20240051606. Inflatable-Based Process for Controlling Structural Foam Reinforcement Molding simplified abstract (GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC)

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Inflatable-Based Process for Controlling Structural Foam Reinforcement Molding

Organization Name

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

Inventor(s)

Nilesh D. Mankame of Ann Arbor MI (US)

Ruoyu Sun of Champaign IL (US)

Girish Krishnan of Mahomet IL (US)

Inflatable-Based Process for Controlling Structural Foam Reinforcement Molding - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240051606 titled 'Inflatable-Based Process for Controlling Structural Foam Reinforcement Molding

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a structural component for a vehicle that includes an interior surface defining a hollow passage and a structural reinforcement that contacts the interior surface. The structural reinforcement partially fills the cross-section of the component. The process for forming the structural component involves inserting a bladder into the hollow passage, inflating the bladder to create a cavity between the bladder and the interior surface, filling the cavity with a polymer resin, and foaming the resin. The system for forming the structural component includes the component with a hollow passage, a bladder insertable into the hollow passage, and a supply line connected to the bladder.

  • The patent application describes a structural component for vehicles that includes a hollow passage and a structural reinforcement.
  • The structural reinforcement contacts the interior surface of the component and partially fills the cross-section.
  • The process for forming the structural component involves inserting a bladder into the hollow passage, inflating it to create a cavity, filling the cavity with a polymer resin, and foaming the resin.
  • The system for forming the structural component includes the component, a bladder, and a supply line connected to the bladder.

Potential applications of this technology:

  • Automotive industry: The structural component can be used in various vehicle parts, such as body panels, frames, and chassis, to provide enhanced strength and rigidity.
  • Aerospace industry: The technology can be applied to aircraft components to improve structural integrity and reduce weight.

Problems solved by this technology:

  • Enhanced strength: The structural reinforcement and foamed polymer resin provide increased strength and rigidity to the component, improving its overall structural integrity.
  • Weight reduction: The foamed polymer resin helps reduce the weight of the component without compromising its strength, leading to improved fuel efficiency and performance.

Benefits of this technology:

  • Improved safety: The enhanced strength and rigidity of the structural component contribute to improved safety in vehicles and aircraft.
  • Cost-effective manufacturing: The process of forming the structural component using a bladder and polymer resin can be automated, resulting in cost savings during production.
  • Design flexibility: The technology allows for the creation of complex shapes and designs, providing greater design flexibility for vehicle and aircraft manufacturers.


Original Abstract Submitted

a structural component for a vehicle includes a component including an interior surface defining a first hollow passage and a structural reinforcement contacting the interior surface of the component. the structural reinforcement and component define a cross-section and the structural reinforcement partially fills the cross-section. a process for forming the structural component including inserting a bladder into the first hollow passage defined by the interior surface of the component and inflating the bladder in the first hollow passage, forming a cavity between the bladder and the interior surface, filling the cavity with a polymer resin, and foaming the polymer resin. a system for forming a structural component for a vehicle includes a component including a first hollow passage defined by an interior surface of the component, a bladder insertable into the first hollow passage of the component, and a supply line connected to an interior of the bladder.