Vehicle structure with integral node
AssigneeASC Incorporated
InventorJeffrey S. Patelczyk
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fluid formed node is provided to connect structure in an automotive vehicle. Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of forming a structural interconnection including the steps of placing a first member, having an internal cavity in a die pressurizing the internal cavity to form a node integral with and protruding from the first member, disposing the node within an aperture of a second member, and coupling the second member to the node.
Claims27
A vehicle frame comprising:
- a first member having a generally hollow body with a first end, a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the first member further having a node integrally formed with and protruding from the outer surface, the node being positioned between the first and second ends;
- and
- a second member having an aperture shaped to substantially match the shape of the node, wherein the node is placed in the aperture and the second member is coupled to the node.
A structural member comprising:
- a generally hollow body defining an internal cavity, the body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis;
- a hydroformed node positioned between the first end and the second end integrally formed with the body, the node protruding substantially orthogonally from the body longitudinal axis.
A method of forming a structural interconnection with a die, the structural interconnection including a first member and a second member, the method comprising:
- (a) placing the first member in a die, the first member having an internal cavity;
- (b) outwardly pressurizing the internal cavity to form a node integral with and protruding from the first member;
- and
- (c) coupling the second member to the node, the second member having an aperture operable to receive the node.
A vehicle frame having a structural interconnection including a first member and a second member, the vehicle frame formed by a method comprising:
- (a) placing the first member in a die, the first member having an internal cavity;
- (b) outwardly pressurizing the internal cavity to form a node integral with and protruding from the first member;
- and
- (c) coupling the second member to the node, the second member having an aperture operable to receive the node.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.