Under-Hood Closeout Panel With Integrated Perimeter Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing under hood storage compartment sealing solutions in vehicles often require separate bulb seals to prevent dirt and moisture ingress, which can be inefficient and may not adequately meet performance requirements for sealing and user safety.
Innovation Solution
An under hood panel design featuring a first portion made from polypropylene and a second softer EPDM material portion surrounding the perimeter, secured via stake welding or other means, with a panel seal between the portions to seal the compartment when closed, eliminating the need for a separate bulb seal and allowing for optimized stiffness tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate bulb seal is used to seal the under hood storage compartment, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function with the closeout panel itself by integrating a seal directly into the panel structure. The seal is positioned within a recess of the closeout panel and contacts the storage compartment when the hood is closed, eliminating the need for a separate bulb seal while maintaining effective sealing performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-material closeout panel is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closeout panel is constructed as a composite structure with two different materials: a first material forming the main body of the panel and a second material forming the seal portion. This composite construction allows the panel to provide both structural function and sealing function, achieving effective sealing while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integrated construction.
3Strength
If the closeout panel is made entirely from rigid material, then structural strength is improved, but sealing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closeout panel employs local quality differentiation by using a rigid first material for the main body to provide structural strength and a softer second material for the seal portion to provide sealing capability. The softer seal material can deform to conform to the storage compartment surface, ensuring effective sealing while the rigid main body maintains panel strength.
4Reliability
If a separate bulb seal is installed, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is integrated directly into the closeout panel structure during manufacturing, forming a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate installation of a bulb seal and reduces assembly complexity, while the seal remains positioned within a recess of the panel to provide effective sealing when the hood is closed.
Data Source
AI summary
An under hood storage system of a vehicle includes an under hood storage compartment located in an under hood area of a vehicle, and a hood assembly that, when in a closed position closes the under hood storage compartment. The hood assembly includes an under hood panel having a first portion formed from a first material, and a second portion surrounding the first portion defining an outer perimeter of the under hood panel. The second portion is formed from a second material softer than the first material. One or more attachment features secure the under hood panel to the hood assembly. The under hood panel interacts with the under hood storage compartment to close the under hood storage compartment.