The present subject matter described herein, relates to a rear lower structure of a vehicle having a tail-end member and a back panel. The present subject matter, in particular, relates to a rear lower structure of a vehicle having a pair of reinforcement brackets for joining the tail-end member and the back panel to increase rigidity and to improve torsional stiffness of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention.
[003] Today, automotive manufacturers are trying hard to reduce cost and weight of the vehicle.
[004] The structure of the rear end area of vehicle plays an important role to decide overall torsional stiffness of the vehicle. Generally, there are two panels provided in the rear end area of the vehicle where one is a back panel and other is a tail-end member that are joined with each other to form a rear lower end portion of the vehicle which receives the rear door striker mounting bracket.
[005] Torsional stiffness plays a vital role in overall ride and handling of the vehicle. If torsional stiffness of the vehicle is less, it would deteriorate the ride quality and handling of the vehicle that would create a negative impact on the vehicle performance. So it is important and challenging task for the manufacturers while designing a vehicle that stiffness of the rear end area of vehicle should be high enough to withstand the torsional loads.
[006] There are some existing solutions that were proposed to increase torsional stiffness of the vehicle at rear end. However, each of the proposed solutions has its own demerits. Existing solutions along with their technical problems are provided below:

[007] In one of the solutions, it is proposed to increase thickness of the panels which would lead to increase in weight and cost of the vehicle.
[008] In another existing solution, the number of spot welds in between the back panel and the tail end member panel is increased which would lead to high assembly time and less improvement to cost ratio.
[009] In yet another existing solution, a horizontal reinforcement structure is mounted on the back panel to strengthen the back panel having high strain energy accumulation.
[0010] All the existing solutions increase the cost, the weight, and assembly time with limited improvement in the torsional stiffness which is not sufficient for improving the ride quality and handling of the vehicle.
[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a solution or structure that can provide required torsional stiffness to the vehicle by maintaining the low cost with lesser addition in the weight.
[0012] The information disclosed in this background of the subject matter section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0013] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0014] It is therefore an object of the present subject matter to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks in the solutions available in state-of-the-art.
[0015] The principal objective of the present subject matter is to provide a rear lower structure of a vehicle having enhanced torsional stiffness to improve ride quality and handling of the vehicle.

[0016] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a rear lower structure of a vehicle having a pair of reinforcement brackets in between the back panel and the tail end member.
[0017] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a pair of reinforcement brackets where each of the reinforcement brackets is positioned equidistant from a centerline of the vehicle in between the back panel and the tail end member.
[0018] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a reinforcement bracket structure defining a flange portion along the periphery that joins the back panel and the tail end member.
[0019] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a reinforcement bracket structure that defines a shape which is complementary to the space defined in between the back panel and the tail end member.
[0020] 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 accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0021] Solutions to one or more drawbacks of existing technology and additional advantages are provided through the present subject matter. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present subject matter. Other embodiments and aspects of the subject matter are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed subject matter.
[0022] The present subject matter relates to a rear lower structure of a vehicle having a tail-end member and a back panel. The present subject matter, in particular, relates to a rear lower structure of a vehicle having a pair of reinforcement brackets for joining a tail-end member and a back panel of the vehicle. The reinforcement brackets are designed such that their profile and

member. The disclosed rear lower structure includes a pair of reinforcement brackets facing each other and positioned equidistant from a centerline of the vehicle and positioned in between the back panel and the tail end member. The present reinforcement brackets act as a bridge that connects the tail end member and the back panel of the vehicle. By joining the back panel and the tail end member with the reinforcement brackets, the torsional rigidity of the vehicle is increased.
[0023] In an embodiment, a rear lower structure of a vehicle is provided at rear end area of the vehicle having a tail-end member and a back panel. The rear lower structure comprising a pair of reinforcement brackets where each of the reinforcement brackets comprises a base flat surface, a top surface extending perpendicularly away from the top edge of the base flat surface, and a lateral surface extending perpendicularly in a downward direction (Y) from a front end of the top surface. The base flat surface defines a front edge facing the back panel, a rear edge facing the tail end member, a top edge facing roof of the vehicle, and a bottom edge facing floor of the vehicle. The base flat surface further defines a flange portion extending perpendicularly away from periphery to join with the back panel and with the tail end member. The top surface extends in vehicle width direction (X) and in the direction of the flange portion. The lateral surface defines a mounting hole to receive a fastener. Further, the pair of reinforcement brackets are joined with each other by the fastener passing through the mounting hole.
[0024] In an aspect, the base flat surface defines a shape which is complementary to joining surface of the back panel and the tail end member.
[0025] In an aspect, each of the reinforcement brackets faces each other and is positioned equidistant from a centerline of the vehicle and positioned in between the back panel and the tail end member.
[0026] In an aspect, the flange portion extends toward the lateral surface.
[0027] In an aspect, the flange portion is joined with the back panel and with the tail end member by means of one of spot welding, arc welding, and an adhesive.

