[001]The present invention, in general, relates to a front structure having multiple reinforcements on dash side of a vehicle to improve crash-worthiness.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] Crashworthiness for a vehicle is the ability of a vehicle structure to protect its occupants during an impact. This is one of the crucial factors considered in the modeling and design of a vehicle and commonly tested when investigating the safety of vehicles. Generally, governments set norms and standards for crashworthiness so as to take into account safety concerns of passenger as well as vehicle.
[004] The strengthening requirement of the front and side regions of front end of vehicles, should be considered at model design concept stage itself; thereby ensuring required crash-worthiness of a vehicle at earlier stages itself. However, to meet Offset Deformable Barrier (ODB) crash regulation in the existing running models, there is requirement of modification in the front and side regions of front end of vehicles so as to minimize the energy transfer in the passenger cabin.
[005] Therefore, there remains need of a technical solution to ensure strengthening dash side area of front end vehicles to withstand offset frontal collision without need of completely changing existing design or structure of assembly of different parts at dash side area to meet crash-worthiness standards.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[006] It is therefore the object of the invention to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in prior systems.

[007] Another object of the present invention is to provide arrangement of multiple reinforcement brackets that overcomes the problem of the prior art.
[008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a front structure having at least four reinforcement brackets welded at a dash side area of the vehicle to complete the energy flow path during offset frontal collision.
[009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a front structure to act as provision for absorbing and channelizing of energy received from the front during offset collision.
[0010] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide arrangement of multiple reinforcement brackets to fulfil requirement of Offset Deformable Barrier (ODB) crash regulation in the existing running models of vehicles.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] To attain the above objects, the present invention provides a front structure on a dash side area of a vehicle to improve crash-worthiness. The dash side area includes a front end, a dash side reinforcement, an A-pillar lower member, a dash side panel and a dash panel front.
[0013] In an embodiment of present invention, the front structure comprises a first reinforcement bracket, a second reinforcement bracket, a third reinforcement bracket, and a fourth reinforcement bracket. Each of the first reinforcement bracket, the second reinforcement bracket, the third reinforcement bracket, and the fourth reinforcement bracket comprises at least a localized emboss and at least a side flange having corrugated surface to facilitate spot welding and ED paint flow.
[0014] The first reinforcement bracket is spot welded at four of the side flange to strengthen weak zone-2. One of the side flange in a vertical direction facilitates spot

welding of the first reinforcement bracket on the dash side reinforcement. One of the side flange in a vertical direction facilitates spot welding of the first reinforcement bracket on the front end. Also, two of the side flange in a horizontal direction facilitates spot welding of the first reinforcement bracket on an outer side of the dash side panel.
[0015] The second reinforcement bracket is spot welded between the dash side reinforcement and the outer side of the dash side panel at one of the side flange to establish continuity for energy flow by providing connection amongst the dash side panel, the dash panel front and the A-pillar lower member.
[0016] The third reinforcement bracket is spot welded at three of the side flange on the dash side panel to strengthen weak zone-2.
[0017] The fourth reinforcement bracket spot welded at three of the side flange on an inner side of the dash side panel to establish continuity for energy flow by providing connection between the A-pillar lower member and the dash side reinforcement to strengthen weak zone-1.
[0018] In an embodiment of present invention, each side flange has corrugated surface that creates a gap between a vehicle body and the flange structure to facilitate spot welding and ED paint flow.
[0019] In an embodiment of present invention, the first reinforcement bracket prevents buckling and crumpling in weak zone-2 during an incident of offset frontal collision.
[0020] In an embodiment of present invention, the second reinforcement bracket prevents the buckling and crumpling in weak zone-2 during the incident of offset frontal collision.
[0021] In an embodiment of present invention, the third reinforcement bracket comprises a U-shape slot to provide weld-gun access for spot welding to join the dash side panel and the dash panel front.

[0022] In an embodiment of present invention, the fourth reinforcement bracket prevents the buckling and crumpling in the weak zone-1 during the incident of offset frontal collision.
[0023] In an embodiment of present invention, the front structure provides a continuous energy flow path during the incident of offset frontal collision.
[0024] In an embodiment of present invention, the front structure aids in preventing the vehicle body deformation during the incident of offset frontal collision.
[0025] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.
[0026] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0027] 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 the following detailed description.
[0028] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0029] 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 example, and

simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0030] Figure-1 illustrates the dash side area of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of existing art.
5 [0031] Figure-2 illustrates two weak zones of the dash side area of a vehicle during offside collision, according to an embodiment of existing art.
[0032] Figure-3a, 3b, 3c and 3d illustrates a first reinforcement bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Figure-4a, 4b, 4c and 4d illustrates a second reinforcement bracket, 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Figure-5a, 5b, 5c and 5d illustrates a third reinforcement bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] Figure-6a, 6b, 6c and 6d illustrates a fourth reinforcement bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 [0036] Figure-7 illustrates assembly of the first reinforcement bracket, the second reinforcement bracket and the third reinforcement bracket at the dash side area (100) of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] Figure-8 illustrates assembly of the fourth reinforcement bracket at the dash side area of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 [0038] Figure-9 illustrates axial reference for the front structure on a dash side area, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Figure-10 illustrates cross section of the front structure on a dash side area about axis F-F, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] Figure-11 illustrates cross section of the front structure on a dash side area 25 about axis G-G, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
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[0041] Figure-12 illustrates cross section of the front structure on a dash side area about axis H-H, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description 5 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 THE INVENTION
[0043] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various 10 modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alterative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
15 [0044] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a", "an", and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0045] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof used 20 in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to the system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more ele ments in a syste m or device proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, 25 preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system, apparatus or device.
[0046] Hereinafter, a front structure on a dash side area (100) of a vehicle will be explained in detail.
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[0047] Referring to figure 1, which illustrates the dash side area (100) of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of existing art. The dash side area (100) of a vehicle in an existing art includes a front end (101), a dash side reinforcement (102), an A-pillar lower member (103), a dash side panel (105) and a dash panel front (104) (as 5 shown in figure 7).
[0048] Referring to figure 2, which illustrates two weak zones (601, 602) at the dash side area during offset collision of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of existing art. The weak zone-1 (601) is highly exposed for deformation due to sudden change in section profile at the location of weak zone-1 (601). The sudden
10 change in section profile causes discontinuity in the energy flow path during offset frontal collision making the weak zone-1 (601) highly prone to Localized buckling/crumpling/deformation. Further, the weak zone-2 (602) is highly exposed for deformation as it is a single sheet metal area that lacks sufficient strength to withstand impact during offset frontal collision. This makes the weak zone-2 (602)
15 highly prone to Localized buckling/crumpling/deformation during offset frontal collision.
[0049] Referring to figure 3a-3d, which illustrates the first reinforcement bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first reinforcement bracket (200) comprises at least a localized emboss (2) and at least a side flange
20 (1). A side flange (1) extends perpendicularly away from each of four sides of the first reinforcement bracket (200). Each of the side flange (1) is made of corrugated surface. The localized emboss (2) provides stiffness on a plain top surface (3) of the first reinforcement bracket (200). In an embodiment the localized emboss (2) is of a circular-shaped. Further, the corrugated surface of the side flange (1) creates a
25 gap between a dash side panel (105) of vehicle body and the first reinforcement bracket (200) flange to facilitate spot welding and ED paint flow. The side flanges (1) are provided along horizontal sides and the side flanges (1a) are provided along vertical sides of the first reinforcement bracket. Further, the side flanges (1a) are extending in upward direction from the plain top surface (3). The side flange (1, 1a)
30 facilitate spot welding of the first reinforcement bracket at different positions. The
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first reinforcement bracket (200) provides a flow path for energy during offset frontal collision along with absorption of the energy. Fig. 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d represent front view, side view, top view and isometric view of the first reinforcement bracket (200) respectively.
5 [0050] Referring to figure 4a-4d, which illustrates the second reinforcement bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second reinforcement bracket (300) comprises at least a localized emboss (2) and at least a side flange (1) having corrugated surface. The localized emboss (2) provides stiffness on a plain top surface (3) of the second reinforcement bracket (300).
10 Further, the corrugated surface of the side flange (1) creates a gap between the dash side panel (105) of vehicle body and the second reinforcement bracket (300) flange to facilitate spot welding and ED paint flow. Fig. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d represent front view, side view, top view and isometric view of the second reinforcement bracket (300) respectively.
15 [0051] Referring to figure 5a- 5d, which illustrates the third reinforcement bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The third reinforcement bracket (400) having a plain top surface (3) and a side bent perpendicularly along longitudinal direction at both ends of the top flat surface to define a hat shape cross section profile. Further, the third reinforcement bracket
20 (400) comprises at least a side flange (1) that perpendicularly extending away from the sides to define the hat shape cross section profile. Another flange (1a) is extending in upward direction from the plain top surface (3). Each of the side flanges (1, 1a) is made of corrugated surface. The top surface (3) includes at least a localized emboss (2) of U-shape provided along horizontally to provide stiffness on
25 the plain top surface (3) of the third reinforcement (400). In an embodiment, the localized emboss (2) of U-shape extends from one end up to approximately middle of the third reinforcement bracket (400).
[0052] Further, the corrugated surface of the side flange (1) creates a gap between the dash side panel (105) of vehicle body and the third reinforcement bracket (400)
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to facilitate spot welding and ED paint flow. Further, the third reinforcement bracket (400) comprises a U-shape slot (4) to facilitate weld-gun access for spot welding to join the dash side panel (105) and the dash panel front (104). Fig. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d represent front view, side view, top view and isometric view of the 5 first reinforcement bracket (400) respectively.
[0053] Referring to figure 6a- 6d, which illustrates the fourth reinforcement bracket, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fourth reinforcement bracket (500) comprises a top surface (3) with at least a localized emboss (2) and at least a side flange (1) provided along horizontally. In an
10 embodiment, the side flange (1) are provided at two horizontal sides of the fourth reinforcement bracket (500). The localized emboss (2) of the fourth reinforcement bracket (500) provides stiffness to the fourth reinforcement bracket (500) along horizontal direction. The localized emboss 2 extends in downward direction to create corrugated surface on the top surface with corrugated end 4 at one distal end.
15 Viewing from longitudinal side of the fourth reinforcement bracket (500), the corrugated end 4 constituted by combination of the side flange 1 and the localized emboss 2 provided at the center act as a mounting surface. As shown in fig. 6c, the fourth reinforcement bracket (500) comprises a straight portion (501) and an inclined portion (502) that raises at an angle ‘α’ from the straight portion (501). An
20 eccentric U-shaped cut provided at end of the straight portion (501). Opposite to eccentric U shaped cut distal end, the fourth reinforcement bracket (500) is spot welded on the dash panel front (104) at the corrugated end 4. Fig. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d represent front view, side view, top view and isometric view of the fourth reinforcement bracket (500) respectively.
25 [0054] Referring to figure 7, which illustrates assembly of the first reinforcement bracket, the second reinforcement bracket and the third reinforcement bracket at the dash side area (100) of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Arrow ‘X’ indicates horizontal direction and arrow ‘Y’ indicates vertical direction.
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[0055] The first reinforcement bracket (200) is spot welded at four of the side flange forming a box–like structure to strengthen weak zone-2 (602). One of the side flange (1a) in a vertical direction facilitates spot welding of the first reinforcement bracket (200) on the dash side reinforcement (102) and one of the
5 side flange (1a) in a vertical direction facilitates spot welding of the first reinforcement bracket (200) on the front end (101). Further, two of the side flange (1) in a horizontal direction facilitates spot welding of the first reinforcement bracket (200) on an outer side (105a) of the dash side panel (105). The first reinforcement bracket (200) prevents buckling and crumpling in weak zone-2 (602)
10 during an incident of offset frontal collision.
[0056] The second reinforcement bracket (300) spot welded with the dash side reinforcement (102) along a horizontal direction at one side flange (1) to establish continuity for energy flow by providing connection amongst the dash side panel (105), the dash panel front (104) and the A-pillar lower member (103). Also the 15 second reinforcement bracket (300) aids in prevention of crumpling of dash side reinforcement (102) by providing closed box configuration. Thus, the second reinforcement (300) provides additional strength to the dash side reinforcement (102) and covers the single sheet metal area highly exposed for deformation.
[0057] The third reinforcement bracket (400) is spot welded at three of the side 20 flange on the dash side panel (105), to strengthen weak zone-2 (602). One side flange (1a) in a vertical direction facilitates spot welding of the third reinforcement bracket (400) on the front end (101) and two of the side flange (1) in a horizontal direction facilitates spot welding of the third reinforcement bracket (400) on an outer side (105a) of the dash side panel (105).
25 [0058] Referring to figure 8, which illustrates assembly of the fourth reinforcement bracket at the dash side area (100) of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fourth reinforcement bracket (500) spot welded at two of the side flange (1) and corrugated end (4) on an inner side (105b) of the dash side panel (105) and on a dash panel front (104) respectively to establish
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continuity for energy flow by providing connection between the A-pillar lower member (103) and the dash side reinforcement (102) to strengthen the weak zone-1 (601). The inclined portion (502) is welded on the inner side (105b) of the dash side panel (105) along the side flanges (1) and the straight portion (501) is welded 5 on the A-pillar lower member (103) along the side flanges (1) and the corrugated end (4).
[0059] Referring to figure 9, which illustrates axial reference for the front structure on a dash side area (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. Axial reference is provided via axial lines F-F, G-G and H-H to illustrate 10 positional arrangement of the reinforcement brackets (200,300,400,500).
[0060] Referring to figure 10, which illustrates cross section of the front structure on a dash side area (100) about axis F-F, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cross sectional representation illustrates how the first reinforcement bracket (200) and the fourth reinforcement bracket (500) connect in the weak zone-15 2 (602) and the weak zone-1 (601) respectively, to strengthen the two weak regions (601, 602) for improving crash-worthiness of the vehicle.
[0061] Referring to figure 11, which illustrates cross section of the front structure on a dash side area (100) about axis G-G, according to an embodi ment of the present invention. The cross sectional representation illustrates how the second 20 reinforcement bracket (300) spot-welded between the dash side reinforcement (102) and the outer side of the dash side panel (105) at one of the side flange to establish continuity for energy flow by providing connection amongst the dash side panel (105), the dash panel front (104) and the A-pillar lower member (103)
[0062] Referring to figure 12, which illustrates cross section of the front structure 25 on a dash side area (100) about axis H-H, according to an embodi ment of the present invention. The cross sectional representation illustrates how the third reinforcement bracket (400) is spot-welded on the dash side panel (105), to strengthen weak zone-2 (602).
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[0063] This way, a front structure comprising four reinforcement brackets (200, 300, 400, 500), is provided, to achieve additional strength and rigidity to the existing front structure of a vehicle to fulfil requirement of offset frontal crash compliance in the existing running models of vehicles.
5 [0064] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes are recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the
10 "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims
[0065] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or 15 application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0066] 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
20 interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent
25 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
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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 5 of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, 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).
10 [0067] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.
15 [0068] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives,
20 modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0069] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial 25 equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0070] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various
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aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:

A front structure on a dash side area (100) of a vehicle to improve crash-
worthiness, the dash side area (100) includes a front end (101), a dash side reinforcement (102), an A-pillar lower member (103), a dash side panel (105) and a dash panel front (104), the front structure comprising:
a first reinforcement bracket (200), a second reinforcement bracket (300), a third reinforcement bracket (400), and a fourth reinforcement bracket (500), characterized in that:
each of the first reinforcement bracket (200), the second reinforcement bracket (300), and the third reinforcement bracket (400), comprises at least a localized emboss (2) and at least a side flange (1, la) having corrugated surface to facilitate spot welding and ED paint flow;
the first reinforcement bracket (200) spot welded at four of the side flange to strengthen weak zone-2 (602),
the second reinforcement bracket (300) spot welded with the dash side reinforcement (102) along a horizontal direction at one side flange (1) to establish continuity for energy flow by providing connection amongst the dash side panel (105), the dash panel front (104) and the A-pillar lower member (103);
the third reinforcement bracket (400) spot welded at three of the side flange on the dash side panel (105), to strengthen weak zone-2 (602));
the fourth reinforcement bracket (500) comprises at least a localized emboss (2) and at least a side flange (1,) and corrugated end (4) to facilitate spot welding, the fourth reinforcement bracket (500) spot welded at two of the side flange on an inner side (105b) of the dash side panel (105) and at the corrugated end (4) on the A-pillar lower member (103) to establish continuity for energy flow by providing connection between the A-pillar lower member (103) and the dash side reinforcement (102) to strengthen weak zone-1 (601).

