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 VEHICLE HOOD ASSEMBLY”
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 VEHICLE HOOD ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hood assembly of a vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the vehicle hood assembly, where the vehicle hood assembly is provided with a bracket to provide strength to the overall structure.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, hood of a vehicle is present at a front end of the vehicle covering an engine compartment of the vehicle. The hood not only contributes to aesthetics of the vehicle but also contributes in adding stiffness and strength to the vehicle. Moreover, the hood also helps in adding a safety value by optimization of head injury criterion (HIC).
[0003] Primary and main objective of the vehicle hood structure is to cover all engine parts and radiator, and also to provide access to the engine for repair and maintenance. It also provides stiffness to the front end of the vehicle. In general, vehicle hood is susceptible to different load applications, such as passenger keeping certain objects on the hood and pressing of the hood while cleaning or washing the vehicle. Therefore, the hood has the tendency to wobble during such load applications, giving impression of weak structure to the customer. Therefore, it is required to enhance stiffness of the hood, because the hood is susceptible to different kind of loading conditions, while maintaining other criteria such as Head Injury Criterion (HIC).
[0004] It is well known that head injury criterion (HIC) is another significant parameter in determining survival of a human being as a result of an impact by the vehicle. This is due to the fact that pedestrians are very much vulnerable to severe injuries, particularly in brain, that may result due to the impact by the vehicle. Therefore, automobile manufacturers are finding it imperative to concentrate on design features of the vehicle, particularly hood, that may also help to achieve the optimum HIC criterion in accordance with pedestrian regulation norms.
[0005] Moreover, in order to satisfy the above mentioned criterias, a modification in structural aspect is required in case of different loading applications, and therefore, this requires the vehicle hood assembly to be equipped with adequate structural features, so as to prevent bending of the hood outer panel under different loading conditions.
[0006] Towards this direction, there is a need to incorporate design changes in the vehicle hood assembly for ensuring an enhanced protection of pedestrian by satisfying pedestrian regulation compliance and maintaining optimum strength in the hinge mounting area.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0008] It is an object of the present subject matter to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in the prior art systems and methods.
[0009] It is a significant object of the present disclosure to develop a hood assembly for a vehicle that is able to prevent bending of the hood outer panel.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to develop the vehicle hood assembly that is able to allow optimization of HIC criterion.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the vehicle hood assembly such that the hood assembly can provide enhanced stiffness as compared to the existing arrangement.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to develop the vehicle hood assembly that is rigid and robust.
[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, taken 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 hood assembly 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 invention, there is provided a vehicle hood assembly, where the vehicle hood assembly comprises of a hood outer panel, a hood inner panel and a hood hinge reinforcement disposed on the hood inner panel.
[0016] In an aspect, there is provided an inverted hat shaped bracket sandwiched in between the hood outer panel and the hood hinge reinforcement.
[0017] In an aspect, the inverted hat shaped bracket is having a base, a pair of vertical faces extending vertically from the base in same direction, defining U shape profile.
[0018] In an aspect, the pair of vertical faces are further extending in horizontal direction to define a pair of horizontal faces with the pair of horizontal faces extending outwardly from the pair of vertical faces.
[0019] In an aspect, the base of the inverted hat shaped bracket is provided with a plurality of embosses to support spot welding of the inverted hat shaped bracket with the hood hinge reinforcement.
[0020] In an aspect, in the vehicle hood assembly, each of the pair of vertical faces of the inverted hat shaped bracket is provided with a strengthening bead in vertical direction to provide stiffness.
[0021] In an aspect, the pair of horizontal faces of the inverted hat shaped bracket is connected to the hood outer panel through sealer.
[0022] In an aspect, the inverted hat shaped bracket is provided with a second horizontal face extending from one horizontal face of the pair of horizontal faces in downward direction to prevent droppage of sealer on fasteners of the hood hinge reinforcement.
[0023] In an aspect, the inverted hat shaped bracket is provided with at least two datum holes to enable welding of the inverted hat shaped bracket.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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)
[0026] 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
[0027] Figure 1 depicts cross sectional view of a hood assembly of a vehicle as seen from a front end of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] Figure 2 depicts perspective view of an inverted hat shaped bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0029] Figure 3 depicts a sectional view of the inverted hat shaped bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] 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
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] The present disclosure discloses a hood assembly of a vehicle. The hood assembly disclosed herein comprises of a bracket to cater effectively to the above-mentioned limitations related to bending and corresponding strength of the overall structure. The structural aspects of the hood assembly have been discussed in subsequent sections.
[0035] Figure 1 depicts cross sectional view of a hood assembly of a vehicle as seen from a front end of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it may be observed that the vehicle hood assembly (100) comprises of a hood outer panel (102) and a hood inner panel (104). Herein there is also provided a hood hinge reinforcement (106) disposed on the hood inner panel (104).
[0036] In an aspect, there is further provided a bracket, where the bracket is having shape of an inverted hat, hereafter referred to as the inverted hat shaped bracket (108). The inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is sandwiched in between the hood outer panel (102) and the hood hinge reinforcement (106) and is spot welded on the hood hinge reinforcement (106).
[0037] Referring to Figure 2, the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) may comprise of a base (108-B), a pair of vertical faces (108-VF1, 108-VF2), a pair of horizontal faces (108-HF1, 108-HF2) and a second horizontal face (108-HF3).
[0038] In an aspect, the pair of vertical faces (108-VF1, 108-VF2) are extending vertically from the base (108-B) in same direction defining a ‘U’-shaped profile. It may be also observed from the figure that the pair of vertical faces (108-VF1, 108-VF2) are further extending in horizontal direction thus defining the pair of horizontal faces (108-HF1, 108-HF2), where the pair of horizontal faces (108-HF1, 108-HF2) are extending from the pair of vertical faces (108-VF1, 108-VF2) in an outward direction.
[0039] In an aspect, each of the pair of vertical faces (108-VF1, 108-VF2) of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is provided with a strengthening bead (108-3) in vertical direction in order to provide stiffness to the overall structure.
[0040] In an aspect, it may be noted that the pair of horizontal faces (108-HF1, 108-HF2) of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is connected to the hood outer panel (102) through sealer, where an exemplary gap ranging between 2 mm to 4 mm, is kept between each horizontal face and the hood outer panel (102) for facilitating smooth application of sealer. However, the gap depends on the structure and styling of the vehicle. The inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is additionally provided with a second horizontal face (108-HF3) extending from one horizontal face of the pair of horizontal faces (108-HF1, 108-HF2). The second horizontal face (108-HF3) is typically extending in a downward direction so as to prevent droppage of sealer on fasteners of the hood hinge reinforcement (106).
[0041] In an aspect, the base (108-B) of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is provided with a plurality of embosses (108-1, 108-2), where the plurality of embosses support spot welding of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) with the hood hinge reinforcement (106).
[0042] In an aspect, it may be noticed from Figure 2, especially from the detailed view as shown in Figure 3, the base (108-B) of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is having an S-shaped profile (108-B1) along horizontal plane. The S-shaped profile (108-B1) allows level difference thereby enhancing strength of the overall inverted hat shaped bracket (108).
[0043] In an aspect, the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is provided with at least two datum holes (108-4, 108-5) positioned at the base (108-B) and the second horizontal face (108-HF3), respectively, to enable welding of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108). The at least two datum holes (108-4, 108-5) also contribute to reduced weight of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) as well.
[0044] Technical Advantages
[0045] All in all, the vehicle hood assembly (100) described in the present disclosure is having the following advantages:
a) Prevents bending of the hood outer panel (102)
b) Provides stiffness
c) Rigid and robust
d) Facilitates optimization of HIC criterion

