Rattles in the rear of SUVs are common, especially when going on bumpy or rough roads. While many try to find solutions, most aren’t permanent. Now, Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi appears to have come up with a fix. A recent patent filed by the carmaker reveals a reinforced tailgate design with a built-in vibration damper, aimed at making the rear doors stronger, quieter, and more refined. Going into the details of the patent, it still starts with the basics:Outer panel: The painted, visible part of the tailgate you see from the outside.Inner panel: The structural inside portion you see when the tailgate is open.Rear glass: The back window.The key innovation comes from how the inner structure is reinforced. There’s a main stiffening bar running horizontally just below the rear window, giving the upper section rigidity. From each end of that bar, diagonal reinforcements extend downward toward the centre and bottom of the tailgate, resulting in a sturdy triangular framework. At the corners where these horizontal and diagonal elements meet, Mitsubishi has placed mounting spots for a dynamic damper designed to absorb and dissipate vibrations. This leads to less flex, fewer rattles, and a tighter, more premium feel when you’re on the move. Adding a vibration damper is a very clever move. Two points are tackled at the same time. There is more strength, and at the same time, there is noise control as well. This also leads to better durability. The difference will be noticeable when driving on roads or even highway driving, where wind and body movement can cause a tailgate to rattle.If this tech does go into production, rattling tailgates could be a thing of the past. Source: Top Speed
