Claims:We claim:
1. A body mount assembly (100) for connecting a vehicle body (102) with a frame, comprising:
at least one load distributing member (104) connected to said vehicle body (102); and
a fastening means (106) adapted to secure said load distributing member (104) against said vehicle body (102),
wherein,
said load distributing member (104) is configured to provide an increased contact surface between said vehicle body (102) and said fastening means (106); and
said load distributing member (104) is adapted to hold said vehicle body (102) and said frame connected together during a high impact collision.

2. The body mount assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said load distributing member (104) includes:
a disc shaped member (104a) defining a central bore (104b), said central bore (104b) having internal threading and a diameter equivalent to an opening (102a) in said vehicle body (102); and
a plurality of load distributing wires (104c) extending from a periphery of said disc shaped member (104a).

3. The body mount assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fastening means (106) is at least a bolt (106a) and a nut (106b), said bolt (106a) is received through said central bore (104b) of said disc shaped member (104a) and said opening (102a) of said vehicle body (102) to engage with said nut (106b).
4. The body mount assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body mount assembly (100) includes a bush member (108) connected between said bolt (106a) and said load distributing member (104), said bush member (108) is at least a rubber bush.

5. A body mount assembly (200) for connecting a vehicle body (202) with a frame, comprising:
a reinforcement member (204) having a first end (204a), a second end (204b) and defining a central bore (204c);
a plurality of anchorage strips (206) extending from said second end (204b) of said reinforcement member (204);
at least one load distributing member (208) connected to said vehicle body (202) at one side and anchored to said plurality of anchorage strips (206) at another side using anchor pins (208d); and
a fastening means (210) adapted to secure said load distributing member (208) against said vehicle body (202),
wherein,
said fastening means (210) is adapted to be received through said central bore (204c) of said reinforcement member (204) and an opening (208a) defined in said load distributing member (208);
said load distributing member (208) is configured to provide an increased contact surface between said vehicle body (202) and said fastening means (210); and
said load distributing member (208) is adapted to hold said vehicle body (202) and said frame connected together during a high impact collision.

6. The body mount assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said load distributing member (208) includes:
a conical member (208a) defining a central bore (208b) having a diameter equivalent to an opening (202a) in said vehicle body (202); and
a plurality of load distributing wires (208c) extending from an inner diameter of said conical member (208a) to a predetermined distance away from a periphery of said conical member (208a).

7. The body mount assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said fastening means (210) is at least a bolt (210a) and a nut (210b), said bolt (210a) is received through said central bore (208b) of said conical member (208a) and said opening (202a) of said vehicle body (202) to engage with said nut (210b).

8. The body mount assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said reinforcement member (204) is an elongated hollow tube having plurality of cut-out sections (204e), said cut-out sections (204e) expose said bolt (210a) to an inner surface of a bush member (212).

9. The body mount assembly (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said body mount assembly (200) includes said bush member (212) which is disposed annularly above said reinforcement member (204) and connected between said bolt (210a) and said load distributing member (208), said bush member (212) is at least a rubber bush.

10. The body mount assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said each anchorage strip (206) defines a slot (206a), wherein said each slot (206a) is adapted to receive said anchorage pin (208d) therein.

11. The body mount assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said body mount assembly (200) includes a lock wire (214) to secure said anchorage strip (206) in a predetermined position, so that said anchorage strip (206) does not disconnect from said anchorage pin (208d).

12. A body mount assembly (300) for connecting a vehicle body with a frame, comprising:
at least one load distributing member (302) connected to said vehicle body;
an intermediate shaft (304) of a predetermined length extending below said load distributing member (302);
a pivot housing (306) affixed to said intermediate shaft (304);
a pivot block (308) pivotally secured inside said pivot housing (306); and
a bolt (310) of predetermined length connected to said pivot block (308),
wherein,
said load distributing member (302) is configured to provide an increased contact surface between said vehicle body and said bolt (310); and
said load distributing member (302) is adapted to hold said vehicle body and said frame connected together during a high impact collision.

13. The body mount assembly (300) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said load distributing member (302) includes:
a conical member (302a); and
a plurality of load distributing wires (302b) extending from an inner diameter of said conical member (302a) to a predetermined distance away from a periphery of said conical member (302a).

14. The body mount assembly (300) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said pivot housing (306) includes:
a horizontal wall (306a) of predetermined dimension;
a front wall (306f) and a rear wall (306r) connected to both sides said horizontal wall (306a); and
said front wall (306f) and said rear wall (306r) are u-shaped walls each defining an opening at same position.

