Plastic panel for vehicular exterior

摘要

A panel suitable for use as an engine compartment closure panel provides improved function and surface finish and buckles forward of its rearward edge across its width upon impact at its forward edge. The panel has a smooth outer surface and an inner surface bearing integrally formed reinforcing members. The inner surface and reinforcing members have definition comprising A. opposing first and second rib patterns comprising ribs diagonally extending sufficiently across the inner surface so as to intersect one another between the forward and rearward edges and provide torsional rigidity to the panel; B. a medial rib pattern comprising a rib that extends across the width of the inner surface; C. a rearward rib pattern comprising a rib that extends from the medial rib pattern to the rearward edge; and D. a panel weakening pattern that enables buckling of the panel along a line adjacent to the medial rib pattern and comprising: 1. reduced thickness of the plate forward of the medial rib pattern; and 2. discontinuities in ribs of the first and second rib patterns at the medial rib pattern.