A.o. Smith Corporation

Tower Automotive Technology Products, Inc.

Jeffrey S Noruk

John F Hinrichs

Phillip C Ruehl

Mike Gall

Michael S Lasky

Jon Hootman

Stephen D Hall

Link arms for use in suspension systems are produced through an extrusion and friction stir welding process. Blocks having an eye and a planar body section are formed through an extrusion process. These sections are then paired together and joined through friction stir welding. The welded joint(s) is/are positioned in such a location so as to not impact the structural integrity of the completed component. Through this process it is possible to construct cost competitive link arms having the same or better structural integrity as previously employed steel link arms while achieving dramatic weight reductions.

Multi-piece extruded link arm

A method for assembling a motor vehicle frame including a rail having a generally planar outer surface and upper and lower ends, and a bracket including a wall portion having a lower end, the method comprising the steps of positioning the bracket against the side rail outer surface so that the wall portion extends transversely to the rail outer surface, and welding the bracket to the rail by providing a weld bead along the junction between the wall portion and the rail outer surface and extending the weld bead along the rail outer surface substantially beyond the lower end of the wall portion to the lower end of the rail.

Method for welding vehicle frame

Growing community of inventors

Mequon, WI, United States of America

Jeffrey S Noruk