Hybrid transparent structural composite
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsBradley Allen Newcomb, Bhavesh Shah, Joseph M. Polewarczyk
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Abstract
A method for fabricating a hybrid transparent composite structure includes providing a metallic insert and a transparent composite preform including reinforcing fibers and transparent resin; heating the transparent composite preform; and arranging the metallic insert and the transparent composite preform in a mold and applying at least one of heat and pressure to form the hybrid transparent composite structure. At least a portion of the transparent composite preform is not obscured by the metallic insert and allows viewing through the hybrid transparent composite structure.
Claims20
A method for fabricating a hybrid transparent composite structure, comprising:
- providing a metallic insert and a transparent composite preform including reinforcing fibers and transparent resin;
- heating the transparent composite preform;
- and
- arranging the metallic insert and the transparent composite preform in a mold and applying at least one of heat and pressure to form the hybrid transparent composite structure,
- wherein at least a portion of the transparent composite preform is not obscured by the metallic insert and allows viewing through the hybrid transparent composite structure,
- wherein the transparent composite preform includes at least one transparent area,
- wherein the metallic insert includes a solid portion defining an open area aligning with the transparent area of the transparent composite preform,
- wherein the solid portion further defines a plurality of mesh portions or interlocking holes located between the open area and an edge of the metallic insert to interlock the metallic insert and the transparent composite preform, and
- wherein the hybrid transparent composite structure is an A pillar.
A method for fabricating a hybrid transparent composite structure, comprising:
- providing a metallic insert and a transparent composite preform including reinforcing fibers and transparent resin;
- heating the transparent composite preform;
- arranging the metallic insert and the transparent composite preform in a mold and applying at least one of heat and pressure to form the hybrid transparent composite structure;
- and
- connecting the hybrid transparent composite structure between roof rails of a vehicle,
- wherein at least a portion of the transparent composite preform is not obscured by the metallic insert and allows viewing through the hybrid transparent composite structure,
- wherein the transparent composite preform includes at least one transparent area,
- wherein the metallic insert includes a solid portion defining an open area aligning with the transparent area of the transparent composite preform, and
- wherein the solid portion further defines a plurality of mesh portions or interlocking holes located between the open area and an edge of the metallic insert to interlock the metallic insert and the transparent composite preform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.