Patent ID: 6598442
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: B21D,B60R,B62D,F16F

Abstract:
A process for producing a component for reducing the effect of an external mechanical impact, comprising an essentially tubular metal element comprising a jump in its cross section, such that under the influence of an axial load it can be turned at least partially inside out as a result of plastic deformation, and attachment means, the process comprising:hydroforming a piece of tube which has a transverse cross section which is constant along its length; and during the hydroforming: increasing in size, the transverse cross section of part of the length of the tube, such that the transitions between the parts of the tube not increased in cross section and the part of the tube increased in cross section cover a short distance, applying an axial pressure on the piece of tube which is being deformed such that the transitions in cross section adopt an S-shape, and forming the tubular element by cutting through the piece of tube which has been deformed by hydroforming halfway along its length.