Description:A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR AN OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR OF A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure, generally, relates to a mounting assembly for an outside rear view mirror of a vehicle. The present disclosure, in particular, relates to improving stress distribution of the ORVM mounting assembly on front door of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter.
[0003] Referring to FIG. 1 illustrating a vehicle as per the general state of the art. An Outside Rear View Mirror 101 (ORVM) is usually located at the front doors 102 of a vehicle 100. The ORVM 101 enables the driver to view the side of the vehicle 100. The ORVM 101 is mounted on the inner and outer door panel of the vehicle 100 using fasteners. The ORVM 101 is regarded as a crucial auto component in automobiles for safety.
[0004] Being a crucial auto component, many new technological advancements are introduced in the ORVM 101 to aid the driver during driving. For instance, high end ORVM is now incorporated with heating provisions to keep the ORVM clean and free of mist or fog. The introduction of new features also increases the weight of the ORVMs and make the overall assembly of the ORVM heavier.
[0005] The ORVM 101 is mounted on the inner and outer door panel of the vehicle using fasteners. As weight of the ORVMs is increasing, the inner panel and the outer panel have to endure more stress in the mounting region. These stresses are eventually transferred to the ORVM 101 in the form of vibrations. These vibrations in the ORVM 101, may distort rearward visibility and negatively impact the performance of the ORVM 101.
[0006] To overcome the problem of stress distribution in the inner panel and the outer panel, a reinforcement structure is usually provided between the inner panel and the outer panel. The reinforcement structure is usually fixedly attached to the inner panel to provide support to the mirror mounting region. However, a simple reinforcement structure may not be able to distribute the stresses effectively. Thus, the stress generated in the reinforcement structure is still transferred to the ORVM 101 and the problem still remains.
[0007] In addition to the problem of stress distribution, ORVM mounting assembly with reinforcement structure also have some assembly issue. The inner panel and the reinforcement structure together form a closed pocket type structure. During assembly of the ORVM 101, if the assembly nut falls inside the pocket type structure, it could only be retrieved through magnets as the pocket type structure is closed from the bottom. This causes unnecessary problem while assembling the ORVM 101 on the inner panel and the outer panel.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a mouting assembly for an outside rear view mirror of a vehicle which is capable of distributing the stresses effectively and providing a passage between the inner panel and the reinforcment structure to retrieve the nut which may fall inside the panel during assembly.

SUMMARY
[0009] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a mounting assembly for an outside rear view mirror of 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.
[0010] The present subject matter relates to a mounting assembly for an outside rear view mirror of a vehicle. The mounting assembly comprises an inner panel, an outer panel and a reinforcement structure. The inner panel and the outer panel are provided as a mounting surface for the outside rear view mirror. The reinforcement structure is provided between the inner panel and the outer panel. The reinforcement structure has a first edge, a second edge and a third edge, fixedly attached to the inner panel to support the outer panel. The reinforcement structure comprises a first mounting hole a second mounting hole and a third mounting hole provided in the mounting area to facilitate mounting of the outside rear view mirror on the inner and outer panel. The reinforcement structure further comprises a first reinforcement rib, a second reinforcement rib and a third reinforcement rib all provided on the third mounting hole to transfer stress generated in vulnerable region of the mounting area.
[0011] In an aspect, the first edge of the reinforcement structure is fixedly attached to the inner panel forming a junction region in the sash area of the A-pillar region.
[0012] In an aspect, the first reinforcement rib originates from the third mounting hole and terminates at first edge in the junction region.
[0013] In an aspect, the second reinforcement rib originates from the third mounting hole and terminates at the first edge in the junction region.
[0014] In an aspect, the first reinforcement rib and the second reinforcement rib diverge from each other after originating from the third mounting hole and terminates at the first edge in the junction region at different termination points.
[0015] In an aspect, the third reinforcement rib originates from the third mounting hole and terminates at the second edge.
[0016] In an aspect, structure of the first reinforcement rib, the second reinforcement rib and the third reinforcement rib defines a curved cross-section profile.
[0017] In an aspect, the third reinforcement rib creates an open channel between the inner panel and the reinforcement structure with open end at termination point on the second edge.
