Automotive structural joint and method of making same
A joint for an automotive vehicle may be formed by applying an adhesive to at least one of a first member and a first surface of a composite member, placing the first member in contact with the first surface of the composite member, applying an adhesive to at least one of a second member and a second surface of the composite member, positioning a divot portion of the second member within an aperture of the composite member, placing the second member in contact with the second surface of the composite member, attaching the divot portion of the second member with the first member and curing the adhesives.
1. A structural member for an automotive vehicle comprising:
a composite panel having opposing sides and a surface defining an aperture therethrough; and
first and second metal panels respectively adhesively bonded to the opposing sides of the composite panel, the first and second metal panels each including a button formed thereon, the buttons each extending into the aperture and being attached together.
2. The structural member of claim 1 wherein the buttons are welded together.
3. The structural member of claim 1 wherein the buttons are mechanically fastened together.
4. The structural member of claim 1 wherein the composite panel is sandwiched between the first and second metal panels.
5. The structural member of claim 1 wherein at least one of the buttons has a square shape.
6. The structural member of claim 1 wherein the aperture is round.