Movable panel wedge system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "movable panel wedge system". A wedge system includes a receiver and a wedge that is received within the receiver when a movable vehicle panel is in a closed position. The wedge stabilizes movement of the movable vehicle panel along a first axis, along a second axis different from the first axis, and along a third axis different from the first axis and the second axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a wedge system for stabilizing a movable panel in multiple directions. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles include various types of movable panels, such as lift panels, tailgates, doors, luggage compartments, trunks, etc. Sensors can be mounted to these panels. The panels are subject to opening / closing cycles that may generate vibrations. Summary of the invention

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system comprising: a receiver; and a wedge, wherein the wedge is received in the receiver when the movable vehicle panel is in a closed position, and wherein the wedge stabilizes movement of the movable vehicle panel along a first axis, along a second axis different from the first axis, and along a third axis different from the first axis and the second axis.

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system wherein the wedge includes a first wedge interface that engages a first inclined surface on the receiver to stabilize the movable vehicle panel against displacement back and forth along the first axis.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system wherein the wedge includes a second wedge interface that engages a second inclined surface on the receiver to stabilize the movable vehicle panel from shifting back and forth along the second axis.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system in which the wedge includes a distal interface that engages a base surface of the receiver to stabilize the movable vehicle panel against excessive travel along the third axis.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system wherein the second wedge interface includes opposing first and second wedge surfaces.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system wherein the receiver includes: a base surface; a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, wherein the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extend away from opposite edges of the base surface; and a third inclined surface, wherein the third inclined surface extends away from the base surface and connects the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to each other to form a concave cavity, which is open at one end and is closed by the base surface at an opposite end.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system wherein the wedge includes an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end is at one end of the receiver when in the closed position, and wherein the elongated body includes: opposing first and second wedge surfaces, the first wedge surfaces and the second wedge surfaces respectively engaging the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the receiver when in the closed position; a third wedge surface, the third wedge surface engaging the third inclined surface of the receiver when in the closed position; and a distal surface at the second end, the distal surface engaging the base surface of the receiver when in the closed position.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system wherein the receiver includes an attachment interface that allows the receiver to self-align with the wedge during insertion.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system comprising: a vehicle structure; a panel movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the vehicle structure; a receiver mounted to the vehicle structure; and a wedge mounted to the panel, wherein the wedge is received in the receiver when the panel is in the closed position, and wherein the wedge stabilizes movement of the panel along a first axis, along a second axis different from the first axis, and along a third axis different from the first axis and the second axis.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system that includes at least one sensor mounted to the panel.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system wherein the receiver comprises: a base surface; a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, wherein the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extend away from opposite edges of the base surface; and a third inclined surface, wherein the third inclined surface extends away from the base surface and connects the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to each other to form a concave cavity, which is open at a first end of the receiver and is closed by the base surface at a second end of the receiver.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system wherein the wedge includes an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, the elongated body being inserted into the receiver when moved to the closed position, and wherein the elongated body includes: opposing first and second wedge surfaces, the first wedge surfaces and the second wedge surfaces respectively engaging the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the receiver when in the closed position; a third wedge surface, the third wedge surface engaging the third inclined surface of the receiver when in the closed position; and a distal surface at the second end, the distal surface engaging the base surface of the receiver when in the closed position.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system wherein the elongated body includes a mounting flange at the first end that is attached to the panel.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system wherein the receiver includes an attachment interface including at least a first fastener attachment at the first end of the receiver and a second fastener attachment at the second end of the receiver.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a wedge system wherein the first fastener attachment includes a fixed pivot point for a first fastener and the second fastener attachment includes a slot for receiving a second fastener.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: mounting a wedge receiver to one of a fixed vehicle structure or a panel movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the fixed vehicle structure; mounting a wedge to the other of the fixed vehicle structure or the panel; and inserting the wedge into the wedge receiver when the panel is moved to the closed position to stabilize movement of the panel along a first axis, along a second axis different from the first axis, and along a third axis different from the first axis and the second axis.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method that includes self-aligning the receiver with the wedge during insertion of the wedge into the receiver.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: attaching one end of the receiver to the fixed vehicle structure at a fixed pivot point and attaching the opposite end of the receiver to the fixed vehicle structure using a slotted interface, and the method also includes: inserting a first fastener into an opening in the receiver at the fixed pivot point with a loose fit; inserting a second fastener into an elongated slot at the slotted interface with a loose fit; inserting the wedge into the wedge receiver so that the receiver pivots and self-aligns via the fixed pivot point and the slotted interface; and subsequently tightening the first fastener and the second fastener.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising providing a receiver having: a base surface; a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, wherein the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extend away from opposite edges of the base surface; and a third inclined surface, wherein the third inclined surface extends away from the base surface and connects the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to each other to form a concave cavity, which is open at a first end of the receiver and is closed by the base surface at a second end of the receiver.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising providing a wedge having an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, the elongated body being inserted into the receiver when moved to the closed position, and further comprising providing the elongated body having: opposing first and second wedge surfaces, the first and second wedge surfaces respectively engaging the first and second inclined surfaces of the receiver when in the closed position; a third wedge surface, the third wedge surface engaging the third inclined surface of the receiver when in the closed position; and a distal surface at the second end, the distal surface engaging the base surface of the receiver when in the closed position.