[0018] In an aspect, the first reinforcement rib and the second reinforcement rib are adapted to distribute stress in the junction region.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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
[0021] 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:
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle as per the general state of the art;
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates front view of an exemplary mounting assembly that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates front view of the reinforcement structure that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 4a illustrates A-A sectional view of the exemplary mounting assembly of FIG. 1; and
[0026] FIG. 4b illustrates B-B sectional view of the exemplary mounting assembly of FIG. 1.
[0027] 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
[0028] 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
[0029] 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.
[0030] “Mounting Region” may be defined, in context of the disclosure, as the region on the inner panel, reinforcement structure and the outer panel, which is adapted to accommodate base of the outside rear view mirror.
[0031] “Vulnerable Region” may be defined, in context of the disclosure, as the region on the reinforcement structure which is susceptible to generate stresses responsible for generating vibration in the outside rear view mirror.
[0032] “Junction Region” may be defined, in context of the disclosure, as the region where the first edge of the reinforcement structure is fixedly attached to the inner panel. The junction region is present in the sash area of the A-pillar region.
[0033] “Termination Points” may be defined, in context of the disclosure, as the points on which the first reinforcement rib, the second reinforcement rib and the third reinforcement rib terminate on their respective edges.

EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS
[0034] 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 explicitly 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.
[0035] It is always advisable to effectively distribute the stresses generated in the reinforcement structure present between inner panel and outer panel of mounting assembly for an outside rear view mirror of a vehicle. However, it is not always possible to effectively distribute the stresses generated in the reinforcement structure due to lack of rigidity and presence of vulnerable regions.
[0036] In order to achieve this goal of effective stress distribution in mounting assembly for an outside rear view mirror of a vehicle, a mounting assembly with increased rigidity and effective stress distribution may be utilized. The mounting assembly is described in more detail below.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrating front view of an exemplary mounting assembly that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The mounting assembly 200 of an outside rear view mirror of a vehicle comprises an inner panel 201, an outer panel and a reinforcement structure 202. The reinforcement structure 202 is provided in between the inner panel 201 and the outer panel. Further, the reinforcement structure 202 is fixedly attached to the inner panel 201. The reinforcement structure 202 has a first edge 203a, a second edge 203b and a third edge 203c. Contour of the first edge 203a is in conformity with contour of sash area of A-pillar region of the vehicle. The first edge 203a of the reinforcement structure 202 is fixedly attached to the inner panel 201 in the sash area of the A-pillar region. The inner panel 201 and the first edge 203a of the reinforcement structure 202 in the sash area of the A-pillar region forms highly rigid junction region. The second edge 203b of the reinforcement structure 202 is fixedly attached to the inner panel 201 in the beltline area. The third edge 203c of the reinforcement structure 202 is fixedly attached to the inner panel 201. In an aspect, the first edge 203a, the second edge 203b and the third edge 203c of the reinforcement structure are fixedly attached to the inner panel 201 through spot welding.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrating front view of the reinforcement structure that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The reinforcement structure 202 is fixedly attached to the inner panel 201 to support the outer panel. The reinforcement structure 202 has a mounting area dedicated to accommodate base of the outside rear view mirror. To facilitate mounting of the outside rear view mirror, a first mounting hole 301, a second mounting hole 302 and a third mounting hole 303 is provided in the mounting area. The first mounting hole 301 and the second mounting hole 302 are positioned substantially in same vertical line of cross section. The second mounting hole 302 and the third mounting hole 303 are positioned adjacent to each other in same horizontal line of cross section.
[0039] Region around the third mounting hole 303 is a vulnerable region as it is farthest from the center of gravity of mirror. In the vulnerable region, the generation of stresses is more. Eventually, the stress generated in the vulnerable region is transferred to the outside rear view mirror. For better stress distribution in the vulnerable region, a first reinforcement rib 304, a second reinforcement rib 305 and a third reinforcement rib 306 is provided on the third mounting hole 303 to transfer stress generated in the vulnerable region.
[0040] The first reinforcement rib 304 originates from the third mounting hole 303 and terminates at the first edge 203a in the junction region formed in the sash area of the A-pillar region. The termination point of the first reinforcement rib 304 lies in the junction region on the first edge 203a. Since the junction region is highly rigid, it facilitates effective stress distribution or transfer from the vulnerable region. Further, the first reinforcement rib 304 defines a curved cross-section profile.
