[0001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to installing the
bumper on the fender lining attached to the white body of a vehicle. More
5 particularly, the present invention relates to a fender lining structure for easy
installation of the bumper on the fender lining.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention.
10 [0003] Fender is a part of a vehicle that frames a fender lining. Sticky materials,
such as mud, may adhere to the smooth outer tire surface, while smooth loose
objects, such as stones, can become temporarily embedded in the tread grooves as
the tire rolls over the ground. These materials can be ejected from the surface of the
tire at high velocity as the tire imparts kinetic energy to the attached objects. For a
15 vehicle moving forward, the top of the tire is rotating upward and forward, and can
throw objects into the air at other vehicles or pedestrians in front of the vehicle.
[0004] Primary purpose of the fender is to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids,
and other road spray from being thrown into the air by the rotating tire. Fenders are
typically rigid and can be damaged by contact with the road surface.
20 [0005] Fender lining is located between vehicle fender and wheels. Fender
lining prevents vehicle underhood from sticky materials such as mud, dirt and
debris. Additionally, bumpers are installed at the front and back of the car to absorb
impact from collisions.
[0006] Installation of bumper on vehicle is done through multiple platform
25 integration strategy, wherein fender of the vehicle is first attached to white body of
the vehicle and then bumper is installed from the rear side of the vehicle.
[0007] Referring to figure 1 illustrating installation of a bumper 103 on a fender
lining structure 100 of a vehicle, according to existing art. A fender lining flange
3
101 is provided in the fender lining structure 100 and a lateral flange 102 is provided
in the bumper 103 to fix the bumper 103 with the fender lining structure 100 using
a clip 105.
[0008] As the bumper 103 is installed from the rear side of the vehicle, the
5 fender lining flange 101 becomes a blind-spot for the operator. As a consequence,
the fender lining flange 101 gets underlaid to the lateral flange 102 of the bumper
103. This hinder the fastening of the bumper 103 on the fender lining structure 100
as slot provided for clamping is blocked due to underlaid fender lining flange 101.
Flange tearing and other damages to the fender lining flange 101 occurs when
10 fender lining flange 101 is forcefully brought to the front of the lateral flange 102
of the bumper 103 in the blind-spot zone.
[0009] To eliminate the damage to the fender lining flange 101, the fender
lining flange 101 is manufactured with a flexible material which can easily be
bendable while keeping functionality and service life intact. Due to flexibility of
15 fender lining flange 101 the operator can easily pull out the underlaid fender lining
flange 101 by local bending. Once the fender lining flange 101 of the fender lining
structure 100 and lateral flange 102 of the bumper 103 is aligned as per the
requirement, they are fixed together using a clip 105.
[0010] Currently, fabric material is used for manufacturing the fender lining
20 flange 101 for required functionality. As fender lining structure 100 is provided in
the vicinity of wheel, it is prone to dribbling of mud, water, debris, etc. Due to
which mud, water, debris, etc. gets accumulated on the fender lining flange 101.
This reduces the aesthetics of the vehicle.
[0011] When the vehicle is cleaned with high pressure washing, the debris gets
25 adhered to the fender lining flange 101 accompanied with sagging which result in
further degradation of aesthetics of the vehicle.
[0012] Therefore, there is a need for a fender lining structure 100 which is
manufactured from resin or plastic type material for better aesthetics, customer
appeal and part functionality.
4
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0013] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0014] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a fender lining
5 structure to make the installation of bumper easy in the assembly line.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fender lining
structure having an extended flange manufactured with resin or plastic type
material.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fender lining
10 structure having an extended flange which can be bended to different angles as per
the requirement for functionality.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fender lining
structure which restricts bending of extended flange beyond the elastic range of the
fender liner flange material to eliminate permanent deformation.
15 [0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fender lining
structure which completely eliminates the situation of tearing or other damages of
extended flange when the underlaid extended flange is forcefully brought to the
front of the lateral flange of bumper which is a blind-spot zone for the operator.
[0019] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent
20 when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
[0020] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a fender
lining structure. The concepts are further described below in the detailed
description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential
25 features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope
of the claimed subject matter.
[0021] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a fender lining
structure to make installation of the bumper easy in the assembly line. The fender
5
lining structure comprises an extended flange having a mounting hole for mounting
a bumper, a plurality of ribs on bumper side of the extended flange, and a plurality
of recess on vehicle side of the extended flange.
[0022] In an aspect, the plurality of ribs are undulated.
5 [0023] In an aspect, the extended flange has a hinged connection with the fender
lining structure.
[0024] In an aspect, a plurality of rounded corners with a slit are provided at the
junction of the extended flange and fender lining structure segregating the extended
flange, on the sides, from rest of the fender lining structure.
10 [0025] In an aspect, the plurality of ribs makes an angle α with the plane.
[0026] In an aspect, the plurality of recess makes and angle β with the plane.
[0027] In an aspect, width of the plurality of recess decreases from one side of
the extended flange to other side restricting the bending of the extended flange to a
predetermined angle.
15 [0028] In an aspect, width of the plurality of recess depends on the
predetermined angle.
[0029] In an aspect, the plurality of ribs (104) bend sequentially at angle
ranging between 28 to 32 degree.
[0030] In an aspect, the cumulative bending angle of the extended flange is 90o
.
20 [0031] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive
subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description
of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which
like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
25 [0032] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best
understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like
numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of
6
example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems,
and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0033] Fig. 1 illustrates installation of bumper on fender lining structure of a
vehicle, according to existing art;
5 [0034] Fig. 2A illustrates isometric view of extended flange, of fender lining
structure, as seen from the bumper side of the vehicle according to one of the
embodiments of the present subject matter;
[0035] Fig. 2B illustrates isometric view of extended flange, of fender lining
structure, as seen from the vehicle side of the vehicle according to one of the
10 embodiments of the present subject matter;
[0036] Fig. 3 illustrates alignment of plurality of ribs on the extended flange of
fender lining structure, according to one of the embodiments of present subject
matter;
[0037] Fig. 4 illustrates hinge axis, transfer axis and neutral axis on extended
15 flange of fender lining structure, according to one of the embodiments of present
subject matter; and
[0038] Fig. 5 illustrates cumulative bending in extended flange of fender lining
structure, according to one of the embodiments of present subject matter.
[0039] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the
20 purposes of 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
25 [0040] 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
clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided
7
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 scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0041] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised
5 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.
[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
10 embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As
used herein, the singular forms “a", “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural
forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or
“including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
15 steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or
addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components and/or groups thereof.
[0043] 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,
20 two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts
involved.
[0044] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", and the like in the
present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be
25 construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly
indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first"
and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific
terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
8
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
5 unless expressly so defined herein.
[0046] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be
described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted
that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It
will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various
10 arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles
of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0047] Referring to figure 2A illustrating isometric view of extended flange
201, of fender lining structure 200, as seen from the bumper side of the vehicle
according to one of the embodiments of the present subject matter. The fender
15 lining structure 200 comprises an extended flange 201 to fix bumper of the vehicle
with the fender lining structure 200. The extended flange 201 is manufactured with
resin or plastic type material. The extended flange 201 has a mounting hole 202, a
plurality of ribs 203 on one face and a plurality of recess 204 (figure 2B) on the
opposite face. The extended flange 201 has a hinged connection with the fender
20 lining structure 200. A plurality or rounded corners 205 with a slit 206 are provided
at the junction of the extended flange 201 and the fender lining structure 200. The
rounded corner 205 with a slit 206 is provided on both sides of the extended flange
201. The rounded corner 205 with slits 206 segregate the extended flange 201 from
rest of the fender lining structure 200 and facilitates hinging of the extended flange
25 201.
[0048] The plurality of ribs 203 are provided on the bumper side of the extended
flange 201. The plurality of ribs 203 facilitates the bending of extended flange 201
of the fender lining structure 200 in direction opposite to the bumper side. Further,
the plurality of ribs 203 facilitates undulated movement of extended flange 201 of
30 the fender lining structure 200. Presence of multiple ribs 203 convert the undirected
9
bending of extended flange 201 into directed bending in direction opposite to
bumper side. The presence of plurality of ribs 203 on the bumper side of the
extended flange 201 eliminate the situation of tearing or other damages of extended
flange 201 which is a blind-spot for the operator while installing the bumper on the
5 fender lining structure 200. It results in easy installation of bumper on the fender
lining structure 200.
[0049] Referring to Fig. 2B illustrating isometric view of extended flange 201,
of fender lining structure 200, as seen from the vehicle side of the vehicle according
to one of the embodiments of the present subject matter. The plurality of recess 204
10 are provided on the vehicle side of the extended flange 201. The width of the
plurality of recess 204 gradually decreases from one side of the extended flange
201 to other side. It results in lesser width of the plurality of recess 204 on one side
when compared to the other. The lesser width of the plurality of recess 204 on one
side restricts the bending of the extended flange 201 up to a predetermined angle.
