Shock absorbing reinforcement

Abstract

An impact absorbing reinforcement member for a lift gate of a vehicle includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a central reinforcement member; a first outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the first end and including a first plurality of curved segments; and a second outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the second end and including a second plurality of curved segments. When the lift gate is subjected to an impact force, the first and second plurality of curved segments extend laterally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an impact absorbing reinforcement member for a vehicle rear hood. Background Art

[0002] In the event of a rear impact, it is desirable that the rear cover of a vehicle (trunk, liftgate, etc.) remain closed. Conventional reinforcement members for the rear cover of a vehicle are additional components that extend laterally across the liftgate. These conventional reinforcement members are heavy and costly. Summary of the invention

[0003] Embodiments according to the present disclosure provide numerous advantages. For example, embodiments according to the present disclosure include an overmolded rear lid reinforcement member that absorbs energy by at least partially "straightening" during a rear impact event. Straightening the reinforcement member in response to loads applied from a rear impact event minimizes tearing of the composite material of the liftgate, including minimizing separation of the inner panels of the composite liftgate assembly.

[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an impact absorbing reinforcement member for a vehicle lift gate includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a central reinforcement member; a first outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the first end and including a first plurality of curved segments; and a second outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the second end and including a second plurality of curved segments. When the lift gate is subjected to an impact force, the first and second plurality of curved segments are extended.

[0005] In some aspects, the first plurality of curved segments includes at least one S-shaped feature extending from the central reinforcement member.

[0006] In some aspects, the second plurality of curved segments includes at least one S-shaped feature extending from the central reinforcement member.

[0007] In some aspects, the first and second pluralities of curved segments are oriented in a direction perpendicular to an impact direction of the impact force.

[0008] In some aspects, the body of the impact-absorbing reinforcement member extends laterally from a first side of the lift gate to a second side of the lift gate.

[0009] In some aspects, the impact-absorbing reinforcement member has a first length and, when the lift gate is subjected to an impact force, extends to a second length that is longer than the first length.

[0010] In some aspects, the center reinforcement member is oriented with a latch mechanism of a lift gate of a vehicle.

[0011] In some aspects, the impact absorbing reinforcement member is an overmolded component.

[0012] In some aspects, the impact absorbing reinforcement member is integrally formed with a lift gate of the vehicle.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a liftgate assembly for a motor vehicle includes an inner panel and an impact absorbing reinforcement member coupled to the inner panel. The impact reinforcement member includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The body includes a central reinforcement member, a first outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the first end, and a second outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the second end. The first outer reinforcement member includes a first plurality of curved segments and the second outer reinforcement member includes a second plurality of curved segments, and when the liftgate is subjected to an impact force, the first and second plurality of curved segments are elongated.

[0014] In some aspects, the first plurality of curved segments includes at least one S-shaped feature extending from the central reinforcement member.

[0015] In some aspects, the second plurality of curved segments includes at least one S-shaped feature extending from the central reinforcement member.

[0016] In some aspects, the first and second pluralities of curved segments are oriented in a direction perpendicular to an impact direction of the impact force.

[0017] In some aspects, the body of the impact-absorbing reinforcement member extends laterally from a first side of the lift gate to a second side of the lift gate.

[0018] In some aspects, the impact-absorbing reinforcement member has a first length and, when the lift gate is subjected to an impact force, extends to a second length that is longer than the first length.

[0019] In some aspects, the center reinforcement member is oriented with a latch and striker assembly of a lift gate of a vehicle.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an impact absorbing reinforcement member for a vehicle lift gate includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a central reinforcement member; a first outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the first end and including a first plurality of curved segments; and a second outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the second end and including a second plurality of curved segments. When the lift gate is subjected to an impact force, the first and second plurality of curved segments extend laterally, and the first and second plurality of curved segments are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the impact direction of the impact force.

[0021] In some aspects, the center reinforcement member is oriented with a latch and striker assembly of a lift gate of a vehicle.

[0022] In some aspects, the body is an overmolded metal component.

[0023] In some aspects, the body is coupled to an inner panel of a liftgate of a vehicle using a plurality of overmolded pins that establish multiple attachment points of the impact absorbing reinforcement member relative to the inner panel while allowing the first and second plurality of curved segments to elongate when the liftgate is subjected to impact forces.

