CLIAMS:1. An impact energy absorption assembly(100) comprising:
at least one mounting rail (1) of predetermined shape fixed to a body (2) of a vehicle (3); and
plurality of support members (4) of predetermined shape fixed to the at least one mounting rail (1) wherein, each of the plurality of support members (4) are provided with a plurality of plates (5) of predetermined shape fixed at predetermined pitch distances along the length of the plurality of support members (4) for impact energy absorption.
2. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates (5) of predetermined shape are fixed substantially perpendicular to the plurality of support members (4).

3. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates (5) provided on the plurality of support members (4) overlap with the plurality of plates (5) of the adjacent subsequent plurality of support members (4).

4. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein width of the plurality of plates (5) on the support members (4) varies linearly.

5. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein width of the plurality of plates (5) varies in an ascending order or descending order on the plurality of support members (4).

6. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting rail (1) is fixed to the vehicle (3) using clamping brackets (6).

7. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting rail (1) are configured in a form selected from a group comprising C – shape mount, U – shape mount, C – channel mount, U – channel mount.

8. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of support members (4) are configured as solid or hollow support member.

9. The plurality of support members (4) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of support members (4) are configured in a form selected from a group comprising square support member, rectangular member, circular support member and honeycomb support member.

10. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates (5) are configured in a form selected from a group comprising square plate, circular plate, rectangular plate, honeycomb plate and triangular plate.

11. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates (5) is configured to the plurality of support members at an angle from axis of the plurality of support members.

12. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein thickness of the plurality of plates (5) fixed to the plurality of support members (4) varies.

13. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein thickness of the plurality of plates (5) fixed to the plurality of support members (4) varies linearly.

14. The method of assembling an impact energy absorption assembly (100) comprising acts of:
mounting plurality of plates (5) of predetermined shape to plurality of support members (4) wherein, each of the plurality of plates (5) of predetermined shape are fixed at predetermined pitch distances along the length of the plurality of support members (4);
fixing plurality of support members (4) of predetermined shape to at least one mounting rail (1); and
fixing at least one mounting rail (1) of predetermined shape to a vehicle (3) for impact energy absorption.