15. The body mount assembly (300) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said pivot block (308) is a block shaped member having a first aperture corresponding to said opening in said front wall and said rear wall, wherein said pivot block (308) is pivotally secured to said pivot housing (306) using a pivot pin (312) by inserting said pivot pin (312) through corresponding openings in said front and rear wall (306f and 306r) of said pivot housing (306) and through said first aperture in said pivot block (308); and
said pivot block (308) defining a second aperture having internal threads to receive a threaded portion of said bolt (310),
wherein,
said pivot block (308) is configured to pivotally rotate within said pivot housing (306).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a vehicle having a chassis and a vehicle body which are connected by a vehicle body mount, and more particularly, to a vehicle body mount assembly which is capable of sustaining high level of crash induced forces and keep vehicle body (or body in white (BIW)) and chassis connected together during a crash.
BACKGROUND
[002] It is known to design a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger motor vehicle which has a front part, a passenger cell and a rear part, to be as safe as possible in order to save a vehicle occupant during a high impact collision. Here, a front part and/or a rear part usually have/has structural elements which, in the case of a collision, are deformed progressively over a defined section with a predetermined load profile, and absorb collision energy in the process as the passenger cell with the vehicle occupant is stopped. It is commonly known to use a vehicle body mount structure for coupling a Body in White (BIW) of the vehicle to a frame/chassis. Generally a connecting structure including a hollow member or a half-hollow member is used for coupling or mounting the vehicle body to the frame. A bolt and a nut is a known body mount structure which are used for fixing or coupling the hollow member to a cross frame member to form a vehicle body mount. In a construction of such a vehicle body mount formed using steel materials, a generally round tubular collar is located within a generally hollow, square cross-section, tubular cross member including holes aligned with the collar for receiving the bolt there through and forming the vehicle body mount. The collar of the vehicle body mount is used to transfer forces between the sides of the hollow, square tubular cross-section cross member. It is often seen that during a vehicle accident, the connection between BIW and chassis is lost due to bolt shear off or BIW tearing, whereby greater forces are experienced by BIW. Further, passenger of vehicle suffers from major injuries.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a vehicle body mount assembly which is capable of sustaining high level of crash induced forces and keep body in white (BIW) and chassis connected together during a crash. Further, there exists a need for a vehicle body mount assembly, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a vehicle body mount assembly which is capable of sustaining high level of crash induced forces and keep body in white (BIW) and chassis connected together during a crash.
[005] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide the vehicle body mount assembly which is configured to keep the BIW and the chassis connected during the crash in order to reduce a relative velocity change between the chassis and the BIW.
[006] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide the vehicle body mount assembly which is configured to reduce passenger injuries and achieve a good score in all stringent crash test.
[007] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[009] FIG. 1 depicts a conventional vehicle body mount having a body in white and chassis connected by a bolt and nut;
[0010] FIG. 2a depicts a front view of the vehicle body mount assembly, according to a first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2b depicts an exploded view of the vehicle body mount assembly, according to a first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 3a depicts a front view of a vehicle body mount assembly, according to a second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 3b depicts an exploded view of the vehicle body mount assembly, according to a second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3c depicts a perspective view of an assembly of a reinforcement member and a load distributing member of the vehicle body mount assembly, according to a second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 4a depicts a front view of the vehicle body mount assembly, according to a third embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0016] FIG. 4b depicts a perspective view of the vehicle body mount assembly, according to a third embodiment as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0018] The embodiments herein achieve a vehicle body mount assembly which is capable of sustaining high level of crash induced forces and keep body in white (BIW) and chassis connected together during a crash. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the vehicle body mount assembly which is configured to keep the BIW and the chassis connected during the crash in order to reduce a relative velocity change between the chassis and the BIW. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the vehicle body mount assembly which is configured to reduce passenger injuries and achieve a good score in all stringent crash test. Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, there are shown embodiments of the gauge for setting the clutch fork at a predetermined position.
[0019] FIG. 1 depicts a conventional vehicle body mount having a body in white and chassis connected by a bolt and nut. Conventional body mount includes the metal bolt and the nut for connecting the body in white (BIW) to frame (or chassis) of the vehicle as shown in FIG.1. A primary function of the body mount is to slow down a load passing from the BIW to the chassis. It is often seen that the connection between the BIW and the chassis tear off due to bolt shear off or BIW tearing. Hence greater forces are experienced by the BIW and the passenger suffers greater injuries during the crash.
