To manufacture a node for joining a vehicular body and structural members of a frame assembly.
A method of manufacturing the node for joining a plurality of structural members such as in the vehicular body and the frame assembly is well suited for joining structural members that are formed of differing materials. An insert is provided having a node securing portion and a mounting portion that is adapted to have a structural member secured thereto. A node is formed about the node securing portion of the insert for joining the plurality of structural members. The insert is formed of a first material, while the node can be formed of a second material that is different from the first material. The insert is provided with a node securing portion having at least one aperture or protrusion formed thereon, and the node is formed in the aperture or about the protrusion. A plurality of inserts are provided with node securing portions and mounting portions, and the node is formed about the node securing portion. The structural members are secured to mounting portions of the inserts before the node is formed.
MCGILL SCOTT M
POIRIER JASON A
SIMBOLI ANDREW R
Makoto Onda