Fabricating automotive spaceframes using electromagnetic forming or magnetic pulse welding
AssigneeFuel Cell Components and Integrators, Inc.
InventorsRobert L. Benoit, Bernard I. Rachowitz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for fabricating an automotive spaceframe using Electromagnetic Pulse Forming (EMF) or Magnetic Pulse Welding (MPW) techniques. The spaceframe can be either an all aluminum structure or a combination of dissimilar materials, such as aluminum and steel. The welding or forming methods can include the use of split coils or split inductors that allow for ease of access to the joints to be bonded in the spaceframe.
Claims17
A method of manufacturing an automotive inner-skeletal structure or “Spaceframe” having closed members and nodes defining joints of said spaceframe, said method of manufacturing using Electromagnetic Pulse Forming (EMF) or Magnetic Pulse Welding (MPW), and comprising the steps of:
- a) abutting a closed member against a stop of a node member of at least one joint, said node member having at least one raised land, and at least one undercut portion defining at least one gap between said closed member and said node prior to forming said closed member about said node;
- and
- b) placing at least one split inductor, or split coil adjacent said at least one joint;
- and
- c) forming said closed member about said node in order to close said at least one gap, using EMF or MPW via said split inductor or split coil, whereby at least one formed joint of said spaceframe is manufactured.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.