Vehicle trim panel interlock for limiting trim panel separation during an impact condition

US11247540B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Gary D. Mullen · Plymouth, US
• Bhavani Thota · Sterling Heights, US
• Daniel Morin · North Providence, US
• Juergen Koehler · Algermissen, DE
• Linh Doan · Belleville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 10, 2020
• Grant date: Feb 15, 2022
• Expiry date: Sep 24, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R13/0243
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle door includes a first interlock coupled to an inner frame panel. A second interlock coupled to an inner trim panel. The first and second interlocks are separated to define a ready state. During an impact condition, the first and second interlocks selectively engage one another to define an impact state that resists deflection of the inner trim panel away from the inner frame panel.