Retention mechanisms for service access doors

US11833896B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. · US

Inventors

• Sathya Shankar Kuttumukkula Chandrasekaran · Novi, US
• Robert Joseph Hazlewood · Plymouth, US
• Vikas Bhatia · Gaithersburg, US
• John J. Salvia, III · Ann Arbor, US
• Patrick J. Edgar · Ann Arbor, US
• Lynne Susan Dykins · Brighton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 15, 2021
• Grant date: Dec 5, 2023
• Expiry date: Oct 27, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R16/0239
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A retention mechanism for a removable access door includes a retention tab positioned along a side of the access door. The retention tab includes a resiliently deflectable stem and at least two engagement heads projecting from the stem. The tab extends to a first distance from a reference surface of the access door. An overstress prevention structure is positioned along the side of the access door so as to enable the retention tab to contact the overstress prevention structure when the stem is deflected a predetermined amount. The overstress prevention structure extends to a second distance from the reference surface, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. Support walls may strengthen the overstress prevention structure against forces exerted by the retention tabs during deflection of the tabs. The support walls may form a protective “shroud” around the retention tab.