Tailgate Supporting Plate for Blind Equipment Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle tailgates face challenges in seamlessly integrating equipment such as rear lights, radar, and cameras, which are difficult to mount and seal properly, affecting aesthetics and complicating assembly due to the need for separate mounting and sealing at multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
A supporting plate is integrated between the inner and outer panels of the tailgate, allowing blind assembly through a second opening, guided by ribs and lugs, to ensure equipment is flush and sealed, with a transparent transmission zone for electromagnetic devices, simplifying installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If side lights are mounted on the outer face of the tailgate, then the lighting device can be installed, but the mounting requires separate sealing operations at multiple locations and presents practical difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting and sealing operations into a single integrated process. The supporting plate structure allows the side lights to be mounted and sealed simultaneously through a unified sealing arrangement, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations at multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting plate acts as an intermediary element between the inner panel and outer skin, providing a standardized mounting interface that simplifies the installation of side lights and other equipment while integrating sealing functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If side lights are mounted on the outer face of the tailgate, then the lighting device can be installed, but the mounting looks added on and does not appear seamless with the rest of the tailgate
Solution Approach 1:
The side lights are nested within the tailgate structure between the inner panel and outer skin, with the supporting plate integrated into the existing panels. This nesting approach allows the lighting devices to be housed within the tailgate's structural layers, creating a seamless appearance from the exterior.
3Shape
If equipment is arranged between the inner panel and outer skin, then the equipment can be integrated seamlessly, but the assembly requires the inner panel and outer skin to be glued before the technical panel is attached
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting plate is designed with pre-integrated sealing elements and mounting features that allow equipment to be installed before the final assembly of the inner panel and outer skin. This preliminary preparation of the supporting plate structure enables equipment integration without requiring the panels to be glued first.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a technical panel is attached to the lower portion of the inner panel and then the inner panel and outer skin are glued, then equipment can be integrated, but the assembly process is considerably complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting plate is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of equipment (side lights, radar, cameras, antennas) through standardized mounting interfaces. This multi-functional design allows different equipment to be integrated using the same supporting plate structure, simplifying the overall assembly process.
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
Facilitates easy and reliable mounting of equipment, enhances aesthetics by creating seamless lighting and reducing visible components, while simplifying assembly and maintenance, and eliminating the need for external seals and additional protective glass.
Implementation Method 1
The outer skin includes, in a region facing the electromagnetic radiation emitting and/or receiving device, a transmission zone which is at least partially transparent to said electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a motor vehicle opening panel, including: an inner panel having a lower portion, in which a second opening is formed, and an outer skin attached to the inner panel, comprising an inner surface located opposite an outer surface of the inner panel, characterized in that it further comprises, a supporting plate of equipment assembled on the inner panel and covered by the outer skin, the supporting plate being accessible through the second opening, and guide means capable of allowing blind assembly through the second opening of the supporting plate between the outer surface of the inner panel and the inner surface of the outer skin.