Molded foam vehicle energy absorbing device and method of manufacture
AssigneeCadillac Products Automotive Company
InventorsRobert Zander, Richard Kucejko, Michael Williams
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for forming energy absorbing components for motor vehicles includes mixing a polymeric resin and blowing agent combination. The combination is heated, liquefied, and pressurized. A mold for receiving the liquefied combination is pre-cooled. The liquefied combination is injection molded in the mold to form the energy absorbing component.
Claims20
1-11. (canceled)
A method for forming energy absorbing components for vehicles, the method comprising:
- mixing a combination having a polymeric material resin and a blowing agent;
- heating the combination after the mixing step to form a liquefied combination;
- pressurizing the liquefied combination to prevent substantial expansion of the liquefied combination prior to injection;
- cooling a mold operable to receive the liquefied combination;
- injecting the liquefied combination into the mold to operably form an energy absorbing component of a vehicle;
- initiating motion of a ram to perform the injecting step;
- changing a ram progression speed during the injecting step;
- and
- varying a rate of injection flow of the liquefied combination into the mold during the injecting step.
(canceled)
A method for forming energy absorbing components for vehicles, the method comprising:
- mixing a combination having a polymeric material resin and a blowing agent;
- heating the combination to form a liquefied combination;
- pressurizing the liquefied combination to prevent substantial expansion of the liquefied combination prior to injection;
- cooling a mold operable to receive the liquefied combination;
- injecting the liquefied combination into the mold to operably form an energy absorbing component of a vehicle;
- and
- inserting at least one coolant pin through the mold to operably contact the component.
A process to produce an energy absorbing material, comprising:
- predetermining a wall thickness for an energy absorbing component;
- forming a mold for the energy absorbing component;
- mixing a combination having a polymeric material resin and a blowing agent;
- heating the combination after the mixing step to form a liquefied combination;
- transferring the liquefied combination into a mold;
- cooling the mold using one of an ambient temperature and a below ambient temperature coolant;
- positioning at least one coolant injection pin in the mold in fluid communication with the liquefied combination in the mold;
- controlling a temperature, a pressure and an injection rate of the liquefied combination to operably form a foam part having the predetermined wall thickness.
A process to produce an energy absorbing material, comprising:
- predetermining a wall thickness for an energy absorbing component;
- selecting the wall thickness of approximately 6 mm;
- forming a mold for the energy absorbing component;
- mixing a combination having a polymeric material resin and a blowing agent;
- heating the combination to form a liquefied combination;
- transferring the liquefied combination into a mold;
- and
- controlling a temperature, a pressure and an injection rate of the liquefied combination to operably form a foam part having the predetermined wall thickness.
(canceled)
(canceled)
28-37. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.