초록 ▼

A hydroformed control arm for a vehicle and a method of making the same is provided. The control arm includes a generally U-shaped member being hydroformed from a continuous, unitary tube. The generally U-shaped member includes varying cross-sectional areas along its length for improved structural i

A hydroformed control arm for a vehicle and a method of making the same is provided. The control arm includes a generally U-shaped member being hydroformed from a continuous, unitary tube. The generally U-shaped member includes varying cross-sectional areas along its length for improved structural integrity. The generally U-shaped member further includes a pair of pivot bores for enabling the control arm to pivot about a pivot axis. The U-shaped member still further including a ball joint cavity disposed near its apex for receiving a ball joint. The hydroformed control arm thereby eliminates the need for a ball joint bushing.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of hydroforming a control arm of a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:providing a die having a tooling cavity;enclosing a tube within said tooling cavity of said die;applying fluid pressure to an interior of said tube, said fluid pressure causing the wa

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of hydroforming a control arm of a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:providing a die having a tooling cavity;enclosing a tube within said tooling cavity of said die;applying fluid pressure to an interior of said tube, said fluid pressure causing the walls of said tube to expand to closely conform to the shape of said tooling cavity, thereby forming a control arm having unitary construction;providing a forming tool being operably interconnected with said die for forming a cavity in the control arm;positioning said forming tool in contact with a side of the control arm;driving said forming tool into said side of the control arm thereby forming an indentation therein; andincreasing said fluid pressure within said interior of the control arm while leaving said forming tool in place such that said fluid pressure forces the walls of the control arm to closely conform to the shape of said forming tool thereby forming said cavity therein.