DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles and more specifically, relates to a cross car beam assembly for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Generally, a cross car beam (CCB) assembly of the vehicles includes straight elements with constant or variable cross-section bridging connections between the opposite side pillars of the vehicle. The CCB includes brackets for mounting different components which are configured to carry or hold functional components of the vehicle providing structural stiffness to the overall system along with carrying certain loads of addon items like steering column, airbags, an instrument panel, a glove box, infotainment, pedal arrester, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) & multiple electrical modules etc. The CCB is configured to absorb and resist the vibrations that are transmitted from a steering apparatus of the vehicle. In addition, the CCB is configured to increase the stiffness so as to enhance characteristics of resisting vibration transmitted from a steering wheel. However, on the other side, CCB should be robust enough to meet desired performance criteria of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) and durability within limited inherent material weight & cost.
In the modern era of vehicle technology, multiple electrical modules are being added on the passenger frontal area inside a body shell of the vehicle like HMI (Human-Machine Interface), HUD (head-up display), etc. to enhance passenger safety and comfort. The electrical modules occupy space over functional parts like HVAC, steering column, and utility spaces.
In the conventional CCB assembly, a steering column is mounted on the CCB from the downward direction, causing an inevitable loss of valuable space between the CCB and the vehicle floor.
There is, therefore felt a need for a cross car beam assembly that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cross car beam assembly.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the cross car beam assembly that facilitates maximum space availability for the driver of the vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the cross car beam assembly that facilitates maximum space availability for mounting accessories of the vehicle.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the cross car beam assembly that increases the torsional stiffness of the cross car beam.
Still, yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the cross car beam assembly that improves the vibration absorption ability of the vehicle.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates to a cross car beam assembly for a vehicle. The assembly comprises a cross car beam (CCB) tube defined a straight portion and a U-shaped portion; and a steering column configured to be mounted over the U-shaped portion.
In an embodiment, the first portion is configured to be received in the second portion to define a tube in tube configuration.
In an embodiment, diameter of the first portion is comparatively less than the diameter of the second portion. The diameter of the first portion varies in the range of 32mm-35mm, and the dimeter of the second portion varies in the range of 38mm-54mm.
In an embodiment, an operative end of the first portion is joined to an operative end of the second portion by means of welding forming a weld-zone.
In an embodiment, the weld-zone has a step configuration.
In an embodiment, the steering column is configured to be mounted on an operative base portion of the U-shaped portion.
In an embodiment, the cross car beam tube is configured to be mounted to A-pillar of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, cross car beam (CCB) tube is selected from a group of material consisting of alloyed steel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A cross car beam assembly of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing in which:
FIGURE 1A illustrates an isometric view of a conventional cross car beam assembly;
FIGURE 1B illustrates a front view of the conventional cross car beam assembly;
FIGURE 2A illustrates an isometric view of a cross car beam tube of the conventional cross car beam assembly;
FIGURE 2B illustrates a front view of the cross car beam tube of the conventional cross car beam assembly;
FIGURE 3 illustrates an isometric view of the conventional cross car beam assembly with a steering column mounted thereon;
FIGURE 4A illustrates an isometric view of a cross car beam assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIGURE 4B illustrates a front view of the cross car beam assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIGURE 5A illustrates an isometric view of a cross car beam tube of the cross car beam assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIGURE 5B illustrates an isometric view of a cross car beam tube of the cross car beam assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIGURE 6 illustrates an isometric view of the cross car beam assembly with a steering column mounted thereon in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
50 – Conventional cross car bar (CCB) assembly
100 – Cross car beam (CCB) assembly
102A - Straight portion of CCB
102B- U-shaped portion of CCB
105 – Cross car beam (CCB) tube of CCB assembly
105` – Cross car beam (CCB) tube of the conventional CCB assembly
110 – Steering column
115’ – conventional mounting bracket for steering column
115- present mounting bracket for steering column
120– weld zone
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Generally, in a conventional cross bar assembly (50), the cross bar is a straight section from the operative left to the operative right end of the vehicle and has provision for a mounting bracket (115’) of the steering column (110). The mounting bracket (115’) is assembled from the downward side as shown in Figures 1A to 3 (i.e., the steering column (110) is located below the CCB tube). Therefore, the conventional cross bar assembly (50) causes a loss of space between the CCB assembly (50) and the floor of the vehicle.
A preferred embodiment of a cross car beam assembly (100) of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 4 to Figure 6. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the present disclosure. FIGURE 4A illustrates an isometric view of a cross car beam assembly; FIGURE 4B illustrates a front view of the cross-car beam assembly.
The cross-car beam (CCB) assembly (100) includes a cross car beam (CCB) tube (105) and a steering column (110). The cross car beam tube is configured to be mounted to A-pillar of the vehicle. The CCB assembly (100) defined by a straight portion (102A) and an “U” shaped portion (102B) at the steering assembly side of the vehicle. The steering column (110) is mounted over the “U” shape (102B) of the CCB tube (105) i.e. the steering column (110) is located on the operative top side of the CCB tube (105). Therefore, the CCB assembly (100) allows having more space above the steering column (110) to package electrical units like HUD/AR-HUD within limited space in infront of a driver and BIW shell which is not feasible in the conventional type of design. FIGURE 5A illustrates an isometric view of the cross car beam tube of the cross car beam assembly; FIGURE 5B illustrates an isometric view of the cross car beam tube of the cross car beam assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
The “U” shape (102B) of the CCB tube (105) gives geometrical stiffness to the structure of the CCB assembly (100) resulting in improvement in Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) frequencies with optimal weight of the structure. Also, the CCB assembly (100) ensures compliance to safety regulations in the event of a crash and enhances overall vehicle performance.
In an embodiment, the steering column is mounted to a bracket (115) provided on the U-shaped portion (102B) of the CCB tube 105.
In an embodiment, the steering column (110) is configured to be mounted on an operative base portion of the U-shaped portion (102B).
In an embodiment, the CCB (105) has a tube in tube configuration in the diameter of the first tube is in the range of 32mm-35mm and the diameter of the second tube is in the range of 38mm to 54mm.
In an embodiment, the first tube and the second tube are joined together by means of welding. An operative end of the first portion (102A) is joined to an operative end of the second portion (102B) by means of welding forming a weld-zone (120). The weld-zone (120) has a step configuration which provides suitable robustness and stiffness to the CCB. FIGURE 6 illustrates an isometric view of the cross car beam assembly with a steering column mounted thereon in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
In an embodiment, the diameter of the first portion (102A) is comparatively less than the diameter of the second portion (102B).
In an embodiment, the cross car beam (CCB) tube (105) is selected from a group of material consisting of alloyed steel.
As per the virtual simulation results of the CCB assembly (100), all the above parameters are meeting the desired criteria. Additionally, the configuration of the CCB assembly (100) yields weight saving as well as cost savings.
The CCB tube (105) diameter and thickness matrix of the CCB:

The diameter and thickness ranges of the CCB tube in vehicles:

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the cross car beam assembly, that:
• facilitates maximum space availability for the driver of the vehicle;
• facilitates maximum space availability for mounting accessories of the vehicle;
• increases the torsional stiffness of the cross car beam; and
• improves the vibration absorption ability of the vehicle.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description.
Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A cross car beam assembly (100) for a vehicle, said assembly (100) comprising:
• a cross car beam (CCB) tube (105) defined a straight portion (102A) and a U-shaped portion (102B); and
• a steering column (110) configured to be mounted over said U-shaped portion (102B).
2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion (102A) configured to be received in said second portion (102B) to define a tube in tube configuration.
3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein diameter of said first portion (102A) is comparatively less than the diameter of said second portion (102B).
4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the diameter of said first portion (102A) varies in the range of 32mm-35mm, and the diameter of said second portion (102B) varies in the range of 38mm-54mm.
5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an operative end of said first portion (102A) is joined to an operative end of said second portion (102B) by means of welding forming a weld-zone (120).
6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said weld-zone (120) has a step configuration.
7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said steering column (110) is configured to be mounted on an operative base portion of said U-shaped portion (102B).
8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cross car beam tube (105) is configured to be mounted to A-pillar of the vehicle.
9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein cross car beam (CCB) tube (105) is selected from a group of material consisting of alloyed steel.

Dated this 14th day of February, 2024

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
OF R.K.DEWAN & CO.
AUTHORIZED AGENT OF APPLICANT

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI