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(click on the picture to see a larger illustration - it opens in a new window, close that window to return here) |
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| Description: | Trunk Divider Panel | Model: | Sentra |
| OEM: | Nissan | Model Year: | 2007 |
| System Supplier: | Meridian Automotive Systems | Generic Resin Type: | SMC |
| Molder/Processor: | Meridian Automotive Systems | Resin Trade Name: | N/A |
| Toolmaker: | Radiance Mold | Grade: | N/A |
| Material Supplier: | Meridian Automotive Systems | Other Innovative Features: | The use of a variety of composite materials which, as a system, create a true hybrid application. This hybrid is the only solution of all competitive material options that meets all cost, mass, performance, design, and functional requirements. |
| Most Innovative Feature: | This is the first mid-trunk modular / removable divider system in a passenger vehicle application. It is important to note its hybrid nature (materials and processes). | Forming Process: | Compression molded composites such as SMC and flax/polypropylene. Injection molded glass-filled thermoplastics are also used in this application. |
| Weight Savings: | Meets system weight targets without sacrificing any performance objectives. No other material options considered were viable. | First Time Process Used? | Yes |
| Cost Savings: | No savings to compare to as this is a new application. | Previous Process: | None - this is the first mid-trunk divider used in a passenger vehicle. |
| Cost Avoidance: | No savings to compare to as this is a new application. | Transferable to Other Vehicles: | Yes. Although it is a first to market, its can be used across OEM and vehicle lines |
| Benefits to Consumer: | |||
| Many DIRECT benefits include: forms two compartments in trunk (one hidden), integral hooks for grocery bags, etc., fold-flat for wet / dirty item storage, and is removable for use outside vehicle. | |||
| Method Comments: | |||
| No new materials specifically developed. However, the development required was finding the right balance of materials to meet all customer performance targets without sacrificing any individual requirements. | |||
| Innovations/Improvements: | |||
| None | |||
| Safety Improvements: | |||
| None | |||
| Environmental Comments: | |||
| None | |||
| Additional Comments: | |||
| Originally, this was an up-level option on the 2007 Sentra, expected to be in 75,000 vehicles. However, due to very positive customer feedback, it is going to be standard equipment as early as the 2008 MY, which equates to 125,000 -135,000 vehicles. | |||
| Summary: | |||
| This is the first mid-trunk modular / removable divider system for a passenger vehicle application. The panel forms 2 compartments in the trunk (one hidden), has integral hooks for grocery bags, provides fold-flat design for wet / dirty item storage, and is removable for use outside vehicle. This solution met all cost, mass, performance, design, and functional requirements. | |||
