Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

A SHOTGUN ASSEMBLY

MAHINDRA ELECTRIC AUTOMOBILE LIMITED, HAVING ADDRESS IS MAHINDRA ELECTRIC AUTOMOBILE LIMITED, MAHINDRA WORLD CITY, PLOT NO. 41/1, ANJUR PO, CHENGALPATTU, KANCHIPURAM DISTRICT, PIN : 603004. TAMIL NADU INDIA

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

A SHOTGUN ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to a shotgun assembly for a plurality of vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, in a vehicle, a structural component known as a shotgun assembly is located at the front of the vehicle. The shotgun assembly is used for mounting of various components such as fenders and headlamps thereon. The shotgun assembly is connected to an A-pillar of the vehicle. The shotgun assembly is designed as per headlamp and fender mountings, styling, fender-hood cutline, etc, of the vehicle. The main function of the shotgun assembly is to absorb energy through plastic deformation in case of a crash.
The vehicles are classified according to a vehicular homologation. The design of shotgun assemblies for the same category of vehicles as per the homologation is different, even though the vehicles belong to the same category. The different shotgun assemblies required for the same category of vehicles require different dies, tooling, jigs, and fixtures. These different arrangements of dies, tooling, jigs, and fixtures are expensive. Further, it greatly affects time to market and costs of the vehicle and the assembly line. In modern automobile assembly lines where a multi model line is incorporated, the different shotgun assemblies for different cars also affect the overall assembly time.
Currently, commonization and re-use of parts, processes, equipment, and tools is increasing, and product lifecycles are shortening in the automobile industry. Therefore, there is a need for a cost effective and less time-consuming method of manufacturing the shotgun assemblies in a multi model assembly line.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention a shotgun assembly for a plurality of different vehicles is provided. The shotgun assembly includes a body extending longitudinally and having a front end and a rear end opposite to the front end. The front end provides a mounting position for mounting different headlamps of different vehicles using brackets. The rear end provides a mounting position for different A-pillars of different vehicles. The shotgun assembly also includes a hood hinge mounting for different vehicles. The shotgun assembly further includes a plurality of fender bracket mountings positioned longitudinally on the body of the shotgun assembly in such a manner that one or more fender bracket mountings allow assembly of different fender panels of different vehicles.
According to the present invention, the front end has a front bracket comprising a mounting for a hood bump stopper of the vehicles.
According to the present invention, the front bracket also has a frunk locator and frunk mounting.
According to the present invention, the body has a plurality of hood hinge assembly fixture locator for different vehicles.
According to the present invention, the mounting position has a plurality of slots for plug welding of the reinforcement A-pillar.
According to the present invention, the front end of the body has means for mounting a headlamp bracket for headlamps of different vehicles.
According to the present invention, the fender panels are mounted to the shotgun assembly with the help of the fender brackets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a shotgun assembly, according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the shotgun assembly, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3a illustrates an isometric view of the vehicle, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3b illustrates an exploded view of the shotgun assembly, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3c illustrates an isometric view of the shotgun assembly, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the shotgun assembly, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5a illustrates an isometric view of the vehicle, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5b illustrates an exploded view of the shotgun assembly, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5c illustrates an isometric view of the shotgun assembly, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a shotgun assembly, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7a illustrates an isometric view of the vehicle, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7b illustrates an exploded view of the shotgun assembly, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 7c illustrates an isometric view of the shotgun assembly, according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiments are provided to convey the scope of the present disclosure thoroughly and fully to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth relating to specific components 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.
References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment” or “in an implementation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or implementation.
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,” “consists,” “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a shotgun assembly (100) for a plurality of vehicles (V1, V2, V3), according to the present disclosure. The shotgun assembly (100) includes a body (102) extending longitudinally. The body (102) of the shotgun assembly (100) is designed taking into consideration the constraints such as available deformation, mass distribution, crash velocity, boundary condition, and deformation behaviour of the surrounding components. The body (102) of the disclosed embodiment has been designed according to the constraints of three different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). It should be noted that the body (102) can be designed with respect to other constraints of any number of vehicles without limiting the scope of what is disclosed.
The body (102) has a front end (104) and a rear end (106) opposite to the front end (104). The front end (104) of the body (102) includes one or more brackets (108a, 108b) for mounting different headlamps (110, 112, 114) of different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). The positions of headlamps (110, 112, 114) are a contributing factor to deciding the length of the body (102) of the shotgun assembly (100).
The rear end (106) of the body (102) provides a mounting position (116) for a reinforcement A-pillar (118, 120, 122) of different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). The mounting position (116) for the reinforcement A-pillar (118, 120, 122) of the disclosed embodiment has been designed with respect to the reinforcement A-pillars (118, 120, 122) of three different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). It should be noted that the mounting position (116) can be designed with respect to any other reinforcement A-pillar of any number of vehicles without limiting the scope of what is disclosed.
