Magna International Inc.
METHOD AND SYSTEM OF FULLY BONDED STIFFENING PATCHES FOR AUTOMOTIVE STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Abstract:

A vehicle structural component is provided having a substrate with one or more patches applied thereto. The thickness of the structural component is thicker and has added stiffness at the locations of the patches. The patches are bonded to the substrate via full surface bonding. The full surface bonding may be achieved via brazing, resistance seam welding, or adhesive bonding. A bonding layer may be disposed between the patches and the substrate. The patches and the substrate may be bonded via resistance seam welding, where a current and pressure are applied by weld wheels. The patches may be applied to the substrate in the form of a blank, or may be applied after the substrate has been formed and shaped into the vehicle component. The fully bonded patches provide comparable stiffness as a solid material having the same thickness.