Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
39 OF 1970
&
THE PATENT RULES 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTIONS 10 & RULE 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION

A SUNROOF REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE
2. APPLICANTS (S)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS

MARUTI SUZUKI INDIA LIMITED

Indian
1, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj,
New Delhi - 110070
India
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

A SUNROOF REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a roof reinforcement structure for a vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the sunroof reinforcement structure where the reinforcement structure is capable of withstanding load due to placement of a sunroof assembly and also enable uniform transfer of energy during an event of side crash.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, a sunroof reinforcement is provided in between a roof panel and a sunroof assembly of a vehicle. This reinforcement in general, comprises of different components and members joined together to form the overall reinforcement structure. These multiple components are mostly in the form of support brackets present in the lateral faces of the reinforcement structure. These components are present in order to enhance load bearing capacity of the reinforcement structure such that it can efficiently accommodate the sunroof assembly.
[0003] However, due to involvement of a number of components and members, the existing reinforcement structure suffers from certain disadvantages. The different components joined together makes the overall structure difficult to handle during transportation and may lead to deformation. Additionally, involvement of a large number of components may also lead to difficulty in handling, thereby hampering performance of the overall structure in terms of accuracy. Further, development of existing reinforcement structure involves a significant manufacturing time along with a large number of manpower.
[0004] Furthermore, since the reinforcement structure is positioned near B-pillar of the vehicle and is connected with the B-pillar through side panels, therefore transfer of energy is required from and to the B-pillar in order to prevent crash. Though such transfer of energy can be facilitated by incorporation of separate bracket connecting the reinforcement structure with the side panel, but increased number of parts would eventually lead to a compromise with efficiency, productivity, weight, accuracy control and also may lead to an increase in overall cost of the vehicle.
[0005] Towards this direction, the present disclosure intends to propose design of a sunroof reinforcement structure that is able to overcome the above-mentioned limitations and is able to withstand loads created due to mounting of the sunroof assembly in the vehicle and transfer energy efficiently to the vehicle body structure.