[0020] FIG. 2a depicts a front view of the vehicle body mount assembly, according to a first embodiment as disclosed herein. FIG. 2b depicts an exploded view of the vehicle body mount assembly, according to a first embodiment as disclosed herein. In first embodiment, the vehicle body mount assembly (100) includes at least one load distributing member (104) having a disc shaped member (104a), a central bore (104b), and a plurality of load distributing wires (104c), a fastening means (106) having a bolt (106a), and a nut (106b), and a bush member (108).
[0021] The vehicle body mount assembly (100) includes the at least one load distributing member (104) which is connected to the vehicle body (or BIW) (102) at least by a predetermined bonding process. In an embodiment, the bonding process may be selected from one of welding, adhesive bonding and bolting. In an embodiment, the load distributing member (104) includes the disc shaped member (104a) which defines the central bore (104b). The central bore (104b) includes a diameter which is equivalent to an opening (102a) defined in the vehicle body (102). The central bore (104b) is configured to receive the fastening means (106). The central bore (104b) includes inner threads (not shown) which are adapted to engage with a threads defined in the bolt (106a). Further, the load distributing member (104) includes the plurality of load distributing wires (104c) which extend from a periphery of the disc shaped member (104a) for a predetermined length. In an embodiment, the plurality of load distributing wires (104c) are flexible high strength stress distributing wires.
[0022] The load distributing member (104) is secured to the vehicle body (102) using the fastening means (106). In an embodiment, the fastening means (106) is at least the bolt (106a) and the nut (106b) assembly. Further, the vehicle body mount assembly (100) includes the bush member (108) which is connected between the bolt (106a) and the load distributing member (104). In an embodiment, the bush member (108) is at least a rubber bush of predetermined dimensions.
[0023] The vehicle body mount assembly (100) is configured to provide an additional load path which increases a contact surface between the vehicle body (102) and the bolt (106a) through plurality of load distributing wires (104c). Further, the vehicle body mount assembly (100) reduces a stress concentration at localized area on the BIW which often cause BIW failure in the conventional body mount. The vehicle body mount assembly (100) is provided so that the BIW failure is delayed and the body mount assembly (100) is capable of sustaining higher level of load or forces. The load distributing member (104) maintains the load path between the BIW (102) and the chassis thereby reduces BIW deceleration.
[0024] FIG. 3a depicts a front view of a vehicle body mount assembly, according to a second embodiment as disclosed herein. FIG. 3b depicts an exploded view of the vehicle body mount assembly, according to a second embodiment as disclosed herein. In second embodiment, the vehicle body mount assembly (100) includes a reinforcement member (204) having a first end (204a), a second end (204b) and defining a central bore (204c), a plurality of anchorage strips (206), at least one load distributing member (208) having a conical member (208a) defining a central bore (208b), a fastening means (210) having a bolt (210a) and a nut (210b).
[0025] The vehicle body mount assembly (200) includes the reinforcement member (204) which is bonded to a portion of the fastening means (210). The reinforcement member (204) is an elongated hollow tube structure having plurality of cut-out sections (204e) as shown in FIG. 3c. The cut-out sections (204e) expose a shank portion of the bolt (210a). The reinforcement member (204) includes the first end (204a) which is connected towards a bolt head, the second end (204b) which connected to the shank portion of the bolt (210a). Further the reinforcement member (204) defines the central bore (204c) which is configured to receive the bolt (210a) therein. In an embodiment, the reinforcement member (204) is made-up of fabric.
[0026] Further, the vehicle body mount assembly (200) includes the plurality of anchorage strips (206) which extends from the second end (204b) of the reinforcement member (204). The anchorage strip (206) is made-up of predetermined shape. In an embodiment, the anchorage strip (206) is square shaped. Further, each of the plurality of anchorage strips (206) defines a slot (206a) therein. Each slot (206a) is defined such that the slot (206a) receives an anchorage pin (208d).
[0027] The vehicle body mount assembly (200) further includes the at least one load distributing member (208) which is bonded to the vehicle body (202) at one side and anchored to the plurality of anchorage strips (206) at another side using the anchor pins (208d). In an embodiment, the bonding process may be selected from one of welding, adhesive bonding and bolting. The load distributing member (208) mainly includes the conical member (208a) which further defines the central bore (208b). The central bore (208b) includes a diameter which is equivalent to an opening (202a) in the vehicle body (202) as shown in FIG. 3b. Further, the load distributing member (208) includes the plurality of load distributing wires (208c) which extend from an inner diameter of the conical member (208a) to a predetermined distance away from a periphery of the conical member (208a). The load distributing member (208) is configured to increase an area of contact between the BIW (202) and the fastening means (210) so that the load is distributed whereby a progression of crush induced force is slowed down during an accident. Further, the load distributing member (208) is adapted to hold the vehicle body (202) and the chassis connected together during a crash.
