FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure, in general, relates to an automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly and, more particularly, to an automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly comprising a brace with enhanced load bearing capacity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is 10 prior art.
[003] A front part of an automotive vehicle is generally covered with a hood (also referred as bonnet) that is swingably mounted on the vehicle body. A cowl top garnish is disposed behind the hood such that the cowl top garnish extends in a width direction of a vehicle. Cowl top garnish is a resin part 15 located at the lower end of windshield, above the cowl box. It serves both as a functional part by covering the cowl box, providing holes for wiper pivots and air intake vents for HVAC and as an aesthetic part by making up the appearance of the vehicle exterior.
[004] Since, the cowl top garnish is an exterior part there lies a possibility of 20 application of external loads. Exemplary situations could be people placing their hands while cleaning the vehicle, accumulation of huge amount of snow etc. which could result in loosening/ disassembly of cowl cover from windshield. This is undesirable in terms of vehicle appearance and also results in reduction of life of parts like wiper motor and linkages by 25
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exposure to water which can seep through the gap created due to disassembly/ misalignment of cowl top garnish.
[005] The cowl top garnish assemblies of the prior art generally comprise of a brace to prevent excessive deformation of cowl top garnish assembly under high loads which serves as a reinforcement. The braces as known in 5 the prior art are generally of two types, integrated-type, formed of rib like structure running throughout the internal surface, and separate-type, formed of braces connected to cowl cover garnish at two ends. The integrated type braces have certain disadvantages such as thickness limitation. To avoid defects like warpage and shrinkage, thickness of ribs is 10 limited. Further, they offer low reinforcement as low thickness ribs cannot give sufficient reinforcement at high external loads and has the chance to break under high loads. Also, these reinforcement structures are often not feasible to be made in resin parts by cost effective manufacturing processes.
[006] The second type of brace known in the art is provided as a separate 15 part and has its both ends attached on cowl cover. These type of braces also have a number of drawbacks including hindrance of thermal expansion or contraction, as the materials used for cowl top garnish are resins which expand and contract significantly in different temperature conditions. So the brace connected on both ends hamper the free movement of the cowl 20 cover and could lead to appearance and functional defects in high/low temperatures. Further, there are difficulties in providing a mounting structure on cowl cover on the end away from windshield because of manufacturability constraints, which complicates the design and increases the cost of manufacturing the same. These braces also involves extra cost 25 and time in assembling. Another drawback associated with these type of braces is inferior pedestrian safety. In an event of head impact of a pedestrian on hood, the chances of injury are greater due to stiffness. This
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is mainly due to the fixed ends of the braces to the cowl cover which provide a stiff surface leading to greater chances of injury.
[007] Thus, there is a requirement of an automotive cowl top garnish assembly comprising a brace with improved load bearing capacity and which is economical in construction without compromising pedestrian 5 head impact performance.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[008] It is therefore the object of the invention to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in prior systems.
[009] The primary object of the invention is to provide an automotive cowl 10 top garnish assembly that overcomes the problem of the prior art.
[010] Another object of the invention is to provide an automotive cowl top garnish assembly comprising a brace that provides enhanced load bearing capacity.
[011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an automotive cowl 15 top garnish assembly comprising a brace that provides improved attachment in extreme weather conditions.
[012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an automotive cowl top garnish assembly that is economical in construction and easy to assemble. 20 [013] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an automotive cowl top garnish assembly that provides enhanced safety in the event of pedestrian head impact.
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[014] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 5
[015] The present invention provides for an automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly comprising a brace with enhanced load bearing capacity.
[016] In accordance with an embodiment, an automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly comprises of a cowl cover adapted to be disposed between cowl panel, rear edge of a hood and a windshield. The cowl cover 10 comprises of an exposed rear end portion adapted to engage with lower end of windshield through a claw shaped engaging portion, and a non-exposed front end portion adapted to engage with cowl panel through a rigid mounting.
[017] In accordance with said embodiment, the automotive vehicle cowl top 15 garnish assembly comprises of a brace for enhancing load bearing capacity of the cowl cover. The brace comprising of a rear end portion rigidly attached to bottom of the exposed rear end portion. The brace also comprising of a front end portion arranged in front of the non-exposed front end portion of the cowl cover to form an expansion space. 20
[018] In accordance with said embodiment, the expansion space facilitates expansion or contraction of the brace and cowl cover in extreme weather conditions.
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[019] In accordance with said embodiment, the automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly comprises of a stopper rib placed adjacent to the expansion space.
[020] In accordance with said embodiment, the expansion space facilitates displacement of the brace in a direction opposite to the stopper rib to 5 provide better energy absorption during pedestrian head impacts.
[021] 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 like numerals represent like components. 10
[022] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[023] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be 15 in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20
[024] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of
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devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
Figure 1: illustrates mounting position of a cowl top garnish assembly in an exemplary automotive vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 5
Figure 2: illustrates sectional view of an exemplary automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3: illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 10
Figure 4: illustrates sectional view of an exemplary automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5: illustrates application of force in an exemplary event of placing hand on cowl cover;
Figure 6: illustrates application of force in an exemplary event of 15 accumulation of snow on cowl cover;
Figure 7: illustrates application of force in an exemplary event of head impact of a pedestrian on vehicle hood;
Figure 8: illustrates non-exposed front end portion of the cowl cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 20
Figure 9: depicts claw shaped engaging portion of the exposed rear end portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
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[025] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily 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. 5
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[026] 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 10 disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alterative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[027] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless 15 the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[028] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such 20 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 the 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 25 of other elements or additional elements in the system, apparatus or device.
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[029] Hereinafter an automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly (100) is explained in more detail.
[030] Referring to figure 1, which illustrates an exemplary automotive vehicle. The vehicle has a hood (200) that is swingably disposed at a front part of a vehicle body to cover an engine and auxiliary parts, a cowl top 5 garnish assembly (100) that is disposed behind the hood (200) and extends in a width direction of the vehicle, and a windshield (300) that has a front lower end covered with the cowl top garnish assembly (100).
[031] Referring to figure 2, illustrating a sectional view of the automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly (100) in accordance with an embodiment. 10 The cowl top garnish assembly (100) comprises of a cowl cover (10) adapted to be disposed between cowl panel (50), rear edge of a hood (200) and a windshield (300) as illustrated.
[032] The cowl cover (10) comprises of two portions namely an exposed rear end portion (11) and a non-exposed front end portion (12). The exposed rear 15 end portion (11) is adapted to engage with lower end of the windshield (300) through a claw shaped engaging portion (11a). The way of engaging is not limited, any known engaging means of the prior art may be used. The cowl cover (10) further comprises of a non-exposed front end portion (12) adapted to engage with the cowl panel (50) through a rigid mounting (51). 20 The non-exposed front end portion (12) also comprises of a seal (13) wherein the seal (13) is adapted to be in contact with the hood inner panel (200). The seal (13) primarily restricts the seepage of water from outside to engine side and also restricts hot air to enter from engine side to passenger side. 25
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[033] The cowl top garnish assembly (100) further comprises of a brace (20). The primary function of the brace (20) is to function as a reinforcement and to increase the rigidity of the cowl top garnish assembly (100). The brace (20) thereby increases the load bearing capacity of the cowl cover (10), wherein the load could be an accidental force applied by a person by 5 placing his hand on the cowl top garnish assembly (100) or accumulation of a huge amount of snow on the assembly (100). The brace (20) also provides enhanced pedestrian safety in an event of head impact of a pedestrian on hood (200).
[034] The brace (20) comprises of a rear end portion (22) rigidly attached to 10 bottom of exposed rear end portion (11b), and a front end portion (23).
[035] In accordance with said embodiment, the front end portion (23) is arranged in front of the front end portion (12) of the cowl cover (10) to form an expansion space (24). The expansion space (24) provides space for the brace (20) and cowl cover (10) to expand/contract in extreme weather, for 15 example in extreme warm or cold weather. It also acts as a space to increase the flexibility of the assembly (100). If both the ends of the brace expand/contract in opposite directions, the stress would be transferred to the joint of brace with cowl cover (10) which may cause breakage of the joint. In case of breakage, the brace (20) will not be able to provide its 20 function of reinforcement. Thereby the arrangement of the brace (20) in accordance with the present disclosure enhances the load bearing capacity and ensures the enhanced load bearing even in extreme weather. The brace (20) can be attached at any suitable position throughout the width of the assembly (100). There is no limitation on the number of braces (20). In 25 accordance with an embodiment, the braces are employed in the cowl top garnish assembly (100), as illustrated in figure 3.
