The present disclosure relates generally to a gusset for preventing buckling in angular structure of a vehicle. This gusset is implemented on angular structure of a vehicle for reinforcement purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicles are manufactured in an automotive assembly line where exterior and interior panels of a vehicle are joined successively resulting in assembled vehicle. While assembling the panels of the vehicle, many angular structures are formed. These angular structures are formed when one panel of the vehicle is joined to the adjacent panel at an angle. A juncture is created at the joining point of the panels. Oftentimes, it become essential to provide additional reinforcement, in the form of gusset, encompassing the juncture of the angular structures as these areas are prone to buckling under load. Further, a sealer is applied on the juncture of the angular structure to make the vehicle assembly waterproof.
[0003] The automotive assembly lines are designed to optimize the manufacturing process by sequentially performing manufacturing operations. In most of the assembly lines, joining of the gusset is performed first and the sealing operation is performed later.
[0004] During assembly of the vehicle in the automotive assembly line, the gusset is welded on the panels of the angular structure. Edges of the gusset is adapted to align with the panels and juncture of the angular structure. Hence, there is no or minimum clearance provided between the edge of the gusset and the juncture of the angular structure. This affects the sealing operation at the juncture of the angular structure, which is to be formed after welding the gusset. The quality of sealing around the area of reinforcement reduces considerably.

[0005] One approach towards enhancing the quality of sealing is to first perform the sealing operation and then weld the gusset on designated position on the panels of the angular structure. However, this approach affects the assembly line efficiency.
[0006] Other approach towards enhancing the quality of sealing is that to first perform the sealing operation and then bolt the gusset on designated position on the panels of the angular structure. However, for bolting operation, holes have to be provided on the designated positions on the panels of the angular structure. This approach also affects the assembly line efficiency and increase the process and product cost.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a gusset for preventing buckling in angular structure as well as facilitating sealing operation without affecting efficiency of the assembly line.
SUMMARY
[0008] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a gusset for preventing buckling in angular structure of a vehicle and facilitating sealing operation. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0009] The present disclosure relates to a gusset for preventing buckling in angular structure of a vehicle and facilitating sealing operation. The gusset comprises a base member, a first attachment member and a second attachment member. The base member has a first edge, a second edge adjacent to first edge, a third edge adjacent of first edge and a fourth edge opposite to the first edge. The second edge of the base member is adapted to align with a first panel of the angular structure. The third edge of the base member is adapted to align with a second panel of the angular structure. The first attachment member is integrally extending

vertically from the second edge of the base member. The second attachment member is integrally extending vertically from the third edge of the base member. The first edge of the base member has a concave profile to create a clearance between the juncture of the angular structure and the first edge of the base member to facilitate sealing operation.
[0010] In an aspect, the first attachment member is adapted to firmly join with the first panel of the angular structure.
[0011] In an aspect, the second attachment member is adapted to firmly join with the second panel of the angular structure.
[0012] In an aspect, the first attachment member and the second attachment member is adapted to firmly join with the first panel and the second panel of the angular structure, respectively, by spot welding.
[0013] In an aspect, wherein the clearance between the juncture of the angular structure and the first edge of the base member is in the range of 28 mm to 32 mm.
[0014] In an aspect, a reinforcement bead is provided on the base member to increase stiffness of the base member.
[0015] In an aspect, the orientation of the second edge with the first edge of the base member is made identical to the orientation of the first panel with the juncture of the angular structure.
[0016] In an aspect, the orientation of the third edge with the first edge of the base member is made identical to the orientation of the second panel with the juncture of the angular structure.
[0017] In an aspect, a first flange integrally extending vertically from the first edge is provided joining the first attachment member with the second attachment member.
[0018] In an aspect, a second flange integrally extending vertically from the fourth edge is provided joining the second attachment member with the first attachment member.

[0019] In an aspect, height of the first flange is kept less than height of the first attachment member and the second attachment member.
[0020] In an aspect, height of the second flange is kept less than height of the first attachment member and the second attachment member.
[0021] 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 the scope of the present subject matter.
[0022] 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 FIGURES
[0023] The illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure 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:
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary gusset that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary gusset in deployed state that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates implementation of the gusset around rear floor region of a vehicle, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0027] and

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates implementation of the gusset around vehicle dash front and vehicle dash side of a vehicle, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0029] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] A few aspects of the present disclosure are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Example implementations are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows.
Definitions
[0031] In the disclosure hereinafter, one or more terms are used to describe various aspects of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, a few definitions are provided herein for better understating of the present disclosure.
[0032] "Angular Structure" may be defined as a structure which is primarily formed by joining two components/ panels, such that, the orientation of the joining components/panels are not strictly rectilinear but at an angle.
[0033] "Juncture" may be defined as the location on the angular structure where conjugation of two components/ panels occur.
[0034] "Gusset" is defined as a reinforcement plate or a reinforcement bracket for strengthening the juncture of the angular structure.

