Composite laminate beam for automotive body construction

Abstract: A composite laminate beam (12) for an automotive body construction (10) has an outer structural portion (14) and an inner tube portion (16) separated by a thin layer of structural foam (18). The beam may take the form of a radiator support structure, a roof or windshield pillar, a rocker assembly, a drive shaft or similar structures. A method of making the beam is also disclosed.

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to automotive body structural members and, more specifically, relates to techniques for increasing strength and stiffness of automotive body structural members. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION In a member of applications, particularly in the automotive industry, it is important to provide high-strength structural members at the lowest possible mass. A member of composite materials have been proposed by others in the past for use in forming structural members, including exotic light-weight alloys. In the automotive industry, however, the need for mass reduction without sacrificing strength must be balanced against the cost of the product to the consumer. Thus, there is a need for maintaining or increasing the strength of structural members such as rockers, windshield pillars, pillars, radiator support beams and drive shafts without significantly increasing materials and labor costs. The reinforcement of motor vehicle structural members through the use of composite materials is known. For example, the present inventor has disclosed a number of metal/plastic composite structures for use in reinforcing motor vehicles components. In U.S. Patent No. 4,901,500, entitled "Lightweight Composite Beam," a reinforcing beam for a vehicle door ia disclosed which comprises an open channel-shaped metal member having a longitudinal cavity vhich is filled with a thermoset or thermoplastic resin-based material. In U.S. Patent No. 4,908,930 entitled, "Method of Making a Torsion Bar," a hollow torsion bar reinforced by a mixture of resin with filler is described. The tube is cut to length and charged with a resin-based material. In U.S. Patent No. 4,751,249, entitled, "Reinforcement Insert for a Structural Member with Method of Making and Using the Same," a precast reinforcement insert for structural members is provided which is formed of a plurality of pellets containing a thermoset resin with a blowing agent. The precast is expanded and cured in place in the structural member. In U.S. Patent No. 4,978, 562, entitled, "Composite Tubular Door Beam Reinforced with a Syntactic Foam Core Localized at the Mid Span of the Tube," a composite door beam is described which has a resin-based core that occupies not more than one-third of the bore of a metal tube. In addition to the present inventor's own prior work, a number of metal laminates constructions are known in which flat metal plates are bonded together by an intervening layer of resin. It is also known to form a metal laminate sheet for use as a floor panel member which comprises a pair of flat metal sheets having an intervening layer of asphalt or elastic polymer. WO 93/05103 relates to a method of strengthening a hollow member. It comprises inserting a foam precursor means within the member which means expands on heating to fill the void with a rigid foam. Where the void is large a heat sink in the form of a metal tube may be located centrally within the volume to be filled. DE 291 9046 relates to a bumper construction comprising two spaced apart U-shaped sheet metal profiles. The space between the metal profiles is filled with a high resistance foam. Being a bumper, the filling is designed to absorb stress. US 3123170 relates to a radiator support in which a resilient pad material is retained between co-operating portions of brackets to counter vibration. DE-U 9011147.8 relates to a drive shaft comprising a tubular element having a slitted tube clamped inside thereof. The slotted tube has a 50-2000 µm thick coating of a material which causes damping. EP 0453777 relates to an arrangement and method for sealing a cavity using a preformed, shaped sealant plug containing an expandable sealant material. W089/06595A describes a method for the production of composite pipes that have an inner pipe made of synthetic resin and an outer pipe made of metal, the inner surface of which is lined with the inner pipe. Although filling sections with plastic foam does significantly increase section stiffness (at least when high-density foams are utilized), they also increase mass and thus part weight, which, as stated, is an undesirable feature in automotive applications. Moreover, although increasing the metal gauge of a section or adding localized metal reinforcements will increase stiffness, as the metal thickness increases, it is more difficult to form the part due to limitations in metal forming machines. Importantly, in many applications increasing metal gauge will not work effectively because stiffness frequency is proportional to section stiffness divided by section mass: f ≈ K/m (i.e., frequency is proportional to the square foot of stiffness over mass). Mass and stiffness are increased proportionately, with no resultant change in the dynamic stiffness frequency of the part. In addition, filling a section entirely with foam creates a large heat sink and requires elaborate sealing operations to close access holes in the stampings. Also, the presence of the foam may interfere with the placement of interior trim panels, wiring harnesses and hinges. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a low-cost technique for increasing the stiffness of a section without proportionately increasing the mass. The present invention provides sections which have increased stiffness values with no significant increase in mass and without the use of high volumes of expensive resins. In many applications, the present invention reduces vibrations which cause unwanted "shake" of a component. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a laminate beam comprising: an outer structural portion having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface; an inner tube portion having substantially the same shape as the outer structural portion and having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface said inner wall surface of said inner tube portion defining a cavity, the inner tube portion being disposed in the outer and structural portion, with a gap at substantially constat thickness being defined therebetween, and a resin-based material layer disposed between and in contact with said inner wall surface of said outer structural portion and said outer wall surface of said inner tube portion wherein the outer wall surface of said inner tube portion closely conforms and is bonded to said inner wall surface of said structural portion by said resin-based material layer, the thickness of the layer being from 1.52 - 12.7 mm, and in that said inner tube portion is open along at least one side for substantially its entire length. Further provided in accordance with the invention is a method of making a laminate beam comprising the steps of: providing an outer structural portion; forming an inner tube portion having subtantially the same shape as the outer structural portion open along at least one side for substantially its entire length and having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, said inner wall surface of said inner tube portion defining a first cavity, which inner tube portion fits within a second cavity defined by said outer structural portion; placing a layer or ribbon of a thermoset and/or expandable resin on at least a portion of the outer wall surface of said inner tube portion; inserting said inner tube portion in said second cavity to form an assembly in which the outer wall surface of the inner tube portion closely conforms to, and defines a substantially constant gap therebetween said inner wall surface of said outer structural portion and heating said assembly to a temperature whereby the resin is cured and/or expands in place to form a resin placed material layer having a thickness of from 1. 52 mm to 12.7 mm and to bond said outer structural portion to said inner tube portion. Also, the present invention provides a tube portion being a drop-in insert for disposal within an outer structural portion having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, the tube portion having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, said inner wall surface of said tube portion defining a cavity, characterized in that the said outer wall surface has a layer or ribbon of a thermoset and/or expandable resin which may be cured and/or expanded in place to form a resin based material layer and to form the laminate beam as previously described, which tube portion is open along at least one side for substantially its entire length. In one aspect, the present invention provides a hollow laminate beam characterized by its high-stiffness-to-mass ratio. The beam has an outer portion which is separated from an inner tube by a thin layer of structural foam. In another aspect, the hollow laminate beam of the present invention is an automotive radiator support beam having an outer metal section and a generally rectangular inner tube, which is open on one side. At least three sides of the rectangular inner tube are coated with a structural foam which is disposed between the rectangular inner tube and the outer metal section and in contact therewith. A metal cap is welded in place to complete the beam and retain the inner tube. The diameter of any through holes in the inner tube which are in alignment with through-holes in the outer portion are larger than the outer portion through-holes such that