US 12,485,972 B2
Modular structural composites for automotive applications
Mark W. Brandley, Franklin, TN (US); Georg Kasmeier, Munich (DE); Adam Halsband, Birmingham, MI (US); Adam Harms, St. Louis, MO (US); and Johannes Klug, Munich (DE)
Assigned to Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Nashville, TN (US)
Filed by Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Nashville, TN (US)
Filed on Jul. 13, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/812,197.
Application 17/812,197 is a continuation of application No. 17/258,081, granted, now 11,479,305, previously published as PCT/US2019/043220, filed on Jul. 24, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/702,428, filed on Jul. 24, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2022/0402558 A1, Dec. 22, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B62D 25/20 (2006.01); B62D 29/04 (2006.01); B32B 3/12 (2006.01); B32B 5/18 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 25/20 (2013.01) [B62D 29/043 (2013.01); B62D 29/048 (2013.01); B32B 3/12 (2013.01); B32B 5/18 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A modular composite structure for a lower structure part of a vehicle, the modular composite structure comprising:
a. a first molded composite core structure comprising:
i. a first core comprising a first surface, a first fiber layer embedded in a first polymer, the first fiber layer overlying the first surface of the first core and the first core having a central area of increased thickness, wherein the central area of increased thickness is a raised hump with areas of reduced thickness on each side of the central area of increased thickness, wherein the central area of increased thickness along its length is about 1.5 to 3 times thicker than a section of the first core adjacent each side of the central area of increased thickness, and wherein the first core is at least one of a honeycomb material or a foam;
ii. a first fiber reinforcement region comprising fibers and overlying the first surface of the central area of increased thickness of the first core, wherein and the first fiber reinforcement region contacts the first fiber layer, and wherein the first fiber reinforcement region substantially overlies the entire central area of increased thickness but does not extend beyond the central area of increased thickness;
b. a second molded composite core structure attached to the first molded composite core structure to form a lower structure part of a vehicle, the second molded composite core structure comprising:
i. a first fiber substrate, the first fiber substrate comprising fibers embedded in a second polymer, the first fiber substrate overlying a first surface of a second core;
ii. a second fiber reinforcement region comprising fibers and overlying a portion of the second core.