DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of an automotive occupant safety systems such as side curtain. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a mounting structure and components of such structures.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Generally, side curtains (also known as tube airbag) are side airbags that protect the upper part specifically head portion of an occupant seating inside a vehicle from an injury. The side curtains gets immediately activate during a side impact or a crash. They work by cushioning between the driver or the occupant and the window. They stay in place to protect the head even when the car rolls over.
Generally, a side curtain bracket is configured to guide the deployment of the side curtain between a head liner and a pillar trim. The side curtain is installed along a roof side rail.
Since, the side curtain is deployed by pushing the head liner; there is a possibility that the side curtain may get caught or stuck by the pillar trim, especially an upper end of a D-pillar trim, which will increase the deployment time of the side curtain or the deployment of the side curtain will be irregular.
Further, in some of conventional vehicles, the ramp brackets are provided, which are made up of a plastic material, which is a rigid bracket. These side curtains are rapidly inflated by a high-pressure gas. Since, the bracket is made of the plastic material which is the rigid structure, therefore, there is a possibility that the rigid plastic bracket contains sharp edges and damages the side curtain during the sudden inflation.

There is, therefore, felt a need of a mounting arrangement for a side curtain that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a side curtain of a vehicle.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a side curtain of a vehicle that is simple and easy to assemble or disassemble.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a side curtain of a vehicle which deploys the side curtain without any time-delay.
yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a side curtain of a vehicle which has no sharp edge.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a side curtain of a vehicle which is easy for service.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a side curtain of a vehicle which deploys the side curtain in a regular pattern.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a side curtain of a vehicle which is economical.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a mounting arrangement for a side curtain of a vehicle. The mounting arrangement comprises at least one bracket for retaining and supporting the side curtain thereon. The bracket is defined by a base and a first flange extending from the base at a predetermined angle. The base is configured to support at least a portion of the side curtain thereon. A second flange is configured to be extended from an operative front edge of the base in an operative downward direction. The second flange is configured to guide and deploy the side curtain towards occupant space in an operative configuration.
In an embodiment, the angle between the base and the first flange depends on interior styling and interface parts packaging of the frame of the vehicle.
In another embodiment, an operative front edge portion of the base is configured with a curved surface. The second flange is configured to be extended from the curved surface in the operative downward direction of the bracket.
Further, at least two mounting provision are configured on the first flange. Each of the mounting provision is configured to receive a fastening means, to mount the first flange on the inner panel of the vehicle. Also, at least one rib is configured to extend from the first flange at a predetermined angle. The space defined between the rib and the first flange is configured to position the side curtain therein. The rib is configured to at least partly retain the side curtain on the bracket, and is further configured to guide an inflating portion of the side curtain in an operative forward direction of the bracket.
In an embodiment, the angle between the first flange and the rib is depends on interior styling and interface parts packaging of the frame of the vehicle.
Further, the bracket is configured to be mounted on the inner panel above a D-pillar trim panel of the vehicle frame, and is further configured to be located between the inner panel and a headliner. The bracket is configured to define a recess between the inner panel and an operating rear surface of the first flange in a mounted configuration of the bracket. The recess is configured to provide a passage to a plurality of cables, connectors and tubes to pass through, in the mounted configuration of the bracket.
In a preferred embodiment, the side curtain is configured to be extended along the inner panel and mounted along the roof rails by means of a plurality of elastically fastening means or a plurality of clamping means.
In an embodiment, the bracket is a sheet-metal bracket, selected from a group of material consisting of steel, aluminium and a metal alloy.
Since, the bracket is made from the sheet metal and is configured with the curved surface along the edge, advantageously, the bracket does not have any sharp edges and economical.