[0028] In an aspect, the base flat surface defines a cutout to allow access for movement of an equipment for joining the reinforcement bracket with the back panel and the tail end member.
[0029] In an aspect, the reinforcement bracket is a sheet metal bracket.
[0030] In an embodiment, a reinforcement bracket is provided for joining a tail-end member and a back panel of vehicle. The reinforcement bracket comprises a base flat surface, a top surface extending perpendicularly away from the top edge of the base flat surface, and a lateral surface extending perpendicularly in a downward direction (Y) from a front end of the top surface. The base flat surface defines a front edge facing the tail end member, a rear edge facing the back panel, a top edge facing roof of the vehicle, and bottom edge facing floor of the vehicle. The base flat surface further defines a flange portion extending perpendicularly away from periphery to join with the back panel and the tail end member. The top surface extends in vehicle width direction (X) and in the direction of the flange portion. The lateral surface defines a mounting hole to receive a fastener.
[0031] 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 ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
[0032] 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 described 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:
[0033] Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of the rear lower structure of the vehicle illustrating a back panel, a tail end member and a pair of reinforcement brackets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0034] Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate isometric view of the reinforcement bracket as shown in fig. 1;
[0035] Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of the reinforcement bracket as shown in fig.
2;
[0036] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the reinforcement bracket as shown in fig. 2; and
[0037] Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of the reinforcement bracket as shown in fig.
2.
[0038] 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 subject matter described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0039] 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 in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount 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 scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0044] 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

context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0045] The present subject matter relates to a rear lower structure of a vehicle at rear end area of the vehicle having a tail-end member and a back panel. In the present disclosure, each reinforcement bracket is placed equidistant from centerline (0 BL). The reinforcement bracket acts as a bridge that connects the tail end member and the back panel of the vehicle thereby improving the cross-section rigidity of rear end area and thus overall improving the vehicle torsional rigidity. The reinforcement bracket has three faced structure which is explained below in detailed. The base surface (face 1) establishes connection between the back panel and the tail end member. It has flanges on its periphery which makes the provision of accommodating the spot welds as well as helps in reducing lateral deformation of base surface. It also has a hole as a provision for spot weld accessibility. The top face (face 2) which is perpendicular to base surface helps in resisting vertical deformation of the reinforcement bracket. The lateral face (face 3) which is perpendicular to the top face is added to connect the reinforcement brackets with each other. The lateral face has a hole which connects the reinforcement brackets with bolt which further strengthen the structure along X axis.
[0046] Referring to Figure 1, illustrating a front view of the rear lower structure of the vehicle 300 having a tail-end member 301, a back panel 302, and a pair of reinforcement brackets 100 which are positioned equidistant from centerline 303 of the vehicle 300. The pair of reinforcement brackets 100 act as a bridge in between the tail end-member 301 and the back panel 302 to provide cross section rigidity of rear end area and thus improving overall vehicle torsional rigidity. The pair of reinforcement brackets 100 are joined with the tail-end member 301 and the back panel 302 by means of one of spot welding, arc welding, or any other known welding technique, or an adhesive.
[0047] As shown in the fig. 1, arrow marked with 'X' indicates vehicle width direction or transverse direction, arrow marked with 'Y' indicates vehicle height

