Description:A REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to a front vehicle door. The present invention is particularly related to a reinforcement structure of a vehicle door.

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] A reinforcement for the beltline is positioned within the internal cavity of the primary body section of the side door of a vehicle. This elongated beltline reinforcement is aligned in the front-rear direction and is situated along the beltline of the vehicle door. Its primary purpose is to fortify the vehicle door against external forces applied to the side of the vehicle, essentially in the width direction of the door.
[0004] The elongated configuration of the beltline reinforcement serves the function of channeling forces exerted on the vehicle door from either the front or rear of the vehicle, i.e., along the front-rear direction of the door, towards a corresponding component of the vehicle body located at the rear or front of the door. During a collision, especially a side impact, the doors are vulnerable areas. A well-reinforced beltline provides additional support to the door structure, contributing to the crashworthiness of the vehicle and the protection of occupants. The beltline reinforcement effectively transmits the impact force to a central pillar positioned behind the reinforcement.
[0005] This load transmission capability of the beltline reinforcement ensures that forces generated from the front or rear impacts are directed to the relevant vehicle body components. In instances like frontal collisions, where the beltline reinforcement plays a crucial role, it contributes to the overall absorption of forces by the entire vehicle body.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need to improve the load absorption ability of beltline area by strengthening it.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] 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.
[0008] It is a primary objective of the present disclosure to strengthen the beltline area.
[0009] In is another object of the present disclosure to enhance the overall structural robustness of the vehicle, ensuring a higher level of safety and crash protection.
[0010] It is another objective of the present disclosure to enhance the enhance the structural integrity of doors of the vehicle.
[0011] It is another objective of the present disclosure to improve the passenger safety in a vehicle.
[0012] 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
[0013] 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.
[0014] The present disclosure provides a reinforcement structure for strengthening a belt line reinforcement of a vehicle door. The reinforcement structure comprises an elongated member extended in a front-rear direction of the vehicle door, having at least two ends connected respectively to an A and B pillar of the front door. The reinforcement structure comprises a cross-section A-A´ forming a box section configuration with the belt line reinforcement.
[0015] In an aspect, the elongated member has at least two ends connected respectively to an A and B pillar of the front door, the elongated member comprising, an upper wall portion, a lower wall portion, wherein a step portion is provided between the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion, a plurality of depressions provided along a length of the elongated member on the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion.
[0016] In an aspect, the lower wall portion defines a boat-shaped structure having a plurality of ends extending in an upward direction.
[0017] In an aspect, a plurality of flanges extends horizontally from at least two ends of the reinforcement structure, wherein the plurality of flanges forms a joinery with ends of the belt line reinforcement.
[0018] In an aspect, the step portion is provided at an angle ranging from 7 to 10 degrees..
[0019] In an aspect, a plurality of depressions are provided at a predetermined gap along the length of the elongated member on the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion.
[0020] In an aspect, the plurality of depressions on the upper wall portion is alternatively positioned from the depressions on the lower wall portion.
[0021] In an aspect, the step portion is tapered at the outer periphery of the depressions and the datum holes.
[0022] 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
[0023] 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:
[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of a reinforcement structure mounted on the belt line reinforcement according to the present disclosure;
[0025] Fig. 2 illustrates another front view of the reinforcement structure according to the present disclosure; and
[0026] Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-section (A-A´) view of the reinforcement structure according to the present disclosure.
[0027] 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
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] The present invention discloses a reinforcement structure that is provided in connection with the A and B pillars of the vehicle, wherein the reinforcement structure forms a box section to improve strength of the the belt line reinforcement.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1 and 2, the present invention discloses a reinforcement structure (100) that strengthens a belt line structure (101) on a front door, the reinforcement structure (100) comprises an elongated member (102) that is extended in the front-rear direction along the belt line reinforcement (101) of the vehicle door. The elongated member (102) has at least two ends (103a, 103b) that may be respectively connected to an A and B pillar of the vehicle door.
