Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement
Patent
1997-04-23
1998-07-14
Kent, Christopher
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
52670, 527313, 527376, 29 61, 2989731, 2989735, E04C 309
Patent
active
057786267
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a beam with a fully and/or partially closed profile exhibiting at least two sides.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A considerable need exists in many technical areas for beams of low weight, high strength with regard to both resistance to bending and resistance to compression, and advantageous collapse characteristics. Such beams are desirable in the vehicle industry, the construction industry, the road equipment industry etc., and especially the passenger car industry, since an advantageous weight-to-strength ratio permits lower fuel consumption and advantageous collapse characteristics or a considerable capacity to absorb high energy in the course of deformation to a state in which the beam may be regarded as having collapsed. This latter characteristic is desirable in so-called impact protection zones in passenger cars, buses and lorries or similar vehicles.
The basis of the present invention is the problem of satisfying the aforementioned requirements.
This problem is solved in accordance with the present invention by the beam referred to by way of introduction, in that the beam is profiled from a coiled sheet metal strip which exhibits an elongated section of expanded metal along at least one side of the finished profile, in that the sections of the sheet metal strip connecting the sides are unbroken, and in that both meeting edges of the sheet metal strip are connected or attached to one another to form the closed profile. All the sides exhibit one or more sections of expanded metal. The sections connecting the sides are unbroken. The sides are connected or attached to one another to form the closed profile. Two of the sides are connected to one another by folding the unbroken edge sections. Two of the sides are connected to one another by welding. When the beam has a multi-sided closed profile, it is advantageous for the corner sections to be unbroken and for the fold or connection closing the profile to be situated at one of the corners in the unbroken edge sections. The beam is profiled from a sheet metal strip which exhibits an elongated section of expanded metal on each side of the finished profile and an elongated section of sheet metal strip at each corner.
A beam in accordance with the present invention provides unimagined opportunities within many technical areas, where components can be made appreciably lighter without in any way having to jeopardize the strength of the component in question. Appreciably improved energy-absorbing characteristics are also offered, since appreciably greater energy is consumed or required to bring about the complete collapse of a beam in accordance with the present invention than in the case of conventional beam structures. A beam in accordance with the present invention also permits economies of both space and weight, which in turn lead to appreciably better operating economy. A beam in accordance with the present invention also permits the use of simpler and more efficient installation and assembly methods.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an elevational front view of a preferred embodiment of the beam of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an elevational rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the manufacturing process to make the beam of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention is described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a view from the side of an embodiment of a beam in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a view from another side of the beam in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through the beam in FIGS. 1 and 2 to illustrate its quadrangular profile. FIG. 4 shows on a large scale a part of a section of strip metal in the beam in accordance with the previous Figures. FIG. 5 shows a line for the manufacture of beams in accordance with the invention
REFERENCES:
patent: 1656810 (1928-01-01), Arnstein
patent: 3108406 (1963-10-01), Ellis
patent: 3282005 (1966-11-01), Birdwell
patent: 3812558 (1974-05-01), Watanabe
patent: 4305187 (1981-12-01), Iwamura et al.
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