[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a vehicle construction and more particularly, relates to design of a front end structure for towing and shipping loads.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] Many vehicles, such as cars, trucks, vans, etc. include a bumper assembly with a bumper beam and a receiver nut fixed thereto. The receiver nut can removably receive a towing bolt or other towing hook member, and the towing bolt can act as a temporary fixture for towing the vehicle and/or for tying down the vehicle during shipping, etc.
[003] In existing designs, the towing bolt is inserted in a towing nut and the towing nut is welded to the long member outer, and a towing bracket. But the towing nut is not connected directly with long member inner. On applying the towing and shipping loads, the loads are transferred from towing bolt to towing nut, and then to long member outer and towing bracket. But the towing bracket is not efficiently able to transfer the loads to long member inner which makes the existing structure weak, and the entire load is taken by long member outer only. As the long member outer alone cannot withstand such high load, which makes the existing design incapable for the current loading conditions. There is also localized buckling of the structure, due to which high stresses are observed
[004] Also, due to localized buckling, there is high deflection of the towing bolt. As the towing bolt passes through a hole in the bumper, the high deflection in towing bolt will damage the bumper. The long members will also be deformed permanently causing damage to radiator. Thus, this problem would have a severe impact on the outer appearance and strength performance of the vehicle.
[005] United States Patent publication US20160221067A1 provides a tubular back beam assembly that include a plurality of main members, each of which is formed by cold rolling and hot stamping and the plurality of main members may

be coupled to form a vertically stacked structure with flat portions coupled in a surface contact fashion, or the tubular back beam assembly may include a main member and at least one support member that are directly coupled to form a vertically stacked structure.
[006] However, the assembly, shape, operation and location of the parts mentioned in the prior art are not similar to the present disclosure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[007] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a front-end towing structure that efficiently transfers towing and shipping loads without getting deformed under localized buckling.
[008] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a simple, cost effective, and efficiently front-end towing structure that is distinct from all conventional designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[009] The present invention relates to a front-end towing structure for a vehicle. The front-end towing structure includes a long member inner extension extending from a long member inner; a long member outer extension extending from a long member outer, the long member inner extension and the long member outer extension being joined to define a space therebetween; a towing nut configured to be secured in the space; and a towing bracket secured to the long member inner extension and the long member outer extension to substantially cover the space except the towing nut, such that the towing nut extends beyond the towing bracket through an opening on the towing bracket.
[0010] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] 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 invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of 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 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:
[0012] Fig. 1 illustrates a front structure of a vehicle (not shown) having a front-end towing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the front-end towing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Fig. 3 illustrates another view of the front-end towing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Fig. 4a and 4b respectively illustrate a side view and a top view of the front-end towing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] Fig. 5 illustrates a sectional view about a plane A-A of Fig. 4a;
[0017] Fig. 6a illustrates another side view of the front-end towing structure, and Fig. 6b illustrates a cross sectional view about a plane C-C of Fig. 6a;
[0018] Fig. 7a illustrates a front view of the front-end towing structure showing the cross member center, and Fig. 7b illustrates a cross sectional view about a plane B-B of Fig. 7a; and

[0019] Fig. 8 illustrates another view of the front-end towing structure showing a towing load transfer path when the vehicle is being towed through the front-end towing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the 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.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0021] The present disclosure presents embodiments for a front-end towing structure for a vehicle. The front-end towing structure includes a long member inner extension extending from a long member inner; a long member outer extension extending from a long member outer, the long member inner extension and the long member outer extension being joined to define a space therebetween; a towing nut configured to be secured in the space; and a towing bracket secured to the long member inner extension and the long member outer extension to substantially cover the space except the towing nut, such that the towing nut extends beyond the towing bracket through an opening on the towing bracket.
[0022] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and

conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying 5 figures.
[0023] 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 10 various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates a front structure 100 of a vehicle not shown having a front-end towing structure 105 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the front-end towing structure 105 is efficiently 15 designed to withstand towing and shipping loads.
[0025] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the front-end towing structure 105 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the front-end towing structure 105 includes a long member inner extension 110 extending from a long member inner 107. The front-end towing structure 105 20 further includes a long member outer extension 115 extending from a long member outer 112. In an example, the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 are joined to define a space 120 therebetween. In an example, the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 are joined through spot welds.
25 [0026] The front-end towing structure 105 further includes a towing nut 125 configured to be secured in the space 120. The front-end towing structure 105 further includes a towing bracket 130 secured to the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 to substantially cover the space 120 except the towing nut 125, such that the towing nut 125 extends beyond the
30 towing bracket 130. In an example, the long member outer extension 115 defines
6

an arcuate receiving portion 117, and the towing bracket 130 defines an opening 131 conforming to a shape of the towing nut 125. In an example, the towing nut 125 is arc welded to the long member outer extension 115, as received in the arcuate receiving portion 117, and the towing bracket 130, as extending through 5 the opening 131. In another example, the towing nut 125 may be secured to the long member inner extension 110.
[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates another view of the front-end towing structure 105 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the towing nut 125 defines a receptacle 127 for receiving a towing bolt 129. Further, the
10 towing bracket 130 includes an emboss portion 132 with protrusions. In an example, the emboss portion 132 with protrusions may be 3 mm in dimension. Alternatively, dimension of the emboss portion 132 may be corresponding to dimensions of associated components of the front-end towing structure 105. In an embodiment, a strength associated with the towing bracket 130 is increased based
15 upon the emboss portion 132 with protrusions. Further, these protrusions provide the direction to transfer the towing load. In an example as mentioned earlier, the towing nut 125 and towing bracket 130 are joined through semicircular arc weld, and the emboss portion 132 with protrusions is designed to provide additional strength in the towing bracket 130 along the arc weld periphery.
20 [0028] Fig. 4a and 4b respectively illustrate a side view and a top view of the front-end towing structure 105 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 includes a length “L”. Further in an example, the towing bolt 129 includes an overhang length “L1”. In an embodiment, provision
25 of the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 aides in reducing the overhang length “L1” of the towing bolt 129. Further, dimensions of the length “L”, and the overhang length “L1” are corresponding to dimensions of aforementioned associated components of the front-end towing structure 105.
7

[0029] Fig. 5 illustrates a sectional view about a plane A-A of Fig. 4a. In an embodiment, the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 includes a rectangular cross section of reducing width. As shown in section A-A, the rectangular cross section has maximum width on the top between 5 the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115, where the towing nut 125 is mounted. The width between the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 decreases as the section progress in downwards direction. The width is minimum at the bottom location of Section A-A, where both the long member inner extension 110 and the long 10 member outer extension 115 are joined using spot welds. In an embodiment, the Section A-A provides sufficient strength to withstand the towing loads, and also by reduction the width of the Section A-A helps in weight saving compared to conventional rectangular section.
[0030] Referring back to the earlier Figs. 1-5, in an embodiment, the front-end
15 towing structure 105 is supported in a vertical direction by an upper brace 135 and
a lower brace 140, such that the upper brace 135 is intermediately coupled to the
long member inner extension 110 and the long member inner 107, and the lower
brace 140 intermediately coupled to the long member outer extension 115 and the
long member outer 112. Fig. 6a illustrates another side view of the front-end
20 towing structure 105, and Fig. 6b illustrates a cross sectional view about a plane
C-C of Fig. 6a. As shown in section C-C, a width associated with the lower brace
140 at a portion 141 is increased in comparison to widths of state of the art lower
braces associated with conventional structures. This increase in width provides
spot weld connection between the lower brace 140 and long member outer
25 extension 115. This spot weld connection and increase in section C-C provides
additional strength to withstand the towing loads.
[0031] Referring back to the earlier Figs. 1-5, in an embodiment, the front-end
towing structure 105 is supported in a horizontal direction by a cross member
center 145, the cross member center 145 being coupled to the towing bracket 130.
30 In an example, the cross member center 145 is bolted to the towing bracket 130.
8

