Designs and processes for using discrete stiffeners to create light, stiff and strong automotive structures

摘要

A technique for providing localized stiffening of a vehicle trim panel, especially for high curvature areas. The vehicle trim panel includes an outer panel having an outer show surface and an inner surface. A plurality of discrete reinforcement elements are bonded to the inner surface of the outer panel at locations where localized stiffening is desired. The discrete elements can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, where the combination of elements and the number of elements is selected for a particular trim panel stiffness.

主权项

1. A panel assembly comprising:
a panel including an outer surface and an inner surface; and a plurality of discrete reinforcement elements bonded to the inner surface of the panel, wherein the plurality of discrete elements include interdispersed heatable particles that are fusion bonded to provide a nested mass of the discrete elements.