Structural reinforcement system

摘要

Disclosed are various embodiments of a structural reinforcement system. The system reinforces hollow cavities within various products to increase the structural rigidity of the product. The system generally includes a rigid carrier, a bonding material, and an insert. The rigid carrier provides the primary structural reinforcement within the cavity, and also serves as a substrate to carry the bonding material. The insert is provided to increase the structural rigidity of the reinforcement system.

主权项

1. A structural reinforcement comprising:
i) an elongated rigid carrier having a longitudinal axis; ii) an expandable material at least partially associated with the rigid carrier; and iii) an insert aligned generally parallel with the longitudinal axis and located within a contemplated impact deformation region of the rigid carrier, wherein the insert is made of a material that is dissimilar from and has a higher tensile strength than the material of the rigid carrier so that upon impact in the impact deformation region the severity of deformation is reduced as compared to a part without the insert; wherein the elongated rigid carrier and the insert are present in a cavity defined by a plurality of cavity walls, wherein the elongated rigid carrier and the insert are arranged in the cavity such that the insert is not in direct contact with any of the cavity walls.