Integrated motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly

Abstract

A motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly includes a body defining a member of a motor vehicle frame, the body including an aperture having edges. A module is positioned at the aperture, the module defining a load bearing portion of the body replacing a load bearing capability of a body portion removed to define the aperture. Multiple connecting arms extend from the module and beyond the edges of the aperture to support the module on the body, including a first, second, third and fourth connecting arm. Each of the connecting arms is connected to the body using a fastener. Multiple connecting members integrally connect a first reinforcement member surrounding the aperture to a second reinforcement member. The multiple connecting members allow the first and second reinforcement members to be simultaneously co-molded in a single injection molding shot of a polymeric material.

The following is claimed: 
     
         1 . A motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly, comprising:
 a body defining a member of a motor vehicle frame; and   a module spanning a component relief aperture created in the body, the module defining a load bearing portion of the body replacing a load bearing capability of a body portion removed defining the component relief aperture;   wherein the module includes connecting arms extending beyond an edge of the component relief aperture.   
     
     
         2 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the body includes a weight reduction aperture and the body. 
     
     
         3 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 2 , further including multiple connecting members integrally connecting a first reinforcement member surrounding the weight reduction aperture to a second reinforcement member. 
     
     
         4 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the connecting members allow the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member to be simultaneously co-molded in a single injection molding shot of a polymeric material. 
     
     
         5 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the module defines a first portion of an enclosure and includes at least one fastener receiving aperture. 
     
     
         6 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 5 , further including an independently provided second portion wherein the at least one fastener receiving aperture receives a fastener for mechanical attachment of the second portion to the first portion. 
     
     
         7 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the module is comprised of a polymeric material. 
     
     
         8 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 1 , further including a fastener mechanically attaching each of the connecting arms to the body. 
     
     
         9 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting arms include a first connecting arm, a second connecting arm, a third connecting arm and a fourth connecting arm. 
     
     
         10 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the module is a polymeric material molded by an injection molding operation. 
     
     
         11 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the module is molded-in-place and defines a component receiving module. 
     
     
         12 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the module includes molded-in-place reinforcement members, and wherein the module includes molded-in-place fastener receiving members. 
     
     
         13 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the module defines a composite material. 
     
     
         14 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the body is positioned proximate to a rear window of a motor vehicle. 
     
     
         15 . A motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly, comprising:
 a body defining a member of a motor vehicle frame, the body including a component relief aperture having edges;   a module positioned at the component relief aperture, the module defining a load bearing portion of the body replacing a load bearing capability of a body portion removed to define the component relief aperture; and   multiple connecting arms extending from the module and extending beyond the edges of the component relief aperture.   
     
     
         16 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the component relief aperture is sized larger than the module except where the connecting arms extend beyond the edges of the component relief aperture. 
     
     
         17 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 15 , wherein structural loads of the body are transferred through and carried by the module and the connecting arms. 
     
     
         18 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the module defines a component receiving module housing an electrical component. 
     
     
         19 . A motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly, comprising:
 a body defining a member of a motor vehicle frame, the body including an aperture having edges;   a module positioned at the aperture of the body, the module defining a load bearing portion of the body replacing a load bearing capability of a body portion removed to define the aperture;   multiple connecting arms extending from the module and extending beyond the edges of the aperture to support the module on the body, including a first connecting arm, a second connecting arm, a third connecting arm and a fourth connecting arm, each of the connecting arms connected to the body using a fastener; and   multiple connecting members integrally connecting a first reinforcement member surrounding the aperture to a second reinforcement member, the multiple connecting members allowing the first reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member to be simultaneously co-molded in a single injection molding shot of a polymeric material.   
     
     
         20 . The motor vehicle hybrid shelf assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the module and the connecting arms are comprised of a polymeric material.