Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to a novel design of a bracket for an inner door panel assembly. In particular, the present subject matter relates to a bracket for an inner door panel assembly structure, the bracket is mounted on the inner panel of the door around the latch mounting region.

BACKGROUND

[0002] During the side impact testing, the door latch should not get disengaged or should not get actuated. Hence, the door should not get opened during the impact test, to qualify the side impact test. However, in some cases, when the side impact barrier hits against the side door of the vehicle, the deformation of the side door outer panel happens in such a manner that the deformed outer panel of the side door makes contact with the latch open lever, which in turn actuates the latch open mechanism and eventually, the latch gets disengaged. This results in the opening of the side door of the vehicle during the side impact test and hence it does not qualify for the side impact test criterion.

[0003] Conventionally, the automotive door latch systems uses an actuation system, in which a beam or rod extends from a handle, mounted on either the outside or the inside of the door, to the latch, which allows manual unlatching of the latch so as to permit opening of the door. But the issue of the undesirable unlatching may occur, during the event of a collision impact upon a vehicle door, if either the latch operating rod or the latch release lever is moved to the unlatched position during the deformation of an outer portion of the door.

[0004] Another approach to prevent unwanted latch opening in the event of an impact against a door is by means of providingan additional beam reinforcement with a circular pipe. Such an approach is always not feasabile from part packaging, cost and weight perspective.

[0005] Therefore there is a need to provide a structure for protecting the latch mechanism and preventing its unwanted actuation in the event of an impact against a door.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] It forms an object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks/limitations.

[0007] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide the bracket for an inner door panel assembly at the latch area in such a manner that the latch mechanism is protected.

[0008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide the bracket with a stepped structure, which is mounted on the inner panel of the door around the latch mounting region so that a cage shaped structure is formed which provides additional stiffness to the door structure and helps in protecting the latch mechanism from impact loads during the side impact test.

[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide the bracket with the stepped structure, which provides additional stiffness to the door structure and helps in protecting the latch mechanism from impact loads.

[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide the bracket, which is more stable, lightweight and cost-efficient.

[0011] 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

[0012] A solution to one or more drawbacks of the 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.

[0013] The present disclosure offers a solution in the form of a bracket for an inner door panel assembly at the latch area in such a manner that the latch mechanism is protected. The bracket with a stepped structure is mounted on the inner panel of the door around the latch mounting region to provide additional stiffness to the door structure and helps in protecting the latch mechanism from impact loads during the side impact test.

[0014] The present invention also discloses a bracket for an inner door panel assembly structure, the bracket comprises a first planer portion, a second planer portion, a third planner portion. The first planer portion extends outward by making an angle with the second planner portion, and the third planer portion extends outward in the direction opposite to the direction of the first planner portion by making an angle with the second planner portion. A first bend joining the first planer portion and the second planer portion, and a second bend joining the second planer portion and the third planer portion. The second planer portion and the third planer portion have a stepped structure extending from the second planer portion to the third planer portion. The bracket is having a tapered surface extending towards a first end from a second end.

[0015] In an aspect of the present invention, the first planer portion is having an underneath corner for fixing the bracket with the inner door panel for better impact energy flow

[0016] In an aspect of the present invention, the bracket is mounted at the inner panel of the door around the latch mounting region, with the reinforcement, forming a cage shaped structure.

[0017] In an aspect of the present invention, the third planer portion is having at least one hole at the first end, and at least one hole at the second end.

[0018] In an aspect of the present invention, the stepped structure is having a plurality of beads folded at an angle ranging between 90 to 150 degrees.

[0019] In an aspect of the present invention, a vehicle having impact collision resistant door for providing latch mechanism during impact collision, the vehicle comprises a plurality of doors having brackets, each of the plurality of door comprises a latch mechanism and a bracket, the bracket comprises a first planer portion, a second planer portion, a third planner portion. The first planer portion extends outward by making an angle with the second planner portion and the third planer portion, extends outward in the direction opposite to the direction of the first planner portion by making an angle with the second planner portion, a first bend joining the first planer portion and the second planer portion, and a second bend joining the second planer portion and the third planer portion. The second planer portion and the third planer portion have a stepped structure extending from the second planer portion to the third planer portion. The bracket is having a tapered surface extending towards the first end from the second end.