Further, since the bracket is mounted above the D-pillar trim panel along the roof rail, therefore it avoids any irregular deployment or time-delay of the side curtain in an operational condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A mounting arrangement for a side curtain of a vehicle of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrates a conventional arrangement of a bracket mounted to the inner panel of a vehicle frame;
Figure 2 illustrates an arrangement of a bracket mounted on an inner panel of the vehicle frame with a side curtain supported therein, as per the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of bracket as per an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4A illustrates the mounting of a bracket on an inner panel of the vehicle frame above of D-pillar trim panel and a side curtain supported therein;
Figure 4B illustrates the mounting of a bracket on an inner panel of the vehicle frame above of D-pillar trim panel;
Figure 5 illustrates different isometric views of the bracket as per an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates the mounting of a bracket on an inner panel of the vehicle frame above of D-pillar trim panel;
Figure 6A and Figure 6B illustrates a sectional isometric view of Figure 6; and
Figure 7A and Figure 7B illustrates the mounting of a bracket on an inner panel of the vehicle frame above of D-pillar trim panel with a recess to allow recess for cable to pass through.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 Mounting arrangement
100' conventional mounting arrangement
50 side curtain
10' conventional bracket
10 bracket
12 Base
14 first flange
16 second flange
18 curved surface
20 Holes
22 Rib
24 wires or cables
26 inner panel (Frame or BIW)
28 Fastening means
30 elastically fastening means or clamping means
32 d panel trim

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an”, and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, and “having”, are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region or section from another component, region, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
Typically, Since, the side curtain (also known as tube airbags) is deployed by pushing a head liner; there is a possibility that the side curtain may get caught or stuck by the pillar trim, especially an upper end of a D-pillar trim, which will increase the deployment time of the side curtain or the deployment of the side curtain will be irregular. Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrates a conventional arrangement of a bracket mounted to the inner panel of a vehicle frame.
Further, in some of conventional vehicles, the brackets 10’ are provided, which are made up of a plastic material, which is a rigid bracket. These side curtains are rapidly inflated by a high-pressure gas. Since, the bracket 10’ is made of the plastic material which is the rigid structure, therefore, there is a possibility that the rigid plastic bracket contains sharp edge and may damage the side curtain during the sudden inflation.
To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, the present disclosure envisages a mounting arrangement for a side curtain of a vehicle. The mounting arrangement 100 comprises at least one bracket 10 for retaining and supporting the side curtain 50 thereon. Figure 2 illustrates an arrangement of a bracket mounted on an inner panel of the vehicle frame with a side curtain supported therein, as per the present disclosure; and Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of bracket as per an embodiment of the present disclosure.
An embodiment of the present disclosure is now explained with reference to the Figure 2 and the Figure 3. The bracket 10 is defined by a base 12 and a first flange 14 extending from the base 12. The base 12 is configured to support at least a portion of the side curtain 50 thereon. The first flange 14 is configured to bend at a predetermined angle with respect to the base surface of the bracket 10, to thereby allow the mounting of the first flange 14 to an inner panel (frame) 26 of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the predetermined angle between the base 12 and the first flange 14 depends on interior styling and interface parts packaging of the frame of the vehicle.
Further, a second flange 16 is provided operatively down to the base 12 surface. The second flange 16 is configured to be extended from an operative front edge of the base 12 in an operative downward direction. An operative front edge portion of the base 12 is configured with a curved surface 18. The second flange 16 is configured to be extended from the curved surface 18 in the operative downward direction of the bracket 10. Thus, the second flange 16 guides and deploy the side curtain 50 towards an occupant space in an operative configuration of the side curtain 50.
In an embodiment, the side curtain 50 is configured to be folded-up in an elongate shape along the roof rails of the vehicle.
In another embodiment, the side curtain 50 is configured with an inflating portion for at least three rows of seats, the inflating portion configured to inflate longitudinally along the roof side rail.
Further, at least two mounting provision 20 are configured on either end of the first flange 14. Each of the mounting provision 20 is configured to receive a fastening means 28, to thereby, mount the first flange 14 on to the inner panel 26 of the vehicle. At least one rib 22 is provided with the bracket 10. The rib 22 is configured to extend from the first flange 14 at a predetermined angle. The space defined between the rib 22 and the first flange 14 is configured to receive the side curtain 50 therein. The rib 20 is configured to at least partly retain the side curtain 50 on the bracket 10, and is further configured to guide an inflating portion of the side curtain 50 in an operative forward direction of the bracket 50.
In an embodiment, the angle between the first flange 14 and the rib 22 is depends on the interior styling and interface parts packaging of the frame of the vehicle.
In another embodiment, the mounting provision is a hole to receive the fastening means.
Further, the bracket 10 is configured to be mounted above a D-pillar trim panel on the inner panel 26 of the vehicle frame, and located between the inner panel 26 and a headliner. Therefore, when the inflating portion of the side curtain 50 actuates, the force of inflation of the side curtain 50 pushes-out the headliner from the roof side rail. Since, the bracket 10 is provided with the rib 22, therefore during the time of actuation, the side curtain 50 does not deviate or stuck from its operative path. Thereby, the inflating portion of the side curtain 50 guided towards the occupant space inside the vehicle. Also, since the bracket 10 is located just above the D-trim panel and is configured with the second flange 16, therefore the inflating portion of the side curtain 50 is guided on the D-trim panel without caught or stuck by the panel trim. Thus, it avoids any time-delay during the actuation. Figure 4A illustrates the mounting of a bracket on an inner panel of the vehicle frame above of D-pillar trim panel and a side curtain supported therein and Figure 4B illustrates the mounting of a bracket on an inner panel of the vehicle frame above of D-pillar trim panel. Figure 5 illustrates different isometric views of the bracket.