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 develop a sunroof reinforcement structure without involving multiple components.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to develop the sunroof reinforcement structure that is capable of uniform absorption of energy.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the sunroof reinforcement structure that is capable of uniform distribution of stresses.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the sunroof reinforcement structure that is capable of uniform distribution of stresses during an event of side crash.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the sunroof reinforcement structure that involves less resources and less manufacturing time.
[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the sunroof reinforcement structure that is rigid and robust.
[0014] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the sunroof reinforcement structure that is cost effective in nature and easy to handle during assembly time.
[0015] 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 accompanied drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a roof reinforcement structure, particularly, a sunroof reinforcement structure for 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.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a sunroof reinforcement structure for a vehicle.
[0018] In an aspect, the sunroof reinforcement structure comprises of an upper portion and a lower portion integrated to the upper portion.
[0019] In an aspect, the upper portion is having a rectangular cavity to receive a sunroof assembly, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface, present at a first lateral end and a second lateral end of the rectangular cavity, with the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface, having curved edges at upper left corner and upper right corner of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface, respectively.
[0020] In an aspect, the curved edges are extending horizontally towards each other forming a top surface.
[0021] In an aspect, the curved edges are provided with arc shaped strengthening beads positioned symmetrically along the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface for uniform distribution of energy.
[0022] In an aspect, the arc shaped strengthening beads are provided to meet the manufacturing requirements and alsoto transfer energy efficiently to the vehicle body structure.
[0023] In an aspect, each of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface is provided with a plurality of blends along a lower left corner and a lower right corner of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface, respectively, to facilitate energy transfer during coupling of roof panel with a B pillar of the vehicle.
[0024] In an aspect, in the reinforcement structure, the lower portion is provided with a plurality of strengthening beads to enable uniform distribution of energy.
[0025] In an aspect, in the sunroof reinforcement structure, the upper portion is provided with a plurality of strengthening beads to enable uniform distribution of energy.
[0026] In an aspect, the sunroof reinforcement structure is positioned in between the sunroof assembly and roof panel of the vehicle.
[0027] In an aspect, in the sunroof reinforcement structure, the upper portion defines a mounting portion extending in transverse direction to mount the sunroof reinforcement structure with B-pillar from the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface, the mounting portion defining a transverse bead extending up to middle of width of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface.
[0028] In an aspect, in the sunroof reinforcement structure, portion adjacent to the mounting portion defined at the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface has a depression to facilitate distribution of stress along the plurality of blends defined at the lower left corner and the lower right corner of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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)
[0031] 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 given 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
[0032] Figure 1 depicts a sunroof reinforcement structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] Figure 2 depicts an exploded view of the sunroof reinforcement structure highlighting lower portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0034] Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of arc shaped strengthening bead present in the sunroof reinforcement structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0035] Figure 4 depicts the perspective view of blends present in the sunroof reinforcement structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] 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
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] The present disclosure discloses a sunroof reinforcement structure where the sunroof reinforcement structure is made up of a single sheet metal and aims to overcome the disadvantages as discussed for the existing arrangements. Moreover, the present sunroof reinforcement structure also intends to facilitate transfer of energy thereby increasing strength of the overall sunroof structure, including sunroof assembly as well. The corresponding structural features of the sunroof reinforcement structure are discussed in subsequent sections.
[0041] Figure 1 depicts a sunroof reinforcement structure (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sunroof reinforcement structure (100) is positioned in between the sunroof assembly and roof panel of the vehicle. Herein, the sunroof reinforcement structure (100) may be said to comprise of an upper portion (102) and a lower portion (104). The entire reinforcement structure (100) is made of a single sheet metal where the lower portion (104) is integrated to the upper portion (102) to form a single structure.
[0042] In an aspect, as can be witnessed from the figure, the upper portion (102) is having a rectangular cavity (106) to receive the sunroof assembly. The upper portion (102) further comprises of a top surface (112), a first lateral surface (108) and a second lateral surface (110).
[0043] In an aspect, the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110) are present at a first lateral end and a second lateral end of the rectangular cavity (106). Moreover, the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110), respectively, are having curved edges (108-1, 110-1) at upper left corner and upper right corner, respectively. These curved edges (108-1, 110-1) are extending in horizontal direction towards each other forming the top surface (112).
[0044] In an aspect, the curved edges (108-1, 110-1) present across the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110) are provided with arc shaped strengthening beads (114-1, 114-2) positioned symmetrically. These arc shaped strengthening beads (114-1, 114-2) are configured to meet the manufacturing requirement and are ultimately connected to the top surface (112). This is further detailed in Figure 3 as well for better understanding.
[0045] In an aspect, during mounting of the sunroof assembly onto the sunroof reinforcement structure (100), the sunroof reinforcement structure (100) may experience stress, that may result into bending or deformation of the overall sunroof reinforcement structure (100). The presence of arc shaped strengthening beads (114-1, 114-2) tends to solve this problem by eventually distributing the stress throughout the front area.
[0046] In an aspect, additionally, the upper portion (102) defines a mounting portion (118-1, 118-2) positioned in lower part of the first lateral surface (108) and second lateral surface (110), respectively. The mounting portion (118-1, 118-2) is extending in a transverse direction and is able to mount the sunroof reinforcement structure (100) with B-pillar of the vehicle. Furthermore, a portion adjacent to the mounting portion (118-1, 118-2) defined at the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110) comprises of a depression (120-1, 120-2) in order to facilitate distribution of stress along a plurality of blends (304-1, 304-2) shown in Figure 2. Consequently, the present reinforcement structure (100) is able to uniformly distribute the stress from the B-pillar to all directions, for example, in forward and rearward direction of the reinforcement, in an event of crash.
[0047] In an aspect, further the upper portion (102) is provided with a plurality of strengthening beads (116-1, 116-2) along the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110), respectively, in order to enable uniform distribution of energy.
[0048] In an aspect, the lower portion (104) of the sunroof reinforcement structure (100) is also provided with a plurality of strengthening beads (306) in order to enable uniform distribution of energy. The plurality of strengthening beads (306) are having a continuous profile, preferably extending in horizontal direction throughout entire surface of the lower portion (104). Moreover, the plurality of strengthening beads (306) are projected in transverse direction along complete width of the sunroof reinforcement structure (100).
[0049] Figure 2 depicts an exploded view of the sunroof reinforcement structure highlighting the lower portion (104) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It may be observed from the figure that each of the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110) is provided with the plurality of blends (304-1, 304-2) along a lower left corner (302-1) and a lower right corner (302-2) of the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110), respectively. The plurality of blends (304-1, 304-2) facilitate transfer of energy during coupling of side panel with a B-pillar of the vehicle. Moreover, the plurality of blends (304-1, 304-2) also helps in absorption of energy thereby transferring energy to front and back of the sunroof reinforcement structure (100). This is important in order to aid uniform distribution of stresses resulting due to the event of crash. The plurality of blends (304-1, 304-2) have been detailed in Figure 4 for better understanding.
[0050] In an aspect, additionally, the sunroof reinforcement structure is enabled with shapes and features for efficiently mounting with roof panel of the vehicle. The various features also aid in strengthening of the overall sunroof reinforcement structure. Additionally, it is to be noted in this context that the present reinforcement structure (100) is made up of a single sheet metal, and is able to yield a significant reduction of weight (approximately 8 to 10 percent) unlike the existing arrangement.
[0051] Technical Advantages
[0052] All in all, the invention described in the present disclosure is having the following advantages:
a) The sunroof reinforcement structure (100) is capable to withstand loads resulting due to mounting of sunroof assembly in the vehicle.
b) The sunroof reinforcement structure (100) disclosed in the present subject matter provides uniform distribution of energy across all surfaces of the structure.
c) The sunroof reinforcement structure (100) disclosed in the present subject matter is rigid and robust than the existing arrangement.
d) The design and development of the sunroof reinforcement structure (100) proposed in the present disclosure involves less manpower than the existing arrangements.
e) The sunroof reinforcement structure (100), being made of a single sheet metal is cost effective to implement.
Equivalents
[0053] 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 above mentioned description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.”
[0056] 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 sunroof reinforcement structure (100) for a vehicle, the sunroof reinforcement structure (100) comprising:
- an upper portion (102) having
a rectangular cavity (106) to receive a sunroof assembly,
a first lateral surface (108) and a second lateral surface (110), present at a first lateral end and a second lateral end of the rectangular cavity (106), with the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110), having curved edges (108-1, 110-1) at upper left corner and upper right corner of the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110), respectively, and wherein the curved edges (108-1, 110-1) are extending horizontally towards each other forming a top surface (112); and
- a lower portion (104) integrated to the upper portion (102).

