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US 7,344,186 B1Granted
A-pillar structure for an automotive vehicle
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsHenry Hausler, John Reed
Life of this patent
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AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsHenry Hausler, John Reed
Estimating the term…
An A-pillar structure on an automotive vehicle is manufactured from a formed tubular member that replaces the conventional inner and inner reinforcement members. The door opening panel is formed with conventional flanges that are welded or adhered to the tubular member to provide a conventional uniform surface against which the windshield and front door seals can be supported. The door opening panel flanges can be welded by one-sided welding techniques, such as laser stitch welding, to the tubular member. As an option, the movement of the front door seal from the ab flange to the front door can provide an opportunity to form the tubular member with a still larger cross-section for enhanced strength. The distance dimension spanning the opposing flanges to define the standard arc for maintaining binocular vision is retained while increasing the strength of the A-pillar due to the enlarged cross-sectional configuration provided by the tubular member.
A structural member for use as an A-pillar in an automotive vehicle to support a windshield seal and a front door seal, comprising:
In an automotive vehicle having a roof;
An automotive A-pillar member supporting a windshield seal and engagable with a front door, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.