Fig. 7a illustrates a front view of the front-end towing structure 105 showing the cross member center 145, and Fig. 7b illustrates a cross sectional view about a plane B-B of Fig. 7a. As shown in section B-B, a width associated with the cross member center 145 is increased in comparison to widths of state of the art cross 5 members associated with conventional structures. In an example, the cross member center 145 of uniform width is connected to front ends of long members of both sides, right and left, through bolts. As mentioned earlier, the cross member center 145 is bolted to the towing bracket 130, on the right side of the vehicle. This helps in transferring the towing load from the loading point of the towing 10 bolt 129 on the right side long member to the left side long member. Further, increasing the width of section B-B increases the strength of the cross member center 145, which helps the front-end towing structure 105 to withstand the towing load.
[0032] Fig. 8 illustrates another view of the front-end towing structure 105
15 showing a towing load transfer path, depicted with arrows “F”, when the vehicle
is being towed through the front-end towing structure 105 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 8, the towing load is
transferred from the towing bolt 129 to the towing nut 125, and in turn to the
towing bracket 130. Further, the towing load is transferred from the towing
20 bracket 130 to the long member inner extension 110, the long member outer
extension 115, and the cross member center 145. Further, the towing load is
transferred from the long member inner extension 110 to the long member inner
107, and the lower brace 140. Further, the towing load is transferred from the long
member outer extension 115 to the upper brace 135. Thus, an effective
25 distribution of the towing load is achieved through the front-end towing structure
105.
[0033] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described
in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present
subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather,
30 the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present
9

subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

We claim:

1.A front-end towing structure (105) for a vehicle, the front-end towing structure (105) comprising:
a long member inner extension (110) extending from a long member inner (107);
a long member outer extension (115) extending from a long member outer (112), the long member inner extension (110) and the long member outer extension (115) being joined to define a space (120) therebetween;
a towing nut (125) configured to be secured in the space (120); and
a towing bracket (130) secured to the long member inner extension (110) and the long member outer extension (115) to substantially cover the space (120) except the towing nut (125), such that the towing nut (125) extends beyond the towing bracket (130) through an opening (131) on the towing bracket (130).
2. The front-end towing structure (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the towing nut (125) defines a receptacle (127) for receiving a towing bolt (129).
3. The front-end towing structure (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the towing nut (125) is arc welded with an arcuate receiving portion (117) of the long member outer extension (115), and the towing bracket (130).
4. The front-end towing structure (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the towing nut (125) is configured to be secured with the long member inner extension (110), and the towing bracket (130).
5. The front-end towing structure (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the towing bracket (130) includes an emboss portion (132) with protrusions.
6. The front-end towing structure (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the long member inner extension (110) and the long member outer extension (115) are joined through spot welds.
7. The front-end towing structure (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the long member inner extension (110) and the long member outer extension (115) includes a rectangular cross section of reducing width.
8. The front-end towing structure (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front-end towing structure (105) is supported in a vertical direction by an upper brace (135) and a lower brace (140), such that the upper brace (135) is intermediately coupled to the long member inner extension (110) and the long member inner (107), and the lower brace (140) intermediately coupled to the long member outer extension (115) and the long member outer (112).
9. The front-end towing structure (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front-end towing structure (105) is supported in a horizontal direction by a cross member center (145), the cross member center (145) being coupled to the towing bracket (130).
, Description:A FRONT-END TOWING STRUCTURE
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a vehicle construction and more particularly, relates to design of a front end structure for towing and shipping loads.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] Many vehicles, such as cars, trucks, vans, etc. include a bumper assembly with a bumper beam and a receiver nut fixed thereto. The receiver nut can removably receive a towing bolt or other towing hook member, and the towing bolt can act as a temporary fixture for towing the vehicle and/or for tying down the vehicle during shipping, etc.
[003] In existing designs, the towing bolt is inserted in a towing nut and the towing nut is welded to the long member outer, and a towing bracket. But the towing nut is not connected directly with long member inner. On applying the towing and shipping loads, the loads are transferred from towing bolt to towing nut, and then to long member outer and towing bracket. But the towing bracket is not efficiently able to transfer the loads to long member inner which makes the existing structure weak, and the entire load is taken by long member outer only. As the long member outer alone cannot withstand such high load, which makes the existing design incapable for the current loading conditions. There is also localized buckling of the structure, due to which high stresses are observed
[004] Also, due to localized buckling, there is high deflection of the towing bolt. As the towing bolt passes through a hole in the bumper, the high deflection in towing bolt will damage the bumper. The long members will also be deformed permanently causing damage to radiator. Thus, this problem would have a severe impact on the outer appearance and strength performance of the vehicle.
[005] United States Patent publication US20160221067A1 provides a tubular back beam assembly that include a plurality of main members, each of which is formed by cold rolling and hot stamping and the plurality of main members may be coupled to form a vertically stacked structure with flat portions coupled in a surface contact fashion, or the tubular back beam assembly may include a main member and at least one support member that are directly coupled to form a vertically stacked structure.
[006] However, the assembly, shape, operation and location of the parts mentioned in the prior art are not similar to the present disclosure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[007] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a front-end towing structure that efficiently transfers towing and shipping loads without getting deformed under localized buckling.
[008] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a simple, cost effective, and efficiently front-end towing structure that is distinct from all conventional designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[009] The present invention relates to a front-end towing structure for a vehicle. The front-end towing structure includes a long member inner extension extending from a long member inner; a long member outer extension extending from a long member outer, the long member inner extension and the long member outer extension being joined to define a space therebetween; a towing nut configured to be secured in the space; and a towing bracket secured to the long member inner extension and the long member outer extension to substantially cover the space except the towing nut, such that the towing nut extends beyond the towing bracket through an opening on the towing bracket.
[0010] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] 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 invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of 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 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:
[0012] Fig. 1 illustrates a front structure of a vehicle (not shown) having a front-end towing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the front-end towing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Fig. 3 illustrates another view of the front-end towing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Fig. 4a and 4b respectively illustrate a side view and a top view of the front-end towing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] Fig. 5 illustrates a sectional view about a plane A-A of Fig. 4a;
[0017] Fig. 6a illustrates another side view of the front-end towing structure, and Fig. 6b illustrates a cross sectional view about a plane C-C of Fig. 6a;
[0018] Fig. 7a illustrates a front view of the front-end towing structure showing the cross member center, and Fig. 7b illustrates a cross sectional view about a plane B-B of Fig. 7a; and
[0019] Fig. 8 illustrates another view of the front-end towing structure showing a towing load transfer path when the vehicle is being towed through the front-end towing structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the 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.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0021] The present disclosure presents embodiments for a front-end towing structure for a vehicle. The front-end towing structure includes a long member inner extension extending from a long member inner; a long member outer extension extending from a long member outer, the long member inner extension and the long member outer extension being joined to define a space therebetween; a towing nut configured to be secured in the space; and a towing bracket secured to the long member inner extension and the long member outer extension to substantially cover the space except the towing nut, such that the towing nut extends beyond the towing bracket through an opening on the towing bracket.
[0022] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0023] 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 arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates a front structure 100 of a vehicle not shown having a front-end towing structure 105 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the front-end towing structure 105 is efficiently designed to withstand towing and shipping loads.
[0025] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the front-end towing structure 105 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the front-end towing structure 105 includes a long member inner extension 110 extending from a long member inner 107. The front-end towing structure 105 further includes a long member outer extension 115 extending from a long member outer 112. In an example, the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 are joined to define a space 120 therebetween. In an example, the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 are joined through spot welds.
[0026] The front-end towing structure 105 further includes a towing nut 125 configured to be secured in the space 120. The front-end towing structure 105 further includes a towing bracket 130 secured to the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 to substantially cover the space 120 except the towing nut 125, such that the towing nut 125 extends beyond the towing bracket 130. In an example, the long member outer extension 115 defines an arcuate receiving portion 117, and the towing bracket 130 defines an opening 131 conforming to a shape of the towing nut 125. In an example, the towing nut 125 is arc welded to the long member outer extension 115, as received in the arcuate receiving portion 117, and the towing bracket 130, as extending through the opening 131. In another example, the towing nut 125 may be secured to the long member inner extension 110.
[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates another view of the front-end towing structure 105 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the towing nut 125 defines a receptacle 127 for receiving a towing bolt 129. Further, the towing bracket 130 includes an emboss portion 132 with protrusions. In an example, the emboss portion 132 with protrusions may be 3 mm in dimension. Alternatively, dimension of the emboss portion 132 may be corresponding to dimensions of associated components of the front-end towing structure 105. In an embodiment, a strength associated with the towing bracket 130 is increased based upon the emboss portion 132 with protrusions. Further, these protrusions provide the direction to transfer the towing load. In an example as mentioned earlier, the towing nut 125 and towing bracket 130 are joined through semicircular arc weld, and the emboss portion 132 with protrusions is designed to provide additional strength in the towing bracket 130 along the arc weld periphery.
[0028] Fig. 4a and 4b respectively illustrate a side view and a top view of the front-end towing structure 105 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example, the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 includes a length “L”. Further in an example, the towing bolt 129 includes an overhang length “L1”. In an embodiment, provision of the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 aides in reducing the overhang length “L1” of the towing bolt 129. Further, dimensions of the length “L”, and the overhang length “L1” are corresponding to dimensions of aforementioned associated components of the front-end towing structure 105.
[0029] Fig. 5 illustrates a sectional view about a plane A-A of Fig. 4a. In an embodiment, the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 includes a rectangular cross section of reducing width. As shown in section A-A, the rectangular cross section has maximum width on the top between the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115, where the towing nut 125 is mounted. The width between the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 decreases as the section progress in downwards direction. The width is minimum at the bottom location of Section A-A, where both the long member inner extension 110 and the long member outer extension 115 are joined using spot welds. In an embodiment, the Section A-A provides sufficient strength to withstand the towing loads, and also by reduction the width of the Section A-A helps in weight saving compared to conventional rectangular section.
[0030] Referring back to the earlier Figs. 1-5, in an embodiment, the front-end towing structure 105 is supported in a vertical direction by an upper brace 135 and a lower brace 140, such that the upper brace 135 is intermediately coupled to the long member inner extension 110 and the long member inner 107, and the lower brace 140 intermediately coupled to the long member outer extension 115 and the long member outer 112. Fig. 6a illustrates another side view of the front-end towing structure 105, and Fig. 6b illustrates a cross sectional view about a plane C-C of Fig. 6a. As shown in section C-C, a width associated with the lower brace 140 at a portion 141 is increased in comparison to widths of state of the art lower braces associated with conventional structures. This increase in width provides spot weld connection between the lower brace 140 and long member outer extension 115. This spot weld connection and increase in section C-C provides additional strength to withstand the towing loads.
[0031] Referring back to the earlier Figs. 1-5, in an embodiment, the front-end towing structure 105 is supported in a horizontal direction by a cross member center 145, the cross member center 145 being coupled to the towing bracket 130. In an example, the cross member center 145 is bolted to the towing bracket 130. Fig. 7a illustrates a front view of the front-end towing structure 105 showing the cross member center 145, and Fig. 7b illustrates a cross sectional view about a plane B-B of Fig. 7a. As shown in section B-B, a width associated with the cross member center 145 is increased in comparison to widths of state of the art cross members associated with conventional structures. In an example, the cross member center 145 of uniform width is connected to front ends of long members of both sides, right and left, through bolts. As mentioned earlier, the cross member center 145 is bolted to the towing bracket 130, on the right side of the vehicle. This helps in transferring the towing load from the loading point of the towing bolt 129 on the right side long member to the left side long member. Further, increasing the width of section B-B increases the strength of the cross member center 145, which helps the front-end towing structure 105 to withstand the towing load.
[0032] Fig. 8 illustrates another view of the front-end towing structure 105 showing a towing load transfer path, depicted with arrows “F”, when the vehicle is being towed through the front-end towing structure 105 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 8, the towing load is transferred from the towing bolt 129 to the towing nut 125, and in turn to the towing bracket 130. Further, the towing load is transferred from the towing bracket 130 to the long member inner extension 110, the long member outer extension 115, and the cross member center 145. Further, the towing load is transferred from the long member inner extension 110 to the long member inner 107, and the lower brace 140. Further, the towing load is transferred from the long member outer extension 115 to the upper brace 135. Thus, an effective distribution of the towing load is achieved through the front-end towing structure 105.
[0033] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.