15 [0050] The predetermined angle depends upon the number of ribs 203 provided
on the bumper side of the extended flange 201. The lesser width of the recess 204
depends on the value of this predetermined angle. In the preferred embodiment,
three ribs 203 are provided on the bumper side of the extended flange 201.
Preferably a cumulative bending of 90o
is needed for intended functioning of the
20 extended flange 201 while installing the bumper on the fender lining structure 200.
This leads to the requirement of bending of 30o
by each rib 203 provided on the
bumper side of the extended flange 201. The restriction of 30o
to each rib 203 is
provided by the lesser width of the corresponding recess 204 provided on the
vehicle side of the extended flange 201. The plurality of ribs 203 bends sequentially
25 at angle ranging between 28 to 32 degree.
[0051] Referring to Fig. 3 illustrating alignment of plurality of ribs 203 on the
extended flange 201 of fender lining structure 200, according to one of the
embodiments of present subject matter. The plurality of ribs 203 are aligned at an
angle α with the axis A-A’..
10
[0052] Referring to Fig. 4 illustrating hinge axis, transfer axis and neutral axis
on extended flange 201 of fender lining structure 200, according to one of the
embodiments of present subject matter. Hinge axis is the axis on which the bending
of the extended flange 201 occurs. The hinge axis is present between two adjacent
5 ribs 203 on the bumper side of the extended flange 201 and on the recess 204
provided on the vehicle side of the extended flange 201. Transfer axis is the axis at
the starting edge of the ribs 203 on the bumper side of the extended flange 201 and
end edge of the recess 204 on the vehicle side of the extended flange 201. The
transfer axis is the axis at the junction of two adjacent ribs 203 facilitating the
10 bending in steps.
[0053] Referring to Fig. 5 illustrating cumulative bending in extended flange
201 of fender lining structure 200, according to one of the embodiments of present
subject matter. The cumulating bending according to the preferred embodiment is
90o when a force P is applied by the operator to bring the underlaid extended flange
15 to front of the lateral flange of the bumper. This bending is done in multiple steps,
preferably three steps. Each step provides approximately equal angle of bending
resulting in a cumulative bending of 90o
.
[0054] The present fender lining structure 200 makes the installation of bumper
easy in the assembly line. The extended flange 201 provided in the fender lining
20 structure 200 facilitates bending at different angles as per the requirement for
functionality. Further the extended flange 201 provided in the fender lining
structure 200 restrict the bending beyond the elastic range of the material used to
manufacture the extended flange 201. Furthermore, the present fender lining
structure 200 completely eliminates the situation of tearing or other damages or the
25 extended flange 201 when the underlaid extended flange is forcefully brought to
the front of the lateral flange of bumper which is blind-spot for the operator.
[0055] 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
30 interpreted as “including but not limited to”, the term “having” should be
11
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
5 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
10 claim recitation to inventions 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. In addition, even if a specific
15 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,
20 B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a 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
25 to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a 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
30 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,
12
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.”
[0056] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention,
5 other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing
from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims
that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or
examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to
make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge
10 available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

WE CLAIM:

1. A fender lining structure (200) comprising:
an extended flange (201) having
a mounting hole (202) for mounting a bumper (103);
5 a plurality of ribs (203) on bumper side of the extended
flange (201); and
a plurality of recess (204) on vehicle side of the extended
flange (201).
10 2. The fender lining structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality
of ribs (203) are undulated.
3. The fender lining structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
extended flange (201) has a hinged connection with the fender lining
15 structure (200).
4. The fender lining structure (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a plurality
of rounded corners (205) with a slit (206) are provided at the junction of the
extended flange (201) and fender lining structure (200) segregating the
20 extended flange (201), on the sides, from rest of the fender lining structure
(200).
5. The fender lining structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality
of ribs (203) make an angle (α) with the plane.
25
6. The fender lining structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein width of
the plurality of recess (204) decreases from one side of the extended flange
(201) to other side restricting the bending of the extended flange (201) to a
predetermined angle.
30
14
7. The fender lining structure (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein width of
the plurality of recess depends on the predetermined angle.
8. The fender lining structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality
5 of ribs (203) bend sequentially at angle ranging between 28 to 32 degree.
9. The fender lining structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
cumulative bending angle of the extended flange (200) is 90o.