Description:A BRACKET TO REINFORCE A SASH MOUNTING AREA IN A VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional design of the sash mounting area of the door inner panel is not stiff enough to sustain and resist the cyclic stress generated at the sash mounting area during the door open close test. With the evolution of time, the testing conditions are becoming severer and more precise. During the door open close test the door inner panel should not get cracked or deformed near the sash mounting area. However, in some cases, during door open close test, crack near sash mounting is generated which can cause additional defects like abnormal noise,vibration and further damage to door structure.

[0003] Another issue with the conventional design of the sash mounting area of the door inner panel is that when the door is slammed and the glass of the door moves in to and fro direction. This to and fro movement of the glass causes buckling of sash mounting bracket, which in turn causes high stress at the door inner panel, causing cracks and deformation.

[0004] The issues of the conventional design of the sash mounting area can be addressed generally by increasing the inner panel thickness, but this approach is not feasible. Increasing the thickness may create a big difference with reference to the cost and weight of the vehicle. Another approach to address the issues of the conventional design of the sash mounting area is by changing the sash mounting region design, but the drastic change in design is not always feasible, and further, it can also compromise the aesthetics of the vehicle. The main disadvantage of changing the sash mounting region design is that the stiffness of the local area cannot be increased in an optimum way.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide a bracket to reinforce the door inner panel around the sash mounting area to avoid stress concentration.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a T-shape bracket to reinforce the door inner panel around the sash mounting area where the high stress is formed during the door open close test.

[0008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide the T-shape bracket for the door inner panel at the sash mounting area in such a manner that the stress concentration is avoided and distributed by connecting the low stiffness region of inner panel with the high stiffness region, of the door inner panel.

[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide the T-shape bracket, which is more stable, lightweight and cost-efficient.

[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide the sash mounting area with an emboss which provides additional strength to the door inner panel.

[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 T-shape bracket for a door inner panel at the sash mounting area in such a manner that the stress concentration is avoided and distributed by connecting the low stiffness region with the high stiffness region, of the door inner panel.

[0014] The present invention also discloses a bracket to reinforce a sash mounting area in a vehicle, comprising a horizontal portion and a vertical portion that intersect to form a T-shape bracket. The horizontal portion of the T-shape bracket has at least one hole at the intersection, to settle with atleast one hole of the matching area of a door inner panel with an emboss periphery, maintaining a gap between the T-shape bracket and the door inner panel. The vertical portion of the T-shape bracket has a rib structure to provide additional stiffness to the T-shape bracket. The T-shape bracket is designed to connect a low stiffness region of inner panel to a high stiffness region of the door inner panel, at the sash mounting area.

[0015] In an aspect of the present invention, the emboss periphery extends till the bending point of the T-shape bracket, forming the matching area for the T-shape bracket.

[0016] In an aspect of the present invention, the T-shape bracket connects the low stiffness region to the high stiffness region of the door inner panel for strain energy flow to avoid stress concentration.

[0017] In an aspect of the present invention, the emboss periphery at the sash mounting area provides additional strength to the matching area when connected with the T-shape bracket.

[0018] 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

[0019] 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:

[0020] Fig. 1 illustrates a T-shape bracket to reinforce a sash mounting area in a door inner panel assembly structure, according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Fig. 2 illustrates an emboss along with the emboss periphery of the sash mounting area in the inner door panel assembly structure, according to the present disclosure;

[0022] Fig. 3 illustrates the positioning of the T-shape bracket to reinforce the sash mounting area in the door inner panel assembly structure, according to the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 4a illustrates the T-shape bracket and the emboss periphery of the sash mounting area in the door inner panel assembly structure, according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 4b illustrates the T-shape bracket connecting a low stiffness region and a high stiffness region of the sash mounting area in the door inner 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 to reinforce a sash mounting area in a vehicle, comprising a horizontal portion and a vertical portion that intersect to form a T-shape bracket. The horizontal portion of the T-shape bracket has at least one hole at the intersection to settle with at least one hole of the matching area of a door inner panel with an emboss periphery, maintaining a gap between the T-shape bracket and the door inner panel. The vertical portion of the T-shape bracket has a rib structure to provide additional stiffness to the T-shape bracket. The T-shape bracket is designed to connect a low stiffness region to a high stiffness region of the door inner panel, at the sash mounting area. The T-shape bracket connects the low stiffness region to the high stiffness region of the door inner panel for strain energy flow to avoid stress concentration.

[0033] Fig. 1 illustrates the T-shape bracket (100) to reinforce the sash mounting area (202) in the door inner panel (200) assembly structure, according to the present disclosure. The T-shape bracket (100) is defined by the horizontal portion (102) and the vertical portion (104) that intersect to form a T-shape bracket (100). The horizontal portion (102) of the T-shape bracket (100) has at least one hole (106) at the intersection of the verticle portion (104) and the horizontal portion (102), to settle with at least one hole (210) of the matching area (204) of the door inner panel (200) with the emboss periphery (208), maintaining a gap between the T-shape bracket (100) and the door inner panel (200). The emboss periphery (208) of the emboss (206) at the sash mounting area (202) provides additional strength to the matching area (204). Further, the vertical portion (104) of the T-shape bracket (100) has a rib structure (108) to provide additional stiffness to the T-shape bracket (100). The T-shape bracket (100) is designed in such a way that it connects the low stiffness region (A) to a high stiffness region (B) of the door inner panel (200), at the sash mounting area (202).