[0023] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] According to the detailed description, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings attached to the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle having a movable panel and wedge system is shown according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the wedge system.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An assembled perspective view of the wedge system.

[0028] Figure 4A yes Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of a wedge system.

[0029] Figure 4B Is an indication of stability and Figure 4A Schematic diagram of the movement direction of the movable panel associated with the wedge feature indicated in FIG.

[0030] Figure 5A yes Figure 3 Front cross-sectional view of the wedge system.

[0031] Figure 5B Is an indication of stability and Figure 5A Schematic diagram of the movement direction of the movable panel associated with the wedge feature indicated in FIG.

[0032] Figure 5C Is an indication of stability and Figure 5A Schematic diagram of the movement direction of the movable panel associated with the distal feature indicated in FIG.

[0033] Fig. 6A is a front view of the receiver and wedge before the wedge is inserted into the receiver.

[0034] Figure 6B Similar to Fig. 6A , but shows a wedge inserted into the receiver for self-alignment.

[0035] Figure 6C Similar to Figure 6B , but shows the wedge fully inserted into the receiver.

[0036] Figure 7 Shown for FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C An exemplary attachment interface for a wedge and receiver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present disclosure details a wedge system that stabilizes a movable panel in multiple directions. For example, this system facilitates static / dynamic stability and position alignment to enable proper function of sensors mounted to a movable panel of an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). The present disclosure provides a locking wedge system that stabilizes a movable panel in the left-right direction and the front / rear direction, as well as stabilizes the panel to prevent excessive travel in the downward direction.

[0038] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 is shown having one or more sensors 12 (such as, for example, cameras, lidar, radar, sonar, etc.) incorporated around the perimeter of the vehicle. In the example shown, the one or more sensors 12 are mounted to a removable panel 14 that includes a front trunk opening panel on an electrified vehicle. The removable panel 14 may also be a lift panel, tailgate, door, or trunk panel. The removable panel 14 is movable between a closed position and an open position to allow access to a passenger area or a cargo area. Figure 1 In the example shown, the sensor 12 is mounted to a grille 16 of the front deck panel 14, which is connected to a hood portion 18 of the front deck panel so that the grille 16 and hood portion 18 move as a unit when the front deck panel 14 is moved to the open position. This allows for better access to a cargo area 20 enclosed by the front deck panel 14.

[0039] As the vehicle travels over different types of terrain, the sensor is subject to various vibration load inputs. In addition, as the movable panel 14 cycles through opening events and closing events, the sensor 12 is subject to vibration load inputs. Certain sensors 12 (e.g., such as lidar sensors) require higher levels of static and dynamic stability, as well as specific position alignment to achieve proper function of the ADAS system. For example, a lidar sensor may be offset from the nominal set design position by only 5 mm and 2 degrees. In order to maintain these strict position requirements, the present disclosure provides a wedge system 22 that can stabilize the movement of the panel 14 in multiple directions. In one example, the wedge system 22 stabilizes the movement of the panel 14 along at least three different axes.

[0040] In one example, the wedge system 22 includes a receiver 24 mounted to a vehicle structure 28 and a wedge 26 mounted to the panel 14. Alternatively, the positions may be reversed. In one example, the vehicle structure 28 includes a fixed side panel extending along the edge of the front trunk. Figure 1 As shown, each side of the front trunk includes at least one wedge system 22. Depending on the side, additional wedge systems may be included as needed. When the panel 14 is in the closed position, the wedge 26 is received in the receiver 24.