Equivalents
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.”
[0049] 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 vehicle hood assembly (100), comprising:
a hood outer panel (102);
a hood inner panel (104);
a hood hinge reinforcement (106) disposed on the hood inner panel (104); and
characterized in that
an inverted hat shaped bracket (108) sandwiched in between the hood outer panel (102) and the hood hinge reinforcement (106).

2. The vehicle hood assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) comprises:
a base (108-B),
a pair of vertical faces (108-VF1, 108-VF2) extending vertically from the base (108-B) in same direction, defining U shaped profile, wherein the pair of vertical faces (108-VF1, 108-VF2) are further extending in horizontal direction to define a pair of horizontal faces (108-HF1, 108-HF2), the pair of horizontal faces (108-HF1, 108-HF2) extending outwardly from the pair of vertical faces (108-VF1, 108-VF2).

3. The vehicle hood assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein base (108-B) of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is provided with a plurality of embosses (108-1, 108-2) to support spot welding of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) with the hood hinge reinforcement (106).

4. The vehicle hood assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the pair of vertical faces (108-VF1, 108-VF2) of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is provided with a strengthening bead (108-3) in vertical direction to provide stiffness.

5. The vehicle hood assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pair of horizontal faces (108-HF1, 108-HF2) of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is connected to the hood outer panel (102) through sealer.

6. The vehicle hood assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is provided with a second horizontal face (108-HF3) extending from one horizontal face from the pair of horizontal faces (108-HF1, 108-HF2) in downward direction to prevent droppage of sealer on fasteners of the hood hinge reinforcement (106).

7. The vehicle hood assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inverted hat shaped bracket (108) is provided with at least two datum holes (108-4, 108-5) to enable welding of the inverted hat shaped bracket (108).

Dated this 23rd day of March, 2023

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