direction or vertical direction, and arrow marked with 'Z' indicates vehicle length direction or longitudinal direction.
[0048] Further, each of the reinforcement brackets 100 is positioned symmetrically in between the back panel 302 and the tail end member 301. Each of the reinforcement brackets 100 faces each other and positioned equidistant from the centerline 303 of the vehicle.
[0049] Referring to Figure 2, illustrating the reinforcement bracket structure 100 comprises a base flat surface 101, a top surface 102 extending perpendicularly from the base flat surface 101, and a lateral surface 103 extending perpendicularly in a downward direction (Y) from the top surface 102. The base flat surface 101 defines a front edge 101a facing the tail end member 301, a rear edge 101b facing the back panel 302, a top edge 101c facing roof of the vehicle, and bottom edge lOld facing floor of the vehicle. The base flat surface 101 defines a shape which is complementary to joining surface of the back panel 302 and the tail end member 301. In another embodiment, the base flat surface 101 defines a profile which is complementary to the space defined in between the back panel 302 and the tail end member 301.
[0050] Further, a flange portion 105 extends perpendicularly away from periphery of the base flat surface 101 to join with the back panel 302 and with the tail end member 301 (as shown in fig. 1). The flange portion 105 is joined with the back panel 302 and the tail end member 301 by means of one of spot welding, arc welding, and an adhesive. The flange portion 105 of the base flat surface 101 makes the provision of accommodating the spot welds, the arc welds, aor the adhesive as well as helps in reducing lateral deformation of base surface 101.
[0051] The top surface 102 extends perpendicularly away from the top edge 101c of the base flat surface 101. The top surface 102 extends in the vehicle width direction (X) or in the direction of the flange portion 105. The top surface 102 helps in resisting vertical deformation of the rear lower structure of the vehicle.

[0052] The lateral surface 103 extends perpendicularly in a downward direction (Y) from a front end 104 of the top surface 102.
[0053] Referring to Figure 3 illustrating the another isometric view of the base flat surface 101 of the reinforcement bracket 100. The base flat surface 101 defines a cutout 106 to allow access for movement of equipment which can be spot welding gun or arc welding gun or adhesive application gun for joining the back panel 302 and the tail end member 301.
[0054] Referring to Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the reinforcement bracket 100. The base flat surface 101 defines a shape that is complementary to joining surface of the back panel 302 and the tail end member 301. The lateral surface 103 defines a mounting hole 107 to receive a fastener.
[0055] In an embodiment, the pair of reinforcement brackets 100 are joined with each other by a fastener passing through the mounting hole 107. The fastening is provided to strengthen the reinforcement brackets along X axis and to reduce deformation in the lateral surface. The joining of reinforcement brackets is done to improve the overall rigidity of the structure in lateral direction.
[0056] Referring to Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the reinforcement bracket 100. The top surface 102 defines a shape that is complementary to the space availability at the rear end area of the vehicle. The disclosed shape and structure provides cost effective solution for addressing torsional stiffness related issues of the vehicle and increases comfort inside the cabin.
[0057] Referring to Figure 6 illustrating a side view of the reinforcement bracket 100. The profile of the flange portion extends from the rear edge 101b of the base flat surface 101 is complementary to joining surface of the back panel 302 and the tail end member 301 and significantly improves the torsional stiffness of the rear lower structure 300.
[0058] In the pair of reinforcement brackets, one reinforcement bracket is similar in shape and structure with the other reinforcement bracket.

