Magna International Inc.

Gari Schalte

Michael William Crane

Thomas Pilette

Norman Guschewski

Ameil A Kapadia

Martin Robert Matthews

Anthony John Povinelli

Christopher John Kuntze

Stephen R Roddy

Thomas Edwin Cobb

Martin McLeod

Michelle Vanbuskirk

Alexander Kiselev

Stephen Robert Roddy

Michael W Crane

Michael Crane

Martin Mcleod

The present invention is a moveable connector for connecting two components on a vehicle. The connector has a body portion, and a first end formed as part of the body portion. The connector is movable about at least one axis located at the first end of the body portion. The connector is also connected to a first vehicle component, such as a carrier, using the first end of the body portion. There is also a second end formed as part of the body portion. The second end is operable for being connected to a second vehicle component, such as a fender. During assembly, the first vehicle component is positioned relative to the second vehicle component, and the connector is pivoted about the axis to allow the second end of the body portion to be connected to the second vehicle component.

Module load enabling bracket

A lift gate having a deformable section which allows the lift gate to deform rather than break during a low speed impact event. The lift gate has a deformable section located between an inner panel and an outer panel. The deformable section is able to deform during a low speed impact event against the outer panel, thereby preventing the inner panel from receiving any of the impact. This allows the inner panel to be significantly more rigid than the outer panel and the deformable section, and, therefore, provides the necessary structural support for the lift gate while withstanding collisions on the Impact Zone.

Composite lift gate deformable section

The present invention is a thermoplastic composite liftgate system with reinforcements in key areas to allow the system to meet performance requirements, while lowering the tooling investment, lowering the system mass, and improving the styling flexibility. The present invention includes an inner panel and at least one bracket or reinforcement member connected to the inner panel such that when a force is applied to the bracket, the force is distributed to the inner panel.

Composite  liftgate system

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a locating pin and a retention clip. The locating pin and the retention clip allow alignment of the front end module with the body structure and the retention clip secures the two assemblies in place which allows alignment of fastener holes. This conserves time in the assembly line and allows more accurate and rapid assembly of the front end module on the body structure reducing the time necessary for assembly.

Locator assembly

A carrier for improving the strength of the front end of a vehicle, the carrier having an upper cross member which incorporates a closed box section, a composite integration panel connected to the upper cross member, and a lower cross member which also has a closed box section and is also connected to the composite integration panel. The closed box section of the upper cross member, and the closed box section of the lower cross member allow the component integration panel to be attached to the front end of a motor vehicle for supporting various vehicle components. The carrier improves strength and rigidity, as well as provides support for any particular vehicle component which needs to be attached to the front end.

Component integration panel system with closed box section

Growing community of inventors

Oakland Township, MI, United States of America

Gari Schalte