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:
Jan. 29, 2013
Filed:
Mar. 31, 2009
Kenneth G. Danaj, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Richard M. Kleber, Clarkston, MI (US);
James C. O'kane, Shelby Township, MI (US);
John R. Bradley, Clarkston, MI (US);
John E. Carsley, Clinton Township, MI (US);
Kevin K. Parkila, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Jeffrey M. Scramlin, Macomb, MI (US);
Kenneth G. Danaj, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Richard M. Kleber, Clarkston, MI (US);
James C. O'Kane, Shelby Township, MI (US);
John R. Bradley, Clarkston, MI (US);
John E. Carsley, Clinton Township, MI (US);
Kevin K. Parkila, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Jeffrey M. Scramlin, Macomb, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
An impact beam assembly includes a beam of high-strength steel, and a pair of end brackets constructed of a dissimilar material than the high-strength steel. The brackets are locally deformed onto the beam to thereby surround a portion of the beam. Once deformed, the brackets define a flat section suitable for welding to a vehicle door panel, as well as a section for retaining the beam. The beam can include a surface feature suitable for retaining the beam to the end brackets. A method of reinforcing a vehicle door assembly includes positioning the beam with respect to the end brackets such that the brackets surround a portion of the beam, and then activating a magnetic pulse coil (MPC) to deform an overlapping portion of the brackets onto the beam. The brackets are then attached to a surface of the door assembly to reinforce the door assembly.