[0041] In one example, the receiver 24 is made of a rigid molded plastic or cast steel material, and the wedge 26 is made of a softer, more resilient material than the receiver 24. For example, the wedge 26 may be made of dense rubber or other similar material. In one example, the rigidity of the wedge 26 should be less than the rigidity of the receiver 24. In other words, in one example, the wedge 26 should be more resilient than the receiver 24. This allows the wedge 26 to be slightly compressed in multiple directions when the wedge 26 is inserted into the receiver 24 to further enhance the wedging effect.

[0042] Figures 2 to 3 The wedge system 22 is shown in more detail. In one example, the receiver 24 includes: a base surface 30; a first inclined surface 32 and a second inclined surface 34, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extending away from opposite edges of the base surface 30; and a third inclined surface 36, the third inclined surface extending away from the base surface 30 and connecting the first inclined surface 32 and the second inclined surface 34 to each other to form a cavity 38, the cavity is open at a first end 40 of the receiver 24 and is closed by the base surface 30 at a second end 42 of the receiver 24. In one example, the inclined surfaces 32, 34, 36 may include tapered surfaces or angled surfaces at a specific angle relative to the vertical axis. In one example, the cavity 38 includes a V-shaped cavity, the V-shaped cavity being closed on three sides by a first side wall 44, a second side wall 46, and a rear wall 48 connecting the first side wall 44 to the second side wall 46. In one example, the cavity 38 is open on the fourth side at the front wall 50 so that when the wedge 26 is inserted into the receiver 24, the wedge 26 can at least partially extend outward from the end surface of the front wall 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 shown.

[0043] In one example, the receiver 24 includes an attachment interface that includes at least a first fastener attachment 52 at the first end 40 of the receiver 24 and a second fastener attachment 54 at the second end 42 of the receiver 24. In one example, the first fastener attachment 52 includes a fixed pivot point at a first fastener opening 56, and the second fastener attachment 54 includes a slotted interface having an elongated slot 58 that provides a self-aligning feature. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0044] In one example, the wedge 26 includes an elongated body 60 extending from a first end 62 to a second end 64 that is inserted into the receiver 24 when the panel 14 is moved to the closed position. In one example, the elongated body 60 includes opposing first and second wedge surfaces 66 and 68 ( Figure 5A), a third wedge surface 70 and a distal surface 72 at the second end 64. In one example, the first wedge surface 66 and the second wedge surface 68 ( Figure 5A ) include inclined, tapered or angled surfaces that respectively engage the first inclined surface 32 and the second inclined surface 34 of the receiver 24 when in the closed position. In one example, the third wedge surface 70 includes an inclined, tapered or angled surface that, when in the closed position, engages the third inclined surface 36 of the receiver 24. In one example, the distal surface 72 engages the base surface 30 of the receiver 24 when in the closed position.

[0045] In one example, the base surface 30 includes a flat surface 30 with the first and second inclined surfaces 32, 34 tapering in a vertical direction upward and away from the base surface 30 such that the distance between the first and second inclined surfaces 32, 34 is greater at the first end 40 than at the second end 42. In one example, the opposing first and second wedge surfaces 66, 68 of the wedge 26 tapering in a vertical direction upward and away from opposing sides of the elongated body 60 such that the distance between the opposing first and second wedge surfaces 66, 68 is greater at the first end 62 of the wedge 26 than at the second end 64.

[0046] In one example, the elongated body 60 includes a mounting flange 74 at the first end 62 of the wedge 26 that is attached to the panel 14. In one example, the mounting flange 74 includes a flat plate having one or more holes 76 configured to receive fasteners 90 ( Figure 7 ) to secure the wedge 26 to the panel 14. Other types of attachment methods may also be used, such as gluing, welding, etc.

[0047] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The wedge 26 is shown stabilizing movement of the panel along a first axis 80 , along a second axis 82 different from the first axis 80 , and along a third axis 84 different from the first axis 80 and the second axis 82 . Figure 4A A wedge interface is shown in which the third wedge surface 70 engages and interlocks with the third inclined surface 36 on the receiver 24 to stabilize the movable vehicle panel 14 from shifting back and forth along the first axis 80, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B In one example, the first axis 80 extends in a lateral direction across the width of the vehicle 10 .

