Vehicle Outer Panel Bracket Assembly for Opening Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The provision of openings in vehicle outer panels, such as for oil filler ports or charging inlets, leads to a reduction in rigidity, which can compromise the structural integrity of the panel.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle outer panel assembly is reinforced by incorporating a bracket that overlaps and secures to a narrow crosspiece or crosspieces at the edge of the panel, connecting segments across cut-outs to maintain rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an opening is provided in the outer panel for disposing an oil filler port or charging inlet, then the outer panel can accommodate functional components, but the rigidity of the outer panel around the opening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer panel is divided into multiple frame members (first frame member, second frame member, third frame member) that surround the opening. Each frame member is a separate component that can be independently formed and assembled, allowing the opening to accommodate functional components while the distributed frame structure maintains overall rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are strategically positioned at critical locations around the opening, with crosspieces extending between them to provide localized reinforcement. The narrow crosspiece with cut-out and bracket assembly is placed at specific positions where rigidity is most needed, concentrating structural support where the opening would otherwise create weakness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a narrow crosspiece is formed at the end edge of the outer panel to create the frame structure, then the opening can be formed, but the rigidity around the frame part is reduced due to the narrow crosspiece being relatively less rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly merges multiple structural elements into a single reinforcing component. The bracket body connects to both the first and second frame members, while the narrow crosspiece with cut-out is integrated into this assembly. This combination creates a unified structural unit that compensates for the inherent weakness of the narrow crosspiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly acts as a composite structural solution, combining the narrow crosspiece (which allows the opening to be formed) with the bracket body and connecting members (which provide rigidity). This composite approach allows each component to fulfill its specific function while collectively maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fender panel is divided into upper and lower parts with overlapping secured portions, then the panel can be assembled from divided members, but deformation and breakage may occur at the secured portion
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is pre-formed as an integrated unit before assembly with the fender panel parts. The bracket body, narrow crosspiece, and connecting members are prepared in advance with proper geometry and strength characteristics, so that when assembled, the structure is immediately capable of resisting deformation without requiring additional reinforcement or adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Decrease in rigidity of an outer panel around its opening is suppressed. A vehicle outer panel assembly includes a fender panel lower part, which is an outer panel for a vehicle, and a bracket that reinforces the fender panel lower part. The fender panel lower part is perforated in a part thereof and thereby includes a frame part formed therein. The frame part includes a narrow rear crosspiece formed at an end edge of the fender panel lower part. The bracket is overlapped on and secured to the rear crosspiece.