Description:
A HEADLAMP LOCATOR SYSTEM FOR POSITIONING OF A HEADLAMP IN A VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a headlamp locator system for positioning of a headlamp in a vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the headlamp locator system, where the structural features of the headlamp locator system prevent falling and anti-rotation of the headlamp of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Automotive industry, being one of the primary pillars of economy in India, is continuously working on upgradation of the vehicles manufactured, both in terms of aesthetics and safety. More importantly, the constant upgradation in the automotive industry may be attributed to enhanced market pressure to develop high quality products in a fast pace with different variants of a particular vehicle model in order to cater different segments of end users.
[0003] One such example of luring customers from an aesthetic point of view is headlamps mounted within the bumper of a vehicle. However, for this kind of fitment, the headlamp is made to hang ideally from one point. Therefore, the hanging point must be strong and rigid enough to support entire weight of the headlamp. Additionally, the mounting portion should also be able to prevent rotation of the headlamp during assembly.
[0004] Some of the existing arrangements to combat the above mentioned challenges include introduction of clamps near lamp ball area, where the clamps are positioned as mating structures with the help of screws. Another way out includes design of separate mounting brackets in order to accommodate the headlamps. But these techniques are either very complex or requires additional structures thereby impacting cost of production of the vehicle. Moreover, removal mechanism of the headlamp is also very complex, if such structures are used.
[0005] Towards this direction, the present disclosure intends to propose design of a headlamp locator system that is able to overcome the above mentioned limitations and is also able to withstand the load created due to mounting of the headlamp.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0007] It is an object of the present subject matter to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in the prior art systems and methods.
[0008] It is a significant object of the present disclosure to develop a headlamp locator system capable of fitment of a headlamp into a bumper of a vehicle.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to develop the headlamp locator system equipped with structural features that is able to prevent falling of the headlamp during assembly or any adverse conditions.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the headlamp locator system equipped with structural features that is able to prevent anti-rotation of the headlamp.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the headlamp locator system equipped with structural features being capable of preventing accidental loosening of the headlamp.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the headlamp locator system that is rigid and robust.
[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter, will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description, taken into consideration with accompanied drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a headlamp locator system for positioning of a headlamp in a vehicle. 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.
[0015] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a headlamp housing having a locator system for positioning of a headlamp in a vehicle.
[0016] In an aspect, the headlamp housing comprises of a plurality of headlamp mounting portions to mount the headlamp at front end of the vehicle, one of the headlamp mounting portion which is provided at upper end of the headlamp housing having an L-shaped extension protruding vertically from a top surface of the headlamp mounting portion, a hook extending from a horizontal surface of the L-shaped extension in downward direction toward the upper end of the headlamp housing, the hook configured to provide hanging support to the headlamp and prevent the headlamp from falling and a lateral cantilever arm projecting in an outward direction from rear end of the head lamp housing in a first lateral direction from a first lateral surface, where the lateral cantilever arm is defining a locator at a distal end, away from the head lamp housing to prevent rotation of the headlamp.
[0017] In an aspect, the horizontal surface of the L-shaped extension defines tapered profile in one direction to form an inclined plane in an upward direction.
[0018] In an aspect, in the head lamp, the tapered surface completely rests on mounting panel of the vehicle to prevent the headlamp from falling in downward direction.
[0019] In an aspect, in the headlamp, the lateral cantilever arm is defining a tapered head cantilever snap fit tower to couple with a complementary hole provided in a mounting panel of the vehicle.
[0020] In an aspect, one of the headlamp mounting portion is provided on a flange protruded laterally in outward direction from a second lateral surface.
