Vehicle Body Structure

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016280048-A1
Application number	US-201514665343-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Mar 23, 2015
Priority date	Mar 23, 2015
Publication date	Sep 29, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A method of assembling vehicle-body components includes positioning a first component on a second component. The first component has a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the second component and one of the first and second components defines a slot. The method also includes loosely installing a bolt though the slot and the first and second components, and creating a joint in the first and second components. The method further includes heating the first and second components, which causes the first and second components to move relative to each other due to thermal expansion in response to the heating. This movement causes the joint to fail. The method also includes tightening the bolt.

First claim

1 . A method of assembling vehicle-body components comprising:
positioning a first component on a second component, wherein the first component has a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the second component and one of the first and second components defines a slot; loosely installing a bolt through the slot and the first and second components; creating a joint in the first and second components with a fastening means, wherein the fastening means is one of a rivet, a fastener, a weld, and a clinch joint; heating the first and second components, wherein the first and second components move relative to each other due to thermal expansion in response to the heating causing the fastening means to fail; and tightening the bolt.

2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the first component is a door beam and the second component is an inner panel of a door.

3 . The method of claim 1 wherein the fastening means is a rivet.

4 . The method of claim 1 wherein the fastening means is a fastener that includes a portion configured to disintegrate when exposed to the heating.

5 . The method of claim 1 wherein the fastening means is a clinch joint.

6 . The method of claim 2 further comprising attaching an outer panel to the inner panel.

7 . A method of assembling a vehicle-body assembly comprising:
positioning a first component on a second component, wherein the first component has a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the second component and one of the first and second components defines a slot; installing a fastener assembly through the slot to join the first and second components, wherein at least a portion of the fastener assembly is configured to disintegrate when exposed to a surface-treatment solution; dipping the first and second components in the surface-treatment solution causing the at least a portion of the fastener assembly to disintegrate; and retightening the fastener.

8 . The method of claim 7 wherein the first component is a door beam and the second component is an inner panel of a door.

9 . The method of claim 8 wherein the slot is defined in the door beam.

10 . The method of claim 7 wherein the at least a portion of the fastener assembly configured to disintegrate is a washer.

11 . The method of claim 10 wherein the washer is made of cardboard.

12 . The method of claim 10 wherein the washer is made of wax.

13 . The method of claim 10 wherein the washer is made of compacted dirt.

14 . The method of claim 7 wherein the surface-treatment solution is an electro-coating solution.

15 . A door-in-white assembly comprising:
an inner panel including a mounting surface; and a beam having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the inner panel, the beam being attached to the mounting surface by a fastener assembly including a component configured to disintegrate during electro-coating such that the fastener assembly loosens allowing relative movement between the inner panel and beam resulting from thermal expansion during the electro-coating.

16 . The assembly of claim 15 wherein the component includes a washer.

17 . The assembly of claim 16 wherein the washer is made of cardboard.

18 . The assembly of claim 16 wherein the washer is made of wax.

19 . The assembly of claim 15 wherein the beam defines a slot and wherein the fastener assembly extends through the slot.

20 . The assembly of claim 15 further comprising an outer panel attached to the inner panel such that the panels define a cavity, wherein the beam is disposed within the cavity.

Assignees

• Ford Global Tech Llc

Inventors

• Friedman Peter A
• Campbell Aindrea Mckelvey
• Huff Garret Sankey
• Freis Amanda Kay
• Ketelhut Ronald David
• Luckey Jr S George
• Chappuis Laurent Bernard

Classifications

• B62D23/00

  Combined superstructure and frame, i.e. monocoque constructions ({having impact absorbing means B62D21/15; } superstructure {or monocoque structure} sub-units {or parts or details thereof} B62D25/00 {; characterised by the material thereof B62D29/00}) · CPC title

• B62D65/00

  Designing, manufacturing, e.g. assembling, facilitating disassembly, or structurally modifying motor vehicles or trailers, not otherwise provided for · CPC title

• B60J5/00

  Doors (B60J10/00 takes precedence; window aspects B60J1/00 {; side board or tailgate structures for open load compartments B62D33/023}) · CPC title

• B60J5/0425

  the elements being arranged essentially horizontal in the centre of the lower door structure (B60J5/0426 - B60J5/0448 take precedence) · CPC title

• B62D27/00 Primary

  Connections between superstructure {or understructure} sub-units {(B62D33/0207, B62D33/044 take precedence; between sub-units predominently made of synthetic material B62D29/048)} · CPC title