Rear Panel Stop Piece Structure to Prevent Impact Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicles experience significant deformation of the rear panel due to leverage effects during low-speed impacts, necessitating costly and time-consuming repairs, and potential damage to adjacent equipment.

Innovation Solution

A stop piece design with a lower extension that eliminates the gap between the rear panel and the stop piece, distributing impact forces to prevent deformation and welding-induced damage, featuring angled extensions and optional damping elements for enhanced absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the stop piece is attached to the rear panel with the lower peripheral edge suspended, then the stop piece can be easily installed, but the rear panel deforms significantly during impact due to leverage effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidresistance to deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The stop piece transitions from a two-dimensional wall structure to a three-dimensional structure by adding a lower extension that projects toward the rear of the vehicle. This extension makes contact with the rear panel, eliminating the gap and preventing leverage-induced deformation during impact while maintaining ease of installation through the same welding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the lower peripheral edge bears against the rear panel, then deformation is prevented, but the stop piece design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to deformationVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop piece is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper sub-section for welding attachment to the rear panel, a main body providing the stop function, and a lower extension making contact with the rear panel. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prevents rear panel deformation and adjacent equipment damage by distributing impact forces, reducing the need for on-site repairs and ensuring structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one stop piece, possibly equipped with a rubber (or possibly synthetic) damping element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a rubber (or possibly synthetic) damping element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4483028B1Optimised end piece for a rear panel of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS

Figure 1~2

AI summary

A stop piece (PB) comprises a wall (PA) having a main part (PP) with an upper face (FS) defining a stop for a trunk lid of a vehicle and an upper peripheral edge (BPS) continuing this main part (PP) and rigidly connected to a rear panel (PR) of the vehicle. This main part (PP) comprises a lower sub-part (SPI) situated below its upper face (FS), extending as far as the rear panel (PR) and continued by at least one lower extension (EI) able to bear on and be rigidly connected to the rear panel (PR).