Patent Publication Number: US-2013241234-A1

Title: Panel assembly for a vehicle and a method of supporting the panel assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/610,833, filed on Mar. 14, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a panel assembly for a vehicle and a method of supporting the panel assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles may include body panels, such as fenders, made of metal. A bulkhead or plate, made of metal, can be welded to one of the body panels to provide support to the body panel. Welding the bulkhead to one of the body panels can affect the aesthetic appearance of the panel. Furthermore, forming the body panels and the bulkhead of metal affects the weight of the vehicle and thus could influence fuel efficiency of the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a panel assembly for a vehicle. The panel assembly includes a first wall and a bracket adjacent to the first wall. The bracket has a first platform facing the first wall. The panel assembly further includes a first support member attached to the first platform and defining an initial state and a final state. The first support member and the first wall define a first gap therebetween when in the initial state. The first support member is expandable to contact the first wall to remove the first gap when in the final state for supporting the first wall to prevent deformation of the first wall. 
     The present disclosure also provides a vehicle including a component and a panel assembly coupled to the component. The panel assembly includes a first wall and a bracket adjacent to the first wall. The bracket has a first platform facing the first wall. The panel assembly also includes a first support member attached to the first platform and defining an initial state and a final state. The first support member and the first wall define a first gap therebetween when in the initial state. The first support member is expandable to contact the first wall to remove the first gap when in the final state for supporting the first wall to prevent deformation of the first wall. 
     The present disclosure further provides for a method of supporting a panel assembly for a vehicle. The method comprises positioning a bracket adjacent to a first wall and attaching a first support member to a first platform of the bracket with the first support member in an initial state. The method also comprises facing the first support member toward the first wall to define a first gap therebetween, heating the first support member, and expanding the first support member to a final state during heating of the first support member to contact the first wall to remove the first gap and support the first wall to prevent deformation of the first wall. 
     The detailed description and the drawings or Figures are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure, but the scope of the disclosure is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claims have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle and a panel assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic cut-away perspective view of the panel assembly. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall with a first support member and a second support member in an initial state. 
         FIG. 3A  is a schematic enlarged view of the first support member and a post taken from the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first, second, and third walls with the first and second support members in a final state. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bracket, the first and second walls, and the first and second support members taken along lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective view of an alternative bracket. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic exploded view of the bracket of  FIG. 3  and the third wall with a plurality of first coupling members of the bracket aligning with corresponding second coupling members of the third wall. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a panel assembly  10  for a vehicle  12  is generally shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The vehicle  12  can be a truck as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in one non-limiting example. It is to be appreciated that the vehicle  12  can be a car or any other suitable vehicle  12 . Furthermore, the panel assembly  10  can be utilized for a fender of the vehicle  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , or any other panel(s) of the vehicle  12 . 
     The vehicle  12  includes a component  13  and the panel assembly  10  coupled to the component  13 . More specifically, the panel assembly  10  can be attached to the component  13  such that the component  13  supports the panel assembly  10 . The component  13  can be further defined as a pillar, such as an A-pillar; a frame; a body, such as a body side panel; a rail, such as a front motor rail, and/or any other suitable component to couple the panel assembly  10  thereon. It is to be appreciated that the panel assembly  10  can be coupled or attached to the component  13  by any suitable method(s) and/or component(s), such as, for example, couplers, fasteners, tabs, barbs, knobs, adhesive, etc. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , the panel assembly  10  includes a first wall  14  and can further include a second wall  16  spaced from the first wall  14  to define an opening  18  therebetween. Hence, the first and second walls  14 ,  16  can cooperate to form the fender of the vehicle  12 . The first wall  14  is generally referred to as an exterior or outer body panel which a user can view from the exterior of the vehicle  12 . The second wall  16  is generally referred to as an interior or inner body panel which is not readily viewable by the user from the exterior of the vehicle  12 . 
