Description:ENERGY ABSORBING BRACKET STRUCTURE FOR PEDESTRIAN HEAD IMPACT ON HOOD HINGE BRACKET

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to a front hood hinge assembly in a vehicle. The present invention is particularly related to a bracket structure mounted on the hood hinge bracket provided on the hood hinge assembly of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The automotive industry places significant emphasis on pedestrian safety, with various regulatory standards, such as the AIS-100 Indian regulation, mandating strict compliance for all vehicles. One critical aspect of pedestrian safety is the absorption and distribution of energy during pedestrian head impacts. To achieve this, vehicle manufacturers must carefully consider the design of components that come into direct or indirect contact with pedestrians in the event of an impact.
[0004] A crucial area of concern is the front hood hinge assembly, which plays a vital role in the structural integrity of the vehicle's front area and pedestrian safety as it comprises several rigid parts which makes the vehicle hood hinge region as rigid region. The front hood hinge assembly not only supports the hood but also serves as the mounting point for fenders, contributing to the overall aesthetics and design of the vehicle.
[0005] As per the safety regulations, the fender mounting brackets must be designed to absorb and distribute impact energy during a pedestrian collision effectively. Simultaneously, these brackets must withstand various loads experienced during the normal functioning of the hood, ensuring the vehicle's structural robustness under normal operating conditions.
[0006] In existing designs of vehicles, considering styling and layout requirements, sometimes the fender is directly mounted over the hood hinge bracket and sometimes a separate fender mounting bracket is provided on the hood hinge bracket. Therefore, for vehicles in which a fender stay bracket is provided over the hood hinge bracket, it is important to design a fender bracket that fulfils both the design and safety requirements.
[0007] While fender mounting brackets of different shapes are already employed in hood hinge assembly, meeting both the design and safety requirements simultaneously presents a challenge. Further, the mounting positions of the fender mounting bracket with respect to the hood hinge bracket also play an important role in fulfilling contradictory requirements of achieving optimal energy absorption and structural strength.
[0008] Moreover, an additional limitation is that placing the fender mounting bracket farther from the rotation axis toward the base of the hood hinge bracket creates increased spacing between the two brackets, facilitating deformation of the hood hinge bracket and consequently leading to reduced HIC (Head Injury Criterion) values.
[0009] Due to these constraints, certain existing fender mounting bracket designs may fall short of adequately addressing both the safety and design aspects. While these brackets provide basic support for the fenders, they may not effectively address pedestrian safety requirements.
[0010] Further, the fender mounting bracket is improved in strength by using reinforced materials or thicker components. While this approach enhances structural integrity, it may lead to increased weight and cost. Additionally, the reinforced brackets may still lack optimal energy-absorbing capabilities, limiting their performance in pedestrian safety.
[0011] As a result, there is a need for innovative solutions that can harmoniously blend the requirements of pedestrian head impact energy absorption and structural integrity during regular vehicle operations within the front hood hinge assembly.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0012] It forms an object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks/limitations in the existing solutions available in the form of related prior arts.
[0013] It is a primary object of the present disclosure to provide a bracket structure that is specifically optimized to excel in both pedestrian safety and vehicle structural strength.
[0014] It is another object of the present disclosure to shift the welding spot location of the bracket structure on a hood hinge bracket in a direction away from the impact location.
[0015] It is another object of the present disclosure to maximize the distance between the impact bearing location (bolt location) and the hinge location (weld location) and enhancing the bracket's energy-absorbing capabilities during pedestrian head impact.
[0016] It is another object of the present disclosure to ensure that the bracket structure meets the requirements of safety regulations, such as the AIS-100 Indian regulation.
[0017] It is another object of the present disclosure to enhance the structural strength and durability of the bracket structure.
[0018] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a cost-effective solution to achieve the above objectives.
[0019] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.

SUMMARY
[0020] A solution to one or more drawbacks of existing technology and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0021] The present disclosure provides a solution in the form of a bracket structure to absorb energy during a pedestrian head impact. The bracket structure comprises a base portion, an inclined portion, a middle bend portion that connects the base portion with the inclined portion. A top portion projects forward from the inclined portion in a perpendicular direction from the base portion and is provided with a mounting hole. The base portion defines at least two mounting portions at the lower end portion, wherein a combination of the inclined portion and the top portion defines a cantilever configuration with respect to the base portion to absorb impact energy by deforming in a downward direction.
[0022] In an aspect, the middle bend portion is a curved structure that is inclined inwards.
[0023] In an aspect, a plurality of embosses is defined around at least two mounting portions on the base portion.
[0024] In an aspect, a continuous flange extends perpendicularly from both lateral sides of the fender-stay bracket structure.
[0025] In an aspect, the width of the continuous flange gradually increases from the top portion to the base portion.
[0026] In an aspect, the continuous flange provided on the other side starts from the top portion till a cut-out portion is provided on the base portion.
[0027] In an aspect, the cross-sectional area of the bracket structure decreases gradually from the base portion to the top portion.
[0028] In an aspect, beads are positioned on the outer periphery of the mounting portions.
[0029] In an aspect, the bracket structure defines a curved profile.
[0030] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0031] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket structure on the hood hinge bracket according to the present disclosure;
[0033] Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of the bracket structure according to the present disclosure;
[0034] Fig. 3a illustrates a side view of the bracket structure according to the present disclosure;
[0035] Fig. 3b illustrates another side view of the bracket structure according to the present disclosure;
[0036] Fig. 4 illustrates assembled bracket structure on the hood hinge bracket according to the present disclosure.
[0037] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0038] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0039] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0040] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0042] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0043] Hereinafter, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1. The present invention relates to a bracket structure (200) connected to a hood hinge bracket (101) to absorb energy during pedestrian head impact, and to enhance the pedestrian safety and to improve the vehicle structural integrity.
[0045] The fender bracket structure (200) comprises of several key elements, including a base portion (201), an inclined portion (203), a middle bend portion (202), and a top portion (204). These components are interconnected to form a cantilever configuration, optimizing energy absorption capabilities while providing strength for fender mounting.
[0046] As shown in Fig. 1, 2, and 3a, an arrow indicated by ‘Y’ indicates a longitudinal direction in the vehicle length direction, an arrow indicated by ‘Z’ indicates a vertical direction in the vehicle height direction, and an arrow indicated by ‘X’ indicates a transverse direction in the vehicle width direction. The bracket structure (200) is positioned along the Y-direction along the vehicle length on the vehicle hood hinge bracket (101).
[0047] As shown in fig. 1, the base portion (201) extends in the longitudinal direction ‘Y’ and an inclined portion (203) along with the middle bend portion (202) that extends in the upward direction ‘Z’; and the top portion (204) extends in the transverse direction ‘X’.
[0048] The height dimension of the bracket structure (200) represents the vertical extent of the bracket structure (200) from its bottom to its top. It is measured perpendicular to both the length and breadth, indicating the distance from the bottom surface to the highest point of the bracket structure (200).
[0049] One of the important features of the bracket structure (200) is the middle bend portion (202), which is curved and inclined inwards. The middle bend portion (202) acts as a bending point or deformation point for the inclined portion (203). This curvature optimizes energy absorption during pedestrian impacts by allowing controlled deformation. The inclined portion (203) and the top portion (204) combine to form a cantilever configuration with respect to the base portion (201), further enhancing the bracket's energy-absorbing capabilities.
[0050] In addition to its structural design, the cross-sectional area of the bracket structure (200) decreases gradually from the base portion (201) to the top portion (204). This feature further optimizes energy absorption, allowing controlled deformation during pedestrian impacts, along with optimization of the material being used in manufacturing the bracket structure (200).
[0051] Overall, the bracket structure (200) presents a curved profile, providing both energy absorption and structural stability benefits. The cantilever configuration of the bracket structure (200) contributes to improved pedestrian safety and consistent fender mounting within the hood hinge bracket (101).
[0052] To accommodate various vehicle models and sizes, the bracket structure (200) can be modified. Where dimensions may be tailored with required length, breadth, and height, allowing automotive manufacturers to select the most suitable bracket for different vehicle configurations and pedestrian safety specifications.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 2. The base portion (201) of the bracket structure (200) serves as the foundation and defines at least two mounting portions (301a, 301b) at its lower end. These mounting portions (301a, 301b) are designed to be attached securely to the base portion (201) of a hood hinge bracket (101 as provided in Fig. 1), ensuring precise and stable positioning of the bracket structure (200).
[0054] In an embodiment, the bracket structure (200) includes the reinforced base portion (201) with additional beads (306) to enhance its strength and rigidity. The beads (306) are positioned around the outer periphery of the mounting portions (301a, 301b) to provide increased load-bearing capacity, ensuring optimal support for the fender panel and improved resistance to bending forces. Also, a cut-out portion (307) is provided on the base portion (201) adjacent to the mounting portions (301a, 301b).
[0055] The base portion (201) of the bracket structure (200) is extended horizontally towards the Y-direction along the length of the vehicle body from the front end to the rear end.
