Storage basin with service panel for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage basin with a service panel for a vehicle. A vehicle component includes a basin configured to store cargo and a service panel configured to cover at least a portion of a compartment defined by a vehicle. A living hinge couples the basin to the service panel. The basin, the service panel, and the living hinge are all integrally formed in a common mold, such as by injection molding in gate sequence. The component may include a side portion secured to the tube. The living hinge may include a first portion connecting the first side portion to the service panel and a second portion connecting the second side portion to the service panel. The basin is separable from the service panel between the first side portion and the second side portion. The upper edge of the tube may have a dust seal secured thereto that engages a cover configured to cover the compartment, such as a protective cover.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 558,920, filed on February 28, 2024, which is assigned to the assignee of this application and is hereby expressly incorporated herein in its entirety as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle storage basin with an integrated access panel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure describes a method for implementing an access panel in a vehicle compartment. In one aspect, a vehicle component includes a tub configured to store cargo and an access panel configured to cover at least a portion of a compartment defined by the vehicle. A living hinge couples the tub to the access panel. The tub, access panel, and living hinge are all integrally formed in a common mold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1A An example vehicle that may be used in accordance with certain embodiments is illustrated.

[0006] Figure 1B A chassis for a vehicle is illustrated having multiple drive units that may be used according to certain embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2A is an isometric view of a front body portion of a vehicle defining a front compartment, according to certain embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2B is an isometric view of a front body portion of a vehicle having a tub and access panel mounted in a front compartment of the vehicle, according to certain embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2C is an isometric view of a front body portion of a vehicle having an apron panel mounted in a front compartment of the vehicle, according to certain embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Pivoting the access panel relative to the basin is illustrated according to certain embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B and Figure 4C The operation of a living hinge coupling an access panel to a basin is illustrated in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0012] Figure 5is an isometric view illustrating latching of an access panel relative to a dust seal and leaf screens secured about a basin, according to certain embodiments.

[0013] Figure 6 A gap formed between the basin and the access panel is illustrated according to certain embodiments.

[0014] Figure 7 The interaction between the access panel and the dust seal during pivoting is illustrated according to certain embodiments.

[0015] Figure 8 is a side view illustrating fasteners for latching an access panel to a leaf screen, according to certain embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] A basin for storing cargo (e.g., a storage box) is positioned in a compartment defined by the vehicle. The basin is secured to an access panel by a movable hinge. The access panel may provide access to, for example, one or more fluid reservoirs or other components. The basin and the access panel are integrally formed in a common mold. No additional fasteners are required to mount the access panel to the basin. Side portions mounted to the basin may be connected to the access panel by portions of a movable hinge, wherein the basin is disconnected from the access panel between the side portions. The access panel may be releasably latched to a component in the compartment, such as a leaf guard.

[0017] Figure 1A An example vehicle 100 is illustrated in which the methods described herein may be implemented. Figure 1A As shown, vehicle 100 has multiple external cameras 102 and one or more front displays 104. Each of these external cameras 102 can capture a specific view or perspective outside of vehicle 100. The images or videos captured by external cameras 102 can then be presented on one or more displays in vehicle 100 (such as one or more front displays 104) for viewing by the driver. Vehicle 100 also includes multiple wheels 105, such as four wheels, which are driven to propel vehicle 100 forward on a surface.

[0018] refer to Figure 1B , the vehicle 100 may include a chassis 106 including a frame 108 that provides the primary structural members of the vehicle 100. The frame 108 may be formed from one or more beams or other structural members, or may be integral with the body of the vehicle (eg, unibody construction).

[0019] In embodiments where vehicle 100 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or possibly a hybrid vehicle, a large battery 110 is mounted to chassis 106 and may occupy a majority (e.g., at least 80%) of the area within frame 108. For example, battery 110 may store 100 to 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Battery 110 may be a lithium-ion battery or other type of rechargeable battery. The battery may be substantially planar in shape.

