Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for securing a first structural member (10) and a second structural member (12) to one another. In one embodiment a two-piece fitting (36) is provided.' The fitting includes a variable gap between attachment surfaces, enabling the fitting to accommodate structural members of variable thickness. The fitting also includes overlapping sections (42, 52) that provide increased resistance to pull-off loads and impact loads. The configuration of the fitting advantageously simplifies the assembly process and preserves the integrity of the adhesive to form a strong joint.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least one frame member (10, 11) for use as a support element in a vehicle frame, which method comprises providing a tubular element (1). The invention furthermore comprises: applying a pressure in the interior of said tubular element (1) while the tubular element (1) is positioned at least partly inside a mould (7), thereby causing the tubular element (1) to conform to the internal shape of said mould (7) so as to change the longitudinal extension direction and/or cross-section of the tubular element (1) in at least one position along the tubular element (1). The invention also relates to a frame member (10, 11) of the above-mentioned kind.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a stiffened panel, and a datum part for use in such a method. The method comprises: holding the panel with a jig; holding a datum part with the jig; engaging the panel and the datum part with a stringer; and joining the stringer to the panel. Preferably an additive process is used to form the datum part. By growing the datum part in a series of layers, the shape of each layer can be selected to enable the shape or size of the datum part to be optimised.
Abstract:
A bumper reinforcement beam includes a first sheet forming at least one tube including a front wall, and a second sheet welded to and supporting the front wall in a laminar arrangement adding stiffness to the front wall. A related method includes uncoiling and welding the first and second sheets together, and forming the first sheet into a tubular shape with a first portion forming a front wall, the second sheet supporting the first portion. An apparatus includes a pair of uncoilers for uncoiling first and second sheets of material together, a welder securing the first and second sheets together, and a roll forming mill configured to roll form the sheets into a tubular shape, where the first sheet defines a front wall and portions of the second sheet supporting the front wall.
Abstract:
A lightning-protected conductive composite structure includes a conductive material arrayed on an outer surface to at least partially cover a fastener centerline. Through holes extend along the fastener centerline through the conductive material and the underlying structure shell. These through holes are countersunk into the structure shell to a depth such that a fastener in a through hole will avoid electrical continuity or communication with the conductive material on the structure outer surface. The gap in the countersunk through holes, between the fastener heads and the coextensive outer surface of the structure, is filled with a dielectric or nonconductive material.
Abstract:
Organe de positionnement (10) d'une carrosserie (12) de véhicule automobile, la pièce de carrosserie (12) étant destinée à être juxtaposée à un ouvrant (14) du véhicule, cet ouvrant pouvant prendre une position ouverte et une position fermée sur le véhicule, l'organe de positionnement (10) comportant des moyens élastiques (20) aptes à définir : - une première position de l'organe de positionnement (10) lorsque l'ouvrant (14) est en position ouverte, et - une seconde position de l'organe de positionnement (10) lorsque l'ouvrant (14) est en position fermée, au cours de laquelle les moyens élastiques (20) sont déformés.
Abstract:
Methods and structures for a composite truss structure (102) are provided. The structure includes a web (206) formed of a plurality of sheets of composite material, each sheet including a first face and an opposing second face and each face including a length and a width. Each of the plurality of sheets are coupled to at least one other of the plurality of sheets face to face such that the length and width of each face substantially match the length and width of a face of an adjacent sheet. The plurality of sheets are formed to include an upper chord member (202), a lower chord member (204), and a plurality of web members (206) extending therebetween. The structure also includes at least a first flange plate (208) coupled to the web proximate an outer periphery of the web.
Abstract:
El método comprende aportar una pieza de chapa plana (110); conformar dicha pieza de chapa plana (110) por embutición o laminación cónica hasta la forma de una pieza parcialmente formada (120) compuesta por una pletina (1), una porción hueca provisional (2a) que se extiende desde dicha pletina (1) con una forma de revolución respecto a un eje (E) perpendicular a La pletina (1), y una pared de extremo (3) cerrando un extremo de dicha porción hueca provisional (2a) opuesto a la pletina (1); y alargar una sección de la porción hueca provisional (2a) por laminación cilíndrica o cónica. El absorbedor (130) es de una pieza con una pletina (1) y una porción hueca alargada (2b) que se extiende desde la pletina (1) con una forma de revolución. Una sección de la porción hueca alargada (2b) tiene un grosor (Gf) más delgado que el grosor (Gi) de la pletina (1).
Abstract:
A vehicle body assembly line locator assembly (16) includes locators (18) having locator pins (82) received by vehicle body positioning holes (84) upon upward movement to provide accurate positioning. As the locator pins (82) are moved upwardly and initially move into the vehicle body positioning holes (84), horizontal power actuators (50,58) are deactuated to permit back driving of the locator pins to permit full insertion. The upward movement is continued so that vertical rest surfaces (80) of locator heads (78) contact the vehicle body (20) and provide lifting thereof upwardly off a system conveyor, and the power actuators then move the vehicle body to the proper positioning for further assembly.