[0021] In an aspect, one of the headlamp mounting portion from a plurality of headlamp mounting portion is provided at lower end of the housing to arrest any rotation about the upper mounting portion.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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 numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING(S)
[0024] 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 given with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which
[0025] Figure 1 depicts structural attributes of a locator system of a headlamp housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] Figure 2 depicts a sectional view of the headlamp housing depicting working principle of a hook in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0027] Figure 3 depicts a sectional view of the headlamp housing depicting working of a locator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] 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
[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various 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 alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0031] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used 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 such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0032] The present disclosure discloses a headlamp housing of a vehicle. The headlamp housing disclosed herein is equipped with a locator assembly so as to provide fitment to a headlamp within bumper of a vehicle. The locator assembly is equipped with structural features that not only prevents falling of the headlamp during assembly, but also prevents rotation of the headlamp as well. The corresponding features of the locator assembly are elucidated in subsequent sections.
[0033] Figure 1 depicts structural attributes of a locator assembly of a headlamp housing (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Herein, the headlamp housing (100) may be said to comprise a first lateral surface (112-1) and a second lateral surface (112-2).
[0034] In an aspect, as can be observed from the figure, the headlamp housing (100) comprises of a plurality of mounting portions to mount the headlamp at front end of the vehicle with the plurality of mounting portions comprising mounting portions one at a top (102), one at a bottom, one at an inward side and one at an outward side.
[0035] In an aspect, one of the mounting portion (102), provided at an upper end of the headlamp housing (100), is equipped with an L-shaped extension (104) protruding vertically from a top surface of the headlamp mounting portion (102). A horizontal surface (104-1) of the L-shaped extension (104) is provided with a hook (106), where the hook (106) is configured to provide hanging support to the headlamp and prevent the headlamp from falling during assembly or any other adverse conditions. The hook (106) is also configured to prevent falling of the headlamp if the lamp is accidentally displaced from below or from side.
[0036] In an aspect, the horizontal surface (104-1) of the L-shaped extension (104) defines a tapered profile in one direction, preferably horizontally away from the hook (106). The tapered profile rests on mounting panel of the vehicle and consequently results into formation of an inclined plane (104-2) in an upward direction. The inclined plane (104-2), may also be referred to as a chamfer, provides support to the headlamp and let it in hanging condition thereby bearing weight of the headlamp. Additionally, the tapered profile of the L-shaped extension (104) along with the inclined plane (104-2) also helps in maintaining rigidity and robustness of the hook (106) by imparting requisite strength.
[0037] In an aspect, there is further provided a lateral cantilever arm (110) projecting in an outward direction from a rear end of the first lateral surface (112-1) of the headlamp housing (100). The lateral cantilever arm (110) is provided with a locator, may be referred to as a side locator (114) at a distal end, away from the headlamp housing (100).
[0038] In an aspect, further in the vicinity of the side locator (114), the lateral cantilever arm (110) is defining a tapered head cantilever snap fit tower (118), where the tapered head cantilever snap fit tower (118) is coupled with a complementary hole provided in a mounting panel of the vehicle. The tapered head cantilever snap fit tower (118), may also be referred to as a catcher as it prevents dislocation of the side locator (114).
[0039] In an aspect, the tapered head cantilever snap fit tower (118) may also be replaced with a slotted slide locator (119) as a variation.
[0040] In an aspect, the second lateral surface (112-2) present in one of the headlamp mounting portion (102) of the headlamp housing (100) comprises of a flange (120). The flange (120) is protruded laterally from the second lateral surface (112-2) in an outward direction and helps in providing support to the headlamp while hanging.
[0041] In an aspect, one of the mounting portion (102), provided at an upper end of the headlamp housing (100), is equipped with a locator (107) placed orthogonally to the hook (106). This locator (107) is on the back side face of second lateral surface (112-2) and has a complementary hole on the panel to provide accurate positioning of the lamp on the vehicle.
[0042] Referring to the vertical sectional view at the hook (106) as shown in Figure 2, it may be noted that the inclined plane (104-2) formed by the horizontal surface (104-1) of the L-shaped extension (104) enhances the hook (106) mating interference and offer a force for resisting rotation of the headlamp, thus preventing tendency of rotation of the headlamp otherwise in clockwise direction. However, it is necessary to maintain adequate clearance around the hook (106) in order to facilitate ease of insertion into the panel hole.
