DESC:A STIFFENER BRACKET FOR STEERING SUPPORT MEMBER OF A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stiffener bracket of a vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the stiffener bracket mounted in a steering support member of the vehicle wherein the bracket is able to absorb shock and restrict transfer of momentum during frontal crash of the vehicle in order to protect occupant of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent times, owing to an increase in number of vehicles on roads, safety has become a major concern and therefore, automobile manufacturers are coming up with first-hand safety features in the vehicle that can protect an occupant of the vehicle from fatal damages.
[0003] During head-on collision, also referred to as a front-impact accident of the vehicle, occupants suffer major damages that may even end up in fatality of the occupant as well. This is due to the fact that during front-impact accidents, the force generated is typically very high and as a result, the momentum tends to get transferred from one body to the other. The momentum, being high in nature, may be transmitted from front body of the vehicle to the occupant through steering of the vehicle. Therefore, there is a pressing need to restrict the transfer of momentum in order to prevent injury to the occupant.
[0004] In order to circumvent the above mentioned challenges, an existing arrangement mentions about incorporation of an additional bracket across ‘A-A’ pipe of a steering support member of the vehicle. The additional bracket helps in avoidance of movement of the steering support member in crash direction towards the occupant thereby preventing injury to the occupant. However, design and placement of such additional brackets incur additional expenditures for manpower, material, tool, welding and also enhances weight of the steering support member.
[0005] Towards this direction, it is evident that it is extremely imperative look for a cost effective and worthy solution such that transfer of momentum is restricted to the steering of the vehicle in case of frontal crash of the vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0007] It is an object of the present subject matter to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in the prior art systems and methods.
[0008] It is a significant object of the present disclosure to provide a stiffener bracket that is able to restrict transfer of momentum to an occupant of a vehicle.
[0009] It is another principal object of the present disclosure to provide the stiffener bracket that is capable of deformation and collapse during impact.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide the stiffener bracket that is having an enhanced load bearing capacity while the vehicle is in motion.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide the stiffener bracket such that the stiffener bracket is having structural features in order to facilitate bending of the bracket so as to absorb impact energy.
[0012] It is even another object of the present disclosure to provide the stiffener bracket that is cost effective in nature.
[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taking into consideration with accompanied drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a stiffener bracket 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.
[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a stiffener bracket mounted in a steering support member to restrict transfer of momentum to the passengers during frontal crash of a vehicle.
[0016] In an aspect, the stiffener bracket comprises an upper bracket having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion positioned adjacent to each other, where the first portion is tapered while extending towards the second portion and where the third portion is angularly inclined to the second portion.
[0017] In an aspect, the stiffener bracket also comprises a lower bracket receiving the upper bracket, where the lower bracket is having a front portion, a central portion and a rear portion, where the central portion is angularly inclined to the front portion and the rear portion.
[0018] In an aspect, the lower bracket comprises of a first set of flanges and a second set of flanges extending laterally from the front portion and the rear portion, respectively, where the first set of flanges and the second set of flanges are perpendicularly extended in an upward direction to facilitate reception of the third portion and the second portion, respectively, of the upper bracket.
[0019] In an aspect, in the stiffener bracket, angle formed by the third portion with the second portion of the upper bracket ranges from 130 degrees to 150 degrees.
[0020] In an aspect, in the stiffener bracket, the angle formed by the front portion with the central portion of the lower bracket ranges from 160 degrees to 165 degrees.
[0021] In an aspect, in the stiffener bracket, the angle formed by the rear portion with the central portion of the lower bracket ranges from 145 degrees to 150 degrees.
[0022] In an aspect, in the stiffener bracket, both the lateral ends of the central surface comprise a plurality of notches in the vicinity of angular bends formed by the front portion and the rear portion, respectively.
[0023] In an aspect, in the stiffener bracket, each of two lateral sides of the first portion of the upper bracket is having two flanges protruded in lower direction to attached with the steering support member.
[0024] In an aspect, in the stiffener bracket, a flange extends outward from edge of each of the first set of flanges and the second set of flanges, respectively, to facilitate receiving of the upper bracket inside the lower bracket.
[0025] In an aspect, in the stiffener bracket, the front portion, the central portion, the rear portion, the first set of flanges and the second set of flanges of the lower bracket are provided with a plurality of datum holes and cut-outs.
[0026] 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.
[0027] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING(S)
[0028] 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
[0029] Figure 1 depicts an isometric view of a stiffener bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] Figure 2 (a)-(b) depicts an upper bracket of the stiffener bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] Figure 3 (a)-(b) depicts a lower bracket of the stiffener bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0032] Figure 4 illustrates coupling of the stiffener bracket to a steering support member of the vehicle.
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
[0033] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0034] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0035] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0036] The present disclosure relates to a stiffener bracket to support steering member of a vehicle. The stiffener bracket has been designed in a manner such that the bracket is able to restrict transfer of momentum from front body of the vehicle through the steering to an occupant. The structural attributes of the stiffener bracket are detailed in subsequent sections.
[0037] Figure 1 depicts a stiffener bracket (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the stiffener bracket (100) is mounted on a steering support member (114) of a vehicle and further comprises of an upper bracket (200) and a lower bracket (300).
[0038] In an aspect, Figure 2 and Figure 3 represents the upper bracket (200) and the lower bracket (300) respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The upper bracket (200) includes a first portion (202), a second portion (204) and a third portion (206).
[0039] In an aspect, the first portion (202), the second portion (204) and the third portion (206) are positioned adjacent to each other. It may also be observed from Figure 2 that the first portion (202) becomes tapered and the width reduces while extending towards the second portion (204). The first portion (202) is made wider in order to accommodate mounting of a cluster speedometer. Further, it may also be evidenced from Figure 2 that the third portion (206) is angularly inclined to the second portion (204).
[0040] In an aspect, the third portion (206) is angularly inclined with the second portion (204) forming an angle in the range of 130 to 150 degrees.
[0041] In an aspect, the first portion (202) of the upper bracket (200) is having two flanges (208-A, 208-B) across each of lateral sides of the first portion (202). The two flanges (208-A, 208-B) are protruded in lower direction to be attached with the steering support member (114).
[0042] In an aspect, as shown in Figure 3, the lower bracket (300) comprises of a front portion (302), a central portion (304) and a rear portion (306). Herein, the central portion (304) is flat in nature and is angularly inclined to the front portion (302) and the rear portion (306).
[0043] In an aspect, the angle formed by the front portion (302) with the central portion (304) ranges from 160 degrees to 165 degrees. Similarly, the angle formed by the rear portion (306) with the central portion (304) ranges from 145 degrees to 150 degrees.
[0044] In an aspect, this angular bending of the front portion (302) and the rear portion (306) with respect to the central portion (304) helps in collapse of the stiffener bracket (100) when momentum is transferred to the steering support member (114) during an event of crash of the vehicle.
[0045] In an aspect, the lower bracket (300) is designed in a manner such that the angular bending and angle of the bracket interacting with the front mounting with dash panel is different from the line of impact so that it allows the stiffener bracket (100) to collapse during an impact.
[0046] In an aspect, a plurality of notches (308-A, 308-B, 308-C, 308-D) are also present in close proximity to the as mentioned angular bends formed by the central portion (304) with the front portion (302) and the rear portion (306), respectively, in order to allow deformation of the stiffener bracket (100) efficiently. The combination of angular bending and the plurality of notches (308-A, 308-B, 308-C, 308-D) prevent propagation of momentum from the front body to the steering of the vehicle and thus may result into crumpling of the stiffener bracket (100) without causing injury to the occupant.
[0047] In an aspect, as shown in Figure 3, the front portion (302) and the rear portion (306) of the lower bracket (300) includes a first set of flanges (310-1, 310-2) and a second set of flanges (310-3, 310-4) extending laterally from the front portion (302) and the rear portion (306), respectively.
[0048] In an aspect, the first set of flanges (310-1, 310-2) and the second set of flanges (310-3, 310-4) are perpendicularly extended in an upward direction. This extended portion in the upward direction facilitates correct assembly of the upper bracket (200) with the lower bracket (300) where third portion (206) and second portion (204), respectively of the upper bracket (200) is received by the lower bracket (300). Thus, this ensure appropriate matching at the joinery of the upper bracket (200) and the lower bracket (300), respectively.
[0049] In an aspect, additionally, as shown in Figure 3, there is provided a flange (312-1, 312-2, 312-3, 312-4) extending outward from an edge of each of the first set of flanges (310-1, 310-2) and the second set of flanges (310-3, 310-4), respectively. The purpose of the flange (312-1, 312-2, 312-3, 312-4) for being present at the edge of each of the first set of flanges (310-1, 310-2) and the second set of flanges (310-3, 310-4) and extending outward is to allow reception of the upper bracket (200) inside the lower bracket (300). This prevents any incorrect matching of the upper bracket (200) with the lower bracket (300) during mechanical molding.
[0050] In an aspect, there is provided a provision of cut out in the four flanges (310-1, 310-2, 310-3, 310-4) in order reduce overall weight of the structure. Also, there are a plurality of datum holes (314) in the bracket and the plurality of datum holes (314) helps in reduction of weight of the overall structure of the stiffener bracket (100) as well.
[0051] Referring to Figure 4, it may be evidenced that the assembly of the upper bracket (200) with the lower bracket (300) is facilitated through the first set of flanges (310-1, 310-2), the second set of flanges (310-3, 310-4) and the flanges (312-1, 312-2, 312-3, 312-4) provided at an edge of each of the flanges (310-1, 310-2, 310-3, 310-4). Herein, the stiffener bracket (100) (i.e. combination of the upper bracket (200) and the lower bracket (300)) is welded to member steering support front (402).
[0052] In this context, it may be noted that the features of the present invention are discussed by considering view from co-driver seat (isometric view) of the vehicle. Therefore, the location of the features can be mentioned in a different manner when viewed with respect to any other side of the vehicle.
Technical Advantages
[0053] All in all, the invention described in the present disclosure is having the following advantages:
a) The present stiffener bracket is capable of crumpling during frontal impact of the vehicle
b) The present stiffener bracket restricts propagation of momentum from body of the vehicle to the steering of the vehicle in order to save the occupant from fatal injuries
c) The present stiffener bracket possesses better angular position thereby allowing an ease of assembly for an operator
d) The design and development of the present stiffener bracket is cost effective