In a preferred embodiment, the side curtain 50 is configured to be mounted to the inner panel along the roof rails by means of a plurality of elastically fastening means or a plurality of clamping means.
Further, the bracket 10 is configured to define a recess between the inner panel 26 and an operating rear surface of the first flange 14 in mounted configuration of the bracket 10. The recess is configured to provide a passage to a plurality of wires, connectors and tubes to pass through, in the mounted configuration of the bracket. Figure 6 illustrates the mounting of a bracket on an inner panel of the vehicle frame above of D-pillar trim panel. Figure 6A and Figure 6B illustrates a sectional isometric view of Figure 6 Figure 7A and Figure 7B illustrates the mounting of a bracket on an inner panel of the vehicle frame above of D-pillar trim panel with a recess to allow recess for cable to pass through.
In an embodiment, the bracket 10 is a sheet-metal bracket, selected from a group of material consisting of steel, aluminium and a metal alloy.
In a preferred embodiment, the bracket is a sheet-metal bracket.
Since, the bracket 10 is made from the sheet metal and is configured with the curved surface along the edges, advantageously, the bracket does not have any sharp edge and economical to use.
Further, since the bracket 10 is mounted above the D-pillar trim panel along the roof rail, therefore it avoids any irregular deployment or time-delay of the side curtain in an operational condition.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of the mounting arrangement for a side curtain of a vehicle, that:
• provides simple and easy fitments;
• avoids any sharp edge or sharp corners;
• avoids any irregular deployment of the side curtain;
• offers no time-delay in deployment of the side curtain;
• offers economical and robust geometry structure; and
• provide no obstruction to the side curtain while deployment.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, or group of elements, but not the exclusion of any other element, or group of elements.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A mounting arrangement (100) for a side curtain (50) of a vehicle, said mounting arrangement (100) comprising;
• at least one bracket (10) defined by a base (12) and a first flange (14) extending from said base (12) at a predetermined angle, said base (12) configured to support at least a portion of said side curtain (50) thereon; and
• a second flange (16), configured to be extended from an operative front edge of said base (12) in an operative downward direction,
wherein said second flange (16) is configured to guide and deploy said side curtain (50) towards occupant space in an operative configuration.
2. The mounting arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an operative front edge portion of said base (12) is configured with a curved surface (18), and said second flange (16) is configured to be extended from said curved surface (18) in the operative downward direction of said bracket (10).
3. The mounting arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least amounting provision (20) is configured of said first flange (14), each of said mounting provision (20) are configured to receive a fastening means (28) to mount said first flange (14) on an inner panel (26) of the vehicle.
4. The mounting arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one rib (22) configured to extend from said first flange (14) at a predetermined angle, said at least one rib (22) with said first flange (14) are configured to define a space therebetween to position said side curtain (50) therein.
5. The mounting arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least one rib (22) is configured to guide an inflating portion of said side curtain (50) in an operative forward direction of said bracket (10).
6. The mounting arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein the angle between said base (12) and said first flange (14) and the angle between said first flange (14) and said rib (22) depends on interior styling and matting interface parts packaging of the frame of the vehicle.
7. The mounting arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bracket (10) is configured to be mounted on the inner panel (26) above a D-pillar trim panel of the vehicle, and is further configured to be located between the inner panel (26) and a headliner.
8. The mounting arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 4, wherein said bracket (10) is configured to define a recess between the inner panel (26) and an operating rear surface of said first flange (14) in a mounted configuration of said bracket (10), said recess configured to provide a passage to a plurality of cables, connectors and tubes to pass through, in the mounted configuration of said bracket (10).
9. The mounting arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said side curtain(50) is configured to be extended along the inner panel (26) and mounted along the roof rails by means of a plurality of elastically fastening means (30) or a plurality of clamping means (30).

10. The mounting arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bracket is a sheet-metal bracket, selected from a group of material consisting of steel, aluminium and a metal alloy.
Dated this 27th day of July, 2022

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI