Michael D Donick

US Patent:

20070246970, Oct 25, 2007

Filed:

Apr 24, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/409657

Inventors:

Carl Widmann - Livonia MI, US
Michael Donick - Surprise AZ, US
Bridget Coleman - Dearborn MI, US

International Classification:

B62D 33/06

US Classification:

296190100

Abstract:

A structural sound baffle is incorporated into a sheet metal subassembly used in the production of an automotive vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. The structural sound baffle is formed in a Z-shaped configuration that has a first flange welded to the inner panel of the internal cavity, while the second flange is affixed by a heat cured adhesive to the outer panel of the assembly. The baffle joins the two panels to create a more rigid structure than the subassembly without the structural sound baffle affixed thereto. The more rigid structure is less sensitive to boom vibrations, reducing acoustic boom by 64%. In pick-up truck back panel applications, where a retractable window is receivable within the internal cavity of the subassembly, the baffle can be utilized without interfering with the package constraints associated with the retractable back glass configuration.