2. The sunroof reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curved edges (108-1, 110-1) are provided with arc shaped strengthening beads (114-1, 114-2) positioned symmetrically along the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110) for facilitating energy transfer to vehicle body structure efficiently.

3. The sunroof reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110) is provided with a plurality of blends (304-1, 304-2) along a lower left corner (302-1) and a lower right corner (302-2) of the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110), respectively, to facilitate energy transfer during coupling of roof panel with a B pillar of the vehicle.

4. The sunroof reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower portion (104) is provided with a plurality of continuous strengthening beads (306) to enable uniform distribution of energy.

5. The sunroof reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion (102) is provided with a plurality of strengthening beads (116-1, 116-2) to enable uniform distribution of energy.

6. The sunroof reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sunroof reinforcement structure (100) is positioned in between the sunroof assembly and roof panel of the vehicle.

7. The sunroof reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion (102) defines a mounting portion (118-1, 118-2) extending in transverse direction to mount the sunroof reinforcement structure (100) with B-pillar from the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110), the mounting portion (118-1, 118-2) defines a transverse bead extending up to middle of width of the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110).

8. The sunroof reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein portion adjacent to the mounting portion (118-1, 118-2) defined at the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110) has a depression (120-1, 120-2) to facilitate distribution of stress along the plurality of blends (304-1, 304-2) defined at the lower left corner (302-1) and the lower right corner (302-2) of the first lateral surface (108) and the second lateral surface (110).

Dated this 22nd day of February, 2023

AMIT JAIN
PATENT AGENT
IN/PA-2189
OF L. S. DAVAR & CO.,
APPLICANT’S AGENT