Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Anthony V Minatel

Pei-chung Wang

John D Fickes

Steven Cipriano

Michael G Poss

Zhenke Teng

Mark J McGuire

Bryan F Lake

Michael D Regiec

Dean T Quaderer

James J Janick

Raymond F Roantree

Methods and systems for joining multiple workpieces are provided. In one example, the method includes dispensing adhesive on a first workpiece. A second workpiece is contacted with the adhesive such that the adhesive is disposed between the first and second workpieces. Resistance heating is produced in the first and second workpieces at first processing conditions to partially cure the adhesive and affix the first and second workpieces together to form a partially cured, adhesive-joined workpiece assembly. The partially cured, adhesive-joined workpiece assembly is exposed to heat at second processing conditions to substantially fully cure the adhesive.

Method and system for joining workpieces

An improved method for joining together the edge portions of first and second panels includes applying a heat curable adhesive along the edge portion of the first panel and then abutting the edge portion of the second panel with the edge portion of the first panel so that the adhesive is interposed between the edge portions of the first and second panels and the adhesive spaces the panels apart and provides a gap between the panels. A brazing material is melted and fills the gap and the heating of the panels by the brazing causes at least partial curing of the adhesive so that the panels are joined together by both brazing and adhesive bonding.

Method for brazing and adhesive bonding

The invention contemplates a body structure for a vehicle. The body structure includes a roof panel and a side frame. The attachment flange of an outer body side panel includes a roof mounting portion with a dual angle, a glass mounting portion at an angle that matches one of the dual angles, and a transition area where the dual angle of the roof mounting portion tapers to the glass mounting portion with the single angle.

Vehicle with layered roof build

Growing community of inventors

Fenton, MI, United States of America

Anthony V Minatel