Sonic weld sunroof trim ring
AssigneeLear Corporation
InventorsJohn M. Tiesler, Jim Mestemaker, Michael C. Dykman, Scott D. Arnold
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of installing trim rings to headliner trims systems in motor vehicles comprising a trim ring, a headliner, and a sonic horn and stack. The sonic horn vibrates to bond/weld headliner to trim ring. Energy directors can be added to facilitate bonding/welding process. Fasteners can also be added for attachment to the vehicle body. This bonding/welding of the headliner to trim ring creates a smooth, molded look for the trim ring and does so without gapping to or sliding within the headliner.
Claims7
A method of installing a trim ring to a headliner of a motor vehicle wherein said vehicle includes a body and wherein said method comprising the steps of:
- stacking a sonic horn with the headliner and the trim ring;
- stacking at least one fastener above the headliner in the at least one weld area to fasten the headliner to the body of the vehicle;
- and
- vibrating the sonic horn such that the trim ring and the headliner bond and weld together in at least one weld area.
A method of installing a trim ring to a headliner of a motor vehicle including a body, said method comprising the steps of:
- stacking a sonic horn with the headliner and the trim ring;
- providing a nest wherein said step of stacking the sonic horn with the headliner and the trim ring occurs on the nest such that the trim ring, the headliner, and the sonic horn are supported by the nest;
- providing at least one energy director between the trim ring and the headliner;
- vibrating the sonic horn such that the trim ring and the headliner bond and weld together in at least one weld area;
- and
- stacking at least one fastener above the headliner in the at least one weld area to fasten the headliner to the body of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.