the structural foam does not block the through-hole clearances of either metal thicknesses. In still another aspect, the laminate beam of the present invention is an automotive windshield pillar. A hollow metal tube is disposed within the pillar and is separated from the outer pillar stampings by a thin layer of structural foam. In still another aspect, the laminate beam of the present invention is an automotive rocker panel assembly. The rocker panel assembly comprises mating inner and outer panel sections which form a generally rectangular rocker panel wall structure. Positioned within the rocker panel wall structure is a closely fitting inner metal tube which defines a cavity. A thin layer of structural foam is disposed between the rocker panel wall structure and the inner tube structure. In still another aspect the beam is a motor vehicle drive shaft. An inner tube is closely received within the outer drive shaft housing, thereby defining an annulus. A layer of foam is disposed in the annulus. The present invention also provides a method of increasing the stiffness-to-mass ratio of a beam, wherein the beam defines a cavity. The method includes the steps of forming a tube which fits within the cavity defined by the beam; placing a layer of resin on at least a portion of the outer surface of the tube; and inserting the tube in the cavity, with the resin contacts the inner wall of the tube. In still another aspect, the present invention comprises a C-rail section for use in truck frames. An inner stamped or rolled C-shaped member is separated from the outer C-frame rail by a layer of resin-based material. In still another aspect, a plurality of plugs made of a foam which disintegrates at high temperatures are used to close through-holes in a part which is subsequently filled with a core material. The part is then passed through an oven which melts or disintegrates the plugs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the front end of a motor vehicle, with the engine removed and the body shown in phantom. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a radiator support beam made in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2A is a fragmentary view of the oversized through-holes of the present invention. Figure 3 is a plan view of the radiator support beam of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a front elevational view of the radiator support beam of the radiator support beam of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-section along lines 5-5 of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-section along lines 6-6 of Figure 3. Figure 7 is a cross section of a C-rail section made in accordance with the present invention. DETAILLED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings, a motor vehicle 10 is shown with the engine removed and the body illustrated in phantom. Radiator support structure or beam 12 is mounted on the chassis and serves to support the vehicle radiator (not shown). In Figure 2, radiator support beam 12 is illustrated in exploded view having outer shell or portion 14 which in this embodiment is a steel stamping. An inner tube, here shown as channel-shaped tube 16, is provided having a layer of resin-based material 18 applied to selected surfaces. Cap 20 is seen having a plurality of through-holes 22 and serves to enclose channel-shaped tube 16 within outer shell 14. More specifically, and referring now of Figures 2 through 6, outer shell 14 defines a cavity or channel 24. A number of throug-holes 26 are seen through which electric wiring (not shown) may extend. Outer shell 14 includes a laterally extending mounting bracket or plate portion 28 which is secured to components of the engine assembly. The benefits of the present invention are provided by inner tube or inner portion 16 which in this case is roll-formed metal, for example thin gauge steel, which is formed so that it may be closely fitted within cavity 24 of outer shell 14. Inner tube 16 in this embodiment closely conforms to the geometry of outer shell 14, including having a lateral plate 30 that mates with mounting bracket 26. By providing a layer of resin-based material 18 an selected surfaces of inner tube 16 and then assembling inner tube 16 and outer shell 14 to term the tube-in-tube construction shown best in the crose-section of Figure 6, the stiffness of beam 12 is increased significantly without a significant increase in mass. Accordingly, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, a layer of a resin-based material 18 is applied, shown here on three sides of inner tube 18. A number of resin-based compositions can be utilized to form resin-based layer 18 in the present inventions. The preferred compositions impart excellent strength and stiffness characteristics to beam 12 while adding only marginally to the weight. With specific reference now to the composition of