Multi-dimensional load structure
AssigneeGemini Group, Inc.
InventorMark Robinson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A load structure may include a first honeycomb layer, a second honeycomb layer, and/or an attachment feature. The second honeycomb layer may be connected to the first honeycomb layer. The attachment feature may be connected to at least one of the first honeycomb layer or the second honeycomb layer. A method of manufacturing a load structure may include providing a first honeycomb layer, a second honeycomb layer, and an attachment feature, disposing an adhesive layer onto at least one of the first honeycomb layer or the second honeycomb layer, connecting an attachment feature to the first honeycomb layer or the second honeycomb layer, and/or disposing the first honeycomb layer onto the second honeycomb layer.
Claims19
A load structure for a vehicle, comprising:
- a first honeycomb layer;
- a second honeycomb layer connected to the first honeycomb layer for providing the load structure about the vehicle;
- and
- an attachment feature connected to at least one of the first honeycomb layer or the second honeycomb layer,
- wherein the attachment feature is one of an insert or a support structure,
- wherein the load structure corresponds to one of a floor panel, a roof panel, and a structural member of the vehicle, and
- wherein:
- the attachment feature includes a first portion and a second portion;
- the first portion is at least partially embedded within the first honeycomb layer;
- and
- the second portion is disposed between the first honeycomb layer and the second honeycomb layer.
A load structure, comprising:
- a first honeycomb layer;
- a second honeycomb layer located adjacent the first honeycomb layer for positioning the load structure about a vehicle;
- a void located between the first and second honeycomb layers;
- a foam located within the void;
- and
- an attachment feature including one of an insert and a support structure connected to at least one of the first honeycomb layer or the second honeycomb layer,
- wherein the load structure corresponds to one of a floor panel, a roof panel, and a structural member of the vehicle.
A method of manufacturing a load structure for a vehicle, the method comprising:
- providing a first honeycomb layer, a second honeycomb layer, and an attachment feature for positioning the load structure about the vehicle;
- disposing an adhesive layer onto at least one of the first honeycomb layer or the second honeycomb layer;
- connecting the attachment feature including one of an insert and a support structure to the first honeycomb layer or the second honeycomb layer;
- disposing the first honeycomb layer onto the second honeycomb layer,
- wherein the load structure corresponds to one of a floor panel, a roof panel, and a structural member of the vehicle,
- providing a tool having a first and second portions, one of the first and second portions having a locator pin;
- locating the load structure within the tool;
- aligning the locator pin with an opening of the attachment feature;
- and
- closing the tool to form a structure load structure having a desired geometric configuration.
A load structure for a vehicle, comprising:
- a first honeycomb layer;
- a second honeycomb layer connected to the first honeycomb layer for providing the load structure about the vehicle;
- and
- an attachment feature connected to at least one of the first honeycomb layer or the second honeycomb layer,
- wherein the attachment feature is one of an insert or a support structure,
- wherein the load structure corresponds to one of a floor panel, a roof panel, and a structural member of the vehicle, and
- wherein a foam is disposed between the first honeycomb layer and the second honeycomb layer, the foam is configured to add one of rigidity and structure to the load structure.
A load structure for a vehicle, comprising:
- a first honeycomb layer;
- a second honeycomb layer connected to the first honeycomb layer for providing the load structure about the vehicle;
- an attachment feature connected to at least one of the first honeycomb layer or the second honeycomb layer,
- wherein the attachment feature is one of an insert or a support structure,
- wherein the load structure corresponds to one of a floor panel, a roof panel, and a structural member of the vehicle, and
- an additional attachment feature;
- wherein:
- first portions of each of the attachment feature and the additional attachment feature are embedded within the first honeycomb layer;
- second portions of each of the attachment feature and the additional attachment feature are disposed between the first honeycomb layer and the second honeycomb layer;
- and
- the additional attachment feature is offset relative to the attachment feature along an outer surface of the first honeycomb layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.