Vehicle Bonnet Support Panel Stiffness Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor vehicle bonnet arrangements exhibit non-uniform stiffness due to the angular offset of the support panel and inner panel during assembly, leading to inconsistent structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The bonnet design incorporates a support panel with complementary profiles to the outer and inner panels, allowing the inner panel to diverge from the outer panel beyond the joining section, forming a fold line and creating a uniform gap, which is reinforced by a hem and optionally an anti-flutter adhesive for load distribution and tooling accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first flange and cooperating surface extend offset angularly relative to the outer surface panel to provide access during assembly, then assembly accessibility is improved, but the stiffness uniformity of the bonnet deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel is divided into a first joining section with a profile that matches the outer surface panel, and a second section that provides assembly access. This segmentation allows the first joining section to maintain stiffness uniformity by following the outer surface profile, while the second section can be configured for accessibility without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first joining section of the support panel is given a specific profile that substantially matches the profile of the outer surface panel in the direction extending away from the edge. This local quality adjustment ensures that the stiffness characteristics are maintained uniformly in the region where the outer surface panel exists, while other regions can be optimized for assembly access.
2Reliability
If the inner panel diverges away from the outer surface panel beyond the second joining section, then tooling accommodation and load distribution are improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner panel diverges away from the outer surface panel in a direction extending inwardly from the edge, creating a three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows the inner panel to accommodate tooling and distribute loads effectively while maintaining a relatively simple two-panel structure without requiring additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support panel acts as an intermediary element between the inner panel and the outer surface panel. It provides the complementary profiles that enable both panels to achieve their desired configurations (matching the outer surface profile and diverging inwardly) while maintaining structural integrity and load distribution capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present application relates to a motor vehicle bonnet (101). The bonnet (101) has an outer surface panel (109) and an inner panel (113). The outer surface panel (109) is joined to the inner panel (113) along an edge of said vehicle bonnet (101). A support panel (111) is provided between the inner panel (109) and the outer surface panel (113). The support panel (111) has a first joining section (123) and the inner panel (113) has a second joining section (125). The first and second joining sections (123, 125) have complementary profiles which substantially match the profile of an adjacent section of the outer surface panel (109). The inner panel (113) diverges away from the outer surface panel (109) inset from the second joining section (125). The application also relates to a method of assembling a motor vehicle bonnet (101).