[0048] Figure 5AAnother wedge interface is shown in which the opposing first and second wedge surfaces 66, 68 of the wedge 26 engage and interlock with the first and second inclined surfaces 32, 34 on the receiver 24 to stabilize the movable vehicle panel 14 from shifting back and forth along the second axis 82, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B In one example, the second axis 82 extends along the length of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction. Figure 5A Also shown is the distal end 72 which engages the base surface 30 of the receiver 24 to stabilize the movable vehicle panel 14 against excessive downward travel along the third axis 84, as shown in FIG. Figure 5C In one example, the third axis 84 extends along the length of the vehicle in a vertical direction.

[0049] In one example, the first axis 80 is perpendicular to the second axis 82 , and the third axis 84 is perpendicular to the first axis 80 and the second axis 82 .

[0050] In one example, a method includes mounting a wedge receiver 24 to a fixed side structure 28; mounting a wedge 26 to a panel 14; and inserting the wedge 26 into the wedge receiver 24 when moving the panel 14 to a closed position to stabilize movement of the panel 14 along a first axis 80, along a second axis 82, and along a third axis 84.

[0051] In one example, an additional step includes self-aligning the receiver 24 with the wedge 26 during insertion of the wedge 26 into the receiver 24, such as FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C shown. Fig. 6A The receiver 24 is shown aligned along the vertical axis V and the wedge 26 is slightly misaligned with the vertical axis V. As discussed above, the receiver 24 has: a first fastener attachment 52, which includes a first fastener 86 ( Figure 7 ) a fixed pivot point; and a second fastener attachment 54, the second fastener attachment comprising a second fastener 88 ( Figure 7 ) of the longitudinal slot 58. The fixed pivot point and the longitudinal slot allow the receiver 24 to be inserted into the receiver ( Figure 6B ) during rotation for self-alignment purposes. Figure 6B Wedge 26 is shown contacting receiver 24 and rotating receiver 24 into proper alignment. Figure 6C An example is shown in which the wedge 26 is fully installed within the receiver 24 in a slightly offset position relative to the vertical axis V to accommodate the offset wedge 26. This helps to accommodate variations in the installation position of the wedge 26 and receiver 24. In addition, the wedge system 22 helps with panel alignment, such as assembly and surface treatment along the edge of the panel ( Figure 4B and Figure 5B), and reduces panel vibration when driving at higher speeds.

[0052] Figure 7 An exemplary method of the self-alignment procedure is shown. In this example, a first fastener 86 is inserted into the first fastener opening 56 in the receiver 24 at the fixed pivot point with a loose fit. A second fastener 88 is inserted into the elongated slot 58 at the slotted interface with a loose fit. A fastener 90 for the wedge 26 is inserted into an opening (not shown) in the panel 14 with a loose fit. Next, the wedge 26 is inserted into the wedge receiver 24, causing the receiver to pivot and self-align via the fixed pivot point and the slotted interface, as shown in FIG. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C As shown. Once the wedge 26 and the receiver 24 are aligned, the fasteners 86, 88, 90 can be; and then tightened. Optionally, the receiver 24 can be configured to allow pivoting about a fixed pivot point once fully installed.

[0053] The present disclosure provides a wedge system for a movable panel that provides an increased stability direction for the movable panel over existing lift panel configurations. The wedge system utilizes a receiver that receives a wedge and stabilizes the movement of the panel along at least three different axes. This pivoting receiving wedge design allows for inter-panel misalignment and better assembly and finish control. It also increases the stability of the movable panel with the sensor mounted thereon.

[0054] The foregoing description is illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Changes and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection afforded to the present disclosure can only be determined by studying the appended claims.

[0055] According to the present invention, a wedge system is provided, which has: a receiver; and a wedge, which is received in the receiver when the movable vehicle panel is in a closed position, and wherein the wedge stabilizes the movement of the movable vehicle panel along a first axis, along a second axis different from the first axis, and along a third axis different from the first axis and the second axis.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the wedge includes a first wedge interface that engages a first inclined surface on the receiver to stabilize the movable vehicle panel against displacement back and forth along the first axis.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the wedge comprises a second wedge interface that engages a second inclined surface on the receiver to stabilize the movable vehicle panel against displacement back and forth along the second axis.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the wedge includes a distal interface that engages a base surface of the receiver to stabilize the movable vehicle panel against excessive travel along the third axis.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the second wedge interface comprises opposing first and second wedge surfaces.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the receiver includes: a base surface; a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extending away from relative edges of the base surface; and a third inclined surface extending away from the base surface and connecting the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to each other to form a concave cavity, which is open at one end and closed by the base surface at the opposite end.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the wedge member includes a longitudinal body extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end is at one end of the receiver when in the closed position, and wherein the longitudinal body includes: a first wedge member surface and a second wedge member surface relative to each other, the first wedge member surface and the second wedge member surface respectively engaging the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the receiver when in the closed position; a third wedge member surface, the third wedge surface engaging the third inclined surface of the receiver when in the closed position; and a distal surface at the second end, the distal surface engaging the base surface of the receiver when in the closed position.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the receiver comprises an attachment interface allowing the receiver to self-align with the wedge during insertion.

