, 17a).
Abstract:
A method for hydroforming a closed channel structural member that allows the perimeter thereto to be increased, but which maintains a relatively uniform wall thickness throughout, includes the initial step of disposing a closed channel structural member, such as a tube, within a first hydroforming die defining a first die cavity. The inner surface of the first die cavity preferably corresponds in cross-sectional shape to the outer surface of the tube throughout some or all of the length thereof, but the perimeter of the first die cavity is somewhat larger than the perimeter of the tube enclosed therein. The tube is preferably supported concentrically within the die cavity. Then, a preliminary hydroforming operation is then performed at a relatively high pressure to expand the tube into conformance with the first die cavity. Throughout most of this expansion, the outer surface of the tube does not engage the inner surface of the die cavity. As a result, as the perimeter of the tube is increased, the wall thickness thereof is decreased uniformly. The preliminarily expanded tube is then disposed within a second hydroforming die defining a second die cavity. The inner surface of the second die cavity corresponds in cross-sectional shape to the desired final shape for the tube. When the second hydroforming die is closed, a final hydroforming operation is performed at a relatively low pressure to deform the tube into conformance with the second die cavity. Because the perimeter of the tube is approximately equal to the perimeter of the second die cavity, the wall thickness of the tube is essentially unchanged by the final hydroforming operation. Consequently, a relatively larger amount of such expansion can occur than would normally be available if it was necessary to account for variations in the wall thickness of the tube resulting from frictional engagement of the tube with the first hydroforming die.
Abstract:
The fabrication assembly includes a first fabrication element (2) having a slot defined therein and a second fabrication element (28) having a locking mechanism (4) secured thereto. The locking mechanism (4) has (1) an alignment member (12), and (2) a twist tab (6) connected to the alignment member (12). The locking mechanism (4) cooperates with the slot (30) to lock the first fabrication element (2) to the second fabrication element (28). A method of attaching a first fabrication element (4) to a second fabrication element (28) is also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a seat back (22) in a vehicle comprising an aluminum I-beam (32) formed in a generally U-shaped configuration, and having opposing ends (34, 36) supported with respect to the vehicle for forming a seat back frame. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat back frame, comprising: a) extruding an aluminum I-beam; b) cutting the I-beam to a desired length; c) age-hardening the I-beam; and d) bending the I-beam into a substantially U-shaped configuration to form a vehicle seat back frame.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a motor vehicle door or hatch with an outer sheet (1) and an inner sheet (3) which are mutually supported and secured together at the edge region. A motor vehicle door or hatch which is simple to produce and meets all solidity and sealing requirements is distinguished in characterised in that an edge strip of the inner sheet is bent down towards the inside of the door to form a bead (7) and secured to an edge strip of the outer sheet also bent downwards towards the inside of the door by means of a laser weld seam (5, 19) filling the gap between the two edge strips.