METHOD OF FASTENING VEHICLE PARTS

摘要

An improved joining process interlocks parts together and avoids breakthrough in joints that would otherwise be infeasible. The process is used to join a relatively thin rear part to a relatively thick front part. A dedicated backer plate is joined to the front and rear parts such that the rear part is sandwiched between the front part and the backer plate. The front part, rear part, and backer plate are plastically deformed to establish interlock by insertion of a self-piercing rivet, clinching, or insertion of a flow drill screw.

主权项

1. A method of attaching a rear part to a front part comprising:
clamping the rear part between the front part and a dedicated backer plate; and plastically deforming the front part, the rear part, and the backer plate such that material extends into the backer plate, the material having a first diameter at an interface of the rear part and the backer plate and a second diameter greater than the first diameter deeper into the backer plate.