Other

Magna International Inc.

Decoma International Corporation

Martin McLeod

Christopher John Kuntze

Steven S Grgac

Stephen R Roddy

Bradford D Armstrong

Norman Guschewski

Gari Schalte

Hans-Joachim Ludwig

Gerhard Fischer

Michelle Vanbuskirk

Rudolpf A Schrempf

Alexander Kiselev

Alireza Ebrahimi

Stephen Robert Roddy

A method of forming members of fiber reinforced thermoplastic members via molding, the members including at least one hollow chamber, formed by water injection into the melt in the mold, to stiffen the finished member. The thermoplastic is preferably selected from a group comprising polypropylene, Nylon, PET, ABS, TPO, and thermoplastic polyurethane, while the reinforcing fibers are preferably selected from a group comprising glass, aramid, carbon, and natural fibers. Preferably, the extruded melt is produced such that the average length of the reinforcing fibers is less than four millimeters.

Water assist injection moulded structural members

The present invention is a thermoplastic composite liftgate system with reinforcements in key areas to allow the system to meet performance requirements, while lowering the tooling investment, lowering the system mass, and improving the styling flexibility. The present invention includes an inner panel and at least one bracket or reinforcement member connected to the inner panel such that when a force is applied to the bracket, the force is distributed to the inner panel.

Composite  liftgate system

A tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle includes an outer panel, an integrally formed inner structural panel, and at least one reinforcing panel. The inner structural panel is coupled to the outer panel and includes a support surface facing the outer panel. The inner structural panel also includes spaced apart upper and lower walls extending laterally along the support surface, a pair of end walls extending between the upper and lower walls, and a plurality of ribs spaced apart and disposed between the upper and lower walls. The plurality of ribs also extends laterally between the end walls. The reinforcing panel is disposed between the outer and inner structural panels. The reinforcing panel is secured to the integrally formed inner structural panel between a portion of the plurality of ribs to add rigidity to the tailgate assembly.

Lightweight composite tailgate

Growing community of inventors

Barrie, Canada

Martin McLeod