Abstract: A metal and composite thermoplastic sandwich overmold adapted to achieve predetermined performance requirements without having to add metal and mass penalty to the assembly, and process to manufacture same. This is achievable by using the thermoplastic material that allows for a predetermined improved ribbing pattern that is connected to a base material. The ribbing can transfer load due to improved connection to the base material. There is provided increased plastic surface and edge encapsulation on the non-visible side of the part and the capability to provide well connected ribbing.

Abstract: A liftgate (10) for a vehicle having at least one overmolding bracket (28) with at least one open mounting surface on the bracket for liftgate hardware attachments. In addition, overmolding the bracket (28) and maintaining at least one hole (26) for tether routing. The liftgate allows the overmolding of the bracket (28) and maintains a lower cost fastener joint that does not require extra components or special components such a compression limiters and rivet nuts or brackets that cannot be overmolded.

Abstract: A liftgate having an overmolded hinge point comprising a metal reinforcement overmolded with a polymer and having a compression limiter portion molded in. The compression limiter portion including a tubular portion for receiving a fastener encapsulated during overmolding and having overmolded gusset ribs extending therefrom during the overmolding process.

Abstract: A three-dimensional overmolding and process for manufacturing same. The three-dimensional overmolding has a three-dimensional structure with overmolding, which gives significant performance benefits. Assembly and joining of reinforcements is done before the overmolding or in the injection molding tool. The three-dimensional overmolding meets predetermined structural requirements without requiring secondary operations and at a lower mass and cost. The structural benefits are due to the three dimensional shape in combination with the benefit of the overmolding process.

Abstract: Metal rib overmolding joining including creating geometrical features in reinforcements for interconnecting a three-dimensional metal reinforcement to a metal base plate of an overmolding part in order to transfer load forces. Interlocked reinforcement is pre-assembled or assembled in an injection molding tool. Geometric features are positioned and joined creating a connection geometry that is overmolded. The joints created between the metal reinforcements are done without a welding process.

Abstract: The rivet nut (22) includes: the threaded attachment to replace the weld nut, the collar to spread the load interface to plastic panel (14) and to the attached component, room for a sleeve type compression limiter (24), or a collar that would be an integrated compression limiter.

Abstract: A liftgate (28) formed with a thermoplastic which is overmolded around preselected reinforcements at stress points, such as a corner area, which includes a pair of separate reinforcement plates (14,18) and wherein a 3-dimensional reinforcement plate (12) is connected between the pair of separate reinforcements (14,18). Preferably the 3-dimensional reinforcement plate is connected to three reinforcements.

Abstract: A liftgate arrangement (10) including a thermoplastic inner panel (12) with an outer surface and an inner surface. The liftgate arrangement further includes one or more blow molded reinforcements (18, 20) connected to and extending across a portion of the outer surface of the inner panel (12). The one or more blow molded reinforcements (18, 20) also includes a hollow channel (22, 22?) extending between two openings on the one or more blow molded reinforcements. The one or more blow molded reinforcements (18, 20) are used to strengthen the inner panel at desired locations.

Abstract: A liftgate structure having a composite inner panel with an outside surface having a lower perimeter surface area extending across the entire width of the composite liftgate structure. Connectable to the inner panel is a composite outer panel that has an inside surface with a lower perimeter surface area extending across substantially the entire width of the liftgate structure. Between the inner panel in the outer panel is a backing curtain. The backing curtain is connected to the outside surface of the inner panel such that the backing curtain is positioned between the outer panel on the inner panel and extends substantially across both the lower perimeter surface area of the inner panel and the lower perimeter surface area of the outer panel. The backing curtain prevents broken pieces of the outer panel for moving past the backing curtain in the event of an impact on the liftgate structure.

Abstract: An exterior body panel assembly having a Class A painted surface, mold-in color or non-Class A surface, and process of infrared welding components of the assembly. Panels of the assembly are placed on a nesting structure and the inside half of the structures are brought together with the other for a fit check. Panels are separated and an infrared heating fixture then heats the various areas to be heated on the panels. The areas on the panels are heated depending on the thicknesses of the parts at each area and surface geometries to be welded. The parts are immediately clamped back together under pressure for joining and cooling of the joined surfaces in the clamped arrangement.

Abstract: An exterior body panel assembly having a Class A painted surface, mold-in color or non-Class A surface, and process of infrared welding components of the assembly. Panels of the assembly are placed on a nesting structure and the inside half of the structures are brought together with the other for a fit check. Panels are separated and an infrared heating fixture then heats the various areas to be heated on the panels. The areas on the panels are heated depending on the thicknesses of the parts at each area and surface geometries to be welded. The parts are immediately clamped back together under pressure for joining and cooling of the joined surfaces in the clamped arrangement.

Abstract: An exterior body panel assembly having a Class A painted surface, mold-in color or non-Class A surface, and process of infrared welding components of the assembly. Panels of the assembly are placed on a nesting structure and the inside half of the structures are brought together with the other for a fit check. Panels are separated and an infrared heating fixture then heats the various areas to be heated on the panels. The areas on the panels are heated depending on the thicknesses of the parts at each area and surface geometries to be welded. The parts are immediately clamped back together under pressure for joining and cooling of the joined surfaces in the clamped arrangement.

Abstract: An exterior body panel assembly having a Class A painted surface, mold-in color or non-Class A surface, and process of infrared welding components of the assembly. Panels of the assembly are placed on a nesting structure and the inside half of the structures are brought together with the other for a fit check. Panels are separated and an infrared heating fixture then heats the various areas to be heated on the panels. The areas on the panels are heated depending on the thicknesses of the parts at each area and surface geometries to be welded. The parts are immediately clamped back together under pressure for joining and cooling of the joined surfaces in the clamped arrangement.

Abstract: A method for connecting thermoplastic components, in which the opposing surfaces thereof are at least partially melted by introducing energy.

Abstract: A method for producing a component from a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material referred to as an organometallic sheet, and which includes an arrangement of fibers embedded in a matrix of a thermoplastic material. To produce the component, the organometallic sheet is thermally shaped and then placed into an injection mold. A mold for carrying out a method for producing a component from a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a component from a fibre-reinforced thermoplastic material referred to as an organometallic sheet, and which includes an arrangement of fibres embedded in a matrix of a thermoplastic material. To produce the component, the organometallic sheet is thermally shaped and then placed into an injection mould. A mould for carrying out a method for producing a component from a fibre-reinforced thermoplastic material is also provided.

Abstract: A window pane fastening for a motor vehicle and which is configured to fasten and/or seal a window pane to the body of the motor vehicle. The window pane fastening includes a first support element attached to the window pane, and a second support element attached to the motor vehicle body. The support element has a first support body with a first support area attached to the window pane and a second support area having a plurality of spaced apart web members extending perpendicular relative to the plane of the window pane and in parallel to one another to define grooves. A flexible component is provided into each of the grooves and the second support element is received into a corresponding one of the grooves to engage a corresponding one of the flexible components.

Abstract: A method for connecting thermoplastic components, in which the opposing surfaces thereof are at least partially melted by introducing energy.

Abstract: A window pane fastening for a motor vehicle and which is configured to fasten and/or seal a window pane to the body of motor vehicle. The window pane fastening includes a first support element attached to the window pane, and a second support element attached to the motor vehicle body. The first support element has a first support body with a first support area attached to the window pane and a second support area having a plurality of spaced apart first web members extending perpendicular relative to the plane of the window pane and in parallel to one another to define grooves. A flexible component is provided into the grooves and the second support element is received into a corresponding groove to engage a corresponding flexible component.