Metal thermoplastic sandwich overmold
AssigneeMagna Exteriors Inc.
InventorsTushar Ashok Shegokar, Heiner Salzmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A metal and composite thermoplastic sandwich overmold adapted to achieve predetermined performance requirements without having to add metal and mass penalty to the assembly, and process to manufacture same. This is achievable by using the thermoplastic material that allows for a predetermined improved ribbing pattern that is connected to a base material. The ribbing can transfer load due to improved connection to the base material. There is provided increased plastic surface and edge encapsulation on the non-visible side of the part and the capability to provide well connected ribbing.
Claims20
A thermoplastic sandwich overmold assembly adapted for a vehicle, comprising:
- at least one first panel portion;
- at least one second panel;
- at least one reinforcement;
- and
- at least one additional first panel portion, wherein said reinforcement is sandwiched between the first panel portion and additional first panel portion.
A thermoplastic sandwich overmold assembly adapted for a vehicle, comprising:
- at least one first layer of thermoplastic;
- a plurality of openings through said at least one first layer;
- at least one metal and/or composite layer;
- at least one additional layer of thermoplastic, wherein said at least one metal and/or composite layer is sandwiched between the first layer of thermoplastic and additional layer.
A method of manufacturing a metal thermoplastic sandwich overmold assembly adapted for a vehicle, comprising:
- providing at least a first predetermined molding material;
- providing at least one reinforcement;
- providing molding tooling adapted and by suitable design of predetermined locator openings and the design of the sandwich assembly, the predetermined molding material will operably flow within the molding tooling in a way that the at least one reinforcement will always be pressed by molding material pressure in the molding tool on the predetermined correct side of the molding tool;
- and wherein the molding material encapsulates the reinforcement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.