Electrically conductive overmolded hinge bushing

Abstract

Electrically conductive overmolded bushings for use in an automotive hinge joint and processes for forming the overmolded bushing. The overmolded bushings comprise an electrically conductive, carbon fiber-filled polymer composite and at least one steel hinge segment of at least two metal hinge segments to be joined provided with a pivot pin aperture. The polymer composite is overmolded to the pivot pin aperture to form a bushing. The bushing is formed with circumferential flanges extending radially from the pivot pin aperture. The circumferential flanges each provided with at least one circumferential rib. The bushing is further formed with an interior cylindrical wall integral with the circumferential flanges and abutting the pivot pin aperture. Carbon fibers in the bushing are exposed by compressing the at least one circumferential rib during assembly of the hinge to create an electrical connection between the at least two metal hinge segments.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.