the resin-based layer, the density of the material should preferably be from about 0.242 - 0.640 gcm -3 (15 pounds per cubic feet to about 40 pounds per cubic feet) to minimize weight. The melting point of resin-based layer 18, heat distortion temperature and the temperature at which chemical breakdown occurs must also be sufficiently high such that layer 18 substantially maintains its structure at high temperatures typically encountered in paint ovens and the like. Therefore, resin-based layer 18 should be able to withstand temperatures in excess of 134°C (300 degrees F.) and preferably 162°C (350 degrees F.) for short times. Also, the resin based layer 18 should be able to withstand heats of about 67-90°C (180 degrees F. to 220 degrees F.) for extended periods without exhibiting substantial heat-induced distortion or degradation. In more detail, resin-based layer 18 includes a synthetic resin, a cell-forming agent, and a filler. A synthetic resin comprises from about 35.0 percent to about 95.0 percent by weight, preferably from about 75.0 percent to about 94.0 percent by weight, and most preferably from about 78.0 percent to about 90.0 percent by weight of layer 18. As used herein, the term "cell-forming agent" refers generally to agents which produce bubbles, pores, or cavities in layer 18. That is, resin-based layer 18 has a cellular structure, having numerous cells disposed throughout its mass. This cellular structure provides a low-density, high-strength material, which, in beam 12, provides a strong, yet lightweight structure. Cell-forming agents which are compatible with the present invention include reinforcing "hollow" microspheres or microbubbles which may be formed of either glass or plastic. Plastic microspheres may be either thermosetting or thermoplastic and either expanded or unexpanded. In one embodiment, unexpanded microspheres are used which are then expanded to form resin-based layer 18. The preferred microspheres are from about 1.0 to about 250 and preferably from about 10 to about 180 microns in diameter. The cell-forming agent may also comprise a larger, lightweight material such as macrospheres of greater than 400 microns in diameter. Also, the cell-forming agent may comprise a blowing agent which may be either a chemical blowing agent or a physical blowing agent. Glass microspheres are particularly preferred. Where the cell-forming agent comprises microspheres or macrospheres, it constitutes from about 1.0 percent to about 60.0 percent by weight, preferably from about 1.0 percent to about 35.0 percent by weight, and most preferably from about 3.0 percent to about 20.0 percent by weight of layer 18. Where the cell-forming agent comprises a blowing agent, it constitutes from about 1.0 percent to about 10.0 percent by weight, preferably from about 1.0 percent to about 5.0 percent by weight, and most preferably from about 3.0 percent to about 5.0 percent by weight of layer 18. Suitable fillers include glass or plastic microspheres, silica fume, calcium carbonate, milled glass fiber, and chopped glass strand. Glass microspheres are particularly preferred. Other materials may be suitable. A filler comprises from about 1.0 percent to about 55.0 percent by weight, preferably from about 5.0 percent to about 24.0 percent by weight and most preferably from about 7.0 percent to about 19.0 percent by weight of resin-based layer 18. Preferred synthetic resins for use in the present invention include thermosets such as epoxy resins, vinyl eater resins, thermoset polyester resins, and urethane resins. It is not intended that the scope of the present invention be limited by molecular weight of the resin. Where the resin component of the liquid filler material is a thermoset resin, various accelerators, such as "EMI-24" (imidazole accelerator) and "DMP-30," and curing agents, preferably organic peroxides such as "MEK" peroxide and "Percadox," may also be included to enhance the cure rate. A functional amount of accelerator is typically from about 0.1 percent to about 4.0 percent of the resin weight with corresponding reduction in one of the three components, resin, cell-forming agent or filler. Similarly, the amount of curing agent used is typically from about 12 percent to about 4 percent of the resin weight with a corresponding reduction in one of the three components, resin, cell-forming agent or filler. Effective amounts of processing aids, stabilizers, colorants, UV absorbers and the like may also be included in layer. Thermoplastics may also be suitable. In the following tables, preferred formulations for resin-based layer 18 are set forth. It has been found that these formulations provide a layer 18 which results in a beam 12 having a stiffness-to-mass ratio of greater than 1, where 1 is a normalized stiffness-to-mass ratio of a hollow or open C-channel metal beam regardless of mass. Formulas I and III are preferred