     In certain embodiments, the first and second walls  14 ,  16  are formed from metal. Generally, the first and second walls  14 ,  16  are formed from sheet metal and can be any suitable configuration. It is desirable to reduce a thickness of the first and second walls  14 ,  16  for reducing weight of the vehicle  12 . In other words, it is desirable to form the first and second walls  14 ,  16  of a thin gage material or thin gage sheet metal. Reducing the weight of the vehicle  12  can improve fuel efficiency of the vehicle  12 , reduce material costs, etc. 
     The panel assembly  10  further includes a bracket  20  adjacent to the first wall  14 . More specifically, the bracket  20  is disposed in the opening  18  between the first and second walls  14 ,  16 . Generally, the bracket  20  supports the first and second walls  14 ,  16 . The bracket  20  provides strength to the first and second walls  14 ,  16  which therefore allows the thickness of the first and second walls  14 ,  16  to be reduced. Hence, when a load is applied to the first and/or second walls  14 ,  16 , the bracket  20  provides strength to the walls  14 ,  16  to counter the load and prevent deformation of the walls  14 ,  16 . In other words, when a force is applied transverse or perpendicular to a face of the first and/or second walls  14 ,  16 , the bracket  20  provides strength to the walls  14 ,  16  to counter the force and prevent deformation of the walls  14 ,  16 . 
     In certain embodiments, the bracket  20  is formed from a polymer. In one embodiment, the polymer is nylon. It is to be appreciated that the bracket  20  can be formed from polymers other than nylon. Furthermore, the bracket  20  can be formed by any other suitable material(s). Generally, the bracket  20  can be molded or formed from any suitable method. Forming the bracket  20  from a polymer provides a light weight component which can also reduce the weight of the vehicle  12 . As discussed above, reducing the weight of the vehicle  12  can improve fuel efficiency of the vehicle  12 , etc. 
     The bracket  20  has a first platform  22  facing the first wall  14  and can further have a second platform  24  facing the second wall  16 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , at least a portion of the bracket  20  defines a generally I-shaped cross-sectional configuration for providing strength to the bracket  20 . Specifically, the first and second platforms  22 ,  24  cooperate with a body portion  26  of the bracket  20  to define the generally I-shaped cross-sectional configuration. Hence, as discussed above, when the load is applied to the first and/or second walls  14 ,  16 , the bracket  20  provides strength to the walls  14 ,  16  to counter the load and prevent deformation of the walls  14 ,  16 . It is to be appreciated that the first and second platforms  22 ,  24 , can be attached to the bracket  20  by any suitable method(s) and/or component(s). For example, the first and second platforms  22 ,  24  can be integrally formed to the bracket  20 . In other words, the bracket  20  and the first and second platforms  22 ,  24  can be molded together. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 2-4 , generally, the bracket  20  includes a first edge  28  facing the first wall  14  with the first platform  22  extending from the first edge  28 . The bracket  20  also includes a second edge  30  facing the second wall  16  with the second platform  24  extending from the second edge  30 . The first edge  28  includes a first end  32  and a second end  34  spaced from each other. Similarly, the second edge  30  includes a first end  36  and a second end  38  spaced from each other. 
     The bracket  20  can further include a first flange  40  or first rib adjacent to the first platform  22  for minimizing bending of the bracket  20 . The first flange  40  is disposed between the first platform  22  and the second end  34  of the first edge  28 . Furthermore, the first platform  22  is disposed between the first end  32  of the first edge  28  and the first flange  40 . Therefore, the first flange  40  and the first platform  22  are disposed between the first and second ends  32 ,  34  of the first edge  28 . In certain embodiments, the first platform  22  and the first flange  40  can be continuous with each other. Furthermore, the first platform  22  and the first flange  40  can be the same configuration. As such, the first flange  40  and the bracket  20  can cooperate to also define a generally I-shaped cross-sectional configuration. It is to be appreciated that the first flange  40  and the first platform  22  can be any suitable configuration and location; for example, the first flange  40  can be spaced from the first platform  22 , etc. 