[0036] The elongated member (102) further comprises an upper wall portion (104a), a lower wall portion (104b), and a step portion (105) that is provided between the upper wall portion (104a) and the lower wall portion (104b). Furthermore, a plurality of depressions (201, 203) is provided along the length of the elongated member (102) on the upper wall portion (104a) and the lower wall portion (104b).
[0037] In an embodiment, the elongated member (102) extends horizontally, forming a connection by attaching at least two ends (103a, 103b) to the A and B pillars of the vehicle door. This integration ensures that the reinforcement structure (100) becomes a part of the overall vehicle framework, significantly enhancing the stability and robustness of the vehicle door.
[0038] In an embodiment, the elongated member (102) forms a box section configuration with the belt line reinforcement when viewed in cross-section (A-A') (Figure 3). Further, connectivity and integration of the elongated member are imperative with a plurality of horizontal flanges (106a, 106b) that extend from at least two ends (103a, 103b) of the elongated member (102).
[0039] The horizontal flanges (106a, 106b) ensure secure and stable joinery with the corresponding ends of the belt line reinforcement (101). The horizontal flanges (106a, 106b), forming a connection interface, align with the ends of the belt line reinforcement (101), creating a robust and cohesive linkage. The arrangement of the horizontal flanges (106a, 106b) establishes a secure bond, contributing to the overall structural integrity of the vehicle door.
[0040] In various embodiments, the design of the horizontal flanges (106a, 106b) may be adapted to suit specific vehicle models or structural considerations. The adaptability of the horizontal flanges (106a, 106b) allows for customization, ensuring that the reinforcement structure (100) may be effectively incorporated into different door designs without compromising its functionality.
[0041] The horizontal flanges (106a, 106b) play a crucial role in the load distribution and transfer mechanism, channeling forces, and stresses between the elongated member (102) and the belt line reinforcement (101).
[0042] Ref. Fig. 1. 2 and 3. The upper wall portion (104a) within the reinforcement structure helps in fortifying the belt line reinforcement (101) of the vehicle door. The upper wall portion (104a) is positioned along the front-rear direction, to withstand and distribute loads effectively, contributing to the safety and structural integrity of the entire vehicle.
[0043] In certain embodiments, the upper wall portion (104a) is not limited to a uniform profile. It may exhibit variations in thickness, and contour, or even incorporate additional structural features, to tailor the reinforcement structure (100) to specific vehicle requirements.
[0044] Furthermore, the upper wall portion (104a) may be subject to a tapering effect, where the ends (205a, 205b) of the upper wall portion (104a) gradually decrease in width. The tapering enhances the rigidity and load-bearing capabilities of the upper wall portion (104a).
[0045] The lower wall portion (104b) of the elongated member (102) in the reinforcement structure (100) enhances the overall structural integrity of the vehicle door. The lower wall portion (104b) complements the upper wall portion (104a) and contributes to the formation of a robust and well-balanced structure.
[0046] In an embodiment, the lower wall portion (104b) defines a boat-shaped structure with a plurality of ends (202a, 202b) extending in an upward direction. The boat-shaped structure imparts strength and stability to the lower part of the elongated member (102). The upward extension of the plurality of ends (202a, 202b) provides additional support and reinforcement. Also, the boat-shaped configuration helps in efficiently distributing and absorbing external forces. In the event of lateral impacts or other loading conditions on the vehicle door, the boat-shaped lower wall portion acts as a buffer, helping to disperse forces and minimize stress concentrations to the plurality of flanges (106a, 106b) that are joined with ends of the belt line reinforcement (101).
[0047] In various embodiments, the specific geometry and dimensions of the lower wall portion (104b) may be adjusted to cater to different vehicle models, structural requirements, or manufacturing considerations.
