A bi metallic component including a first member of a first metal and a second member of a second metal different than the first metal. The first member includes at least one perforation. The second member is directly cast in place about a sheet like portion of the first member and through the perforation to rigidly...

An apparatus and method for upsetting an end of a hollow workpiece to increase the wall thickness of that end is taught. A mandrel is inserted into the workpiece within a clamp which holds the workpiece. A die is urged into contact with the end of the workpiece to compress the end, decreasing its length and increasi...

In one aspect the invention is directed to a crush can for a vehicle frame including a crush can body having a longitudinal axis and a cross sectional shape that is at least approximately a 10 sided polygon. In another aspect the invention is directed to a crush can for a vehicle frame including a crush can body hav...

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A twist beam (22) for a rear suspension assembly (20) includes an outer beam part (24) and an inner beam part (26) each stamped from a sheet of steel or steel alloy. The beam parts (24, 26) both present an inverted U-shaped cross-section. The inner beam part (26) is disposed between side w...

A support system for a trough shaped solar collector assembly includes a support arm comprising first and second curved rails and an interconnecting web structure. The web structure is secured along first and second opposite edges thereof to first and second web engaging structures which are provided along facing su...

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a twist beam axle for a vehicle. The twist beam axle includes a twist beam and a reinforcement member. The twist beam has a longitudinal axis and has a generally concave cross-sectional shape. The reinforcement member extends longitudinally and is connected to the twist be...

In one aspect the invention is directed to a half cradle for use in a vehicle frame comprising a cast end member formed from a first material and first and second tubular cross member stubs extending from the cast end member. The first and second tubular cross member stubs are made from a second material. Each of th...

A method of manufacturing a hollow structural frame rail includes rotating a tube relative to a tool to reduce an outside diameter of the tube at predetermined positions along the length of the tube. An elastomeric insert is positioned within the tube. The tube is bent at a location containing the insert. The bent t...

A solar tracker and more specifically to a modular support assembly for a solar tracker that allows for easy manufacturing transportation and then accurate assembly at remote locations while maintaining desired tolerances to maximize efficiency of collector assembly. The solar tracker assembly generally includes a s...

Abstract METAL FORMING WrTH VIBRATION ANSIS I A metal forming die includes a first die hiilfand second die half moveable relalivc to the first die half The first and second die halves dellnc a die cavity when llie second die half is in a closed position. A transducer is operable to vibrate the first die halfduring...

A novel multipart punch and system allows apertures to be formed in hydroformed members with the slug which would otherwise result being divided into two or more smaller slugs. These smaller slugs can be folded back into the hydroformed member and held captive therein or removed if desired. The multipart punch and s...

A method and apparatus for hydroforming a metal part includes placing a part to be formed (510) within a die (512), closing the die to enclose the part to be formed, and introducing a high pressure fluid to an interior of the die for expanding the part against an interior surface of the die. The high pressure fluid ...

A hybrid component for lightweight, structural uses, including a steel member formed of a high strength steel; and a cast coupling member cast on a portion of the steel member by casting-in-place a semi-solid aluminum about the portion of the steel member, thereby positively and rigidly securing the coupling member ...

A front-wheel drive vehicle may incorporate a rear suspension device known as a twist beam. The twist beam suspension may be comprised of a transverse strut interconnecting longitudinal control arms. The transverse strut may be formed from a tubular pipe. The tubular member may define a pair of tubular end sections;...

The invention relates to a component  especially a control arm for a vehicle  comprising a base wall and a passage extending away from the base wall  especially a control arm lug. The invention further relates to a method for producing said component. According to the invention  a deep-drawn contour which connects o...

A gore assembly is provided which is made from at least two metal panels. The metal panels comprise downturned flanges along opposing radial edges. The flanges point away from an A surface of the gore assembly and face the B surface. The panels are fastened to each other along the flanges on the radial edges. In add...

A frame assembly for an automobile and method of assembling same. The frame assembly includes a battery housing at least partially integral with an automobile frame. The frame includes longitudinal beams that extend between front frame rails and rear frame rails. The battery housing includes two portions, a upper co...

A composite liftgate including an inner panel construction having strengthening channel structure in combination with a ribbing. Structural steel reinforcements are bonded to the inner panel where additional strength is needed. Where the extra structure is needed a minimum amount of steel is used and the structural...

A method for analyzing a cross-section of a joint includes: capturing, using a camera, an image of the cross-section of the joint; analyzing, using one or more neural networks, the image of the cross-section of the joint to classify two or more body segments that comprise the joint; isolating, using the one or more ...