Description:FIELD
The present invention relates to field of vehicles, particularly, relates to a wheelhouse assembly of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Typically, vehicles are equipped with either a fueling port or a charging port positioned along the sides of the vehicle. However, conventional packaging of these ports often encounters constraints, resulting in potential water leakage into the vehicle cabin.
In an attempt to improve packaging efficiency, one solution involves creating a cut-out in the wheelhouse assembly to facilitate connection for the fueling or the charging port. However, integrating such cut-outs into the wheelhouse assembly compromises the structural stiffness of the component.
Therefore, there is a need of a reinforcement structure for a wheelhouse assembly of a vehicle that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of this disclosure is to provide a reinforcement structure for a wheelhouse assembly of a vehicle that provides enhanced packaging efficiency.
Another object of this disclosure is to provide a reinforcement structure that prevents water ingress into the vehicle cabin.
Still another object of this disclosure is to provide a reinforcement structure that provides dynamic stiffness and durability to the wheelhouse assembly.
Yet another object of this disclosure is to provide a reinforcement structure that ensures seamless integration of the reinforcement structure with existing vehicle components, facilitating easy access to the fueling or charging ports for maintenance and servicing purposes.
Still another object of this disclosure is to provide a reinforcement structure that enhances the structural rigidity and accommodates the charging port or the fueling port components within the rear wheelhouse.
Yet another object of this disclosure is to provide a reinforcement structure that avoids complexity of decking.
Still another object of this disclosure is to provide a reinforcement structure that provides ease of access to fix battery charge port unit.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a reinforcement structure for a wheelhouse assembly of a vehicle. The wheelhouse assembly comprises a first convex portion and a second convex portion, joined together to form a housing for a wheel. The reinforcement structure being configured to be mounted to an operative inner surface of the wheelhouse assembly. The reinforcement structure comprises: a first panel, configured to be mounted to an operative inner surface of the first convex portion and is further configured to extend symmetrically to the first convex portion, the first panel defined by a convex-body having a first cut-out thereon; a second panel, configured to be mounted to an operative inner surface of the second convex portion and is further configured to extend symmetrically to the second convex portion, the second panel defined by a convex-body having a second cut-out thereon; and an opening defined by joining an operative portion of the first cut-out and the second cut-out to form the reinforcement structure, the opening is configured to receive a fueling plug therein in an operative configuration of the structure.
In an embodiment, the first cut-out is configured to be joined with the second cut-out by means of butt welding.
In an embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are mounted to the respective operative inner surface of the first convex portion and the second convex portion by means of rivets, fasteners or welding.
In an embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are typically selected from a material consisting of mild steel or low carbon steel.
In an embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are configured with at least one stiffener.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The reinforcement structure for a wheelhouse assembly of a vehicle of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing in which:
FIGURE 1A illustrates a top view of the reinforcement structure for the wheelhouse assembly of the vehicle.
FIGURE 1B illustrates a bottom view of the reinforcement structure for the wheelhouse assembly of the vehicle.
FIGURE 1C illustrates a sectional view of the reinforcement structure for the wheelhouse assembly of the vehicle.
FIGURE 2A illustrates the mounting of the second panel of the reinforcement structure over an operative portion of the side body panel of the vehicle.
FIGURE 2B illustrates the mounting of the first panel of the reinforcement structure over an operative portion of the main body panel of the vehicle.
FIGURE 3A and FIGURE 3B illustrates the first panel and the second panel of the reinforcement structure.
FIGURE 4 illustrates the location of the fueling port or the charging port over the operative portion of the body panel of the vehicle with the different panels of the reinforcement structure of the vehicle.
FIGURE 5 illustrates the location of the reinforcement structure within the wheelhouse assembly of the vehicle.