[0048] Further, the plurality of depressions (201, 203) on both the upper and lower wall portions (104a, 104b) of the elongated member (102) may enhance the structural characteristics of the reinforcement structure (100). The plurality of depressions (201, 203), are incorporated along the length of the upper wall portion (104a) and the lower wall portion (104b) on the elongated member (102), and contribute to the overall strength, rigidity, and load-distribution capabilities of the vehicle door structure. Also, the plurality of depressions ( 201) on the upper wall portion (104a) are alternatively positioned from the depressions (203) on the lower wall portion (104b).
[0049] Furthermore, the plurality of depressions (201, 203) provide additional surface area for welding or joining the elongated member (102) to the belt line reinforcement (101) of the vehicle door. The welding connection, established through the depressions, enhances the overall integration and coherence of the reinforcement structure (100), ensuring that it functions as a unified and robust component within the vehicle door.
[0050] In another embodiment, the depressions (201, 203) may vary in size, depth, or pattern to accommodate specific design requirements, load considerations, or manufacturing constraints. The flexibility in the design of the plurality of depressions (201, 203) allows for customization based on the intended application or the unique characteristics of different vehicle models.
[0051] Also, the reinforcement structure (100) incorporates a step portion (105) that enhances the overall strength and rigidity of the reinforcement structure (100). The step portion (105) is positioned between the upper wall portion (104a) and the lower wall portion (104b) along the length of the elongated member (102). The step portion (105) provides additional reinforcement and support to the elongated member (102). Further, the step portion (105) contributes to the formation of a box section with the belt line reinforcement, further enhancing the stiffness and load-bearing capacity of the reinforcement structure (100). The box section configuration with the belt line reinforcement, in cross-section A-A' (refer to Fig. 4), not only augments the structural integrity but also ensures the effective distribution of forces encountered during various loading conditions, such as side impacts or collisions.
[0052] In an embodiment, the step portion (105) may have a tapered design, gradually decreasing in width or thickness around an outer periphery of the depressions (201, 203) and the plurality of paired datum holes (204a, 204b). The tapering may be adjusted based on specific design requirements or considerations related to optimizing strength and weight distribution.
[0053] In an embodiment, the step portion (105) is inclined at an angle ranging from 7 to 10 degrees to meet structural requirements and influence the overall performance of the reinforcement structure (100) in terms of load distribution, resistance to deformation, and other mechanical properties.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0054] The present invention significantly enhances the structural integrity of the vehicle door, making it more resistant to deformations and impacts.
[0055] The present invention ensures the effective distribution of forces during various loading conditions, such as side impacts or collisions, enhancing the overall load-bearing capacity of the vehicle door.
[0056] 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.”
[0057] 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 reinforcement structure (100) a vehicle door, the reinforcement structure (100) comprising:
an elongated member (102) extended in a front-rear direction 101of the vehicle door, having at least two ends (103a, 103b) connected respectively to an A and B pillar of the front door, wherein the reinforcement structure (100) comprises a cross-section A-A´ forming a box section configuration with the belt line reinforcement (101).
2. The reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated member (102) comprises:
an upper wall portion (104a), a lower wall portion (104b), wherein a step portion (105) is provided between the upper wall portion (104a) and the lower wall portion (104b); and
a plurality of depressions (201, 203) provided along a length of the elongated member (102) on the upper wall portion (104a) and the lower wall portion (104b).
3. The reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lower wall portion (104b) defines a boat-shaped structure having a plurality of ends (202a, 202b) extending in an upwards direction.
4. The reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of flanges (106a, 106b) extend horizontally from at least two ends (103a, 103b) of the reinforcement structure (100), wherein the plurality of flanges (106a, 106b) form a joinery with ends of the belt line reinforcement (101).
5. The reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step portion (105) is provided at an angle ranging from 7 to 10 degrees.
6. The reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of depressions (201, 203) is provided at a predetermined gap along the length of the elongated member (102) on the upper wall portion (104a) and the lower wall portion (104b).
7. The reinforcement structure (1200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of paired datum holes (204a, 204b) are provided at the two ends of the elongated member (201102).
8. The reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claims 1 or 9, wherein the step portion is tapered at an outer periphery of the depressions (201, 203) and the datum holes (204a, 204b).