[0054] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various systems that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0055] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to package features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/device of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0056] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0057] 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.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A stiffener bracket (100) mounted in a steering support member (114) to restrict transfer of momentum to the passengers during frontal crash of a vehicle, the stiffener bracket (100) comprising:
an upper bracket (200) having
a first portion (202), a second portion (204), and a third portion (206) positioned adjacent to each other, wherein the first portion (202) is tapered while extending towards the second portion (204) and wherein the third portion (206) is angularly inclined to the second portion (204); and
a lower bracket (300) receiving the upper bracket (200), wherein the lower bracket (300) is having
a front portion (302), a central portion (304) and a rear portion (306), wherein the central portion (304) is angularly inclined to the front portion (302) and the rear portion (306),
a first set of flanges (310-1, 310-2) and a second set of flanges (310-3, 310-4) extending laterally from the front portion (302) and the rear portion (306), respectively, wherein the first set of flanges (310-1, 310-2) and the second set of flanges (310-3, 310-4) are perpendicularly extended in an upward direction to facilitate reception of the third portion (206) and the second portion (204), respectively, of the upper bracket (200).

2. The stiffener bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein angle formed by the third portion (206) with the second portion (204) of the upper bracket (200) ranges from 130 degrees to 150 degrees.

3. The stiffener bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the angle formed by the front portion (302) with the central portion (304) of the lower bracket (300) ranges from 160 degrees to 165 degrees.

4. The stiffener bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the angle formed by the rear portion (306) with the central portion (304) of the lower bracket (300) ranges from 145 degrees to 150 degrees.

5. The stiffener bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein both the lateral ends of the central portion (304) comprise a plurality of notches (308-A, 308-B, 308-C, 308-D) in the vicinity of angular bends formed by the front portion (302) and the rear portion (306), respectively.

6. The stiffener bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of two lateral sides of the first portion (202) of the upper bracket (200) is having two flanges (208-A, 208-B) protruded in lower direction to attached with the steering support member (114).

7. The stiffener bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flange extends outward from edge of each of the first set of flanges (310-1, 310-2) and the second set of flanges (310-3, 310-4), respectively, to facilitate receiving of the upper bracket (200) inside the lower bracket (300).

8. The stiffener bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front portion (302), the central portion (304), the rear portion (306), the first set of flanges (310-1, 310-2) and the second set of flanges (310-3, 310-4) of the lower bracket (300) are provided with a plurality of datum holes (314) and cut-outs.