     Additionally, the bracket  20  can include a second flange  42  or second rib adjacent to the second platform  24  for minimizing bending of the bracket  20 . The second flange  42  is disposed between the second platform  24  and the second end  38  of the second edge  30 . Furthermore, the second platform  24  is disposed between the first end  36  of the second edge  30  and the second flange  42 . Therefore, the second flange  42  and the second platform  24  are disposed between the first and second ends  36 ,  38  of the second edge  30 . In certain embodiments, the second platform  24  and the second flange  42  can be continuous with each other. Furthermore, the second platform  24  and the second flange  42  can be the same configuration. As such, the second flange  42  and the bracket  20  can cooperate to also define a generally I-shaped cross-sectional configuration. It is to be appreciated that the second flange  42  and the second platform  24  can be any suitable configuration and location; for example the second flange  42  can be spaced from the second platform  24 , etc. In addition, any suitable number of flanges  40 ,  42  can be utilized with the bracket  20 . Thus, one of the first and second flanges  40 ,  42  can be removed from the bracket  20 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 6 , both of the first and second flanges  40 ,  42  of the bracket  20  can be eliminated. It is to be appreciated that the first and second flanges  40 ,  42 , can be attached to the bracket  20  by any suitable method(s) and/or component(s). For example, the first and second flanges  40 ,  42  can be integrally formed to the bracket  20 . In other words, the bracket  20  and the first and second flanges  40 ,  42  can be molded together. Therefore, the bracket  20 , the first and second platforms  22 ,  24 , the first and second flanges  40 ,  42  can be molded together. 
     As discussed above, the first and second flanges  40 ,  42  minimize bending of the bracket  20 . Therefore, the first and second flanges  40 ,  42  provide rigidity to the bracket  20 . For example, during the painting process of at least one of the first and second walls  14 ,  16 , heat is applied, which correspondingly heats the bracket  20 . Generally, the bracket  20  is orientated either horizontally or vertically, depending on space constraints etc., during this heating process which can cause the bracket  20  to bend. The first and/or second flanges  40 ,  42  minimize bending of the bracket  20  during this heating process. The heating process can take place in an oven, such as, for example, a paintshop electrodeposition coating (e-coat) bake oven or a finish coat paint oven. It is to be appreciated that the flanges  40 ,  42  can provide other advantages than discussed above. 
     The panel assembly  10  further includes a first support member  44  attached to the first platform  22  and can further include a second support member  46  attached to the second platform  24 . More specifically, the first support member  44  is coupled to the first edge  28  and the second support member  46  is coupled to the second edge  30 . Therefore, the first support member  44  faces the first wall  14  and the second support member  46  faces the second wall  16 . Generally, the first and second support members  44 ,  46  are cut into strips which are attached to the first and second platforms  22 ,  24 , respectively. It is to be appreciated that optionally, the first platform  22  can include a top portion and a bottom portion spaced from the top portion and each extending therefrom substantially parallel to each other with the first support member  44  disposed between the top and bottom portions of the first platform  22 . Similarly, it is to be appreciated that optionally, the second platform  24  can include a top portion and a bottom portion spaced from the top portion and each extending therefrom substantially parallel to each other with the second support member  46  disposed between the top and the bottom portions of the second platform  24 . 
     The first and second support members  44 ,  46  each define an initial state and a final state. The final state of the first and second support members  44 ,  46  is when the first and second support members  44 ,  46  expand as further discussed below. Therefore, the initial state is prior to expansion of the first and second support members  44 ,  46 . The initial state is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 . The final state is shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  5 . 
     In certain embodiments, the first and second support members  44 ,  46  are each formed from a sealant. A volume of the sealant is changeable by from about 200% to about 1,000% when heating the sealant. Generally, heat activates the expansion properties of the sealant. In various embodiments, the volume of the sealant is changeable by from about 850% to about 950% when heating the sealant. In another embodiment, the volume of the sealant is changeable by from about 900% when heating the sealant. Therefore, the sealant can expand to the final state, and hence, the final state is when the sealant is heated and expands to contact the first and/or second walls  14 ,  16 . As such, an amount of expandability of the sealant can be controlled. As used herein, the final state refers to the expanded state of the sealant, wherein the volume of the sealant has increased by from about 200% to about 1,000% as compared to a volume of the initial state prior to heating the sealant. 
     Specifically, the sealant can change shape, size, volume, etc. The sealant provides characteristics of a preformed, expanding, high bake, and non-tacky sealer. The sealant is generally formed from a smooth and homogenous mixture before baking. Therefore, the sealant is generally free of air, lumps, and unmixed particles and foreign materials. Heat is applied to the first and second support members  44 ,  46  to bake the first and second support members  44 ,  46  and thereby expand the first and second support members  44 ,  46  to the final state. In other words, when high baking the first and second support members  44 ,  46 , the first and second support members  44 ,  46  expand to the final state and adhere, bond, and/or join to the first and second walls  14 ,  16  respectively. As such, the sealant can be an adhesive. 
     In certain embodiments, high baking of the sealant can be defined as about 20 minutes to about 30 minutes at about 150° C. to about 160° C. In one embodiment, high baking of the sealant can be defined as about 25 minutes at about 157° C. In other embodiments, high baking of the sealant can be defined as for longer than about 25 minutes at about 110° C. to about 120° C. In another embodiment, high baking of the sealant can be defined as for longer than about 25 minutes at about 115° C. It is to be appreciated that heat/high baking of the sealant can be applied during the painting process as discussed above. It is to further be appreciated that heat/high baking of the sealant can occur at any suitable time. It is to also be appreciated that the sealant can have other properties/characteristics not specifically discussed above. In addition, it is to be appreciated that the time and temperature ranges can change depending on the desired stiffness properties of the sealant. Generally, the first and second support members  44 ,  46  can be formed from any suitable material(s), such as, for example, sealant, adhesive, etc. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first support member  44  and the first wall  14  define a first gap  48  therebetween when in the initial state. The first support member  44  is expandable to contact the first wall  14  to remove the first gap  48  when in the final state for supporting the first wall  14  to prevent deformation of the first wall  14 . In other words, when in the final state, the first support member  44  contacts the first wall  14  to adhere, bond, and/or join to the first wall  14 . 
     Similarly, the second support member  46  and the second wall  16  define a second gap  50  therebetween when in the initial state. The second support member  46  is expandable to contact the second wall  16  to remove the second gap  50  when in the final state for sandwiching the bracket  20  and the first and second support members  44 ,  46  between the first and second walls  14 ,  16  when in the final state to support the first and second walls  14 ,  16  to prevent deformation of at least the first wall  14 , and more specifically, to prevent deformation of the first and second walls  14 ,  16 . In other words, when in the final state, the second support member  46  contacts the second wall  16  to adhere, bond, and/or join to the second wall  16 . Hence, the first and second support members  44 ,  46  are adhered, bonded, and/or joined to the first and second walls  14 ,  16  respectively such that the bracket  20  supports the first and second walls  14 ,  16 . Therefore, the first support member  44  is generally sandwiched between the first platform  22  of the bracket  20  and the first wall  14  when in the final state, and similarly, the second support member  46  is sandwiched between the second platform  24  of the bracket  20  and the second wall  16  when in the final state. As such, the bracket  20  and the first and second support members  44 ,  46  form a support structure for the first and second walls  14 ,  16  when in the final state. It is to be appreciated that the volume percentages as discussed above are for illustrative purposes to set forth examples that the first and second support members  44 ,  46  substantially fill the first and second gaps  48 ,  50  respectively. 
