Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[Refer Section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A Hinge Assembly for a Hood of a Vehicle

APPLICANT
MAHINDRA ELECTRIC AUTOMOBILE LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at Mahindra Tower, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Nr. Doordarshan Kendra, Worli, Mumbai, Mumbai City, Maharashtra 400018, India

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a hinge assembly for a hood of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles typically include a hood for covering or providing access to an engine compartment. The hood extends forward from a windshield, and front fenders are provided on each side of the hood and a front bumper (including grill) is positioned forwardly and below the hood. The hood of the vehicle is capable of being moved in an open position and a closed position with respect to the engine compartment. In the open position, the hood provides access to the engine compartment, and in the closed position the hood covers the engine compartment. A hood latch is provided, primary function of which is to secure the hood in the closed position. During a frontal impact of the vehicle, it has been observed that in spite of the latch being provided, the hood opens and strikes the windshield or crashes into the passenger compartment.
[003] Further, in the closed position, the hood is provided such that there is alignment between the hood, and the front fenders and the front bumper (including grill). However, there are instances when the hood of the vehicle does not align with the front fenders and the front bumper whereby a gap can be seen between the hood and the front fenders. Such gaps ruin the aesthetics of the vehicle. Additionally, dust, water or particles can enter inside the vehicle through such gaps, which is undesirable.
[004] In view of the above, there is a need in the art for a mechanism which addresses at-least the aforementioned problems in relation to a hood of a vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a hinge assembly for a hood of a vehicle. The hinge assembly comprises a first bracket, a second bracket and a shaft and a disc plate. The first bracket is mounted to an engine compartment wall of the vehicle. The first bracket comprises a first hole. The second bracket is mounted to an inner surface of the hood of the vehicle. The second bracket is pivotally mounted with respect to the first bracket which enables the hood to move between an open position and a closed position. The second bracket comprises a second hole aligned with the first hole. The shaft is extending from a top end to a bottom end. The bottom end of the shaft is received by the first bracket and the shaft is fastened with the first bracket. The top end of the shaft is received by the second hole of the second bracket when the hood is in the closed position. The shaft prevents backward movement of the second bracket and thereby backward movement of the hood in the closed position during a frontal impact. The disc plate is adapted adjacent to the top end of the shaft and below the second bracket. The disc plate is configured to prevent downward movement of the second bracket, and thereby the hood in the closed position.
[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the first bracket comprises a nut aligned with the first hole.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the first bracket comprises a vertical mounting surface having mounting holes for allowing the first bracket to be mounted to the engine compartment wall via fasteners. The vertical mounting surface has a vertical side surface extending forwardly from the vertical mounting surface. The vertical side surface has a horizontal tab extending therefrom, the horizontal tab having the first hole.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the second bracket comprises a horizontal mounting surface and a side surface extending downwardly from the horizontal mounting surface. The horizontal mounting surface comprises mounting holes for allowing the second bracket to be mounted to the hood via fasteners. The horizontal mounting surface comprises a second hole which is aligned with the first hole of the first bracket.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the second bracket is mounted to the first bracket via linking members. The linking members extend between the vertical side surface of the first bracket and the side surface of the second bracket. The linking members enable the second bracket mounted on the hood and thereby the hood to move pivotally about the first bracket.
[010] In an embodiment of the invention, the shaft comprises of a threaded portion enabling the shaft to move up and down about the first hole by rotating the threaded portion of the shaft. The shaft is fixed at a desired position by using a lock nut.
[011] In an embodiment of the invention, by moving the shaft by rotating the threaded portion of the shaft, a gap X between the hood and a fender of the vehicle can be adjusted, and the disc plate holds the hood at an adjusted height.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[012] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a hinge assembly mounted on a hood of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the hinge assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the hood to illustrate adjustment of gap X and flushness of the hood with respect to a front fender.
Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the hood to illustrate top end of the shaft limiting movement of the hood during frontal impact of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[013] The present invention is directed towards a hinge assembly for a hood of a vehicle, whereby the hinge assembly facilitates alignment of the hood with respect to front fenders and provides impact resistance.
[014] Figure 1 illustrates a hood 160 for a vehicle with a hinge assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the hood 160 comprises two hinge assemblies 100 which are spaced apart from each other. The hinge assemblies 100 enable the hood 160 to move between an open position and a closed position with respect to an engine compartment. In the open position, the hood 160 provides access to the engine compartment, and in the closed position the hood 160 covers the engine compartment. Also, in the closed position, the hood 160 is provided such that there is alignment between the hood 160, and front fender 192 and a front bumper (including grill). Further, a hood latch is provided for maintaining the hood 160 in the closed position.
[015] Referring to figure 2 which shows an exploded view of the hinge assembly 100. The hinge assembly 100 comprises a first bracket 140, a second bracket 150, a shaft 120 and a disc plate 104. The first bracket 140 is mounted to an engine compartment wall (not shown) of the vehicle and the second bracket 150 is mounted to an inner or bottom surface of the hood 160 of the vehicle. The first bracket 140 and the second bracket 150 are mounted to the engine compartment wall and the hood 160 respectively via fasters 194, 196 and/or by welding. The second bracket 150 is pivotally mounted with respect to the first bracket 140. The second bracket 150 is movably mounted with respect to the first bracket 140 through at least two or more linking members 170.
[016] The first bracket 140 is a sheet metal plate comprising a vertical mounting surface 144 and a vertical side surface 146 extending forwardly from the vertical mounting surface 144. The vertical mounting surface 144 comprises mounting holes (not shown) for allowing the first bracket 140 to be mounted to the engine compartment wall via fasteners 194. Further, the vertical side surface 146 has a horizontal tab 148 extending therefrom, the horizontal tab 148 having a first hole 142. The second bracket 150 is a sheet metal plate comprising a horizontal mounting surface 154 and a side surface 156 extending downwardly from the horizontal mounting surface 154. The horizontal mounting surface 154 comprises mounting holes (not shown) for allowing the second bracket 150 to be mounted to the hood 160 via fasteners 196. Further, the horizontal mounting surface 154 comprises a second hole 152 which is aligned with the first hole 142 of the first bracket 140.The linking members 170 extend between the vertical side surface 146 of the first bracket 140 and the side surface 156 of the second bracket 150. The linking members 170 are mounted to mounting holes (not shown) of the vertical side surface 146 of the first bracket 140 and mounting holes (not shown) of the side surface 156 of the second bracket 150 via fasteners (not shown). The first bracket 140 being mounted on the engine compartment wall is fixed in position, and the linking members 170 enable the second bracket 150 mounted on the hood 160 and thereby the hood 160 to move pivotally about the first bracket 140. In this regard, the second bracket 150 and the linking members 170 move simultaneously when the hood 160 is moving from the closed position to the open position or vice-a-versa. The first bracket 140, the second bracket 150 and the linking members 170 are joined in a loop by using fasteners (not shown). The mounting of the second bracket 150 pivotally to the first bracket 140 enables the hood 160 to move between the open position and the closed position.
[017] Further, as shown in figures 1 and 2, the second hole 152 of the second bracket 150 is aligned with the first hole 142 of the first bracket 140. The shaft 120 as shown extends from a top end 120A to a bottom end 120B. At the bottom end 120B, the shaft 120 is received by the first hole 142 of the first bracket 140 and the shaft 120 is fastened with the first bracket 140. In an embodiment, the first bracket 140 has a nut 108 aligned with the first hole 142 and the shaft 120 has a threaded portion adjacent to the bottom end 120B part of the shaft 120 which enables the shaft 120 to move up and down about the first hole by rotating the shaft 120. The shaft 120 is fixed/fastened at a desired position by using a lock nut 106. Further, at the top end 120A, the shaft 120 is receivable by the second hole 152 of the second bracket 150. Accordingly, the shaft 120 remains fixed with the first bracket 140 and engages with the second hole 152 of the second bracket 150 i.e., the shaft 120 is received by the second hole 152 of the second bracket 150 when the hood 160 is in the closed position. The top end 120A of the shaft 120 received by the second hole 152 prevents backward movement of the second bracket 150, and thereby prevents/limits backward movement of the hood 160. The top end 120A of the shaft 120 thus acts as a catcher during impact conditions. By limiting the hood's movement, the chances of the hood 160 striking the windshield 190 or intruding into the passenger compartment during an impact are reduced.
[018] Further, the disc plate 104 as shown in figure 3 is adapted adjacent to the top end 120A of the shaft 120 and below the second bracket 150. The disc plate 104 acts as a stopper by preventing downward movement of the second bracket 150, thereby supporting in adjustment of gap X and flushness of the hood 160 with respect to the front fender 192.
[019] Further, the figure 3 shows a sectional view of the hood to illustrate adjustment of gap X and flushness of the hood 160 with respect to the front fender192. As shown, the hood 160 is in closed position and a gap X is illustrated between the hood 160 and the front fender 192. The hinge assembly 100 is adapted to the hood 160 and as can be seen the shaft 120 with the disc plate 104 is below the second bracket 150. As discussed hereinbefore, the height of the shaft 120 can be adjusted by rotating the shaft 120 and fixing it with the nut 108 with respect to the first bracket 140. As the height of the shaft 120 is adjusted, the height of the disc plate 104 is also adjusted. The disc plate 104 holds the hood 160 at the adjusted height by preventing downward movement of the second bracket 150. Accordingly, the gap X can be adjusted for flushness of the hood 160 with respect to the front fender 192, thereby ensuring that the gap and flushness between the hood 160 and the front fender 192, grille, and other nearby components are as per manufacturer's specifications and meet the vehicle aesthetics.
[020] Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the hood 160 to illustrate top end 120A of the shaft 120 limiting movement of the hood 160 during a frontal impact of the vehicle. As shown, the hood 160 is in the closed position, and the top end 120A of the shaft 120 is received into the second bracket 150. When the vehicle experiences the frontal impact, the shaft 120 of the hinge assembly 100 exerts a reaction force in the opposite direction, whereby, the top end 120A of the shaft 120 provides a barrier and restricts backward movement of the hood 160 beyond a certain point. By limiting the hood's movement, the hinge assembly 100 reduces the chances of the hood 160 striking a windshield 190 or intruding into the passenger compartment during the frontal impact. This helps to maintain the integrity of the occupant safety zone and reduces the risk of injury.
[021] Advantageously, the hinge assembly of the present invention facilitates the gap and flushness adjustment to meet vehicle aesthetics. Further, the hinge assembly limits movement of the hood and reduces the chances of the hood striking the windshield or intruding into the passenger compartment during frontal impact collision. The hinge assembly thus provides multiple functionalities – facilitating opening and closing of hood; facilitating gap and flushness adjustment; and limiting movement of hood during frontal impact collision.
[022] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A hinge assembly (100) for a hood (160) of a vehicle, the hinge assembly (100) comprising:
a first bracket (140) mounted to an engine compartment wall of the vehicle, the first bracket (140) comprising a first hole (142);
a second bracket (150) mounted to an inner surface of the hood (160) of the vehicle, the second bracket (150) pivotally mounted with respect to the first bracket (140) enabling the hood (160) to move between an open position and a closed position, the second bracket (150) comprising a second hole (152) aligned with the first hole (142);
a shaft (120) extending from a top end (120A) to a bottom end (120B), the bottom end (120B) of the shaft (120) received by the first bracket (140) and the shaft (120) fastened with the first bracket (140), and at the top end (120A) the shaft (120) is received by the second hole (152) of the second bracket (150), when the hood is in the closed position, the shaft (120) prevents backward movement of the second bracket (150), and thereby backward movement of the hood (160) in the closed position during a frontal impact; and
a disc plate (104) adapted adjacent to the top end (120A) of the shaft and below the second bracket (150), the disc plate (104) being configured to prevent downward movement of the second bracket (150), and thereby the hood (160) in the closed position.