[0024] The present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0025] 1. An impact absorbing reinforcement member for a vehicle lift gate, comprising:

[0026] a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a central reinforcement member;

[0027] a first outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the first end and comprising a first plurality of curved segments; and

[0028] a second outboard reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the second end and comprising a second plurality of curved segments;

[0029] Wherein, when the lift gate is subjected to an impact force, the first and second plurality of curved segments are extended.

[0030] 2. The impact absorbing reinforcement member of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of curved segments include at least one S-shaped feature extending away from the central reinforcement member.

[0031] 3. The impact absorbing reinforcement member of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of curved segments comprises at least one S-shaped feature extending away from the central reinforcement member.

[0032] 4. The impact-absorbing reinforcement member according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pluralities of curved segments are oriented in a direction perpendicular to an impact direction of the impact force.

[0033] 5. The impact-absorbing reinforcement member of claim 1, wherein the body of the impact-absorbing reinforcement member extends laterally from a first side of the lift gate to a second side of the lift gate.

[0034] 6. The impact absorbing reinforcement member according to claim 1, wherein the impact absorbing reinforcement member has a first length, and when the lift gate is subjected to the impact force, the impact absorbing reinforcement member is extended to a second length longer than the first length.

[0035] 7. The impact absorbing reinforcement member of claim 1, wherein the center reinforcement member is oriented with a latch mechanism of the lift gate of the vehicle.

[0036] 8. The impact-absorbing reinforcement member according to claim 1, wherein the impact-absorbing reinforcement member is an overmolded component.

[0037] 9. The impact-absorbing reinforcement member according to claim 1, wherein the impact-absorbing reinforcement member is formed integrally with the lift gate of the vehicle.

[0038] 10. A liftgate assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

[0039] Inner panels; and

[0040] an impact absorbing reinforcement member coupled to the inner panel, the impact absorbing reinforcement member including a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a central reinforcement member, a first outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the first end, and a second outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the second end;

[0041] Wherein, the first outer reinforcement member includes a first plurality of curved segments and the second outer reinforcement member includes a second plurality of curved segments, and when the liftgate assembly is subjected to an impact force, the first and second plurality of curved segments are elongated.

[0042] 11. The lift gate assembly of claim 10, wherein the first plurality of curved segments includes at least one S-shaped feature extending away from the central reinforcement member.

[0043] 12. The lift gate assembly of claim 10, wherein the plurality of second curved segments include at least one S-shaped feature extending away from the central reinforcement member.

[0044] 13. The lift gate assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second pluralities of curved segments are oriented in a direction perpendicular to an impact direction of the impact force.

[0045] 14. The lift gate assembly of claim 10, wherein the body of the impact absorbing reinforcement member extends laterally from a first side of the lift gate assembly to a second side of the lift gate assembly.

[0046] 15. The lift gate assembly of claim 10, wherein the impact absorbing reinforcement member has a first length, and when the lift gate assembly is subjected to the impact force, the impact absorbing reinforcement member is extended to a second length longer than the first length.

[0047] 16. The liftgate assembly of claim 10, wherein the liftgate assembly further comprises a latch and striker assembly, and wherein the center reinforcement member is oriented with the latch and striker assembly of the liftgate assembly of the vehicle.

[0048] 17. An impact absorbing reinforcement member for a lift gate of a vehicle, comprising:

[0049] a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a central reinforcement member;

[0050] a first outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the first end and comprising a first plurality of curved segments; and

[0051] a second outboard reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the second end and comprising a second plurality of curved segments;

[0052] Wherein, when the lift gate is subjected to the impact force, the first and second plurality of curved segments extend laterally, and the first and second plurality of curved segments are oriented in a direction perpendicular to an impact direction of the impact force.

[0053] 18. The impact absorbing reinforcement member of claim 17, wherein the center reinforcement member is oriented with a latch and striker assembly of the lift gate of the vehicle.

[0054] 19. The impact-absorbing reinforcement member according to claim 17, wherein the body is an overmolded metal part.

[0055] 20. An impact absorbing reinforcement member according to Option 17, wherein the body is connected to the inner panel of the lift gate of the vehicle using a plurality of overmolded pins, and the plurality of overmolded pins establish a plurality of fixing points of the impact absorbing reinforcement member relative to the inner panel while allowing the first and second plurality of curved sections to extend when the lift gate is subjected to the impact force. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The present disclosure will be described in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements.

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a lift gate for a vehicle including a shock absorbing reinforcement member according to an embodiment.

[0058] Figure 2 According to an embodiment, Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an impact-absorbing reinforcement member for a lift gate of a vehicle.

[0059] Figure 3 Is in a slim configuration Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an impact absorbing reinforcement member.

[0060] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully understood from the following description and appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments according to the present disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the present disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. Any dimensions disclosed in the drawings or elsewhere herein are for illustration purposes only. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that other embodiments may take various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show the details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the present disclosure in various ways. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the figures may be combined with the features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combination of features shown provides representative embodiments of typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desirable for specific applications or implementations.

[0062] Certain terms may be used in the following description for reference purposes only and are therefore not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as "above" and "below" refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as "front," "rear," "left," "right," "rear," and "side" describe the orientation and / or position of parts of a component or element within a consistent but arbitrary reference frame, which may be made clear by reference to the text and associated drawings describing the component or element in question. In addition, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used to describe respective components. Such terms may include the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words of similar meaning.

[0063] Rear liftgates for vehicles traditionally include components that extend transversely across the entire liftgate. These components are heavy and expensive to manufacture and install. An overmolded rear lid reinforcement member such as the impact absorbing reinforcement member disclosed herein can prevent the liftgate inner panel from separating from the liftgate assembly during a rear offset impact event.

[0064] Figure 1 and Figure 2A reinforcement member 100 is shown installed as part of a vehicle liftgate assembly 12 of a vehicle 10. The liftgate assembly 12 includes a liftgate 11 having an inner panel 14. The liftgate assembly 12 also includes a latch mechanism 16 coupled to the inner panel 14. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 100 is an overmold and integral feature of the inner panel 14. In various embodiments, the reinforcement member 100 is coupled to the inner panel 14 using any type of mechanical fastener. In various embodiments, the reinforcement member 100 is a metal component overmold with the inner panel 14. In various embodiments, the inner panel 15 can be made of a composite material in whole or in part.

[0065] The reinforcement member 100 includes a body 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106 opposite the first end 104. The body 102 includes a central reinforcement member 103. The central reinforcement member 103 is a generally rectangular member that is aligned with the latch mechanism 16 of the lift gate assembly 12. A first outer reinforcement member 105 extends from the central reinforcement member 103 to the first end 104 of the body 102, and a second outer reinforcement member 107 extends from the central reinforcement member 103 to the second end 106 of the body 102. The first outer reinforcement member 105 includes a first plurality of curved segments 110. Similarly, the second outer reinforcement member 107 includes a second plurality of curved segments 111. Each of the first and second plurality of curved segments 110, 111 is outboard of the central reinforcement member 103. In addition, each of the first and second plurality of curved segments 110, 111 is configured to extend, stretch, or elongate in a lateral direction when the lift gate of the lift gate assembly 12 is subjected to an impact force, such as a rear offset impact event. As Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the lift gate 11 of the lift gate assembly 12 is subjected to an impact event, the first plurality of curved segments 110 extend laterally outward in the direction indicated by arrow A, and the second plurality of curved segments 111 extend laterally outward in the direction indicated by arrow B.

[0066] Each of the first and second plurality of curved segments 110, 111 includes at least one S-shaped feature that extends laterally away from the central reinforcement member 103 or outboard. In addition, the first and second plurality of curved segments 110, 111 are oriented in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the impact direction of the impact event. That is, the reinforcement member 100 extends laterally through the lift gate 11 of the lift gate assembly 12 from the first side to the second side. The length and width of the S-shaped features of the first and second plurality of curved segments 110, 111 are determined based on various vehicle configuration considerations, including the width of the lift gate 11 of the lift gate assembly 12, etc., for example and without limitation.

[0067] In various embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the reinforcement member 100 is secured to the inner panel 14 via a plurality of mechanical fasteners 109. In some embodiments, the mechanical fasteners 109 are overmolded pins or rivets. The plurality of mechanical fasteners 109 establish a plurality of securement points of the reinforcement member 100 relative to the inner panel 14 while still allowing deformation of the inner panel 14 and associated stretching or elongation of the reinforcement member 100 in response to a rear impact. In various embodiments, the reinforcement member 100 is bonded or overmolded or otherwise coupled to the inner panel 14 in a manner that allows the reinforcement member 100 to absorb the energy of an impact event.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the reinforcement member 100 has a first length corresponding to an unstretched length. When the lift gate 11 of the lift gate assembly 12 is subjected to an impact force, the reinforcement member 100 extends to a second length longer than the first length, such as Figure 3 In one example, the reinforcing member 100 is elongated between approximately 1 mm and 10 mm. In various embodiments, each S-shaped portion of the first and second plurality of curved segments 110, 111 is elongated by a different amount, such as between approximately 0.5 millimeters (mm) and 5 millimeters (mm), for example but not limitation.

[0069] refer to Figure 2 , the central reinforcement member 103 of the reinforcement member 100 is aligned with the latch mechanism 16 of the liftgate assembly 12 of the vehicle 10. During an impact event, such as a rear offset impact, the reinforcement member 100 absorbs the impact energy and allows the composite material of the inner panel 14 to deform, preventing the latch mechanism 16 from separating from the striker mechanism of the liftgate assembly 12. The forgeable metal material feature of the reinforcement member 100 allows the latch mechanism 16 to travel with the striker mechanism of the liftgate 11 of the liftgate assembly 12 instead of separating from the striker mechanism.

[0070] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein, and elements thereof will be understood to be in other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure and protected by the following claims. In addition, any steps described herein may be performed simultaneously or in an order different from the order of the steps sequenced herein. In addition, it should be clear that the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0071] Conditional language used herein, particularly words such as "can," "may," "might," "could," "for example," and the like, unless otherwise specifically stated or otherwise understood in the context of use, are generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include and other embodiments do not include certain features, elements, and / or states. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether such features, elements, and / or states are included or will be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0072] In addition, the following terms may have been used herein. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents. Thus, for example, a reference to an item includes a reference to one or more items. The term "ones" refers to one, two or more, and is generally applicable to the selection of some or all quantities. The term "plurality" refers to two or more of an item. The term "about" or "approximately" means that the quantity, size, size, formula, parameter, shape and other characteristics do not need to be precise, but can be approximated and / or larger or smaller as needed, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc. and other factors known to those skilled in the art. The term "substantially" means that the feature, parameter or value does not need to be precisely achieved, but deviations or changes, including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those skilled in the art, may occur in an amount that does not exclude the effect that the feature is intended to provide.

[0073] For convenience, multiple items may be presented in a common list. However, these lists should be interpreted as if each component in the list was independently identified as a separate and unique component. Therefore, in the absence of contrary indications, no independent component in such a list should be interpreted as being de facto equivalent to any other component in the same list based solely on their presentation in a common group. In addition, when the terms "and" and "or" are used with a series of items, they should be interpreted broadly because any one or more of the listed items can be used alone or in combination with the other listed items. The term "alternatively" refers to the selection of one of two or more alternatives and is not intended to limit the selection to only those alternatives listed or only one of the alternatives listed at a time, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0074] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms covered by the claims. The words used in the specification are descriptive and non-restrictive words, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As mentioned above, the features of various embodiments can be combined to form further exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. Although various embodiments can be described as providing advantages or being superior to other embodiments or prior art implementations in terms of one or more required features, it is recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more features or features can be compromised to achieve the required overall system properties, depending on the specific application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, applicability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Therefore, embodiments described as being less ideal than other embodiments or prior art implementations in terms of one or more features are not outside the scope of the present disclosure and may be desirable for specific applications.