for use with clean metal surfaces (i.e., after removing any residue on the contacting metal surfaces such as mill oils and drying compounds). Formula II does not require extensive pre-cleaning of the metal. INGREDIENT PERCENTAGE BY WEIGHT INGREDIENT PERCENTAGE BY WEIGHT FORMULA I FORMULA II Polyester Resin 80.9 EPON 828 54.5 ("ARS-137-69") Haloxy 62 7.5 "Percadox 16N" 1.1 Der 732 6.1 "3M C15" 18 Expancel 551DU 2.0 SG Micros 8.8 3M K20 17.7 DI-CY 3.4 FORMULA III Polyester Resin ("ARISTECH 13031") 48.8 "Percadox 16N" 0.7 "SG Micros" (PA IND) 50.5 As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, EPON 828 is an epoxy resin, Haloxy 62 is an epoxy diluent, Der 732 is a flexible epoxy, Expancel 551 DU is a blowing agent, SG Micron and 3M K20 are microspheres and DI-CY is a curing agent. A number of methods of applying layer 18 to reinforcement tube 16 may be suitable, for example by spraying the resin-based material onto the surface of tube 16. It may be suitable to fill the space between the inner and outer tubes after they are assembled. Most preferred is the application of the resin-based material using a duck-bill applicator which applies a wide, even ribbon of resin on the surfaces of tube 16. In most applications, the thickness in mm (inches) of layer 18 should be from about 1.52 - 12.7mm (.060 to about .50) and more preferably from about 2.54 - 6.35 (.10 to about .25) where the preferred foam compositions described herein are utilized. In those embodiments of the present invention in which outer shell 14 has one or more through-holes 26, for example, for the passage of electrical wiring or the like, it will be necessary to provide matching through-holes 32 in inner tube 16 in register with the through-holes 26 of the outer shell. Since structural foam layer 18 could in some instances block all or a portion of through-holes 32, requiring a separate assembly step of clearing the foam material from the hole, In a preferred embodiment of this invention, clearance is obtained by creating over-sized through-holes 32 in alignment with through-holes 26. It is preferred that the diameter of through-holes 32 be at least 20 percent larger than that of through-holes 26, but in some applications equal size through-holes will be sufficient. In this manner, resin or foam which extends from the edges of inner tube 16 into the clearance of through-holes 32 will generally not block wire, clips or screws and the like that are threaded through through-holes 26. This concept is also illustrated in Figure 2A (as viewed looking through hole 32 from the inside) in which a portion of layer 18 extends into the clearance of through-hole 32 during application, but not to the margins of through-hole 26. In the event that layer 18 does obstruct any of the through-holes 32, it may be blown clear using an air jet before layer 18 solidifies. Referring again to Figures 2 and 5, cap 20 closes radiator support beam 12 as well as cavity or channel 34 defined by inner tube 16. Cavity 34 will generally be clear (i.e., inner tube 16 will be hollow) other than for the presence of wiring. Cap 20 is preferably welded in place. The effective thickness of the reinforced walls of beam 12 is typically four to five times that of shell 14, with very little increase in weight. Where layer 18 is a thermoset and/or expandable resin-based material, layer 18 may be cured and/or expanded in place from the heat of the B-coat oven. It is preferred that layer 18 bond together shell 14 and tube 16. It should also be noted that the construction of the present invention allows the B-coat to drain, which would not be possible if the entire beam were foam-filled. In addition, the minimal amount of foam which is used does not create a heat sink body as is the case with large, dense foam areas and the minimal amount of foam usage reduces materials cost. Also, the need for plugs or the like to allow foam filling of the entire beam is eliminated. Where desired, inner tube 16 at through-holes 32 may be flanged inwardly toward outer shell 14 such that the flange serves as a closure to confine and isolate layer 18. Alternatively, outer shell 14 at through-holes 26 may be flanged inwardly toward inner tube 16 for the same purpose. Also, plugs or grommets in through-holes 26 and/or 32 can be used for this purpose. A number of materials can be used to form outer shell 14 and inner tube 16 such as plastic or metal, but steel is preferred. The outer shell metal gauge in mm (inches) will typically be from about 0.76 - 2.28mm (.030 to about .090). The inner tube metal gauge will typically be from about 0.64 - 1.28mm (.025 to about .050). In Figure 7, C-rail 72 is shown having outer wall section 74 separated from inner tube or channel portion 76 by a layer of structural foam 78. A number of additional specific applications of the present invention will be apparent in light of the teachings herein.