[0020] 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

[0021] 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 provided 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:

[0022] Fig. 1 illustrates the top view of the bracket for the inner door panel assembly structure, according to the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 2 illustrates the side view of the bracket for the inner door panel assembly structure, according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 3 illustrates the positioning of the bracket at the inner door panel assembly structure, according to the present disclosure;

[0025] 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

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled 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.

[0030] 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 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The present invention relates to a bracket for an inner door panel assembly structure, the bracket having a first planer portion, a second planer portion, a third planer portion, a first end and a second end. The bracket also includes a first bend joining the first planer portion and the second planer portion, and a second bend joining the second planer portion and the third planer portion. The second planer portion and the third planer portion have stepped structure extending from the second planer portion to the third planer portion. The bracket is having a tapered surface extending towards the first end from the second end. Further, the first planer portion is having an underneath corner for fixing the bracket with the inner door panel around the latch mounting region.

[0033] The present invention relates to a vehicle having impact collision resistant door for providing latch mechanism during impact collision, the vehicle comprises a plurality of door having bracket, each of the plurality of door comprises a latch mechanism and a bracket, the bracket comprises a first planer portion, a second planer portion, a third planner portion. The first planer portion extends outward by making an angle with the second planner portion and the third planer portion, extends outward in the direction opposite to the direction of the first planner portion by making an angle with the second planner portion, a first bend joining the first planer portion and the second planer portion, and a second bend joining the second planer portion and the third planer portion. The second planer portion and the third planer portion have a stepped structure extending from the second planer portion to the third planer portion. The bracket is having a tapered surface extending towards the first end from the second end.

[0034] Referring to Fig. 1 illustrates the top view of the bracket (100) for an inner door panel assembly structure. The bracket (100) for an inner door panel assembly structure, the bracket (100) comprises a first planer portion (102), a second planer portion (104), a third planner portion (106). The first planer portion (102) extends outward by making an angle with the second planner portion (104) and the third planer portion (106), extends outward in the direction opposite to the direction of the first planner portion (102) by making an angle with the second planner portion (104). The first bend (112) joining the first planer portion (102) and the second planer portion (104), and a second bend (114) joining the second planer portion (104) and the third planer portion (106). The second planer portion (104) and the third planer portion (106) have a stepped structure (120) extending from the second planer portion (104) to the third planer portion (106). The stepped structure (120) is having a plurality of crest and trough.The stepped structure (120) provides additional stiffness to the bracket (100).The bracket (100) is having a tapered surface extending towards the first end (110) from the second end (108). Further, the first planer portion (102) is having an underneath corner (122) for fixing the bracket (100) with the inner door panel around the latch mounting region. Further, the bracket (100) is mounted at the inner door panel of the door around the latch mounting region, with the existing reinforcement of the door panel, forming cage shaped structure or C shaped structure. Moreover, the third planer portion (106) is having at least one hole (118) at the first end (110), and at least one hole (116) at the second end (108) for fixing the bracket (100) with the inner door panel assembly structure.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 2 illustrates the side view of the bracket (100) for an inner door panel assembly structure according to the present invention. The bracket (100) for an inner door panel assembly structure, the bracket (100) comprises the first planer portion (102), the second planer portion (104), the third planner portion (106). The first planer portion (102) extends outward by making an angle with the second planner portion (104) and the third planer portion (106), extends outward in the direction opposite to the direction of the first planner portion (102) by making an angle with the second planner portion (104). The first bend (112) joining the first planer portion (102) and the second planer portion (104), and a second bend (114) joining the second planer portion (104) and the third planer portion (106). The second planer portion (104) and the third planer portion (106) have a stepped structure (120) extending from the second planer portion (104) to the third planer portion (106). The bracket (100) is having plurality of beads folded at an angle ranging between 90 to 150 degrees. The bracket (100) is having a tapered surface extending towards the first end (110) from the second end (108). The width of the bracket (100) is minimum at the first end (110) and increases while extending towards the second end (108).

[0036] Referring to Fig. 3 illustrates the positioning of the bracket (100) at the inner door panel assembly structure, according to the present disclosure. The present invention discloses the vehicle having impact collision resistant door for providing latch mechanism during impact collision, the vehicle comprises a plurality of doors having bracket (100), each of the plurality of door comprises a latch mechanism and a bracket (100), the bracket (100) comprises a first planer portion (102), a second planer portion (104), a third planner portion (106). The first planer portion (102) extends outward by making an angle with the second planner portion (104) and the third planer portion (106), extends outward in the direction opposite to the direction of the first planner portion (102) by making an angle with the second planner portion (104). The first bend (112) joining the first planer portion (102) and the second planer portion (104), and a second bend (114) joining the second planer portion (104) and the third planer portion (106). The second planer portion (104) and the third planer portion (106) have a stepped structure (120) extending from the second planer portion (104) to the third planer portion (106), and the bracket (100) is having a tapered surface extending towards the first end (110) from the second end (108).

[0037] Further, the first planer portion (102) of the bracket (100) is fixed at multiple position with the inner door panel assembly structure through a plurality of rivets or any other connecting means, covering the latch mechanism of the inner door panel assembly structure. Further, the bracket (100) is mounted at the inner door panel of the door around the latch mounting region, with the existing reinforcement of the door panel, forming cage shaped structure or C shaped structure. The underneath corner (122) of the first planer portion (102) provides better and more stable positioning of the bracket (100) with the inner door panel assembly structure.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES

[0038] With the help of the solution as proposed herein in the context of the present disclosure, by providing the bracket for an inner door panel assembly at the latch area in such a manner that the latch mechanism is protected.

[0039] The present disclosure is able to provide the bracket with a stepped structure, which is mounted on the inner panel of the door, around the latch mounting region to provide additional stiffness to the door structure and helps in protecting the latch mechanism from impact loads during the side impact test.

[0040] The present disclosure is able to provide the bracket with the stepped structure, which provides additional stiffness to the door structure and helps in protecting the latch mechanism from impact loads.

[0041] The present disclosure is able to provide the bracket which is more stable, lightweight and cost-efficient.

[0042] 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 skilled in 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.”

[0043] 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 (100) for an inner door panel assembly structure, the bracket (100) comprises:
a first planer portion (102);
a second planer portion (104);
a third planner portion (106), wherein the first planer portion (102) extends outward by making an angle with the second planner portion (104) and the third planer portion (106), extends outward in the direction opposite to the direction of the first planner portion (102) by making an angle with the second planner portion (104);
a first bend (112) joining the first planer portion (102) and the second planer portion (104), and a second bend (114) joining the second planer portion (104) and the third planer portion (106),
wherein the second planer portion (104) and the third planer portion (106) have a stepped structure (120) extending from the second planer portion (104) to the third planer portion (106), and
wherein the bracket (100) is having a tapered surface extending towards a first end (110) from a second end (108).

2. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first planer portion (102) is having an underneath corner (122) for fixing the bracket (100) at the inner door panel.

3. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (100) is mounted at the inner panel of the door around the latch mounting region, with the existing reinforcement, forming a cage shaped structure.

4. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third planer portion (106) is having at least one hole (118) at the first end (110), and at least one hole (116) at the second end (108).

5. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stepped structure (120) is having a plurality of beads folded at an angle ranging between 90 to 150 degrees.

6. A vehicle having impact collision resistant door for providing latch mechanism during impact collision, the vehicle comprises:
a plurality of door having bracket (100);
each of the plurality of door comprises a latch mechanism and a bracket (100), the bracket (100) comprises:
a first planer portion (102);
a second planer portion (104);
a third planner portion (106), wherein the first planer portion (102) extends outward by making an angle with the second planner portion (104) and the third planer portion (106), extends outward in the direction opposite to the direction of the first planner portion (102) by making an angle with the second planner portion (104);
a first bend (112) joining the first planer portion (102) and the second planer portion (104), and a second bend (114) joining the second planer portion (104) and the third planer portion (106),
wherein the second planer portion (104) and the third planer portion (106) have a stepped structure (120) extending from the second planer portion (104) to the third planer portion (106), and
wherein the bracket (100) is having a tapered surface extending towards the first end (110) from the second end (108).

Dated this 30th day of May 2022