The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 16, 2003
Filed:
Sep. 22, 2000
Jon Hootman, Oak Creek, WI (US);
John F. Hinrichs, Menomonee Falls, WI (US);
Jeffrey S. Noruk, Mequon, WI (US);
Mike Gall, LaCrosse, WI (US);
Phillip C. Ruehl, Elm Grove, WI (US);
Tower Automotive Technology Products, Inc., Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Abstract
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.