Patent ID: 6776944
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
A method to reduce noise between adjacent interior vehicle trim parts in which a first trim part is supported adjacent a second trim part and in which a bead of buffer material is provided between the first and second trim parts to reduce noises produced by contact and relative motion between the first and second trim parts, the method including the steps of:providing the first and second trim parts, the first trim part having a peripheral mating edge configured to lie adjacent a peripheral mating edge of the second part when the first and second trim parts are supported adjacent one another and wherein said first and second trim parts are not adhered to one another; forming a recess having an undercut portion in the peripheral mating edge of the first trim part after providing the first trim part, in which the step of forming a recess includes the steps of: providing a robot operatively connected to a recess-forming tool; and operating the robot to move the forming tool into and along the mating edge of the first trim part: providing buffer material in the recess and overfilling said recess, in which the step of providing buffer material includes the steps of: providing a robot operatively connected to an applicator; connecting a source of buffer material to the applicator, the buffer material being in fluid communication with the applicator; and operating the robot to move the applicator in spaced generally parallel relationship with the peripheral mating edge of the first trim part while projecting buffer material into the recess and onto the mating edge of the first trim part; and allowing said buffer material to harden so as to provide a bead of buffer material on the peripheral mating edge of the first trim part; allowing the bead to mechanically lock to the first trim part by hardening of the buffer material within the recess; and supporting the first and second trim parts adjacent one another with the second trim part contacting the bead of buffer material such that the bead is compressed between the first and second trim parts wherein the buffer material does not adhere to the second trim part.