Patent ID: 9216771
Filing Date: 2015-12-22
Classification: B60R,B62D

Abstract:
1. A panel for a vehicle, the panel comprising: an outer panel defining an exterior surface and an underside surface; an inner panel located adjacent to and along the underside surface of the outer panel, the inner panel being spaced apart from the outer panel and exhibiting a bow over a substantial portion of its length, the bow being in a direction toward the outer panel, the inner panel including at least one rib extending in a longitudinal direction defined by a length of the vehicle, the rib exhibiting the bow toward the outer panel, and a brace extending perpendicularly to and intersecting with the at least one rib; and whereby the bow induces a moment in the inner panel during impact of the vehicle in a collision that causes the inner panel and resultantly the outer panel to undergo a predetermined deformation in an upward direction relative to the vehicle; and wherein the intersection of the rib and the brace and a centerline of a longitudinal length of the brace are at a location along the rib that defines the shortest distance between the bow and the outer panel.