Patent ID: 6634698
Filing Date: 2003-10-21
Classification: B29C,B60J,B60R

Abstract:
A vibration damping system for a door assembly of an automotive vehicle, the door assembly including an exterior panel structure, the damping system comprising:(a) an intrusion device suitable for fixed placement within an automotive vehicle having a first end and a second end mounted to the door assembly, said intrusion device further having exposed surface portions between said first end and said second end; and (b) a plurality of nodes of an expandable vibration damping material in bonding contact over at least a portion of said exposed surface portions of said intrusion device prior to expansion, wherein: i) the plurality of nodes have an original volume prior to expansion; ii) the plurality of nodes expand to an expanded volume that is greater than 1000% of the original volume; iii) the nodes of the plurality of nodes each contact an adjacent node of the plurality of nodes and the exterior panel structure after expansion; iv) the nodes of the plurality of nodes are applied to the intrusion device in a variety of shapes and sizes with a mini-applicator; and v) the nodes of the plurality of nodes are in a random pattern after expansion thereby forming miniaturized chamber areas that absorb various vibrations and sound frequencies; wherein the expandable material is configured to reduce vibrations within the closure panel assembly during transport of the vehicle and operation of the assembly.