[0063] According to the present invention, a wedge system is provided, the wedge system having: a vehicle structure; a panel, the panel being movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the vehicle structure; a receiver, the receiver being mounted to the vehicle structure; and a wedge, the wedge being mounted to the panel, wherein the wedge is received in the receiver when the panel is in the closed position, and wherein the wedge stabilizes movement of the panel along a first axis, along a second axis different from the first axis, and along a third axis different from the first axis and the second axis.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by at least one sensor mounted to the panel.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the receiver includes: a base surface; a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extending away from relative edges of the base surface; and a third inclined surface extending away from the base surface and connecting the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to each other to form a concave cavity, which is open at one end of the receiver and is closed by the base surface at the opposite end of the receiver.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the wedge member includes a longitudinal body extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the longitudinal body is inserted into the receiver when moved to the closed position, and wherein the longitudinal body includes: a first wedge member surface and a second wedge member surface opposite each other, the first wedge member surface and the second wedge member surface respectively engaging the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the receiver when in the closed position; a third wedge member surface, the third wedge member surface engaging the third inclined surface of the receiver when in the closed position; and a distal surface at the second end, the distal surface engaging the base surface of the receiver when in the closed position.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the elongated body comprises a mounting flange at the first end attached to the panel.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the receiver includes an attachment interface including at least a first fastener attachment at the first end of the receiver and a second fastener attachment at the second end of the receiver.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the first fastener attachment includes a fixed pivot point for a first fastener and the second fastener attachment includes a slot for receiving a second fastener.

[0070] According to the present invention, a method includes: mounting a wedge receiver to one of a fixed vehicle structure or a panel movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the fixed vehicle structure; mounting a wedge to the other of the fixed vehicle structure or the panel; and inserting the wedge into the wedge receiver when the panel is moved to the closed position to stabilize movement of the panel along a first axis, along a second axis different from the first axis, and along a third axis different from the first axis and the second axis.

[0071] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes self-aligning the wedge receiver with the wedge during insertion of the wedge into the wedge receiver.

[0072] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes: attaching one end of the wedge receiver to the fixed vehicle structure at a fixed pivot point and attaching the opposite end of the wedge receiver to the fixed vehicle structure using a slotted interface, and the method also includes: inserting a first fastener into an opening in the wedge receiver at the fixed pivot point with a loose fit; inserting a second fastener into the longitudinal narrow slot at the slotted interface with a loose fit; inserting the wedge into the wedge receiver so that the wedge receiver pivots and self-aligns via the fixed pivot point and the slotted interface; and then tightening the first fastener and the second fastener.

[0073] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes providing a wedge receiver having: a base surface; a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extending away from relative edges of the base surface; and a third inclined surface, the third inclined surface extending away from the base surface and connecting the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to each other to form a concave cavity, which is open at a first end of the wedge receiver and is closed by the base surface at a second end of the wedge receiver.

[0074] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes providing a wedge member having an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, the elongated body being inserted into the wedge member receiver when moved to the closed position, and the method also includes providing the elongated body having: a first wedge member surface and a second wedge member surface opposite each other, the first wedge member surface and the second wedge member surface respectively engaging the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the wedge member receiver when in the closed position; a third wedge member surface, the third wedge member surface engaging the third inclined surface of the wedge member receiver when in the closed position; and a distal surface at the second end, the distal surface engaging the base surface of the wedge member receiver when in the closed position.

Claims

1. A wedge system, the wedge system include: Receiver; as well as A wedge is received in the receiver when the movable vehicle panel is in a closed position, and wherein the wedge stabilizes movement of the movable vehicle panel along a first axis, along a second axis different from the first axis, and along a third axis different from the first axis and the second axis.

2. The wedge system of claim 1, wherein the wedge includes a first wedge interface that engages a first inclined surface on the receiver to stabilize the movable vehicle panel against displacement back and forth along the first axis.

3. The wedge system according to claim 2, in: The wedge comprises a second wedge interface that engages a second inclined surface on the receiver to stabilize the movable vehicle panel against displacement back and forth along the second axis, wherein optionally, the second wedge interface comprises opposing first and second wedge surfaces; and / or The wedge includes a distal interface that engages a base surface of the receiver to stabilize the movable vehicle panel against excessive travel along the third axis.

4. The wedge system of claim 1, wherein the receiver include: substrate surface; a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extending away from opposite edges of the substrate surface; and a third inclined surface extending away from the base surface and connecting the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to each other to form a concave cavity that is open at one end and closed by the base surface at an opposite end.

5. The wedge system of claim 4, wherein the wedge comprises an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, wherein when in the closed position, the first end is at the one end of the receiver, and wherein the elongated body include: and opposing first and second wedge surfaces that respectively engage the first and second inclined surfaces of the receiver when in the closed position; a third wedge surface that engages the third inclined surface of the receiver when in the closed position; as well as A distal surface at the second end engages the base surface of the receptacle when in the closed position.

6. The wedge system of claim 4, wherein the receiver includes an attachment interface that allows the receiver to self-align with the wedge during insertion.

7. A wedge system, the wedge system include: Vehicle structure; a panel movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the vehicle structure; a receiver mounted to the vehicle structure; as well as A wedge is mounted to the panel, wherein the wedge is received in the receiver when the panel is in the closed position, and wherein the wedge stabilizes movement of the panel along a first axis, along a second axis different from the first axis, and along a third axis different from the first axis and the second axis.

8. The wedge system of claim 7, comprising at least one sensor mounted to the panel.

9. The wedge system of claim 7, wherein the receiver include: substrate surface; a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extending away from opposite edges of the substrate surface; and a third inclined surface extending away from the base surface and connecting the first and second inclined surfaces to each other to form a cavity that is open at a first end of the receiver and is closed by the base surface at a second end of the receiver.

10. The wedge system of claim 9, wherein the wedge comprises an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, the elongated body being inserted into the receiver when moved to the closed position, and wherein the elongated body include: and opposing first and second wedge surfaces that respectively engage the first and second inclined surfaces of the receiver when in the closed position; a third wedge surface that engages the third inclined surface of the receiver when in the closed position; as well as A distal surface at the second end engages the base surface of the receptacle when in the closed position.

11. A wedge system according to claim 9, wherein the receiver includes an attachment interface, the attachment interface comprising at least a first fastener attachment at the first end of the receiver and a second fastener attachment at the second end of the receiver, and optionally, wherein the first fastener attachment includes a fixed pivot point for a first fastener and the second fastener attachment includes a narrow slot for receiving a second fastener.

12. A method, the method comprising: include: mounting a wedge receiver to one of a fixed vehicle structure or a panel movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the fixed vehicle structure; mounting a wedge to the other of the fixed vehicle structure or the panel; as well as When moving the panel to the closed position, the wedge is inserted into the wedge receiver to stabilize movement of the panel along a first axis, along a second axis different from the first axis, and along a third axis different from the first axis and the second axis.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising self-aligning the wedge receiver with the wedge during insertion of the wedge into the wedge receiver.

14. The method of claim 12, comprising attaching one end of the wedge receiver to the fixed vehicle structure at a fixed pivot point and attaching an opposite end of the wedge receiver to the fixed vehicle structure using a slotted interface, and further comprising: include: inserting a first fastener into an opening in the wedge receiver at the fixed pivot point with a loose fit; inserting a second fastener into the elongated slot at the slotted interface with a loose fit; inserting the wedge into the wedge receiver so that the wedge receiver pivots and self-aligns via the fixed pivot point and slotted interface; as well as The first fastener and the second fastener are then tightened.

15. The method according to claim 12, include: The wedge receiver is provided, the wedge receiver having: a base surface; a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extending away from opposite edges of the substrate surface; and a third inclined surface extending away from the base surface and connecting the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface to each other to form a concave cavity that is open at a first end of the wedge receiver and is closed by the base surface at a second end of the wedge receiver; and optionally, providing the wedge having an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, the elongated body being inserted into the wedge receiver when moved to the closed position, and the method further comprising providing the elongated body having: opposing first and second wedge surfaces that respectively engage the first and second inclined surfaces of the wedge receiver when in the closed position; a third wedge surface that engages the third inclined surface of the wedge receiver when in the closed position; as well as A distal surface at the second end engages the base surface of the wedge receiver when in the closed position.

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