Patent ID: 9630576
Date: 2017-04-25
CPC Classifications: B60R

Claim:
1. A panel assembly for a vehicle, the panel assembly comprising: a first panel defining a surface and extending along a long axis; a noise attenuation panel having a circumferential edge and a central portion, wherein the noise attenuation panel is attached to the surface of the first panel along the circumferential edge of the noise attenuation panel, and wherein the central portion includes a length along the long axis of the first panel, and a width perpendicular to the long axis of the first panel; wherein the noise attenuation panel is continuously attached to the first panel in sealing engagement around the entire circumferential edge of the noise attenuation panel, to completely seal the gas chamber and prevent the escape of gases from the gas chamber between the circumferential edge of the noise attenuation panel and the surface of the first panel; wherein the central portion of the noise attenuation panel is spaced from the surface of the first panel by a gap distance to form a gas chamber between the surface of the first panel and the central portion of the noise attenuation panel; and at least one wall structure disposed within the gas chamber and extending between the central portion of the noise attenuation panel and the surface of the first panel, wherein the at least one wall structure defines a pattern that forms a fluid flow path through the gas chamber having an effective length that is greater than both the length and the width of the central portion of the noise attenuation panel.