[0035] "Panels" may be defined as a piece of metal forming part of the body of a vehicle.
[0036] "Clearance'" may be defined as a space or a gap provided for allowing sealer to move through the gusset.
[0037] "Deployed State" may be defined as the state of the gusset when the gusset is implemented on the desired position.
[0038] "Sealing Operation" may be defined as the procedure to apply sealer along the juncture for waterproofing.
EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENT A TIONS
[0039] While the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. Not all of the depicted components described in this disclosure may be required, however, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components from those expressly described in this disclosure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the claims as set forth herein.
[0040] An angular structure primarily comprises a first panel and a second panel. The second panel is joined with the first panel at an angle. Further, a juncture is formed at the conjugation point of the first panel and the second panel. Region surrounding this juncture needs additional reinforcement as they are prone to buckling under load.
[0041] To prevent buckling in this region a gusset is provided in this area to provide extra strength in this region, against load, resulting from collision of the vehicle or the like.

[0042] In addition to this, a sealing operation is performed in the juncture region to prevent infiltration of water. Usually the gusset, which was assembled before the sealing operation, leaves little to no clearance with the juncture of the angular structure which makes it difficult to apply sealer in the juncture region. This results in poor quality of sealing in juncture region.
[0043] To solve the problem, a gusset is required which prevent buckling in angular structure of a vehicle as well as facilitate sealing operation without affecting the assembly line.
[0044] In order to achieve this goal of preventing buckling in angular structure of vehicle as well as facilitation of sealing operation, a gusset may be utilized. The arrangement of the gusset on angular structure is described in more detail below.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates top view and isometric view of an exemplary gusset
100 that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The gusset 100 comprises a base member 101, a first attachment member 102 and a second attachment member 103. The base member 101 is a flat plate member having a first edge 101a, a second edge 101b, a third edge 101c and a fourth edge lOld. The edges 101a, 101b, 101c of the base member 101 are adapted to align with the profile of the juncture region of the angular structure where the gusset 100 is to be deployed. In an aspect, the second edge 101b of the base member
101 is adapted to align with the first panel of the angular structure. Further, the third edge 101c of the base member 101 is adapted to align with the second panel of the angular structure. The alignment of the second edge 101b with first panel and the third edge 101c with second panel ensures that in deployed state there is no clearance between the second edge 101b and the first panel, and between the third edge 101c and the second panel.
[0046] The first attachment member 102 and the second attachment member 103 are integral part of the gusset 100. The first attachment member 102 integrally originates from the second edge 101b of the base member 101 and extends vertically. In deployed state, the first attachment member 102 is joined with the first

panel of the angular structure. Thus, the first attachment member 102 acts as a mean through which the gusset 100 is joined with the first panel of the angular structure.
[0047] The second attachment member 103 integrally originates from the third edge 101c of the base member 101 and extends vertically. In deployed state, the second attachment member 103 is joined with the second panel of the angular structure. Thus, the second attachment member 103 acts as a mean through which the gusset 100 is joined with the second panel of the angular structure.
[0048] To facilitate sealing operation, the first edge 101a of the base member 101 is given a concave profile. The concave profile of the first edge 101a facing the juncture of the angular structure ensures that a clearance is created between the juncture of the angular structure and the first edge 101a of the base member 101.
[0049] In an aspect, this clearance between the juncture of the angular structure and the first edge 101a of the base member 101 is in the range of 28 mm to 32 mm. This clearance is sufficient to provide access to the juncture during sealing operation.
[0050] To further enhance the stiffness of the gusset 100, a reinforcement bead 104 is provided on the base member 101. The reinforcement bead 104 enhance the overall capability of the gusset 100 to prevent buckling.
[0051] A first flange 105 is provided which integrally extends from the first edge 101a of the base member 101 in vertical direction. The first flange 105 joins the first attachment member 102 with the second attachment member 103 creating a robust structure. Further, the height of the first flange 105 is kept less than the height of the first attachment member 102 and the second attachment member 103 to provide better reach to the juncture while performing sealing operation.
[0052] A second flange 106 is provided which integrally extends from the fourth edge lOld of the base member 101 in vertical direction. The second flange 106 joins the second attachment member 103 with the first attachment member 102 creating a robust structure. Further, the height of the second flange 106 is kept less than the height of the first attachment member 102 and the second attachment