2. The front structure on a dash side area (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the localized emboss (2) provides stiffness on a plain top surface (3) of each of the first reinforcement bracket (200), the second reinforcement bracket (300), the third reinforcement bracket (400), and the fourth reinforcement bracket (500).
3. The front structure on a dash side area (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side flange (1) having corrugated surface creates a gap between a vehicle body and the front structure to facilitate spot welding and ED paint flow.
4. The front structure on a dash side area (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first reinforcement bracket (200) one of the side flange (la) in a vertical direction facilitates spot welding of the first reinforcement bracket on the front end (101) and one of the side flange (la) in a vertical direction facilitates spot welding of the first reinforcement bracket (200) on the dash side reinforcement (102), and two of the side flange (1) in ahorizontal direction facilitates spot welding of the first reinforcement bracket (200) on an outer side (105a) of the dash side panel (105).
5. The front structure on a dash side area (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein, one of the side flange (la) in a vertical direction facilitates spot welding of the third reinforcement bracket (400) on the front end (101) and two of the side flanges (1) in a horizontal direction facilitates spot welding of the third reinforcement bracket (400) on an outer side (105a) of the dash side panel (105).
6. The front structure on a dash side area (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the third reinforcement bracket (400) comprises a U-shape slot (3) to provide weld-gun access for spot welding to join the dash side panel (105) and the dash panel front (104).

7. The front structure on a dash side area (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the fourth reinforcement bracket (500) comprises a localized emboss (2) along horizontal direction to prevent the buckling and crumpling in weak zone-1 (601) during the incident of offset frontal collision.
8. The front structure on a dash side area (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the front structure provides a continuous energy flow path during an incident of offset frontal collision.
9. The front structure on a dash side area (100) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the front structure aids in preventing the vehicle body deformation during the the incident of offset frontal collision.