[0056] To reinforce the bracket structure (200), a plurality of embosses (302, 303) is defined around at least two mounting portions (304a, 304b) on the base portion (201). The embosses (302, 303) are provided along the X-axis and are placed apart from one another. Further, the embosses (302, 303) are extended outwards from the base (201). The embosses (302, 303) provide additional strength and durability, making the bracket structure (200) suitable for absorbing impact energy while maintaining its structural integrity during normal vehicle functioning.
[0057] To facilitate precise assembly and positioning, the two mounting portions (304a, 304b) are present on at least two embosses (302, 303) at the lower portion (201) of the cantilever structure. The two mounting portions (304a, 304b) ensure accurate alignment during the installation of the bracket structure (200), contributing to consistent fender mounting with the hood hinge bracket (101 as provided in Fig. 1).
[0058] For further structural stability, continuous flanges (305a, 305b) extend perpendicularly from both lateral sides of the bracket structure (200).
[0059] Ref. Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b. The continuous flange (305a) on one side of the fender-stay bracket structure (200) starts from the top portion (204) till an edge of the base portion (201). Further, the width of the continuous flange (305a) increases from the top portion (204) to the base portion (201), contributing to the strength of the bracket structure (200). The continuous flange (305b) on the other side starts from the top portion (204) till the cut-out portion (307 as provided in Fig. 2) provided on the base portion (201), providing additional support without compromising its mounting positions. The continuous flange (305a) and the continuous flange (305b) are located parallel to each other on the bracket structure (200).
[0060] Ref. to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the assembly of the bracket structure (200) on the hood hinge bracket (101) is achieved through welding on the mounting portions (301a, 301b). Also, a secure fastening process utilizing a fastening hole (205) provided on the top portion (204) of the bracket structure (200) to fasten the bracket structure (200) with the fender.
[0061] Fasteners such as bolts or screws are then inserted through the fastening hole (205) to tightly affix the fender to the bracket structure (200). This assembly method ensures a robust connection, enhancing the overall rigidity and stability of the bracket structure (200) within the vehicle's front hood area. The fastening hole (205) design allows for precise positioning and alignment during the assembly process, resulting in the consistent and reliable mounting of the bracket structure (200) to effectively absorb energy during a pedestrian head impact event while providing ample strength to support the mounting loads during normal vehicle operation.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0062] With the help of the solution as proposed herein in the context of the present disclosure, the present invention is specifically optimized to excel in both pedestrian safety and vehicle structural strength. By strategically spot-welding the bracket structure at two locations on the base of the hood hinge bracket, a cantilever-type structure is formed. This design maximizes the distance between the impact bearing location (bolt location) and the hinge location (weld location), enhancing the energy-absorbing capabilities of the bracket structure during pedestrian head impact.
[0063] The bracket structure incorporates embosses at the spot-welded regions, providing additional strength and durability to endure various loads experienced during regular vehicle operation. The bracket structure also features a unique bend at its center, which further contributes to energy absorption during pedestrian impacts. Additionally, the bracket's width is designed to decrease gradually from the bottom to the top, optimizing energy absorption capabilities and material requirements.
[0064] The bracket structure ensures more energy absorption during pedestrian impacts, while simultaneously maintaining the structural integrity needed for robust vehicle performance under regular operating conditions. As such, this inventive solution offers a significant advancement in front hood hinge assembly design, significantly enhancing pedestrian safety and overall vehicle safety compliance.
[0065] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to disclosures containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Also, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0066] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present disclosure contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the disclosure, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Also, while a feature of the present disclosure may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present disclosure. The present disclosure also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature. , Claims:We claim:
1. A bracket structure (200) to absorb energy during a pedestrian head impact, the bracket structure (200) comprising:
a base portion (201);
an inclined portion (203);
a middle bend portion (202) that connects the base portion (201) with the inclined portion (203); and
a top portion (204) projects forward from the inclined portion (203) in a perpendicular direction from the base portion (201) and is provided with a mounting hole (205),
wherein the base portion (201) defines at least two mounting portions (301a, 301b) at its lower-end portion,
wherein a combination of the inclined portion (203) and the top portion (204) defines a cantilever configuration with respect to the base portion (201).

2. The bracket structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the middle bend portion (202) is a curved structure that is inclined inwards.

3. The bracket structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of embosses (302, 303) are defined around at least two mounting portions (304a, 304b) on the base portion (201).

4. The bracket structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a continuous flange (305a, 305b) extends perpendicularly from both lateral sides of the fender-stay bracket structure (200).

5. The bracket structure (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a width of the continuous flange (305a) gradually increases from the top portion (204) to the base portion (201).

6. The bracket structure (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the continuous flange (305b) provided on the other side starts from the top portion (204) till a cut-out portion (307) that is provided on the base portion (201).

7. The bracket structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the bracket structure (200) decreases gradually from the base portion (201) to the top portion (204).

8. The bracket structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein beads (306) are positioned on the outer periphery of the mounting portions (301a, 301b).

9. The bracket structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket structure (200) defines a curved profile.