Method and apparatus for vehicle trim panel having hidden air bag door

摘要

A door and frame in a motor vehicle interior instrument panel or other trim panel is obscured to a vehicle occupant before deployment of an air bag located behind the trim panel. A trim element cover overlaps a joint between the door and frame. The trim element cover is able to self-heal small punctures or slits so that foam materials on an inner side of the panel are prevented from passing through the holes or slits. The frame is stronger relative to the opening due to a reinforcing element applied to the inside perimeter of the opening on the underside of the trim element.