Abstract:
A method of fabricating a vehicle door includes providing a lower door structure, providing an upper door structure having a pair of spaced apart frame rails, installing a window member between the frame rails, installing a window regulator to the window member and the upper door structure, and coupling the lower and upper door structures to one another. The window regulator may include a powered lead screw regulator, a rack and pinion regulator or a cable and drum regulator.
Abstract:
A closure member assembly for a vehicle having a vehicle body that defines an aperture. The closure member assembly is positionable between a first position wherein the closure member assembly substantially closes the aperture and a second position wherein the closure member assembly substantially clears the aperture. The closure member assembly includes a first structure, a second structure and a drive mechanism. The first structure is movably coupled to the vehicle body. The second structure is pivotably coupled to the first structure about a generally horizontal pivot axis. The drive mechanism is coupled to one of the first and second structures and operable in an actuated condition for pivoting the second structure about the generally horizontal pivot axis.
Abstract:
A motor vehicle for transporting passengers includes a body defining a passenger compartment, a first row of seats positioned within the passenger compartment, a second row of seats positioned within the passenger compartment rearward of the first row of seats, and a third row of seats positioned within said passenger compartment rearward of said second row of seats. The second and third rows of seats have seat backs and a seat bottoms. A first door is hingedly coupled to the vehicle for providing access to the first row of seats. A second door is positioned rearward and adjacent to the first door. The second door selectively encloses an opening formed in the body. The opening extends from a point forward of the seat bottom of the second row of seats to a point at least partially exposing the seat bottom of the third row of seats.
Abstract:
A closure member for a closing an aperture in a vehicle body. The closure member includes a frame structure and a seal member. The frame structure has an upper frame member that defines a window aperture. The seal member is formed onto at least a portion of the frame member and includes a body seal portion and a window seal portion. The body seal portion forms a seal between the vehicle body and at least a portion of the upper frame member. The window seal portion forms a seal between the at least a portion of the upper frame member and a window member that is movable relative to the frame structure. A method for forming a closure member is also provided.
Abstract:
A door assembly for a vehicle. The door assembly includes a frame structure and an intrusion structure. The frame structure includes an inner panel member and an outer panel member. The intrusion structure has an impact absorbing portion and is coupled to the frame structure such that the intrusion structure abuts an exterior surface of the outer panel member. A method for fabricating a vehicle door assembly is also provided.
Abstract:
A door includes a door shell coupled to a door module. The door shell includes an outer panel secured to an inner panel, the inner panel having an opening therein. The door shell defines a hollow cavity. The door module includes a cassette and an interior trim panel coupled to the cassette. The door module further includes an attachment mechanism for securing the door module to the door shell. The attachment mechanism is visually hidden during operation of the door. The inner panel is cooperative with the door module to provide a positive rest position for the door module prior to securing the door module to the door shell.
Abstract:
A closure member assembly for a vehicle has a vehicle body that defines an aperture. The closure member assembly is positionable between a first position wherein the closure member assembly substantially covers the aperture and a second position wherein the closure member assembly substantially clears the aperture. The closure member assembly includes a first structure, a second structure and a drive mechanism. The first structure is movably coupled to the vehicle body. The second structure is pivotably coupled to the first structure about a generally horizontal pivot axis. The drive mechanism interconnects the first and second structures and is operable to pivot the second structure about the generally horizontal pivot axis.
Abstract:
A closure assembly for a vehicle includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The outer panel has an exterior surface and an opposed bonding surface. The inner panel has an interior surface and an opposed mounting surface The mounting surface of the inner panel and the bonding surface of the outer panel are coupled at their periphery to form a shell. The shell defines a pocket. An electrical device may be positioned within the pocket and coupled to one of the inner and outer panels In one embodiment, a majority of the interior surface of the inner panel is exposed to the passenger compartment. In another embodiment, the inner panel includes an integrally molded wire to conduct electricity to the electrical device.
Abstract:
A method of modeling a three dimensional object defined by electronic data includes obtaining electronic data defining a first finished surface of the three dimensional object. A block of expanded polypropylene foam is shaped based on the electronic data. At least one surface of the expanded polypropylene foam block is offset from the first finished surface of the three dimensional object. A layer of hardenable paste is applied to the offset surface of the block of expanded polypropylene foam. The paste is hardened. The paste is machined to form the first finished surface of the three dimensional object.