FIGURE 6 illustrates the graphical comparison of the impact energy stored with and without the reinforcement structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
1000 vehicle
1000a main body panel of vehicle
1000b side body panel of vehicle
500 wheelhouse assembly
500a first convex portion of the wheelhouse assembly
500b second convex portion of the wheelhouse assembly
100 reinforcement structure
10 first panel of the reinforcement structure
10a first cut of the first panel
20 second panel of the reinforcement structure
20a second cut of the second panel
30 opening
40 stiffener
50 fueling plug or a charging port
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.
Typically, vehicles are equipped with either a fueling port or a charging port positioned along the sides of the vehicle. However, conventional packaging of these ports often encounters constraints, resulting in potential water leakage into the vehicle cabin.
In an attempt to improve packaging efficiency, one solution involves creating a cut-out in the wheelhouse assembly to facilitate connection for the fueling or the charging port. However, integrating such cut-outs into the wheelhouse assembly compromises the structural stiffness of the component.
In order to address the aforementioned problems, the present disclosure envisages a reinforcement structure for a wheelhouse assembly of a vehicle (hereinafter referred to structure “100”). The different embodiments of the present disclosure are explained with reference to Figure 1 to Figure 7.
The reinforcement structure (100) for a wheelhouse (500) assembly of a vehicle (1000). FIGURE 1A illustrates a top view of the reinforcement structure, FIGURE 1B illustrates a bottom view of the reinforcement structure and FIGURE 1C illustrates a sectional view of the reinforcement structure with the wheelhouse assembly of the vehicle. The wheelhouse (500) assembly is typically formed by joining the side body (1000b) panel with the main body (1000a) panel of the vehicle (1000). The wheelhouse (500) assembly comprises a first convex portion (500a) which is typically present on an operative portion of the main body (1000a) panel and a second convex portion (500b), which is typically present on an operative portion of the side body (1000b) panel, and joined together to form the wheelhouse (500) for a wheel of the vehicle (1000). The reinforcement structure (100) being configured to be mounted to an operative surface of the wheelhouse (500) assembly.
In an embodiment, the first convex portion (500a) and the second convex portion (500b) are joined together typically by means of butt welding or any welding having similar characteristics.
Further, the reinforcement structure (100) comprises a first panel (10), and a second panel (20). The first panel (10) is first panel (10) defined by a convex-body, having a first cutout (10a) thereon. The first panel (10) is configured to be mounted to an operative surface of the first convex portion (500a) and is further configured to extend symmetrically to the first convex portion (500a). FIGURE 2A illustrates the mounting of the second panel of the reinforcement structure over an operative portion of the side body panel of the vehicle. FIGURE 2B illustrates the mounting of the first panel of the reinforcement structure over an operative portion of the main body panel of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the first panel (10) is mounted to the operative surface of the first convex portion (500a) typically by means of rivets, fasteners or welding.
In an embodiment, the first panel (10) is configured with at least one stiffening member or stiffener (40). The stiffening member provides sufficient strength to the first panel (10).
Further, the second panel (20) is defined by a convex-body having a second cutout (20a) thereon. The second panel (20) is configured to be mounted to an operative surface of the second convex portion (500b) and is further configured to extend symmetrically to the second convex portion (500b). In an embodiment, the second panel (20) is configured with at least one stiffening member or stiffener (40). The stiffening member provides sufficient strength to the first panel (10). FIGURE 3A and FIGURE 3B illustrate the first panel and the second panel of the reinforcement structure.
Further, an operative portion of the first cut-out (10a) and the second cutout (20a) are joined together to form an opening (30) for the reinforcement structure (100). The opening (30) facilitates manual access for installing the battery charge port or fueling plug during the operational setup.
In an embodiment, the first cutout (10a) is configured to be joined with the second cutout (20a) typically by means of butt welding.
In an embodiment, the first panel (10) and the second panel (20) are typically selected from a material consisting of mild steel or low carbon steel, having thickness in the range of 0.5mm to 0.95mm.