[0020] Power from battery 110 can be supplied to one or more drive units 112. Each drive unit 112 can be formed by an electric motor and possibly a gear train that provides gear reduction. In some embodiments, there is a single drive unit 112 that drives the front or rear wheels of vehicle 100. In another embodiment, there are two drive units 112, each driving a front or rear wheel of vehicle 100. In yet another embodiment, there are four drive units 112, each driving one of the four wheels of vehicle 100.

[0021] The drive units 112 may be supplied with power from the battery 110 via one or more sets of power electronics 114, such as power electronics for each drive unit 112 or pairs of drive units 112. The power electronics 114 may include inverters configured to convert direct current (DC) from the battery 110 into alternating current (AC) that is supplied to the motors of the drive units 112. The power electronics 114 may also facilitate use of the drive unit's motor as a generator to provide regenerative braking. The power electronics 114 may also facilitate transfer of regenerative current to the battery 110.

[0022] Drive unit 112 is coupled to two or more wheel hubs 116, to which wheels 105 can be mounted. Each wheel hub 116 includes a corresponding brake 118, such as a disc brake as illustrated. Each wheel hub 116 is further coupled to frame 108 via a suspension 120. Suspension 120 may include metal or pneumatic springs for absorbing shock. Suspension 120 may be implemented as a pneumatic or hydraulic suspension capable of adjusting the height of chassis 106 relative to a supporting surface. Suspension 120 may include a damper, wherein the damper's characteristics are fixed or electronically adjustable.

[0023] exist Figure 1B In the embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 100 is a battery electric vehicle. However, hybrid electric vehicles can also benefit from the methods described herein. Specifically, the vehicle 100 can be any vehicle with a front trunk or a rear trunk that is implemented according to the methods described herein.

[0024] 2 , the vehicle 100 may include a front body portion 200 mounted to or forming part of the frame 108 of the vehicle 100 (e.g., a unitary construction). The front body portion 200 defines the exterior of the vehicle in front of the driver. Thus, the front body portion 200 may include one or more pieces of sheet metal, plastic, or other material that form the exterior of the vehicle 100. While the examples disclosed herein relate to the front body portion 200 extending over and around the front wheels 105 of the vehicle 100, it should be understood that a trunk or other accessible compartment in a rearward-facing body portion of the vehicle 100 may be implemented in a similar manner.

[0025] The vehicle 100 can be understood with reference to the X, Y, and Z directions. The Z direction may correspond to the direction of gravity when the vehicle 100 is on a flat, horizontal surface perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The Y direction may correspond to the direction of the vehicle 100 when traveling in a straight line. The X direction may be defined as being perpendicular to the Y and Z directions.

[0026] The front body portion 200 may include wheel arches 202 for accommodating the wheels 105 mounted to the hubs 116, cowl panels 204 extending above the wheel arches 202, fenders 206, or other components extending around the front wheels of the vehicle 100. The front body portion may also include a grille 210 and a bumper 208 extending between the cowl panels 204. In an electric vehicle, the grille 210 may be simply a forward-facing panel or may provide an inlet for cooling airflow. The bumper 208 and / or the grille 210 may have various components mounted thereon, such as headlights, turn signals, light bars, sensors (ultrasonic, radar, etc.), or other components. The front body portion 200 may extend over a portion of the frame 108 that defines a front crumple zone, which is used to mitigate injuries to passengers during a collision.

[0027] Front body portion 200 defines a compartment 212. Compartment 212 may define a volume for storage, such as a front trunk ("glove box") for storing cargo. Compartment 212 may also define a volume for functional components of the vehicle, such as fluid reservoirs (brake fluid, coolant, windshield wiper fluid, etc.), degassing vessels, electronic components (e.g., one or more electronic control units (ECUs)), or other components of vehicle 100. Portions of suspension 120 may also extend into compartment 212.

[0028] The cabin 212 can be covered by a protective cover 214. The protective cover 214 can be secured to a structural member mounted to the frame 108 via a hinge 216. The hinge 216 can enable the protective cover 214 to pivot about an axis substantially parallel to the X-direction (e.g., within 5 degrees). The protective cover 214 can be supported by a gas spring 218 or other support member to maintain the protective cover 214 in the open position once moved to the open position (e.g., by a user). When in the closed position, the protective cover 214 can cooperate with the cowl outer panel 204 and the grille 210 to cover the cabin 212.