2. The hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first bracket (140) comprises a nut (108) aligned with the first hole (142).

3. The hinge assembly (100) as clamed in claim 1, wherein the first bracket (140) comprises a vertical mounting surface (144) having mounting holes for allowing the first bracket (140) to be mounted to the engine compartment wall via fasteners (194), and the vertical mounting surface (144) has a vertical side surface (146) extending forwardly from the vertical mounting surface (144), and the vertical side surface (146) has a horizontal tab (148) extending therefrom, the horizontal tab (148) having the first hole (142).

4. The hinge assembly (100) as clamed in claim 1, wherein the second bracket (150) comprising a horizontal mounting surface (154) and a side surface (156) extending downwardly from the horizontal mounting surface (154), the horizontal mounting surface (154) comprises mounting holes for allowing the second bracket (150) to be mounted to the hood (160) via fasteners, and the horizontal mounting surface (154) comprises a second hole (152) which is aligned with the first hole (142) of the first bracket (140).

5. The hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein the second bracket (150) is mounted to the first bracket (140) via linking members (170), the linking members (170) extend between the vertical side surface (146) of the first bracket (140) and the side surface (156) of the second bracket (150), the linking members (170) enable the second bracket (150) mounted on the hood (160) and thereby the hood (160) to move pivotally about the first bracket (140).

6. The hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shaft (120) comprising of a threaded portion enabling the shaft (120) to move up and down about the first hole (142) by rotating the shaft (120) about the threaded portion, and the shaft (120) being fixed at a desired position by using a lock nut (106).

7. The hinge assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein by moving the shaft (120) by rotating the shaft about the threaded portion, a gap X between the hood (160) and a front fender (192) of the vehicle can be adjusted, and the disc plate (104) prevents backward movement of the hood (160), thereby holding the hood (160) at an adjusted height.

Dated this 11th day of March 2024

MAHINDRA ELECTRIC AUTOMOBILE LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Janaksinh Jhala)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-2193