member 103 to provide better reach to the juncture while performing sealing operation.
[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary gusset 100 in deployed state that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment, the first panel 201 and the second panel 202 are joined in a perpendicular orientation. This perpendicular orientation is creating an L-shaped juncture region. Accordingly, a gusset 100 suitable for L-shaped juncture region is discussed. It should be noted that it is not necessary for the proposed gusset 100 to implement in L-shaped juncture only. The proposed gusset is equally applicable to juncture region with angular orientation. In an aspect, the juncture region has either of an acute orientation or obtuse orientation or perpendicular orientation.
[0054] The first attachment member 102 is integrally originating from the
second edge 101b of the base member 101 in vertical direction. Since the second edge 101b of the base member 101 is adapted to align with the first panel 201 of the angular structure, the orientation of the first attachment member 102 is similarly aligned with the first panel 201 of the angular structure.
[0055] Similarly, the second attachment member 103 is integrally originating from the third edge 101c of the base member 101 in vertical direction. Since, the third edge 101c of the base member 101 is adapted to align with the second panel 202 of the angular structure, the orientation of the second attachment member 103 is similarly aligned with the second panel 202 of the angular structure.
[0056] Further, the orientation of the second edge 101b with respect to the first edge 101a of the base member 101 is kept identical to the orientation of the first panel 201 of the angular structure with respect to the juncture of the angular structure. Since the orientation of the first edge 101a and the second edge 101b of the base member 101 is kept identical to the orientation of the first panel 201 and juncture of the angular structure, there is no possibility of generation of clearance between the second edge 101b of the base member 101 and the first panel 201 of
tno annular c+mr'+iiro

[0057] Also, the orientation of the third edge 101c with respect to the first
edge 101a of the base member 101 is kept identical to the orientation of the second panel 202 of the angular structure with respect to the juncture of the angular structure. Since the orientation of the first edge 101a and the third edge 101c of the base member 101 is kept identical to the orientation of the second panel 202 and juncture of the angular structure, there is no possibility of generation of clearance between the third edge 101c of the base member 101 and the second panel 202 of the angular structure.
[0058] In case if the deployment of one gusset 100 is not enough to prevent buckling in the angular structure, more than one gusset 100 could be deployed. The deployment of more than one gusset 100 could be in any kind of disposition based on the space available in the vicinity.
[0059] The disposition shown in the FIG. 2 is parallel disposition, wherein one extra gusset 100 is deployed below the first gusset to further strengthen the juncture region of the angular structure.
[0060] The gusset 100 is devised to be implemented on various kinds of angular structures present in the vehicle. Some of the implementation regions are discussed below.
[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates implementation of the gusset 100 around rear region of a vehicle, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. In the rear region, one such angular structure is formed between rear floor 301 and rear skirt panel 302. The rear floor 301 could be considered as first panel and the rear skirt panel 302 could be considered as second panel. A juncture is formed at the conjugation point of the rear floor 301 and the rear skirt panel 302.
[0062] In deployed state, the first attachment member 102 of the gusset 100 is firmly joined with the rear floor 301. The second attachment member 103 of the gusset 100 is firmly joined with the rear skirt panel 302. In an aspect, the first attachment member 102 and the second attachment member 103 are spot welded on the rear floor 301 and the side rear skirt panel 302, respectively. The first edge