[0029] The pod 212 can include various decorative and functional panels that cover functional components mounted within the pod 212. For example, a leaf guard 220 can extend from a windshield 222 to the pod 212 and potentially into the pod 212. The leaf guard 220 can direct water and debris falling from the windshield 222 away from the pod 212 and, when closed, otherwise prevent debris from entering the pod 212 through a gap between the windshield 222 and the shroud 214. The leaf guard 220 can define a slot 224 for receiving the gas spring 218 when the shroud 214 is closed and can provide spacing for struts that couple the shroud 214 to the hinge 216.

[0030] See Figure 2B , the compartment 212 may include a basin 226. The basin 226 defines a volume that can be used to store cargo and is relatively isolated from the rest of the compartment 212 and the environment of the vehicle 100 when the protective cover 214 is closed. For example, the basin 226 may define a usable volume (e.g., usable for storing cargo) when the protective cover 214 is closed that is at least one, two, or more times the size of a TSA-approved carry-on bag, e.g., 9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches. In other words, the basin 226 may define a usable volume of at least 1.6 cubic feet or more, such as at least 3.2 cubic feet. The upper edge of the basin 226 may be oriented parallel to a plane defined by the X-direction and the Y-direction or slightly inclined relative to the plane (e.g., less than 10 degrees, less than 5 degrees, or less than 2 degrees). The upper edge may be planar or its contour may conform to the underside of the protective cover 214. The upper edge may be located within 15 centimeters, 10 centimeters, or 5 centimeters of a plane oriented slightly inclined (eg, less than 10 degrees, less than 5 degrees, or less than 2 degrees) relative to a plane defined by the X and Y directions.

[0031] The tub 226 and the access panel 228 are integrally formed using a common mold, such as by gated sequential injection molding. Gated sequential injection molding may include activating a first set of gates to inject a first polymer portion into the mold, followed by opening a second set of gates to inject a second polymer portion into the same mold. The access panel 228 substantially covers the area above the nacelle 212 between the tub 226 and the leaf guard 220 and between the tub 226 and the perimeter of the nacelle 212, such as spanning at least 90% of the distance from the tub 226 and the perimeter of the nacelle 212. For example, the access panel 228 may also extend outward from the tub 226 (e.g., in the X-direction) substantially to the cowl outer panel 204. The access panel 228 may extend rearward from the tub 226 (e.g., in the Z-direction) to the leaf guard 220 and may overlap the leaf guard 220 in the Z-direction or overlap a flange or other component secured to the leaf guard 220.

[0032] The access panel 228 can be substantially planar, such as within 5 cm, 3 cm, or 1 cm of a plane across at least 60%, 80%, or 90% of its extent in the X and Y directions. The access plane 228 can be oriented parallel to the plane defined by the X and Y directions or slightly tilted relative to the plane (e.g., less than 10 degrees, less than 5 degrees, or less than 2 degrees). The access panel can define a slot 230 that provides spacing for the gas spring 218 and possibly for structural components connecting the guard 214 to the hinge 216. The slot 230 can be aligned with the slot 224 in the leaf guard 220.

[0033] Access panel 228 can be coupled to basin 226 via side portions 228a. The upper edge of basin 226 can be otherwise detached from access panel 228. Specifically, the portion of the upper edge of basin 226 that extends between side portions 228a is detached from access panel 228. Fasteners 228b can be used to secure side portions 228a to structural members within compartment 212. Basin 226 and any cargo placed therein can be supported by structural members rather than by side portions 228a, allowing side portions 228a to serve primarily as a covering to improve the aesthetics of compartment 212 and protect functional components covered by side portions 228a from contamination.

[0034] The basin 226 can also be secured to a structure within the compartment 212. For example, the basin 226 can include a flange 226a on a side of the basin 226 opposite the access panel 228, such as along the Y-direction. Openings 226b formed in the flange 226a can receive fasteners that secure the flange 226a to a structure within the compartment 212.

[0035] The leaf guard 220, the apron panel 232, and the combined tub 226, the access panel 228, and the side portion 228a can be formed from plastic, metal, or composite materials. For example, these components can be formed from any plastic known in the automotive industry for forming interior panels, engine covers, or other trim parts (e.g., nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.).

[0036] See also Figure 2C The remaining portion of the compartment 212 not covered by the basin 226, the access panel 228, the side portion 228a, and the leaf guard 220 can be covered by an apron panel 232. The apron panel 232 can be substantially planar, such as within 5 cm, 3 cm, or 1 cm of a plane across at least 60%, 80%, or 90% of its extent in the X and Y directions. The apron panel 232 can be oriented parallel to the plane defined by the X and Y directions or slightly tilted relative to the plane (e.g., less than 10 degrees, less than 5 degrees, or less than 2 degrees).

[0037] The apron panel 232 and the access panel 228 may form a contoured surface. For example, the radius of curvature of the apron panel 232 may be substantially (e.g., within 1%) equal to the radius of curvature of the access panel 228, excluding the area within 1 centimeter of the facing edges of the apron panel 232 and the access panel 228 to account for bevels, chamfers, or other edge treatments of the edges.

[0038] See also Figure 3A and Figure 3B The material coupling the side portion 228a to the access panel 228 can be a flexible material, such as a living hinge, so that the access panel 228 can pivot relative to the side portion 228a without failure. For example, the access panel 228 can pivot about a rotational axis that is substantially parallel (e.g., within 5 degrees) to the rotational axis of the protective cover 214, such as about a rotational axis that is substantially parallel to the X direction.

[0039] Therefore, the access panel 228 has Figure 2B and Figure 2C The access panel 228 is shown in the closed position, wherein the access panel 228 is maintained in the closed position while the protective cover 214 is closed and in normal operation. The access panel 228 also has Figure 3A and Figure 3B The open position shown is achieved when the protective cover 214 is open. The access panel 228 can be pivoted to the open position to fill one or more reservoirs and / or to access components located around the basin 226 in the compartment 212.

[0040] like Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, an access opening 300 can be defined between the tub 226 and the leaf guard 220. The access opening 300 can also extend between the left and right dash outer panels 204 of the vehicle 100. The access opening 300 can provide access to some or all of the fluid (e.g., brake fluid, coolant, windshield wiper fluid, etc.) reservoirs, degassing containers, electronic components (e.g., one or more electronic control units (ECUs), portions of the suspension 120, or other components of the vehicle 100.

[0041] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B and Figure 4C An example method for implementing a living hinge to attach access panel 228 to side portion 228a is illustrated. Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B and Figure 4C The methods shown are merely exemplary methods, and other methods for implementing living hinges using compliant materials may also be used.

[0042] In some embodiments, the living hinge is implemented by two hinge portions 400, wherein each hinge portion 400 joins one of the side portions 228a to the access panel 228. For example, the access panel 228, and possibly each side portion 228a, may have a thickness T1, while the hinge portion 400 has a thickness T2 that is substantially less than T1, such as less than 0.5 times, 0.25 times, or less than 0.15 times the thickness T1. For example, T1 may be between 2 mm and 4 mm, such as between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, such as between 2.9 mm and 3.1 mm. In contrast, T2 may be between 0.3 mm and 1 mm, such as between 0.35 mm and 0.75 mm, such as between 0.45 mm and 0.65 mm, such as between 0.5 mm and 0.6 mm. For example, T2 may be approximately 0.55 mm. In some embodiments, T1 and T2 are measured along the Z direction.

[0043] like Figure 4A As shown, there may be an inclined or curved transition between the thickness T1 and the thickness T2 of the hinge portion 400. For example, the curved transition may range from 0.5 cm to 2 cm. The top of the hinge portion 400 may have a radius of curvature R selected to reduce force concentration and extend the fatigue life of the hinge portion 400. The top may be defined as the area with the smallest thickness when the access panel 228 is in the closed position. R may be at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.4 mm, or at least 0.8 mm.

