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Header beam of a vehicle frame and method of forming the same

a technology of vehicle frame and header beam, which is applied in the direction of vehicle components, superstructure subunits, roofs, etc., can solve the problems of reducing structural integrity and making the use of lightweight extruded metal on header beams more difficul

Active Publication Date: 2015-04-30
FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a vehicle frame that includes an extruded header beam spanning between A-pillars. The extruded header beam is made with an elongated member that has top, bottom, front, and rear walls that define a hollow interior extending between its ends. Fasteners extend through the bottom wall between the front and rear legs and attach to the opposing ends of the A-pillars. The front and rear legs define uninterrupted box sections outside the central area. The invention provides a consistent curvature across the header beam for attaching the windshield while also reducing the amount of scrap material and maintaining or improving the structural integrity of the beams. The use of extruded metal on header beams also allows for the incorporation of lighter materials that adhere to higher safety standards.

Problems solved by technology

Also, it is common for header beams have multiple attachment features along the length of the header beam that can have a tendency to reduce the structural integrity of the beams, making the use of lightweight extruded metal on header beams more difficult.

Method used

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  • Header beam of a vehicle frame and method of forming the same
  • Header beam of a vehicle frame and method of forming the same
  • Header beam of a vehicle frame and method of forming the same

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Embodiment Construction

[0019]For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,”“lower,”“right,”“left,”“rear,”“front,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0020]Referring to FIGS. 1-9, reference numeral 10 generally designates a header beam for a frame 12 of a vehicle body 14. The vehicle body 14 includes a roof panel 16 and a pair of A-pillars 18 that each have a top e...

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PUM

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Abstract

A header beam couples between A-pillars of a vehicle frame. The header beam is formed from a generally straight beam segment that is extruded to have a hollow body portion with supportive legs extending within the hollow interior along the length of the beam segment, defining uninterrupted forward and rearward box sections for supporting continuous load paths on the header beam. The end portions of the beam segment are clamped and the beam segment is stretch bent to form a curvature between the end portions that remain generally straight. A front flange extends forward along the body portion and is struck proximate the end portions to form an edge that is parallel to the curvature formed between the end portions. The end portions are attached to the A-pillars and the edge of the front flange is attached to a windshield.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to a vehicle header beam, and more particularly relates to a hollow header beam that is formed from an elongated extruded beam.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]It is generally understood that vehicle frames include a header beam that spans between the A-pillars of the vehicle frame to support a vehicle roof and a windshield. To provide a consistent curvature across the header beam for attaching the windshield, steal header beams are typically formed with a stamping process that may cause a significant amount of scrap material to be generated. Also, it is common for header beams have multiple attachment features along the length of the header beam that can have a tendency to reduce the structural integrity of the beams, making the use of lightweight extruded metal on header beams more difficult. As it becomes more desirable for vehicles to be built with lighter materials that also adhere to higher safety standards, i...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B62D29/00
CPCB62D29/008B62D25/06B62D25/04
Inventor JOYCE, JOHNLASHBROOK, JACKWHIPPS, DUNCANMAY, CHRISTOPHER JOHNWAGNER, DARRIN NEIL
Owner FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
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