[0041] The second reinforcement rib 305 originates from the third mounting hole 303 and also terminates at the first edge 203a in the junction region formed in the sash area of the A-pillar region. The termination point of the second reinforcement rib 305 lie in the junction region on the first edge 203a. Since the junction region is highly rigid, it facilitates effective stress distribution from the vulnerable region. Further, the second reinforcement rib 305 defines a curved cross-section profile.
[0042] Both the first reinforcement rib 304 and the second reinforcement rib 305 terminates at the first edge 203a in the junction region formed in the sash area of the A-pillar region. However, the termination point of the first reinforcement rib 304 and the second reinforcement rib 305, on the junction region, are different. The first reinforcement rib 304 and the second reinforcement rib 305 diverge from each other after originating from the third mounting hole 303.
[0043] The third reinforcement rib 306 originates from the third mounting hole 303 and terminates at the second edge 203b. The termination point of the third reinforcement rib 306 lie on the second edge 203b. Further, the third reinforcement rib 306 defines a curved cross-section profile. Since the third reinforcement rib terminates at the second edge 203b, the curved cross-section profile of the third reinforcement rib 306 is defined in a way that it creates an open channel between the inner panel 201 and the reinforcement structure 202. The open channel between the inner panel 201 and the reinforcement structure 202 has an open end at the second edge 203b. The open channel provides a passage to retrieve the nut which has accidently fallen in the panel during assembly. Thus, all the unnecessary problem related to nut being retrieved by magnets is eliminated.
[0044] Stresses generated in the vulnerable region of the mounting area is distributed to the junction region formed in the sash area of the A-pillar region through the first reinforcement rib 304 and the second reinforcement rib 305. Further, the some of the generated stress in the vulnerable region of the mounting area is distributed to the second edge 203b through the third reinforcement rib 206. In this way, the stress generated in the vulnerable region is effectively distributed without being transferred to the outside rear view mirror.
[0045] FIG. 4a illustrating A-A sectional view of the exemplary mounting assembly of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4b illustrating B-B sectional view of the exemplary mounting assembly of FIG. 1. The section A-A and B-B clearly show the presence of reinforcement structure 202 between the inner panel 201 and the outer panel 401. Further, the second mounting hole 302 and the third mounting hole 303 is visible in the section B-B.
ADVANTAGES
[0046] The proposed mounting assembly for the outside rear view mirror of a vehicle has better stress distribution which eliminates any transfer of stress in the form of vibrations to the outside rear view mirror. Further, the proposed mounting assembly for the outside rear view mirror of a vehicle has a passage provided between the inner panel and the reinforcement structure to retrieve the nut which accidently falls inside the panel during assembly.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A mounting assembly (200) for an outside rear view mirror of a vehicle, the assembly (200) comprises:
an inner panel (201) and an outer panel (401) to provide mounting surface to the outside rear view mirror; and
a reinforcement structure (202), provided between the inner panel (201) and the outer panel (401), having a first edge (203a), a second edge (203b) and a third edge (203c) fixedly attached to the inner panel (201) to support the outer panel (401), wherein the reinforcement structure (202) comprises:
a first mounting hole (301), a second mounting hole (302) and a third mounting hole (303) provided in the mounting area to facilitate mounting of the outside rear view mirror on the inner panel (201) and the outer panel (401); and
a first reinforcement rib (304), a second reinforcement rib (305) and a third reinforcement rib (306) provided on the third mounting hole (303) to transfer stresses generated in vulnerable region of the mounting area
2. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first edge (203a) of the reinforcement structure (202) is fixedly attached to the inner panel (201) forming a junction region in the sash area of the A-pillar region.
3. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first reinforcement rib (304) originates from the third mounting hole (303) and terminates at first edge (203a) in the junction region.
4. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second reinforcement rib (305) originates from the third mounting hole (303) and terminates at the first edge (203a) in the junction region.
5. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein the first reinforcement rib (304) and the second reinforcement rib (305) diverge from each other after originating from the third mounting hole (303) and terminates at the first edge (203a) in the junction region at different termination points.
6. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third reinforcement rib (306) originates from the third mounting hole (303) and terminates at the second edge (203b).
7. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein structure of the first reinforcement rib (304), the second reinforcement rib (305) and the third reinforcement rib (306) defines a curved cross-section profile.
8. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third reinforcement rib (306) creates an open channel between the inner panel (201) and the reinforcement structure (202) with open end at the termination point on the second edge (203b).
9. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first reinforcement rib (304) and the second reinforcement rib (305) are adapted to distribute stress in the junction region.