The shotgun assembly (100) also includes a plurality of fender bracket mountings (124) positioned longitudinally on the body (102) of the shotgun assembly (100). The fender bracket mountings (124) are positioned in such a manner that one or more fender bracket mountings (124) allow assembly of different fender panels (126, 128, 130) of the vehicles (V1, V2, V3). The fender bracket mountings (124) of the disclosed embodiment have been designed with respect to fender brackets (132, 134, 136) of three different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). It should be noted that the fender bracket mountings (124) can be designed with respect to any other fender brackets of any number of vehicles without limiting the scope of what is disclosed. The fender brackets (132, 134, 136) of the vehicle (V1, V2, V3) are bolted onto the shotgun assembly (100). It should be noted that the fender brackets (132, 134, 136) can be attached onto the shotgun assembly (100) with any other method such as fastening with rivets or welding, without limiting the scope of what is disclosed.
The shotgun assembly (100) further includes a hood hinge mounting (138) for different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). The hood hinge mounting (138) of the disclosed embodiment has been designed with respect to hood hinges (not shown) of three different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). It should be noted that the hood hinge mounting (138) can be designed with respect to any other hood hinge of any number of vehicles without limiting the scope of what is disclosed.
The front end (104) has a front bracket (139) which includes a mounting (140) for a hood bump stopper of the vehicles (V1, V2, V3). The mounting (140) of the disclosed embodiment has been designed with respect to hood bump stoppers (not shown) of three different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). It should be noted that mounting (140) can be designed with respect to any other hood bump stopper of any number of vehicles without limiting the scope of what is disclosed.
The front bracket (139) also includes a frunk locator and frunk mounting (142). The frunk locator and frunk mounting (142) of the disclosed embodiment has been designed with respect to a frunk (not shown) of three different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). It should be noted that the frunk locator and mounting (142) can be designed with respect to any other frunk of any number of vehicles without limiting the scope of what is disclosed. The frunk is a covered space in the front of a vehicle (V1, V2, V3) for carrying or storing items/luggage.
The body (102) also includes a plurality of hood hinge assembly fixture locator (144) for different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). The hood hinge assembly fixture locator (144) of the disclosed embodiment has been designed with respect to hood hinge assembly fixtures (not shown) of three different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). It should be noted that the hood hinge assembly fixture locator (144) can be designed with respect to any other hood hinge assembly fixtures of any number of vehicles without limiting the scope of what is disclosed.
The mounting position (116) includes a plurality of slots for plug welding (146) of the reinforcement A-pillar (118, 120, 122). A plug weld is a process that fuses two metals together by making a weld inside a small circular hole. The plug welding process involves two overlapping sheets of metal with holes in the metal sheet which overlaps the other metal sheet. The weld fills the hole in the uppermost metal sheet, joining the two sheets together. The slots for plug welding (146) have been designed with respect to the reinforcement A-pillar (118, 120, 122) of three different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). It should be noted that the slots for plug welding (146) can be designed with respect to any other reinforcement A-pillars of any number of vehicles without limiting the scope of what is disclosed.
The shotgun assembly (100) further includes a shotgun 4-way position locating point (PLP) (148) and a shotgun 2-way position locating point (PLP) (150). The PLPs (148, 150) are used to locate a part in a fixture to maintain position of the parts as per design intent and other interfaces. Parts are assembled with respect to PLPs (148, 150) to maintain position.
The shotgun assembly (100) is designed to fulfil the design objectives of the different vehicles (V1, V2, V3) such as acceleration, load condition, and energy absorption, etc. The disclosed shotgun assembly (100) fulfils design objectives of three different vehicles (V1, V2, V3). The main function of the shotgun assembly (100) is to absorb the energy through plastic deformation during a crash or an impact.
The shotgun assembly (100) is mounted to the reinforcement A-pillar (118, 120, 122) of the vehicle. The reinforcement A-pillar (118, 120, 122) fitted to the shotgun assembly (100) is formed from stamped sheet metal. It should be noted that the reinforcement A-pillar (118, 120, 122) of the disclosed embodiment can be formed through any other process without limiting the scope of what is disclosed.
The fender brackets (132, 134, 136) are bolted onto the plurality of fender bracket mountings (124) positioned longitudinally on the body (102) of the shotgun assembly (100). The fender panels (126, 128, 130) of the vehicle are mounted onto the shotgun assembly (100) with the help of a plurality of fender brackets (132, 134, 136). The fender to be mounted on the shotgun assembly (100) can be a stamped or a roll formed fender without limiting the scope of what is disclosed.
The front end (104) of the body (102) has brackets (108a, 108b) for mounting headlamp bracket (133a, 133b, 135a, 135b, 137). The headlamp (110, 112, 114) of different vehicles (V1, V2, V3) are mounted on the headlamp bracket (133a, 133b, 135a, 135b, 137). It should be noted that the brackets (108a, 108b) can be designed with respect to any other headlamp bracket of any number of vehicles without limiting the scope of what is disclosed. Further, it should also be noted that the headlamp bracket (133a, 133b, 135a, 135b, 137) can be designed with respect to any other headlamp of any number of vehicles without limiting the scope of what is disclosed.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the shotgun assembly (100) has been used for a first type of vehicle (V1). A headlamp (110) and a fender panel (126) of the first type of vehicle (V1) have been mounted onto the shotgun assembly (100).
As illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the fender panel (126) of the first type of vehicle (V1), has been mounted on the shotgun assembly (100) with the help of a plurality of fender brackets (132). The shotgun assembly (100) has been fitted with the reinforcement A-pillar (118) of the first type of vehicle (V1).
FIG. 3c illustrates an isometric view of the shotgun assembly (100), showing the mounting of the shotgun assembly (100) with the reinforcement A-pillar (118) of the first type of vehicle (V1) from another angle.
As illustrated in FIG. 4 the shotgun assembly (100) has been used for a second type of vehicle (V2). A headlamp (112) and a fender panel (128) of the second type of vehicle (V2) have been mounted onto the shotgun assembly (100).
As illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the fender panel (128) of a second type of vehicle (V2), has been mounted on the shotgun assembly (100) with the help of a plurality of fender brackets (134). The shotgun assembly (100) has been fitted with the A-pillar (120) of the second type of vehicle (V2).
FIG. 5c illustrates an isometric view of the shotgun assembly (100), showing the mounting of the shotgun assembly (100) with the reinforcement A-pillar (120) of the second type of vehicle (V2) from another angle.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the shotgun assembly (100) has been used for a third type of vehicle (V3). A headlamp (114) and a fender of the third type of vehicle (V3) have been mounted onto the shotgun assembly (100).
As illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b, the fender panel (130) of the third type of vehicle (V3) has been mounted on the shotgun assembly (100) with the help of a plurality of fender brackets (136). The shotgun assembly (100) has been fitted with the A-pillar (122) of the third type of vehicle (V3).
FIG. 7c illustrates an isometric view of the shotgun assembly (100), showing the mounting of the shotgun assembly (100) with the reinforcement A-pillar (122) of the third type of vehicle (V3) from another angle.
The present invention enables the use of a single part (the shotgun assembly) in a multi-model assembly line. The costs of the dies, tooling, jigs, and fixtures used for manufacturing different common shotgun assemblies for different vehicles is thereby reduced by part commonization. The shotgun assembly for different vehicles also greatly reduces the task of inventorying and time of assembly in a multi model assembly line. The commonization also allows for the standardization of parts, which simplifies production processes. With standardized modules, different assembly line techniques and automated systems can be leveraged, reducing the complexity of the production process, and increasing output.
The present invention enables quick scaling of the production with respect to demand with the help of standardization. The present invention provides a cost effective and time saving method of manufacturing shotgun assemblies in a multi model assembly line.
The shotgun assembly also enables a crash target for different vehicles to be achieved by only making slight modifications to surrounding parts in different vehicles.
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.
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.
, Claims:
1. A shotgun assembly (100) for a plurality of different vehicles (V1, V2, V3), the shotgun assembly (100) comprising:
a body (102) extending longitudinally and having a front end (104) and a rear end (106) opposite to the front end (104), the front end (104) providing a means for mounting different headlamps (110, 112, 114) of different vehicles (V1, V2, V3) and the rear end (106) providing a mounting position (116) for different A-pillars (118, 120, 122) of different vehicles (V1, V2, V3);
a hood hinge mounting (138) located on the body (102) of the shotgun assembly (100) for different vehicles (V1, V2, V3); and
a plurality of fender bracket mountings (124) positioned longitudinally on the body (102) of the shotgun assembly (100) in such a manner that one or more fender bracket mountings (124) allow assembly of fender panels (126, 128, 130) of different vehicles (V1, V2, V3).
2. The shotgun assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front end (104) has a front bracket (139) which includes a mounting (140) for a hood bump stopper of the vehicles (V1, V2, V3).
3. The shotgun assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the front bracket (139) has a frunk locator and frunk mounting (142).
4. The shotgun assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (102) has a plurality of hood hinge assembly fixture locators (144) for different vehicles (V1, V2, V3).
5. The shotgun assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting position (116) has a plurality of slots (146) for plug welding of the reinforcement A-pillar (118, 120, 122).
6. The shotgun assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front end (104) of the body (102) has one or more brackets (108a, 108b) for mounting one or more headlamp brackets (133a, 133b, 135a, 135b, 137).
7. The shotgun assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the headlamp (110, 112, 114) of different vehicles (V1, V2, V3) are mounted on the headlamp brackets (133a, 133b, 135a, 135b, 137).
8. The shotgun assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of fender brackets (132, 134, 136) are mounted to the plurality of fender bracket mountings (124).
9. The shotgun assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fender panels (126, 128, 130) are mounted to the shotgun assembly (100) with the help of the plurality of fender brackets (132, 134, 136).