     Additionally, the first and second support members  44 ,  46  are adhered, bonded, and/or joined to the first and second walls  14 ,  16  respectively to maintain the orientation of the bracket  20 . In addition, the first and second support members  44 ,  46  have stiffness properties to allow the first and second support members  44 ,  46  to support the first and second walls  14 ,  16 ; and the stiffness properties also allow the first and second support members  44 ,  46  to be pliable to prevent surface imperfections to the exterior surfaces of the first and second walls  14 ,  16  when in the final state. In certain embodiments, the first and second support members  44 ,  46  and the bracket  20  will provide a stiffness to the first wall  14  from about 80 N/mm to about 120 N/mm. Furthermore, the first and second support members  44 ,  46  are expandable to contact the first and second walls  14 ,  16  respectively without welding these components together. In other words, the first and second support members  44 ,  46  are adhered, bonded, and/or joined to the first and second walls  14 ,  16  respectively without welding the bracket  20  to the walls  14 ,  16 . In some instances, welding the bracket  20  to the walls  14 ,  16  can create surface imperfections to the exterior surfaces of the walls  14 ,  16 . 
     When the load is applied to one or both of the first and second walls  14 ,  16 , the bracket  20  provides strength to the walls  14 ,  16  to counter the load and prevent deformation of the walls  14 ,  16 . As such, for example, when the force is applied transverse or perpendicular to the face of the first wall  14 , the force is transmitted to the bracket  20  through the first support member  44  which provides strength to the first wall  14  to counter the force and prevent deformation of the first wall  14 , and thus maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the exterior surfaces of the walls  14 ,  16 . Therefore, for example, the bracket  20  and the first and second support members  44 ,  46  cooperate such that the first wall  14  presents a rigid feel or stiffness of a thicker gage material even though the first wall  14  is formed of a thinner gage material. 
     Also referring to  FIG. 3A , the first and second platforms  22 ,  24  each include at least one first coupler  51 , and more specifically, a plurality of first couplers  51  spaced from each other. The first couplers  51  of the first platform  22  are spaced from the first wall  14  and the first couplers  51  of the second platform  24  are spaced from the second wall  16 . 
     In certain embodiments, the first couplers  51  are further defined as a plurality of posts  52  spaced from each other. The posts  52  each extend to a respective distal end  54  with the posts  52  of the first platform  22  spaced from the first wall  14  and the posts  52  of the second platform  24  spaced from the second wall  16 . Therefore, the posts  52  of the first platform  22  extend toward the first wall  14  and the posts  52  of the second platform  24  extend toward the second wall  16 . 
     The first and second support members  44 ,  46  each include at least one second coupler  55 , and more specifically, a plurality of second couplers  55  spaced from each other. The second couplers  55  of the first and second support members  44 ,  46  cooperate with the first couplers  51  of the first and second platforms  22 ,  24  respectively to attach the first and second support members  44 ,  46  to the first and second platforms  22 ,  24 . 
     In certain embodiments, the second couplers  55  are further defined as a plurality of apertures  56  spaced from each other for receiving the posts  52  of the first and second platforms  22 ,  24  respectively to attach the first and second support members  44 ,  46  to the first and second platforms  22 ,  24  respectively. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the distal end  54  of each of the posts  52  are exposed when the first and second support members  44 ,  46  are in the initial state. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the distal end  54  of each of the posts  52  are concealed when the first and second support members  44 ,  46  are in the final state. In other words, the first and second support members  44 ,  46  expand over respective posts  52  when in the final state. It is to be appreciated that optionally, the distal end  54  of each of the posts  52  can have a bulb  58  or head for retaining the first and second support members  44 ,  46  on the respective posts  52 . It is to further be appreciated that the first and second support members  44 ,  46  can be attached to the first and second platforms  22 ,  24  respectively by any suitable method(s) and/or component(s), such as, for example, couplers, fasteners, tabs, barbs, knobs, adhesive, co-molding the first and second support members  44 ,  46  to the first and second platforms  22 ,  24 , etc. Therefore, it is to be appreciated that the first and second couplers  51 ,  55  can be defined as couplers, fasteners, tabs, barbs, knobs, apertures, etc., or the first and second couplers  51 ,  55  be configured to allow the first and second support members  44 ,  46  to be attached to the first and second platforms  22 ,  24  by adhesive, co-molding, etc. It is to also be appreciated that the component(s) to attach the first and second support members  44 ,  46  to the first and second platforms  22 ,  24  can be any suitable configuration and location. 
