Granted Patent B2

US 7,229,113 · App. 10/972,845 · Granted Jun 12, 2007

Abstract

Claims (16)

1. A method of making a structural assembly for a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a hydroformed tubular member;

providing a reinforcement by forming the reinforcement through hydropiercing the tubular member;

disposing the reinforcement within the tubular member; and

securing the reinforcement to the tubular member.

2. A method of making a structural assembly for a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a hydroformed tubular member;

providing a reinforcement;

disposing the reinforcement within the tubular member;

securing the reinforcement to the tubular member; and

wherein said step of disposing the reinforcement within the tubular member comprises punching the reinforcement into an interior of the tubular member.

3. A method of making a structural assembly for a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

hydroforming a tubular member having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape;

hydropiercing the tubular member and forming a reinforcement;

punching the reinforcement into an interior of the tubular member; and

securing the reinforcement to the tubular member by welding an end wall of the reinforcement to a surface of the tubular member.

Assignments (13)