Description:
A REAR DOOR INNER PANEL STRUCTURE OF A VEHICLE
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to an inner panel of a rear door structure of a vehicle, more specifically, the present disclosure relates to organized network of beads for imparting structural rigidity to the rear door inner panel of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention.
[0003] In general, vehicles comprise a door having an inner panel and an outer panel. Various components which are part of door systems are kept in the space between the inner panel and outer panel. Further, the door inner panel is provided with cut-out portions and openings for assembling of the various components through the cut-outs and openings in the given space. The provision of cut-outs and openings in the door inner panel compromises with the overall performance of the door and it’s parts. Therefore, improving the strength of the door inner panel through structural features is one of the best ways to control the performance of the door and its parts. In order to strengthen the door inner panel, bead structures are provided. The bead structures provided in the existing art disclose unorganised bead structure which is unable to provide rigidity to the wide area of the door panel such as cut-out portions and openings on the inner panel.
[0004] Therefore, in order to overcome the limitations of the existing rear door inner panel, the present invention provides a bead structure which forms an organized network of beads for interconnecting the important door areas.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] It is therefore the object of the invention to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks in prior art system and provide a rear door inner panel with organized network of beads.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to impart additional strength to the trim mounting area of the rear door inner panel of the vehicle.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to impart additional strength to the rear door inner panel by connecting rigid portions of the inner panel.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to reduce the flexing of inner panel and thus improve the performance of rear door.
[0009] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a rear door inner panel structure of a vehicle having an organized network of beads to impart strength to the important door areas.
[0011] 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.
[0012] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to the rear door inner panel structure of the vehicle. The rear door inner panel structure of the vehicle constitutes an inner beltline area defined along length of the vehicle and a latch area defined along rear portion (along length of the vehicle) of the rear side door of the vehicle. The rear door inner panel structure defines a first opening portion which is provided below the beltline area and closer to the latch area as compared to hinge area. A second opening portion is provided below the first opening portion at an offset area. A trim mounting hole is provided in between the first opening portion and the second opening portion.
[0013] A first bead structure extends from the latch area to the trim mounting hole along the first opening portion, wherein the first bead structure extends from the trim mounting hole towards the beltline area and further connects with center of the beltline area.
[0014] In an aspect, a second bead structure is provided in between the first bead structure and the first opening portion. The second bead structure extends from the beltline area toward the first bead structure and get merged with the first bead structure at a merger point.
[0015] In an aspect, the second bead structure extends further from the merger point of the first bead structure toward the second opening portion to define a ‘X’ shape bead structure formed in combination with the first bead structure and the second bead structure above the trim mounting hole.
[0016] In an aspect, the X-shaped bead structure formation and the first bead structure provide reinforcement around the first opening portion.
[0017] In an aspect, the bead network includes a X-shaped bead which connects a beltline area to the extended bead from latch area, at the trim mounting area.
[0018] In an aspect, the X-shaped bead and extended bead from latch area defines a reinforcement around the weak opening portion of the door inner panel.
[0019] 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.
[0020] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0021] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of 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 and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of the rear door inner panel of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0024] Fig. 2, illustrates a zoomed view of the first bead structure from the beltline portion towards the latch area of door inner panel structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] Fig. 3, illustrates the first bead structure further defines a second bead structure to form a X-shaped bead structure formation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] Fig. 4 illustrates the X-shaped bead structure formation above the trim mounting hole, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the number of details provided herein 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.
[0028] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a", “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0030] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0032] The present subject matter discloses a rear door inner panel of a vehicle. The present subject matter has been developed to provide strength to the door areas and simultaneously improves overall rigidity and strength performance of the door and its parts. The areas of door panel like openings and cut-out portions imparts substantially reduced rigidity which ultimately results in excessive vibrations during various performance evaluation of the door panel. The present structure of the rear door inner panel having an organized network of beads structure that provides numerous advantages, such as mitigates the high vibrations developed around the opening portions and cutouts thereby imparting structural rigidity to the rear door inner panel.
[0033] As illustrated in Figure 1, the rear door structure of the vehicle according to the present embodiment includes a trim (not shown), an inner panel 100, and an outer panel (not shown) where the rear door inner panel 100 is provided in between the trim and the rear door outer panel. The rear door inner panel 100 is a structure located on inner side of the rear door, view from inside of vehicle cabin when the door is closed. The rear door of the vehicle is fixedly attached to the vehicle body with help of a pair of hinges located at the location (102a, 102b). The hinges (not shown) are responsible for opening and closing of the rear door about single axis. The fixed rear door portion (102) which is connected with the help of hinges, is one of the rigid and strong portion (102) of the rear door structure. The rear door structure of the vehicle is further provided with a rear portion (100a) (along height of the vehicle) adjacent to C-Pillar.