Claims

1. An impact absorbing reinforcement member for a vehicle lift gate, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a central reinforcement member, wherein the lift gate of the vehicle includes a latch mechanism and the central reinforcement member is oriented with the latch mechanism, wherein the body of the impact-absorbing reinforcement member extends laterally from a first side of the lift gate to a second side of the lift gate; a first outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the first end and comprising a first plurality of curved segments; and a second outboard reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the second end and comprising a second plurality of curved segments; When the lift gate is subjected to an impact force, the first plurality of curved segments and the second plurality of curved segments are extended. wherein the first plurality of curved segments and the second plurality of curved segments are oriented in a direction perpendicular to an impact direction of the impact force, and wherein the reinforcement member is secured to the inner panel of the lift gate by a plurality of fasteners along each of the first plurality of curved segments and the second plurality of curved segments to establish a plurality of fixing points of the reinforcement member relative to the inner panel and allow deformation of the inner panel and elongation of the reinforcement member in response to the impact force.

2. The impact absorbing reinforcement member according to claim 1, wherein: The first plurality of curved segments includes at least one S-shaped feature extending away from the central reinforcement member.

3. The impact absorbing reinforcement member according to claim 1, wherein: The second plurality of curved segments includes at least one S-shaped feature extending away from the central reinforcement member.

4. The impact absorbing reinforcement member according to claim 1, wherein: The impact absorbing reinforcement member has a first length, and when the lift gate is subjected to the impact force, is extended to a second length that is longer than the first length.

5. The impact absorbing reinforcement member according to claim 1, wherein The impact absorbing reinforcement member is an overmolded component.

6. The impact absorbing reinforcement member according to claim 1, wherein The impact absorbing reinforcement member is formed integrally with the lift gate of the vehicle.

7. A liftgate assembly for a vehicle, comprising: Inner panels; a latch and striker mechanism coupled to the inner panel; as well as an impact absorbing reinforcement member coupled to the inner panel, the impact absorbing reinforcement member including a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a central reinforcement member, a first outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the first end, and a second outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the second end, the central reinforcement member being oriented with the latch and striker mechanism, wherein the body of the impact absorbing reinforcement member extends laterally from a first side of the lift gate assembly to a second side of the lift gate assembly; wherein the first outer reinforcement member includes a first plurality of curved segments, and the second outer reinforcement member includes a second plurality of curved segments, and when the liftgate assembly is subjected to an impact force, the first plurality of curved segments and the second plurality of curved segments are elongated, wherein the first plurality of curved segments and the second plurality of curved segments are oriented in a direction perpendicular to an impact direction of the impact force, and wherein the reinforcing member is fixed to the inner panel by a plurality of fasteners along each of the first plurality of curved segments and the second plurality of curved segments to establish a plurality of fixing points of the reinforcing member relative to the inner panel and allow deformation of the inner panel and elongation of the reinforcing member in response to the impact force.

8. The lift gate assembly of claim 7, wherein: The first plurality of curved segments includes at least one S-shaped feature extending away from the central reinforcement member.

9. The lift gate assembly of claim 7, wherein: The second plurality of curved segments includes at least one S-shaped feature extending away from the central reinforcement member.

10. The lift gate assembly of claim 7, wherein: The impact absorbing reinforcement member has a first length and is extended to a second length longer than the first length when the lift gate assembly is subjected to the impact force.

11. An impact absorbing reinforcement member for a lift gate of a vehicle, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a central reinforcement member, wherein the lift gate of the vehicle includes a latch and striker mechanism and the central reinforcement member is oriented with the latch and striker mechanism, wherein the body of the impact absorbing reinforcement member extends laterally from a first side of the lift gate to a second side of the lift gate; a first outer reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the first end and comprising a first plurality of curved segments; and a second outboard reinforcement member extending from the central reinforcement member to the second end and comprising a second plurality of curved segments; wherein, when the lift gate is subjected to the impact force, the first plurality of curved segments and the second plurality of curved segments extend laterally, and the first plurality of curved segments and the second plurality of curved segments are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the impact direction of the impact force, and wherein the reinforcement member is fixed to the inner panel of the lift gate by a plurality of fasteners along each of the first plurality of curved segments and the second plurality of curved segments to establish a plurality of fixing points of the reinforcement member relative to the inner panel and allow deformation of the inner panel and elongation of the reinforcement member in response to the impact force.

12. The impact absorbing reinforcement member according to claim 11, wherein The body is an overmolded metal component.

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