Claims: A laminate beam (12; 72), comprising: an outer structural portion (14; 74) having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surfaces; an inner tube portion (16; 16'; 76) having substantially the same shape as the outer structural portion and having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface said inner wall surface of said inner tube portion defining a cavity (34), the inner tube portion being diposed in the outer structural portion, with a gap of substantially constant thickness being defined therebetween; and a resin-based material layer (18; 78) disposed between and in contact with said inner wall surface of said outer structural portion and said outer wall surface of said inner tube portion wherein the outer wall surface of said inner tube portion closely conforms and is bonded to said inner wall surface of said structural portion by said resin-based material layer, the thickness of the layer being from 1.52 - 12.7 mm, and wherein said inner tube portion is open along at least one side for substantially its entire length. A laminate beam as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inner tube portion (16; 76) is a U-shaped channel. A laminate beam as claimed in claim 2 wherein a cap (20) encloses the channel and retains the inner tube portion within the outer structural portion. A laminate beam as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein said resin-based material layer is a structural foam. A laminate beam as claimed in claim 4 wherein said structural foam is a cured thermoset resin. A laminate beam as claimed in claim 4 wherein said structural foam is an expanded-expandable resin. A laminate beam as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the resin-based material layer has a density of from 0.242 - 0.640 g cm -3 . A radiator support structure for a motor vehicle comprising a laminate beam as claimed in any preceding claim. A windshield pillar for a motor vehicle comprising a laminate beam as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7. A rocker panel assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a laminate beam as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7. A method of making a laminate beam comprising the steps of: providing an outer structural portion (14; 74); forming an inner tube portion (16; 76) having substantially the same shape as the outer structural portion open along at least one side for substantially its entire length and having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, said inner wall surface of said inner tube portion defining a first cavity (34), which inner tube portion fits within a second cavity (24) defined by said outer structural portion; placing a layer or ribbon of a thermoset and/or expandable resin on at least a portion of the outer wall surface of said inner tube portion (16; 76); inserting said inner tube portion (16; 76) in said second cavity (24) to form an assembly in which the outer wall surface of the inner tube portion closely conforms to and defines a substantially constant gap therebetween, said inner wall surface of said outer structural portion and heating said assembly to a temperature whereby the resin is cured and/or expands in place to form a resin placed material layer (18; 48; 60; 70; 78) having a thickness of from 1. 52 mm to 12.7 mm and to bond said outer structural portion to said inner tube portion. A method as claimed in claims 11 wherein said outer structural portion and said inner tube portion (16; 76) have substantially the same shape. A method according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein said resin-based material layer is a structural foam. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein said structural foam is a cured thermoset resin. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein said structural foam is an expanded expandable resin. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15 for manufacturing a rocker panel assembly for a motor vehicle. A method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16 wherein said inner A method as claimed in claim 17 further comprising enclosing the channel with a cap which retains the inner tube portion within the outer structural portion. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 18 wherein said outer structural portion and said inner tube portion are formed of metal. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 19 wherein said inner tube portion is of roll-formed metal. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 20 wherein said resin-based material layer has a density of from 0.242 - 0.640 g cm -3 . A method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 21 for manufacturing a windshield pillar. A method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 21 for manufacturing a radiator support. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 23 wherein the resulting product is a C-rail section. A tube portion (16; 76) being a drop-in insert for disposed within an outer structural portion having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, the tube portion having an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, said inner wall surface of said tube portion defining a cavity (34), characterized in that the said outer wall surface has a layer or ribbon of a thermoset and/or expandable resin which may be cured and/or expanded in place to form a resin based material layer (18; 78) and to form the laminate beam of any one of claims 1 to 10. A tube portion as claimed in claim 25 wherein said resin is a thermoset resin. A tube portion as claimed in claim 25 wherein said resin is a heat expandable resin. A tube portion as claimed in any of claims 25 to 28 wherein the resin-based material layer has a density of from 0.242 - 0.640 g cm -3 . A tube portion as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28 which is U-shaped. A tube portion as claimed in any of claims 25 to 29 which is formed of metal.

Inventors: WYCECH JOSEPH S, WYCECH, JOSEPH S.
Applicants: HENKEL KGAA
Application year: 1995
Main classification: B62D29
IPC codes: B60K17, B62D29, B62D25, B29C44