[0034] Fig. 2 illustrates the emboss (206) along with the emboss periphery (208) of the sash mounting area (202) in the door inner panel (200) assembly structure, according to the present disclosure. The door inner panel (200) has an internal space which includes the raising and lowering mechanism comprising a slider secured to the window glass, a guide rail (300) that guides the slider so as to be able to move in the raising and lowering direction and a transmission member that transmits the drive force from the drive source to the slider. The slider, the guide rail (300), and the transmission member are connected with the sash mounting bracket (302) inside the sash mounting area (202) of the door inner panel (200). To reinforce the door inner panel (200) around the sash mounting area (202) where high stress is formed due to door open close test which causes to and fro motion of glass, the mounting region is strengthened with a specific size emboss (206). The emboss (206) has been provided at the door inner panel (200) at the sash mounting area (202). The design of the emboss (206) is such that the emboss periphery (208) does not extend beyond the bending point (C) of the T-shape bracket (100), providing a perfect settlement with the matching area (204). The matching area (204) of the emboss (206) is having at least one hole (210) to settle with at least one hole (106) of the T-shape bracket (100).

[0035] Fig. 3 illustrates the positioning and assembly of the T-shape bracket (100) to reinforce the sash mounting area (202) of the door inner panel (200) assembly structure, according to the present disclosure. The door inner panel (200) is having an internal space which includes the raising and lowering mechanism comprising the slider secured to the window glass, the guide rail (300) that guides the slider so as to be able to move in the raising and lowering direction and a transmission member that transmits the drive force from the drive source to the slider. The slider, the guide rail (300), and the transmission member are connected with the sash mounting bracket (302) inside the sash mounting area (202) of the door inner panel (200). The sash mounting area (202) further includes the emboss (206) section with the emboss periphery (208) and at least one hole (210), defining the matching area (204). The horizontal portion (102) of the T-shape bracket (100) has at least one hole (106) at the intersection to settle with the matching area (204) of the door inner panel (200) with an emboss periphery (208), maintaining a gap between the T-shape bracket (100) and the door inner panel (200). The T-shape bracket (100) is designed in such a way that it connects the low stiffness region (A) to a high stiffness region (B) of the door inner panel (200), at the sash mounting area (202).

[0036] Fig. 4a and 4b illustrate the T-shape bracket (100) connecting the low stiffness region (A) and the high stiffness region (B) of the sash mounting area (202) in the door inner panel (200) assembly structure, according to the present disclosure. The sash mounting area (202) of the door inner panel (200) is not stiff enough to sustain and resist the cyclic stress generated at the sash mounting area (202) during the door open close test. However, in some cases of the door open close test, the generation of the cracks in the door inner panel (200) near the sash mounting area (202) is visible. Further, the sash mounting area (202) of the inner door panel during raising and lowering movement or to and fro motion of the window glass leads to bending or buckling of the sash mounting bracket (302), which in turn causes high stress at the door inner panel (200), causing cracks and deformation. The T-shape bracket (100) is designed to avoid crack generation in the door inner panel (200). The T-shape bracket (100) reinforcement connects the low stiffness region (A) of the door inner panel (200) to the high stiffness region (B) of the door inner panel (200) for strain energy flow so that stress concentration is avoided. Further, the T-shape bracket (100) is fixed with the matching area (204) of the sash mounting area (202). The design of the matching area (204) is having the emboss (206) with emboss periphery (208) and at least one hole (210) for settling the T-shape bracket (100). As illustrated in Fig. 4a. the design of the emboss (206) is such that emboss periphery (208) does not extend beyond the bending point (C) of the T-shape bracket (100).

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES

[0037] 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.

[0038] The present disclosure is able to provide the T-shape bracket to reinforce the door inner panel around the sash mounting area where the high stress is formed during the door open close test.

[0039] The present disclosure is able to provide the T-shape bracket for the door inner panel at the sash mounting area in such a manner that the stress concentration is avoided and distributed by connecting the low stiffness region with the high stiffness region.

[0040] The present disclosure is able to provide the sash mounting area with an emboss which provides additional strength to the door inner panel.

[0041] The present disclosure is able to provide the T-shape 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) to reinforce a sash mounting area (202) in a vehicle, comprises:
the bracket (100) having a horizontal portion (102) and a vertical portion (104) that intersect to form a T-shape bracket (100);
wherein the horizontal portion (102) of the T-shape bracket (100) has at least one hole (106) at the intersection, to settle with at least one hole (210) of a matching area (204) of a door inner panel (200) with an emboss periphery (208), maintaining a gap between the T-shape bracket (100) and the door inner panel (200);
wherein the vertical portion (104) of the T-shape bracket (100) has a rib structure (108) to provide additional stiffness to the T-shape bracket (100); and
wherein the T-shape bracket (100) is designed to connect a low stiffness region (A) to a high stiffness region (B) of the door inner panel (200), at the sash mounting area (202).

2. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an emboss (206) along with the emboss periphery (208) extends till the bending point (C) of the T-shape bracket (100), forming the matching area (204) for the T-shape bracket (100).

3. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the T-shape bracket (100) connects the low stiffness region (A) to the high stiffness region (B) of the door inner panel (200) for strain energy flow to avoid stress concentration.

4. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emboss (206) along with the emboss periphery (208) at the sash mounting area (202) provide additional strength to the matching area (204) when connected with the T-shape bracket (100).