[0043] In an aspect, the gap between front of the hook (106) to the edge of mating panel hole is larger than the length of the height of the locator (107) to facilitate assembly while maintaining locating accuracy.
[0044] In an aspect, the hook (106) is shaped so that only a limited contact point occurs with the panel in inboard direction (105-1), rear ward direction (105-2) and outboard direction (105-3) thus facilitating ease of assembly and adjustment.
[0045] Referring to the side view shown in Figure 3, in an aspect, due to presence of the side locator (114) along with the tapered head cantilever snap fit tower (118), the centre of gravity (111) remains close unlike the existing arrangement. Consequently, this prevents tendency of rotation of the headlamp about upper mounting portion (102) during the time of assembly.
[0046] Therefore, in this manner, the hook (106) along with the locator (114) and the tapered head cantilever snap fit tower (118) helps to support the headlamp suitably and also prevent the headlamp from rotation during assembly or other events.
[0047] Technical Advantages
[0048] All in all, the invention described in the present disclosure is having the following advantages:
a) Facilitates hanging of headlamp and prevents it from falling
b) Enables accurate positioning of the headlamp on the vehicle body
c) Prevents rotation of headlamp
d) Facilitates easy assembly and adjustment
e) Rigid and robust
f) Facilitates simplified mounting and removal of headlamps

Equivalents
[0049] 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 systems 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 above mentioned description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0050] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to package 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/device 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.
[0051] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those 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 is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0052] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
, C , Claims:We Claim:
1. A headlamp housing (100) having a locator system for positioning of a headlamp in a vehicle, the headlamp housing (100) comprising:
a plurality of headlamp mounting portions (102) to mount the headlamp at front end of the vehicle, one of the headlamp mounting portion (102) which is provided at upper end of the headlamp housing (100) having
an L-shaped extension (104) protruding vertically from a top surface of the headlamp mounting portion (102), a hook (106) extending from a horizontal surface (104-1) of the L-shaped extension (104) in downward direction towards the upper end of the headlamp housing (100), the hook (106) configured to provide hanging support to the headlamp and prevent the headlamp from falling; and
a lateral cantilever arm (110) projecting in an outward direction from rear end of the head lamp housing (108) in a first lateral direction from a first lateral surface (112-1), wherein the lateral cantilever arm (110) is defining a locator (114) at a distal end, away from the head lamp housing (108) to prevent rotation of the headlamp.
2. The headlamp housing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal surface (104-1) of the L-shaped extension (104) defines tapered profile in one direction to form an inclined plane (104-2) in an upward direction.
3. The headlamp housing (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tapered surface completely rests on mounting panel of the vehicle to prevent the headlamp from falling in downward direction.
4. The headlamp housing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral cantilever arm (110) is defining a tapered head cantilever snap fit tower (118) to couple with a complementary hole provided in a mounting panel of the vehicle.
5. The headlamp housing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the headlamp mounting portion (102) is provided on a flange (120) protruded laterally in outward direction from a second lateral surface (112-2).
6. The headlamp housing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the headlamp mounting portion (102) from a plurality of headlamp mounting portion is provided at lower end of the housing.
7. The headlamp housing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral cantilever arm (110) is defining a slotted slide locator (119) to couple with a complementary hole provided in a mounting panel of the vehicle.
8. The headlamp housing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a locator (107) is disposed orthogonally to the hook (106) on the back side face of second lateral surface (112-2) has a complementary hole on the panel to provide accurate positioning of the lamp on the vehicle.
9. The headlamp housing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook (106) is shaped to have a limited contact point occurs with the panel in inboard direction (105-1), rear ward direction (105-2) and outboard direction (105-3) thus facilitating ease of assembly and adjustment.