[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the present subject matter discloses a rear door inner panel (100) wherein the rear door inner panel (100) comprises an inner beltline area (103). The inner beltline area (103) is a longitudinal structure provided along the length of the vehicle. The inner beltline area (103) is a strengthened portion to provide rigidity to the window portion of the rear door. The rear door inner panel (100) further comprises a latch area (202). The latch area (202) engages a door anchor to the body of the vehicle to keep the door closed. The latch area (202) needs to be rigid as the performance of door is prominently related to the latch performance and it needs a rigid mounting for the same, so the structure at that portion are made stronger through structural features. The rear door inner panel structure (100) further constitutes cut-out portions. These cut-out portions are provided in the door inner panel to allow mounting and services of other parts of the door of the vehicle, i.e. speakers, window regulator, etc. The rear door inner panel (100) constitutes a first opening portion (205) and a second opening portion (210). The rear door inner panel structure is further provided with a trim mounting hole (203). The trim mounting is narrow area provided between the first opening portion (205) and the second opening portion (210) which constitutes a trim mounting hole (203). Due to narrow structure the trim mounting is weak portion which requires structural rigidness. The trim mounting hole (203) is used for mounting the door trim and the door trim needs be structurally rigid as it is a direct interface of passengers with the door and its systems. Further, a grab handle is provided on the trim at this particular location, i.e., about the trim mounting hole (203).
[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the rear door inner panel structure (100) of the vehicle defines a first bead structure (204). The first bead structure (204) is web like network which is provided to impart structural rigidity to the portions of the rear door inner panel (100). The first bead structure (204) is provided from latch area (202) to the trim mounting hole (203) which is further extended towards the inner beltline area (103). The first bead structure (204) provided from the latch area (202) to the trim mounting hole (203) provides rigidity to the weak trim mounting area between the first opening portion (205) and the second opening portion (210). The first bead structure (204) extended from the latch area (202) to the trim mounting hole (203) is defined along the first opening portion (205).
[0036] Referring Figure 3, the rear door inner panel structure (100) defines the first bead structure (204) extending from the latch area (202) to the trim mounting hole (203) further extending towards the inner beltline area (103) constitutes a second bead structure (204a). The second bead structure (204a) is provided in between the first bead structure (204) and the first opening portion (205) and moves along the edge of the first opening portion (205). The second bead structure (204a) is extended from the beltline area (103) towards the first bead structure (204) along the edge of the first opening portion (205) and merged with the first bead structure (204) at a merger point (206) where the merger point (206) is positioned above the trim mounting hole (203) on the rear door inner panel. The second bead structure (204a) further extended from the merger point (206) of the first bead structure (204) toward the second opening portion (210) in order to define a X-shaped bead structure formation (204b).
[0037] Referring Figure 4, the rear door inner panel structure constitutes a X-shaped bead structure (204b) which is provided above the trim mounting hole (203). The X-shaped bead structure formation (204b) and the first bead structure (204) provides reinforcement around the first opening portion (205) in order to provide rigidity around the weak opening portions.
[0038] Thus, the first bead structure (204) and the X-shaped bead structure formation (204b) is provided from latch area (202) to the trim mounting hole (203) which is further extended towards the inner beltline area (103) of the rear door inner panel structure (100) for providing rigidity and strength to the first opening portion (205) and trim mounting area. Thereby enhancing the overall rigidity and strength performance of the rear door of the vehicle.
Technical advantages:
[0039] With the present disclosure, the structure creates an organized network of beads imparting additional strength to the trim mounting area as it interconnects them with strong areas (latch area and beltline area).
[0040] With the present disclosure, the structure imparts additional strength to the panel by strengthening weak cut-out zones in the rear door inner panel.
[0041] With the present disclosure, the structure also reduces the flexing of inner panel and thus improves the performance of door.
[0042] It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “receiving,” or “determining,” or “retrieving,” or “controlling,” or “comparing,” or the like, refer to the action and processes of an electronic control unit, or similar electronic device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the control unit’s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the control unit memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] Reference Numerals
Reference Numeral Description
100 A rear door inner panel
100a A rear door inner outer panel
101 C-pillar area
102 Fixed area of rear door
102a Location of Upper hinge
102b Location of Lower hinge
103 An inner beltline area of the door
202 A latch area
203 A trim mounting hole
205 First opening portion
210 Second opening portion
204 First bead structure
204a Second bead structure
204b X-shaped bead
206 A merger point
, Claims:We claim:
1. A rear door inner panel structure (100) of a vehicle, the rear door inner panel structure (100) comprising:
an inner beltline area (103) defined along length of the vehicle;
a latch area (202);
a first opening portion (205) provided below the beltline area (103) and closer to the latch area (202) as compared to hinge area (102a);
a second opening portion (210) provided below the first opening portion (205);
a trim mounting hole (203) provided in between the first opening portion (205) and the second opening portion (210);
characterized in that
a first bead structure (204) extended from the latch area (202) to the trim mounting hole (203) along the first opening portion (205);
wherein the first bead structure (204) extended from the trim mounting hole (203) toward the beltline area (103) and connected with center of the beltline area (103).
2. The rear door inner panel structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear door inner panel structure (100) further comprises:
a second bead structure (204a) provided in between the first bead structure (204) and the first opening portion (205), the second bead structure (204a) extend from the beltline area (103) toward the first bead structure (204) and merged with the first bead structure (204) at a merger point (206), the merger point (206) is positioned above the trim mounting hole (203).
3. The rear door inner panel structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second bead structure (204a) extended toward the second opening portion (210) from the first bead structure (204) to define a ‘X’ shape bead structure formation (204b) above the trim mounting hole (203).
4. The rear door inner panel structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the X-shaped bead structure formation (204b) and the first bead structure (204) provides reinforcement around the first opening portion (205).