Instrument panel to body cowl attachment with pedestrian protection
US8876197B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D25/14
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A road vehicle has an instrument panel substrate supported by a sheet metal body cowl. The body cowl is configured to be supported by a firewall of the vehicle. A fastener joins the instrument panel substrate and the body cowl comprising a magnetic member mechanically affixed to one of the instrument panel substrate or the body cowl at a predetermined location. The magnetic member attaches with a substantially horizontal magnetic surface of the other one of the instrument panel substrate or the body cowl. The magnetic member vertically separates from the magnetic surface in response to an impact force applied against the body cowl that is greater than a predetermined force. Furthermore, the magnetic attachment of the magnetic member to the magnetic surface prevents separation below the predetermined force. Thus, the conflicting demands of squeak and rattle performance versus pedestrian protection are easily satisfied.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.