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[036] Referring to figure 4, wherein in accordance with an embodiment, a stopper rib (30) is illustrated. As depicted, the stopper rib (30) is placed adjacent to the expansion space (24). The stopper rib (30) has a width (W) more than the width (24W) of the expansion space (24) to prevent rotation of the brace (20) on application of force. As illustrated, an application of 5 force (F1) on the exposed rear end portion (11) will cause the front end portion (23) to attach with the non-exposed front end portion (12) thereby resulting in resultant force (F2) which may result in rotation of the brace (20) in direction (DR) as depicted. The stopper rib (30) is employed to prevent such rotation. 10
[037] Referring to figure 5 and 6 which illustrate exemplary events of application of force. The primary purpose of brace (20) is to stop disassembly of the cowl top garnish assembly (100) from the windshield (300) in cases of application of force as illustrated by way of example in figure 5 and 6. Figure 5 illustrates application of force in an event when 15 hand is placed on the exposed rear end portion (11) for the purpose of cleaning the roof, windshield, etc. Figure 6 illustrates the application of force in event when huge amount of snow is deposited and the weight of snow exerts a force.
[038] The brace (20) in accordance with the present invention provides 20 enhanced load bearing capacity in case of such accidental application of force. The expansion space (24) of the brace (20) facilitates this enhancement by providing expanding or contraction space to the cowl top garnish assembly (100).
[039] Figure 7 illustrates application of force in an event of pedestrian head 25 impact on the hood (200). The application of force is in the direction as depicted. In case of pedestrian impact, the brace (20) is free to move in a
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direction opposite to the stopper rib (30) as depicted in figure 7. The expansion space (24) facilitate displacement of the brace to provide better energy absorption during pedestrian head impacts as a result the cowl top garnish assembly (100) provides enhanced pedestrian safety.
[040] Referring to figure 8 and 9 which illustrates non-exposed front end 5 portion of the cowl cover and claw shaped engaging portion of the exposed rear end portion respectively. As depicted, the width D3 of expansion space (24) is less than D1 and D2 so that, once the exposed rear end portion (11) starts moving away from windshield due to external force, the front end portion (23) of the brace (20) comes in contact with the non-exposed front 10 end portion (12) after the cowl cover moves a distance equal to the width 24W. After that any further movement is prevented by the brace. Since distances D1 and D2 both are more than the width D3 of the expansion space (24), the cowl cover remains assembled to the windshield (300).
[041] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for 15 infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or 20 more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[042] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more 25 members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion
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occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
Advantages of the present disclosure:
[043] The present disclosure provides for an automotive vehicle cowl top 5 garnish assembly (100) with enhanced reinforcement allowing higher loads bearing capacity.
[044] The present disclosure provides for an automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly (100) which is easy to construct and assemble.
[045] The present disclosure provides for an automotive vehicle cowl top 10 garnish assembly (100) that aids easy expansion and contraction at extreme temperature conditions.
[046] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the 15 context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[047] 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 20 "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 25
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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 5 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 10 "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," 15 without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).
[048] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacturing or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those 20 techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.
[049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the 25 present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or
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unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[050] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, 5 encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others. 10
[051] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:

1. An automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly (100) comprising:
 a cowl cover (10) adapted to be disposed between cowl panel (50), rear edge of a hood (200) and a windshield (300), the cowl cover (10) comprising:
 an exposed rear end portion (11) adapted to engage with 5 lower end of windshield (300) through an engaging portion (11a), and
 a non-exposed front end portion (12) adapted to engage with cowl panel (50) through a rigid mounting (51),
 a brace (20) for enhancing load bearing capacity of the cowl cover 10 (10), comprising:
 a rear end portion (22) rigidly mounted to bottom of exposed rear end portion (11b), and
 a front end portion (23)
wherein the front end portion (23) is arranged in front of the non-15 exposed front end portion (12) to form an expansion space (24).
2. The automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the expansion space (24) facilitates expansion or contraction of the brace (20) and cowl cover (10) in extreme weather conditions. 20
3. The automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises of plurality of braces (20).
4. The automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises of a stopper rib (30).
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5. The automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the stopper rib (30) is placed adjacent to the expansion space (24).
6. The automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the stopper rib (30) has a width (W) more than the width 5 (24W) of the expansion space (24).
7. The automotive vehicle cowl top garnish assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the expansion space (24) facilitates displacement of the brace (20) in a direction opposite to the stopper rib (30) during pedestrian head impact.