     The panel assembly  10  can further include a third wall  60  disposed transverse to the first and second walls  14 ,  16  to further define the opening  18 . Hence, the first, second, and third walls  14 ,  16 ,  60  cooperate to form, for example, the fender of the vehicle  12 . The bracket  20  is attached to the third wall  60  for orientating the bracket  20  relative to the first and second walls  14 ,  16 . Specifically, the bracket  20  includes a plurality of first coupling members  62  spaced from each other for securing the bracket  20  to the third wall  60 . As such, the bracket  20  can be secured to the third wall  60  without welding these components together. Furthermore, the first coupling members  62  orientate the bracket  20  relative to the first and second walls  14 ,  16  when the first and second support members  44 ,  46  are in the initial state. 
     Additionally, the bracket  20  further includes a third edge  64  with the first coupling members  62  extending from the third edge  64 . The third edge  64  is disposed between the first and second edges  28 ,  30  and faces the third wall  60 . Specifically, the third edge  64  is adjacent to the second ends  34 ,  38  of the first and second edges  28 ,  30 . Generally, the third edge  64  abuts the second ends  34 ,  38  of the first and second edges  28 ,  30 . 
     Each of the first coupling members  62  are spaced from the first and second platforms  22 ,  24 . Furthermore, the third wall  60  includes a plurality of second coupling members  65  spaced from each other for cooperating with respective first coupling members  62  to secure the bracket  20  to the third wall  60 . In certain embodiments, the second coupling members  65  are further defined as a plurality of holes  66  spaced from each other for receiving respective first coupling members  62  to secure the bracket  20  to the third wall  60 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 7 , the first coupling members  62  can be offset from each other for stabilizing the bracket  20  when attached to the third wall  60 . Correspondingly, the second coupling members  65 , and more specifically, the holes  66  of the third wall  60  can be offset from each other to cooperate with the first coupling members  62 . It is to be appreciated that the first and second coupling members  62 ,  65  can be any suitable location and configuration; for example, the first coupling members  62  can be mounted or attached to the third wall  60  and the bracket  20  can define the holes  66  for receiving the first coupling members  62 ; and as another example, the first coupling members  62  can extend from the second edge  30  of the bracket  20  such that the first coupling members  62  engage the second wall  16  instead of the third wall  60 , etc. When attaching the bracket  20  to the second wall  16 , the second wall  16  defines the holes  66 , etc. Therefore, the third wall  60  is optional when attaching the bracket  20  to the second wall  16 . 
     In certain embodiments, the first coupling members  62  are further defined as a plurality of hooks  68  engaging the holes  66 . Specifically, the hooks  68  secure the bracket  20  to the third wall  60 . The hooks  68  are offset from each other for stabilizing the bracket  20  when attached to the third wall  60 . In one embodiment, the hooks  68  extend from the third edge  64 . It is to be appreciated that the first coupling members  62  can be defined as tabs, fasteners, fir-tree fasteners, couplers, barbs, bulbs, knobs, or any other suitable coupling members to secure the bracket  20  to the second or third walls  16 ,  60 . 