[0028] The vehicle body mount assembly (200) further includes the fastening means (210) which secures the load distributing member (208) with the vehicle body (202). In an embodiment, the fastening means (210) is at least a bolt (210a) and a nut (210b) assembly. The bolt (210a) is received through the central bore (208b) of the conical member (208a) and the opening (202a) of the vehicle body (202) to engage with the nut (210b). Further, the vehicle body mount assembly (200) includes the bush member (212) which is connected between the bolt (210a) and the load distributing member (208). In an embodiment, the bush member (212) is at least a rubber bush of predetermined dimensions.
[0029] The body mount assembly (200) further includes a lock wire (214) which is configured to secure the anchorage strip (206) in a predetermined position i.e. the anchorage strip (206) are held by the lock wire (214) so that the load distributing member (208) does not disconnect from the anchorage pin (208d).
[0030] The vehicle body mount assembly (200) is configured to provide an additional load path which increases a contact surface between the vehicle body (202) and the bolt (210a) through the load distributing member (208) and the plurality of load distributing wires (208c). Further, the vehicle body mount assembly (200) reduces a stress concentration at localized area on the BIW which often cause BIW failure in the conventional body mount. The vehicle body mount assembly (200) is provided so that the BIW failure is delayed and the body mount assembly (200) is capable of sustaining higher level of load or forces. The load distributing member (208) maintains the load path between the BIW (202) and the chassis thereby reduces BIW deceleration.
[0031] FIG. 4a depicts a front view of the vehicle body mount assembly, according to a third embodiment as disclosed herein. FIG. 4b depicts a perspective view of the vehicle body mount assembly, according to a third embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the vehicle body mount assembly (300) includes at least one load distributing member (302), a conical member (302a), a plurality of load distributing wires (302b), an intermediate shaft (304), a pivot housing (306), a horizontal wall (306a), a front wall (306f) and a rear wall (306r), a pivot block (308), a bolt (310), and a pivot pin (312).
[0032] The vehicle body mount assembly (300) includes the at least one load distributing member (302) which is bonded to the vehicle body (not shown). In an embodiment, the bonding process may be selected from one of welding, adhesive bonding and bolting. The load distributing member (302) mainly includes the conical member (302a) and the plurality of load distributing wires (302b) which extend from a periphery of the conical member (302a). The load distributing member (302) is configured to increase an area of contact between the BIW and the bolt (310) so that the load is distributed whereby a crush induced force is slowed down during an accident. Further, the load distributing member (302) is adapted to hold the vehicle body (202) and the frame connected together during the crash.
[0033] The vehicle body mount assembly (300) further includes the intermediate shaft (304) of a predetermined length which extends below the load distributing member (302). In an embodiment, the intermediate shaft (304) may be a separate part bonded to the load distributing member (302) or may be an integrated to one another i.e. the load distributing member (302) and the intermediate shaft (304) are unitary structure.
[0034] The vehicle body mount assembly (300) further includes the pivot housing (306) which is connected below the intermediate shaft (304). pivot housing (306) includes the horizontal wall (306a) of predetermined dimension which is connected to the intermediate shaft (304). Further, the pivot housing (306) includes the front wall (306f) and the rear walls (306r) which are connected to both sides the horizontal wall (306a). The front wall (306f) and the rear wall (306r) are u-shaped walls which extend below the horizontal wall (306a). Further, the front wall (306f) and the rear wall (306r) each define an opening at same position such that the pivot pin may be received through the openings.
[0035] The vehicle body mount assembly (300) further includes the pivot block (308) which is secured inside said pivot housing (306). The pivot block (308) is a block shaped member having a first aperture corresponding to the openings in the front wall (306f) and the rear wall (306r). The pivot block (308) is pivotally secured to the pivot housing (306) using the pivot pin (312) by inserting the pivot pin (312) through corresponding openings in the front and rear wall (306f and 306r) of the pivot housing (306) and through the first aperture in said pivot block (308). The pivot block (308) is configured to pivotally rotate within the pivot housing (306). Further, the pivot block (308) defines a second aperture having internal threads to receive a threaded portion of the bolt (310) i.e. a shank portion of the bolt (310) is inserted into the second aperture of the pivot block (308).
[0036] Working of the vehicle body mount assembly (300) is explained herein. During the crash the BIW and the chassis tends to move relative to each other. The relative movement between the chassis and BIW causes the bolt (310) and the pivot block (308) to rotate pivotically around an axis defined by the pivot pin (312). An angular rotation of the bolt (310) and pivot block (308) reduces a shear component of the force on arrangement at initial level of crash and the body mount assembly (300) is capable of withstanding higher amount of forces due to increase tensile force. The resistance to angular rotation of bolt (310) and the pivot block (308) may be adjusted for maximum energy absorption in shearing mode at initial event of the crash.
[0037] The technical advantages disclosed by the embodiments herein include withstanding higher level of shear force, sustain higher load before failing, maintains a definite load path, distributing the crash force to greater area, reducing localized failure of BIW and bolt at early stage of crash and help in reducing BIW velocity.
[0038] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others may, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein may be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.