[0044] In some embodiments, one or more features may be formed on the side portion 228a to position the access panel 228 relative to the apron panel 232 so as to present a smooth profile for aesthetic or functional reasons. For example, a flange 402 extending downward from the apron panel 232 in the Z direction may be resting on the side portion 228a. The flange 402 may provide space below the apron panel 232 to provide clearance for fasteners 228b covered by the apron panel 232 or for other purposes. A flange 404 may be formed on each side portion 228a. Each flange 404 extends upward from each side portion 228a in the Z direction and is connected to a hinge portion 400, such that the hinge portion 400 couples the flange 404 to the access panel 228. The flange 404 may maintain the access panel 228 at a height H above the side portion 228a. The flange 402 can be integrally formed with the apron panel 232, such as by molding in a common mold, such as using gated sequential injection molding. The flange 404 can be integrally formed with the access panel 228 and the side portion 228a, such as by forming in a common mold, such as using gated sequential injection molding.

[0045] The flange 404 may have a thickness T3, such as in the Y direction. The thickness T3 may be less than the thickness T1. For example, T3 may be between 1 mm and 3 mm, such as between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, the smaller thickness T3 may facilitate bending of the flange 404 during raising of the access panel 228 (see Figure 4B ). For example, the access panel 228 is Figure 4A At least 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30% of the angle traversed by the closed position (e.g., 35 degrees) can be due to bending the flange 404, with the remainder due to deforming the hinge portion 400 (e.g., an area within 3 mm of the top of the hinge portion 400).

[0046] However, in other embodiments, the thickness T3 is selected so that the flange 404 does not flex significantly during rotation of the access panel, for example, when the access panel 228 is rotated from Figure 4A Less than 5% or less than 2% of the angle traversed by the closed position (eg, 35 degrees) may be due to bending the flange 404 , with the remainder due to deforming the hinge portion 400 .

[0047] In either case, the access panel 228 has an effective axis of rotation that is substantially (e.g., within 5 degrees) parallel to the X-direction, as defined by the hinge portion 400. The location of this axis of rotation in the YZ plane may be defined by or offset from the point in the hinge portion 400 where the flange 404 significantly bends.

[0048] In various embodiments, access panel 228 is subjected to irregular pivoting during use. Therefore, the fatigue life of hinge portion 400 (and flange 404, if significant bending occurs) can be selected to avoid failure during the expected service life of vehicle 100. For example, assuming approximately 10 uses per year and a service life of at least 20 years, the fatigue life can be between 200 and 300 cycles (opening and closing). To reduce the likelihood of premature failure, the fatigue life can be extended, such as between 300 and 1000 cycles.

[0049] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As is apparent, the flanges 402, 404 can be offset from one another in the Y direction, such as by a distance T4. The offset can be selected for aesthetic reasons (perception of quality due to the presence of a panel gap) or for functional reasons. For example, T4 can be selected so that for the expected range of movement of the access panel 228 in the Y direction when moving from the closed position to the open position (e.g., an angle between 30 and 60 degrees), deflection of the flange 404 in the Y direction does not cause the flange 404, the access panel 228, the hinge portion 400, or any other portion molded with the access panel 228, the hinge portion 400, and the flange 404 to contact the apron panel 232.

[0050] See also Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , dust seal 500 can extend around the upper perimeter of basin 226. When protective cover 214 is closed, dust seal 500 can engage the inner surface of protective cover 214, a corresponding seal secured to the inner surface of protective cover 214, or another structure secured to protective cover 214. The engagement of dust seal 500 with protective cover 214 (either directly or through another structure secured thereto) blocks contaminants from entering basin 226. Dust seal 500 can be made of natural or synthetic rubber, silicone, or another compliant polymer. Dust seal 500 can be made of a compliant material, such as one having a Shore A durometer between 20 and 70.

[0051] like Figure 6As shown, a gap 600 may exist at the intersection between the basin 226 and the access panel 228 to facilitate movement of the access panel 228 relative to the basin 226. The gap 600 may extend between the side portions 228a and may extend between the basin 226 and the hinge portion 400 and the flange 404. Thus, the gap 600 extends along the extent of the basin 226 in the X direction and partially along the extent of the basin 226 in the Y direction. Thus, the hinge portion 400 and the flange 404 may be secured to the basin 226 solely by the side portions 228a, thereby facilitating movement of the hinge portion 400 and potentially facilitating bending of the flange 404.