[0059] In an embodiment, each of the reinforcement brackets faces each other and positioned equidistant from the centerline 303 of the vehicle.
[0060] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, a reinforcement bracket 100 is explained which is used for joining a tail-end member 301 and a back panel 302 of a vehicle. Further, the reinforcement bracket 100 comprises a base flat surface 101 defines a front edge 101a facing the tail end member 301, a rear edge 101b facing the back panel 302, a top edge 101c facing roof of the vehicle, and bottom edge lOld facing floor of the vehicle. The base flat surface 101 defines a flange portion 105 extending perpendicularly away from periphery to join with the back panel 302 and the tail end member 301. Further, the reinforcement bracket lOOcomprises a top surface 102 extending perpendicularly away from the top edge 101c of the base flat surface 101 in vehicle width direction (X) or in the direction of the flange portion 105; and a lateral surface 103 extending perpendicularly in a downward direction (Y), from a front end 102a of the top surface 102, where the lateral surface 103 defines a mounting hole 107 to receive a fastener.
[0061] The base flat surface 101 defines a shape which is complementary to joining surface of the back panel 302 and the tail end member 301. The reinforcement bracket 100 is made of a sheet metal material defining light weight and high strength.
[0062] In another embodiment, the pair of reinforcement brackets 100 can be designed as single bracket having common top surface. Further, the common top surface can be rigid by providing known means such as bead structure in longitudinal or transverse direction, flange structure. Apart from common top surface, the reinforcement bracket structure can have rest of the features as explained with reference to fig. 2-6.
[0063] Advantages of the Invention:
1. The present subject matter significantly improves the torsional stiffness of the vehicle body.

2. The present subject matter increases comfort inside the cabin.
3. The present subject matter improves torsional stiffness without increasing the panel thickness.
4. The present subject matter provides rigid connection between back panel and tail end member.
[0064] 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
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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."
[0065] 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.

We claim:

1. A rear lower structure (300) of a vehicle having a tail-end member (301)
and a back panel (302), the rear lower structure (300) comprising:
a pair of reinforcement brackets (100) where each of the reinforcement brackets (100) comprising:
a base flat surface (101) defining a front edge (101a) facing the tail end member (301), a rear edge (101b) facing the back panel (302), a top edge (101c) facing roof of the vehicle, and bottom edge (lOld) facing floor of the vehicle, wherein the base flat surface (101) defines a flange portion (105) extending perpendicularly away from periphery to join with the back panel (302) and the tail end member (301);
a top surface (102) extending perpendicularly away from the top edge (101c) of the base flat surface (101) in vehicle width direction (X) and in the direction of the flange portion (105); and
a lateral surface (103) extending perpendicularly in a downward direction (Y), from a front end (102a) of the top surface (102), wherein the lateral surface (103) defines a mounting hole (107) to receive a fastener to join the pair of reinforcement brackets (100) with each other.
2. The rear lower structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base flat surface (101) defines a shape that is complementary to joining surface of the back panel (302) and the tail end member (301).
3. The rear lower structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the reinforcement brackets (100) faces each other and are positioned equidistant from a centerline (303) of the vehicle and are positioned in between the back panel (302) and the tail end member (301).
4. The rear lower structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange portion (105) extends toward the lateral surface (103).

5. The rear lower structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange portion (105) is joined with the back panel (302) and with the tail end member (301) by means of one of spot welding, arc welding, and an adhesive.
6. The rear lower structure (300) as claimed in claims 5, wherein the base flat surface (101) defines a cutout (106) to allow access for movement of an equipment for joining the back panel (302) and the tail end member (301).
7. The rear lower structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcement bracket structure (100) is a sheet metal bracket.
8. A reinforcement bracket (100) for joining a tail-end member (302) and a back panel (301) of vehicle, the reinforcement bracket (100) comprising:
a base flat surface (101) defining a front edge (101a) facing the tail end member (301), a rear edge (101b) facing the back panel (302), a top edge (101c) facing roof of the vehicle, and bottom edge (lOld) facing floor of the vehicle, wherein the base flat surface (101) defines a flange portion (105) extending perpendicularly away from periphery to join with the back panel (302) and the tail end member (301);
a top surface (102) extending perpendicularly away from the top edge (101c) of the base flat surface (101) in vehicle width direction (X) and in the direction of the flange portion (105); and
a lateral surface (103) extending perpendicularly in a downward direction (Y), from a front end (102a) of the top surface (102), wherein the lateral surface (103) defines a mounting hole (107) to receive a fastener.
9. The reinforcement bracket structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein
the base flat surface (101) defines a shape which is complementary to joining
surface of the back panel (302) and the tail end member (301).

10. The reinforcement bracket structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flange portion (105) extends toward the lateral surface (103).