Due to the reinforcement structure (100) being formed in two halves, it mitigates the complexity of the structure while also contributing to weight reduction. Moreover, the integrated reinforcement wheelhouse (500) features the opening (30) that allows manual access for installing the battery charge port unit (50) and prevents water ingress into the cabin. FIGURE 4 illustrates the location of the fueling port or the charging port over the operative portion of the body panel of the vehicle with the different panels of the reinforcement structure of the vehicle. FIGURE 5 illustrates the location of the reinforcement structure within the wheelhouse assembly of the vehicle.
Additionally, the reinforcement structure (100) is affixed to the rear side (right-hand side) of the wheelhouse, thereby enhancing part stiffness by 1388 Kgf/mm and providing an additional load-bearing pathway. FIGURE 6 illustrates the graphical comparison of the impact energy stored with and without the reinforcement structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The Figure 6 indicates that, in a frequency range of 150Hz to 172Hz, the structure with 0.7mm thickness and 1.6mm thickness offers comparatively high stiffness. However, the structure with thickness 1.6mm tend to increase the overall weight as well as cost of the material, therefore the structure with thickness 1.6mm cannot be suitable for engineering practices. On the other hand, the structure with the panel thickness of 0.7mm, not only offers higher stiffness but also offers light in weight construction, which is best suitable for the engineering practices.
Moreover, the reinforcement structure (100) is mounted onto the rear side (right-hand side) of the wheelhouse, thereby augmenting the stiffness of the component by 1388 Kgf/mm and establishing an additional load-bearing pathway. FIGURE 6 illustrates the graphical representation comparing the impact energy stored with and without the reinforcement structure, as per an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 6 demonstrates that within a frequency range of 150Hz to 172Hz, the structures with the panel thicknesses of 0.7mm and 1.6mm exhibit notably enhanced stiffness. However, the structure with a panel thickness of 1.6mm tends to increase both the overall weight and material costs, rendering it unsuitable for practical engineering applications. Conversely, the structure with a panel thickness of 0.7mm not only provides superior stiffness but also facilitates lightweight construction, making it the suitable option for engineering application.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and 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 reinforcement structure for a wheelhouse assembly of a vehicle that;
• provides enhanced packaging efficiency;
• prevents water ingress into the vehicle cabin;
• provides dynamic stiffness and durability to the wheelhouse assembly;
• ensures seamless integration of the reinforcement structure with existing vehicle components, facilitating easy access to the fuelling or charging ports for maintenance and servicing purposes;
• enhances the structural rigidity and accommodates the charging port or the fuelling port components within the rear wheelhouse;
• avoids complexity of decking; and
• provides ease of access to fix battery charge port unit.
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 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 reinforcement structure (100) for a wheelhouse (500) assembly of a vehicle (1000), the wheelhouse (500) assembly comprising a first convex portion (500a) and a second convex portion (500b), joined together to form the wheelhouse (500) for a wheel, said reinforcement structure (100) being configured to be mounted to an operative surface of the wheelhouse (500) assembly, said reinforcement structure (100) comprising:
• a first panel (10) configured to be mounted to an operative surface of the first convex portion (500a), said first panel (10) configured to extend symmetrically to the first convex portion (500a), said first panel (10) defined by a convex body having a first cutout (10a) thereon;
• a second panel (20) configured to be mounted to an operative surface of the second convex portion (500b), said second panel (20) configured to extend symmetrically to the second convex portion (500b), said second panel (20) defined by a convex body having a second cutout (20a) thereon; and
• an opening (30) defined by joining an operative portion of said first cutout (10a) and said second cutout (20a) to form said reinforcement structure (100), said opening (30) configured to receive a fueling plug or a charging port therein in an operative configuration of said structure.
2. The reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first cutout (10a) is configured to be joined with said second cutout (20a) by means of butt welding.
3. The reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first panel (10) and said second panel (20) are mounted to the respective operative surface of the first convex portion (500a) and the second convex portion (500b) by means of rivets, fasteners or welding.
4. The reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first panel (10) and said second panel (20) are selected from a material consisting of mild steel or low carbon steel.
5. The reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first panel (10) and said second panel (20) are configured with at least one stiffener (40).

Dated this 21st 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