[0052] Gap 600 may be formed after basin 226, access panel 228, and side portion 228a are molded or may be formed in a subsequent manufacturing step. In some embodiments, gap 600 is formed by a core implemented by the mold used to mold basin 226, access panel 228, and side portion 228a.

[0053] See Figure 7 The gap 600 can be selected to facilitate free movement of the access panel 228 relative to the basin 226. For example, the dust seal 500 can be secured to a rib 700 that extends around the basin 226, such as a rib 700 that completely surrounds the basin 226. In the illustrated embodiment, the rib 700 is formed on an outwardly extending flange 702 that defines the perimeter of the basin 226. The access panel 228 can have a corresponding flange 704 that extends along the gap 600.

[0054] When pivoting from the closed position to the open position, the flange 704 or other portion of the access panel 228 can move closer to the basin 226 in the Y direction. In some implementations, contact may occur between the flange 704 or other portion of the access panel 228 and the dust seal 500. The compliance of the dust seal 500 can limit or prevent damage caused by such contact. In other embodiments, the gap 600 is sized so that such contact does not occur.

[0055] See again Figure 5When in the closed position, the access panel 228 can be latched relative to the rest of the vehicle 100, such as by latching to the leaf guard 220 or other structure within the compartment 212. In the illustrated embodiment, a peelable fastener 502 is non-peelably secured to the access panel 228 and peelably secured to the leaf guard 220. Alternatively, the fastener 502 can be peelably secured to the access panel and non-peelably secured to the leaf guard 220. As used herein, "peelable" may be understood as requiring less than 15 pounds, 10 pounds, or 5 pounds of force to peel, while "non-peelable" may be understood as requiring greater than 15 pounds, 20 pounds, or 25 pounds of force to peel. The fastener 502 can be peelably latched without the use of tools. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener peelably engages an extension 504 formed on the leaf guard 220 that extends below the access panel 228. Alternatively, the fastener 502 may be non-releasably secured to the extension 504 and releasably engage the opening defined by the access panel 228 .

[0056] See also Figure 8 , the fastener 502 can be implemented as any manually releasable fastener known in the art, particularly such fasteners as are known in the automotive industry for securing decorative trim or interior panels to vehicles. For example, the fastener 502 can be implemented as the illustrated retainer clip 800. The retainer clip 800 can include a head 802 that non-releasably secures the retainer clip 800 to the access panel 228, such as within an opening 804 defined by the access panel 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 804 is defined in a bracket 806 secured to the access panel 228, which is referred to in the automotive industry as a "doghouse." A leaf guard 220, such as the extension 504 secured to the leaf guard 220, can receive a clamp portion 808 of the retainer clip 800. For example, the extension 504 can define an opening 810 into which the clamp portion 808 is inserted. The clamp portion 808 can be deflected when inserted through the opening 810, wherein a portion thereof is biased outward after insertion, thereby preventing migration. The clamp portion 808 can then be disengaged by pulling the access panel 228 upward with sufficient force to deflect the clamp portion 808 and force the clamp portion 808 out of the opening 810. Pulling the access panel 228 upward can be performed manually or using a trimming tool.

[0057] The description of various embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for illustrative purposes. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein are selected to explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements to technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0058] In the foregoing, reference is made to the embodiments presented in this disclosure. However, the scope of this disclosure may extend beyond the specifically described embodiments. Rather, any combination of features and elements, whether or not related to different embodiments, is contemplated for use in implementing and practicing the contemplated embodiments. Furthermore, while the embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, an embodiment may achieve some advantages or no particular advantages. Therefore, the aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages discussed herein are merely illustrative.

[0059] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A vehicle component, comprising: a basin configured to store cargo; an access panel configured to cover at least a portion of a compartment defined by the vehicle; and A living hinge couples the basin to the access panel, wherein the basin, the access panel, and the living hinge are integrally formed in a common mold.

2. The vehicle component according to claim 1, wherein The basin defines a storage volume of at least 1.6 cubic feet. 3 . The vehicle component of claim 1 , further comprising a dust seal extending around a perimeter of the basin.

4. The vehicle component according to claim 1, further comprising: a first side portion extending outwardly from the basin; and a second side portion extending outwardly from the basin, the basin being positioned between the first and second side portions, the first and second side portions being integrally formed with the basin in the common mold, the living hinge comprising a first hinge portion connecting the first side portion to the access panel and a second hinge portion connecting the second side portion to the access panel.

5. The vehicle component according to claim 4, wherein The basin is separate from the access panel between the first and second side portions.

6. The vehicle component according to claim 4, wherein The access panel has a first thickness, and the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion have a second thickness at their thinnest points, the second thickness being less than 0.25 times the first thickness.

7. The vehicle component according to claim 6, further comprising: a first flange extending between the first hinge portion and the first side portion; and a second flange extending between the second hinge portion and the second side portion; The first flange and the second flange have a third thickness, and the third thickness is smaller than the first thickness and larger than the second thickness.

8. A vehicle, comprising: a chassis having one or more drive units and a plurality of wheels mounted thereto; one or more panels defining an exterior of the vehicle mounted to the chassis, the one or more panels defining a compartment; a cover having a closed position covering the compartment; one or more functional components, wherein the one or more functional components are installed in the cabin; and a molded component positioned in the compartment, the molded component comprising: a basin configured to store cargo; Access panels; and A living hinge couples the basin to the access panel, the access panel being rotatable between a closed position in which the access panel covers the one or more features and an open position in which the one or more features are accessible.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The one or more functional components include one or more fluid reservoirs.

10. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein The vehicle includes a windshield, the access panel being positioned between the windshield and the basin.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The vehicle includes a leaf guard positioned at a lower edge of the windshield, the access panel removably latching to the leaf guard.

12. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein The one or more panels form a grille and left and right cowl outer panels of the vehicle.

13. The vehicle of claim 8, further comprising a dust seal extending around a perimeter of the basin, the dust seal positioned to engage the cover when the cover is in the closed position.

14. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein The basin defines a storage volume of at least 1.6 cubic feet.

15. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein: The molded part comprises: a first side portion extending outwardly from the basin to a perimeter of the compartment; and a second side portion extending outwardly from the basin to the perimeter of the compartment, the basin being positioned between the first and second side portions, the living hinge comprising a first hinge portion connecting the access panel to the first side portion and a second hinge portion connecting the second side portion to the access panel; wherein the basin is separate from the access panel between the first side portion and the second side portion.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein: The access panel has a first thickness, and the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion have a second thickness at their thinnest points, the second thickness being less than 0.25 times the first thickness.

17. The vehicle of claim 16, further comprising: a first flange extending between the first hinge portion and the first side portion; and a second flange extending between the second hinge portion and the second side portion; The first flange and the second flange have a third thickness, and the third thickness is smaller than the first thickness and larger than the second thickness.

18. A method for approaching a vehicle, the method comprising: opening a cover from a cover closed position to a cover open position, the cover covering a compartment defined by one or more body panels of the vehicle when in the cover closed position; as well as opening an access panel from a panel-closed position to a panel-open position, the access panel being part of a molded component including a basin configured to store cargo, the molded component including a living hinge coupling the basin to the access panel, opening the access panel comprising bending the living hinge; Wherein, when the access panel is opened, one or more functional components of the vehicle located in the compartment are exposed.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein Opening the access panel includes unlocking the access panel from a structure within the cabin.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein The molded part comprises: a first side portion extending outwardly from the basin to a perimeter of the compartment; and a second side portion extending outwardly from the basin to the perimeter of the compartment, the basin being positioned between the first and second side portions, the living hinge comprising a first hinge portion connecting the access panel to the first side portion and a second hinge portion connecting the second side portion to the access panel; wherein the basin is separate from the access panel between the first side portion and the second side portion.

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