Apparatus for testing a hem flange and method for same
AssigneeThe Budd Company
InventorJames M. Herring, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A test apparatus for testing hem flanges that join automotive body panels is provided. This testing apparatus operates by engaging a hook member with a first body panel such that the first body panel is maintained in a held relationship with respect to the hook member. A ram member then extends from the testing apparatus and engages with and loads a second automotive body panel member. As a result, a tensile load is applied to the hem flange, permitting the hem flange to be analyzed for defective construction.
Claims13
A method for testing a hem flange that joins a first panel with a second panel, said first panel having an end portion which is folded over an end of said second panel, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) engaging said folded over end of said first panel with a hook member of a hem flange testing apparatus;
- b) supporting said first panel;
- c) using a movable member to push said second panel away from said hook member thereby creating a tensile load in said hem flange generally along a test axis;
- d) inspecting said hem flange;
- and
- e) unloading said second panel.
A testing apparatus for testing hem flanges that join a first panel with a second panel, the first panel having an end portion which is folded over an end of the second panel, said testing apparatus comprising:
- a) first engaging means for engaging the folded over end of a first panel with a hook member such that said first panel remains stationary when said first panel is subject to loads in a direction substantially parallel to a test axis;
- b) second engaging means for engaging said second panel that is coupled to said first panel by said hem flange, said second engaging means coupled to said first engaging means such that loads can be applied to said panels by moving said second engaging means relative to said first engaging means;
- and
- c) loading means for loading said panels by moving said second engaging means relative to said first engaging means such that said hem flange is subject to a tensile load generally along said test axis.
An apparatus for testing a hem flange that joins a first panel with a second panel, the first panel having an end portion which is folded over an end of the second panel, said apparatus comprising:
- an elongated base;
- support means on one end of the base for supporting a surface of the first panel spaced from the hem flange;
- a cylinder mounted to an opposite end of the base, said cylinder having a movable ram extending therefrom;
- a hook member having a downturned lip for engaging the folded over end portion of the hem flange, the hook member being connected to the base;
- retractable means carried by the base between the hook member and support means, said retractable means clamping the hem flange in abutting engagement with the hook member when the retractable support is in an operable position;
- and
- said ram being movable by the cylinder to engage the second panel and create a tensile load on the hem flange to thereby test the integrity thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.