Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle and a method of making an assembly including more than three panels stacked together and joined by self-piercing rivets or by clinch joints. A first panel and a second panel are joined together at a first attachment point. A third panel and the first panel are joined together at a second attachment point. A fourth panel and the third panel are joined together at a third attachment point. The first, second and third attachment points are spaced apart to avoid interference between the self-piercing rivets or the clinch joints.

Abstract: A damping and stiffening assembly for a body panel. The assembly includes a first damping patch and a second damping patch that are attached to the body panel. The assembly also includes a stiffening lamination that has a first end, a middle portion, and a second end. The first end of the stiffening lamination attaches to and overlaps the first damping patch. The middle portion of the stiffening lamination attaches to the body panel. The second end of the stiffening lamination attaches to and overlaps the second damping patch.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle and a method of making an assembly including more than three panels stacked together and joined by self-piercing rivets or by clinch joints. A first panel and a second panel are joined together at a first attachment point. A third panel and the first panel are joined together at a second attachment point. A fourth panel and the third panel are joined together at a third attachment point. The first, second and third attachment points are spaced apart to avoid interference between the self-piercing rivets or the clinch joints.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle and a method of making an assembly including more than three panels stacked together and joined by self-piercing rivets or by clinch joints. A first panel and a second panel are joined together at a first attachment point. A third panel and the first panel are joined together at a second attachment point. A fourth panel and the third panel are joined together at a third attachment point. The first, second and third attachment points are spaced apart to avoid interference between the self-piercing rivets or the clinch joints.

Abstract: A damping and stiffening assembly for a body panel. The assembly includes a first damping patch and a second damping patch that are attached to the body panel. The assembly also includes a stiffening lamination that has a first end, a middle portion, and a second end. The first end of the stiffening lamination attaches to and overlaps the first damping patch. The middle portion of the stiffening lamination attaches to the body panel. The second end of the stiffening lamination attaches to and overlaps the second damping patch.

Abstract: An automotive door panel is disclosed. The automotive door panel comprises an outer panel, a bezel, a handle and in inner reinforcement. The outer panel has a depression formed on an outside surface surrounding a handle opening. The bezel seats within the depression of the door panel. The handle is mounted to the bezel and includes an attachment member in a YZ axis. The inner reinforcement member has a mounting flange oriented in the YZ axis. A fastener extends through the mounting flange in an X-direction and connects to the attachment member.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle and a method of making an assembly including more than three panels stacked together and joined by self-piercing rivets or by clinch joints. A first panel and a second panel are joined together at a first attachment point. A third panel and the first panel are joined together at a second attachment point. A fourth panel and the third panel are joined together at a third attachment point. The first, second and third attachment points are spaced apart to avoid interference between the self-piercing rivets or the clinch joints.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism having a vehicle bracket that includes a pawl engagement member extending therefrom. A horizontally-rotating swing arm is rotatably coupled with the vehicle bracket. The hinge mechanism includes a pawl with an engagement portion and an abutment portion. The pawl is connected with the swing arm and operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A door bracket is rotatably coupled with the swing arm. A lever actuation member extends from the door bracket and is aligned to engage the abutment portion of the pawl.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism having a vehicle bracket that includes a pawl engagement member extending therefrom. A horizontally-rotating swing arm is rotatably coupled with the vehicle bracket. The hinge mechanism includes a pawl with an engagement portion and an abutment portion. The pawl is connected with the swing arm and operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A door bracket is rotatably coupled with the swing arm. A lever actuation member extends from the door bracket and is aligned to engage the abutment portion of the pawl.