     Optionally, the bracket  20  defines a hollow  70  disposed between the first, second, and third edges  28 ,  30 ,  64  for reducing mass of the bracket  20 . More specifically, the body portion  26  of the bracket  20  can define the hollow  70 . It is to be appreciated that the hollow  70  can be any suitable location and configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in certain embodiments, the bracket  20  is further defined as a first bracket  20  and the panel assembly  10  can further include a second bracket  72  spaced from the first bracket  20 . Hence, the panel assembly  10  can utilize one or more brackets  20 ,  72  such that one or more brackets  20 ,  72  can be disposed in the fender(s), etc. Additionally, one or more first brackets  20  can be utilized, and similarly, one or more second brackets  72  can be utilized. Therefore, an amount of stiffness of the first and/or second walls  14 ,  16  can be changed depending on the location and number of brackets  20 ,  72  utilized. The first and second brackets  20 ,  72  can be configured differently as shown in  FIG. 2 . It is to be appreciated that the first and second brackets  20 ,  72  can be substantially the same configuration. It is to further be appreciated that the second bracket  72  can be utilized without the first bracket  20  and vice versa. 
     The second bracket  72  includes many of the same features as discussed above, and therefore, the same reference numerals are utilized for like or corresponding parts. As such, the primary differences between the first and second brackets  20 ,  72  are discussed below. It is to be appreciated that the first and/or second flanges  40 ,  42  can be removed from the second bracket  72  as discussed above for the bracket  20  of  FIG. 6 . 
     The second bracket  72  defines a cutout  74  along the second edge  30  to provide access to the opening  18  between the first and second walls  14 ,  16 . Specifically, the cutout  74  is defined between the first and second ends  36 ,  38  of the second edge  30 . 
     The second bracket  72  includes a third platform  76  and a third support member  78  attached to the third platform  76 . The cutout  74  is disposed between the second and third platforms  24 ,  76 , and thus, the second and third platforms  24 ,  76  are spaced from each other. The third platform  76  faces the second wall  16  and extends from the second edge  30 . Therefore, the third support member  78  faces the second wall  16 . Generally, the third platform  76  is disposed between the first and second ends  36 ,  38  of the second edge  30 . In certain embodiments, the third platform  76 , and thus the third support member  78  is adjacent to the cutout  74 . It is to be appreciated that the third platform  76  and thus the third support member  78  can be any suitable configuration and location. 
     The third support member  78  includes the same features as discussed above for the first and second support members  44 ,  46  and therefore will not be re-discussed. The third support member  78  is attached to the third platform  76  as discussed above for the first and second platforms  22 ,  24  and therefore will not be re-discussed. In addition, the present disclosure contemplates a method of supporting the first and/or second walls  14 ,  16  as described above. In other words, the present disclosure includes a method of supporting the panel assembly  10  for the vehicle  12 . For example, the method comprises positioning the bracket  20  adjacent to the first wall  14 , and attaching the first support member  44  to the first platform  22  of the bracket  20  with the first support member  44  in the initial state. The method further comprises facing the first support member  44  toward the first wall  14  to define the first gap  48  therebetween, heating the first support member  44 , and expanding the first support member  44  to the final state during heating of the first support member  44  to contact the first wall  14  to remove the first gap  48  and support the first wall  14  to prevent deformation of the first wall  14 . Generally, the first support member  44  is attached to the first platform  22  before positioning the bracket  20  adjacent to the first wall  14 . 
     The method further comprises attaching the second support member  46  to the second platform  24  of the bracket  20  with the second support member  46  in the initial state. The method also comprises facing the second support member  46  toward the second wall  16  to define the second gap  50  therebetween, heating the second support member  46 , and expanding the second support member  46  to the final state during heating of the second support member  46  to contact the second wall  16  to remove the second gap  50  and sandwich the bracket  20  and the first and second support members  44 ,  46  between the first and second walls  14 ,  16  when in the final state to support the first and second walls  14 ,  16  to prevent deformation of at least the first wall  14 . Generally, the second support member  46  is attached to the second platform  24  before positioning the bracket  20  adjacent to the first wall  14 . Furthermore, heating the first and second support members  44 ,  46  can be performed simultaneously, and thus expanding the first and second support members  44 ,  46  can be performed simultaneously. Heating of the first and second support members  44 ,  46  can occur during the painting process as discussed above, or can occur at any other suitable time. 
     While the best modes for carrying out the disclosure have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure within the scope of the appended claims.