101a of the base member 101 of the gusset 100 faces the juncture formed between the rear floor 301 and the rear skirt panel 302. The concave profile of the first edge 101a facing the juncture ensures that a clearance is created between the juncture and the first edge 101a of the base member 101. The concave profile of the first edge 101a of the base member 101 facilitate sealing operation after implementation of the gusset 100 encompassing the juncture.
[0063] Further, one such angular structure is formed between rear floor 301 and side panel 303. The rear floor 301 could be considered as first panel and the side panel 303 could be considered as second panel. A juncture is formed at the conjugation point of the rear floor 301 and the side panel 303.
[0064] In deployed state, the first attachment member 102 of the gusset 100 is firmly joined with the rear floor 301. The second attachment member 103 of the gusset 100 is firmly joined with the side panel 303. In an aspect, the first attachment member 102 and the second attachment member 103 are spot welded on the rear floor 301 and the side panel 303, respectively. The first edge 101a of the base member 101 of the gusset 100 faces the juncture formed between the rear floor 301 and the side panel 303. The concave profile of the first edge 101a facing the juncture ensures that a clearance is created between the juncture and the first edge 101a of the base member 101. The concave profile of the first edge 101a of the base member 101 facilitate sealing operation after implementation of the gusset 100 encompassing the juncture.
[0065] Furthermore, one such angular structure is formed between rear skirt panel 302 and side panel 303. The rear skirt panel 302 could be considered as first panel and the side panel 303 could be considered as second panel. A juncture is formed at the conjugation point of the rear skirt panel 302 and the side panel 303.
[0066] In deployed state, the first attachment member 102 of the gusset 100 is firmly joined with the rear skirt panel 302. The second attachment member 103 of the gusset 100 is firmly joined with the side panel 303. In an aspect, the first attachment member 102 and the second attachment member 103 are spot welded
r\-n tno -roar cVirt nan^l ^HO anH +no cino nan^l ^C\^ i-^arx^rH-iw^lir Tna fircf C*ACYC* 1 HI a

of the base member 101 of the gusset 100 faces the juncture formed between the rear skirt panel 302 and the side panel 303. The concave profile of the first edge 101a facing the juncture ensures that a clearance is created between the juncture and the first edge 101a of the base member 101. The concave profile of the first edge 101a of the base member 101 facilitate sealing operation after implementation of the gusset 100 encompassing the juncture.
[0067] FIG. 4 illustrates implementation of the gusset 100 between dash front (403) and dash side (404) of the vehicle, according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
ADVANTAGES
[0068] The gusset 100 of the present disclosure prevents buckling in angular structures of the vehicle and ensures that there is no hindrance when sealing operation is performed after deployment of the gusset 100. Further, the deployment of gusset 100 of the present disclosure ensures that the operation of assembly line is not affected. Furthermore, the gusset ensures that the quality of sealing provided in the juncture region of the angular structure is good and the area is completely waterproof.
[0069] The above description does not provide specific details of the 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.
[0070] Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the 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, 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.
[0071] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial 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.
[0072] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

We Claim:

1. A gusset (100) for preventing buckling in angular structure of a vehicle and
facilitating sealing operation, the gusset (100) comprising:
a base member (101) having a first edge (101a), a second edge (101b) adjacent to the first edge (101a), a third edge (101c) adjacent to the first edge (101a) and a fourth edge (10Id) opposite to the first edge (101a), wherein the second edge (101b) is adapted to align with a first panel (201) of the angular structure and the third edge (101c) is adapted to align with a second panel (202) of the angular structure;
a first attachment member (102) integrally extending vertically from the second edge (101b) of the base member (101); and
a second attachment member (103) integrally extending vertically from the third edge (101c) of the base member (101), wherein the first edge (101a) of the base member (101) has a concave profile to create a clearance between the juncture of the angular structure and the first edge (101a) of the base member (101) to facilitate sealing operation.
2. The gusset (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first attachment
member (102) is adapted to firmly join with the first panel (101) of the
angular structure.
3. The gusset (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second attachment member (103) is adapted to firmly join with the second panel (202) of the angular structure.
4. The gusset (100) as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein the first attachment member (102) and the second attachment member (103) is adapted to firmly join with the first panel (201) and the second panel (202) of the angular structure, respectively, by spot welding.

5. The gusset (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a reinforcement bead (104) is provided on the base member (101) to increase stiffness of the base member (101).
6. The gusset (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alignment of the third edge (101c) with the first edge (101a) of the base member (101) is made identical to the alignment of the second panel (202) with the juncture of the angular structure.
7. The gusset (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first flange (105) integrally extending vertically from the first edge (101a) is provided joining the first attachment member (102) with the second attachment member (103).
8. The gusset (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second flange (106) integrally extending vertically from the fourth edge (10Id) is provided joining the second attachment member (103) with the first attachment member (102).
9. The gusset (100) as claimed in claims 7 or 8, wherein height of the first flange (105) and the second flange (106) is kept less than height of the first attachment member (102) and the second attachment member (103).