15. A vehicle (3) equipped with an impact energy absorption assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the impact energy absorption assembly (100) is fixed at a predetermined location of the vehicle (3).
,TagSPECI:The present disclosure relates to an energy absorption assembly used in vehicles. More particularly relates to impact energy absorption assembly used in vehicles to absorb impact energy created by shockwaves generated during a head on collision.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Safety of passengers in the vehicle is the most important goal and aspect of a vehicle manufacturer. Thousands of occupant’s lives have been lost due to vehicle crashes and accidents, which directly reflects on the safety equipment’s that have been installed in a vehicle. Moreover, head on collision of vehicles can be highly fatal to the occupant’s/passengers as there is extreme and sudden forces directly acting on the chassis of the vehicle body which makes it crumple and cause severe damage to the vehicle cabin. Other types of frontal impact also can be severe and hence adequate impact absorbers have to be provided on the vehicle to protect the passengers within the cabin of the vehicle.
In some other types of accidents such as, under body crashes, vehicle topple, side body crashes etc. the impact forces acting on the cabin are in a direct form, as there are not many impact absorbing means provided on the side and under body of the vehicle.
Some of the standard impact absorbers and safety assembly equipped in vehicles ranges from airbags, seat belt systems with pretensioners etc. which provide certain amount of safety to the occupants/passengers residing inside the vehicle cabin. However, these airbags and seat belts do not provide adequate additional safety during a full head on collision or side impact occurring on a vehicle body. Innovative methods such as crumple zones are provided all along the vehicle body which adequately to an extent blocks the impact energy forces coming into the cabin and protects the passengers from disaster.
However, in cases where the impact is occurring offset to a vehicle that is side impacts, impact at an angle or under body impacts, the standard protection and safety measures don’t play an active role in protecting the occupants of the vehicle cabin.
Hence, there is a need to provide additional impact absorption assemblies on the vehicle body to absorb the impact energies or to dissipate the energy. Also, the impact energy absorption assemblies have to be easy to install and cost effective. Further, the maintenance and cost of replacing these impact absorption assemblies should be readily and easily available.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
One objective of the present disclosure is to provide safety to the occupant’s/passengers seated within the cabin of the vehicle by installing impact energy adsorption device at specific locations.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an impact energy absorption assembly or energy dissipation assembly which is easy to manufacture and cost effective in maintenance.
Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an impact energy absorbing structure for vehicles with reduced manufacturing time and weight which aids in easy installing and reduces the overall weight of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an impact energy absorption assembly comprising: at least one mounting rail of predetermined shape fixed to a body of a vehicle and plurality of support members of predetermined shape fixed to the at least one mounting rail wherein, each of the plurality of support members are provided with a plurality of plates of predetermined shape fixed at predetermined pitch distances along the length of the plurality of support members for impact energy absorption.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein, the plurality of plates of predetermined shape are fixed substantially perpendicular to the plurality of support members.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein, the plurality of support members are arranged such that, plurality of plates provided on one of the plurality of support members are positioned in-between plurality of plates provided on subsequent support members.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the width of the plurality of plates on the support members varies linearly.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the width of the plurality of plates varies in an ascending order or descending order on the plurality of support members.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein, the at least one mounting rail is fixed to the vehicle using clamping brackets.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one mounting rail are configured in a form selected from a group comprising C – shape mount, U – shape mount, C – channel mount, U – channel mount.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of support members is configured as solid or hollow support member.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein, the plurality of support members are configured in a form selected from a group comprising square support member, rectangular member, circular support member and honeycomb support member.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein, the plurality of plates are configured in a form selected from a group comprising square plate, circular plate, rectangular plate, honeycomb plate and triangular plate.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of plates is configured to the plurality of support members at an angle from axis of the plurality of support members.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein, thickness of the plurality of plates fixed to the plurality of support members varies.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein, thickness of the plurality of plates fixed to the plurality of support members varies linearly.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein, the method of assembling an impact energy absorption assembly comprising steps of: fixing plurality of plates of predetermined shape to the plurality of support members wherein, each of the plurality of plates of predetermined shape are fixed at predetermined pitch distances along the length of the plurality of support members; fixing plurality of support members of predetermined shape to the at least one mounting rail; fixing at least one mounting rail of predetermined shape to a vehicle for impact energy absorption.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein, a vehicle equipped with an impact energy absorption assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the impact energy absorption assembly is fixed at predetermined locations on the body of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings example constructions of the invention; however, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and product disclosed in the drawings:
Figure 1 is illustrates an isometric view of a mounting rail of an impact energy absorption assembly.
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a support member fixed with plurality of plates.
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the at least one mounting rail fixed with plurality of support members to form an impact energy absorption assembly.
Figure 4 illustrates front view of the impact energy absorption assembly having at least one mounting rail fixed with the support members.
Figure 5 illustrates isometric view of the vehicle installed with an impact energy absorption assembly.
Figure 6 illustrates top view of the vehicle and cabin portion installed with an impact energy absorption assembly.
Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosure with plurality of plates on the support members placed adjacent to each other.
Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosure wherein the plurality of plates is fixed at a predetermined angle onto the support members.
Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosure wherein the plurality of plates is fixed in an ascending order from top to bottom of the support members.
Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosure wherein the plurality of plates is fixed in a descending order from top to bottom of the support members.
Figure 11 illustrates deformed impact of a support member and plurality of plates in a crumpled state.
Figure 12 illustrates front view of the impact absorption assembly wherein the plurality of plates is fixed on the support members with varying pitch and widths.
Figure 13 illustrates isometric view of the impact absorption assembly which is fixed to a bracket which is in turn fixed to the vehicle floor.
Figure 14 illustrates front and side views of the vehicle with the impact absorption assembly fixed below the vehicle cabin.
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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.
Figure 1 is illustrates an isometric view of a mounting rail (1) of the impact energy absorption assembly (100). The mounting rail (1) consists of at least two protruded portions (7, 8) which are firmly fixed to the body (2) of the vehicle (3) by suitable fastening and fixing means. In one embodiment the mounting rail is removable fixed to the vehicle. The mounting rail (1) is constructed in such a way that, the mounting rail (1) has a channel (9) with plurality of rib plates (10) to provide strength to the mounting rail (1). The rib plates (10) are also used for supporting the plurality of support members (4). The rib plates (10) are located at predetermined locations within the channel (9) onto which the plurality of support members (4) is fixed by using suitable fastening and fixing means. In one embodiment the support members (4) is mounted to the mounting rail (1) away from the rib plates (10). The protruded portions (7, 8) are fixed firmly to the body (2) of the vehicle (3) by fastening and fixing means selected from a group comprising bolting, screwing, riveting, welding, brazing and soldering.
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of support member (4) fixed with plurality of plates (5). The impact energy absorption assembly (100) consists of at least one mounting rail (1) which is connectable to the body (2) of the vehicle (3). The plurality of support members (4) is fixed to the at least one mounting rail (1) and plurality of plates (5) of predetermined shape are fixed along the length of the plurality of support members (4). In one embodiment plurality of plates (5) of predetermined shape are fixed along the entire length of the plurality of support members (4). The plurality of support members (4) are configured in a form selected from a group comprising square solid support member, rectangular solid member, circular solid support member and honeycomb solid support member. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of support members (4) is solid or hollow. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of support members (4) can be of perforated type so as to absorb the stresses acting on them during an impact. The plurality of plates (5) is fixed at predetermined pitch distances from the top end (11) of the plurality of support members (4) to the bottom end (12) of the plurality of support members (4). The plurality of plates (5) are configured in a form selected from a group comprising square plate, circular plate, rectangular plate, honey comb plate, trapezoidal plate and triangular plate. The plurality of plates (5) is fixed on to the plurality of support members (4) by a method selected from a group comprising welding, soldering and brazing. The plurality of plates (5) absorbs the majority of the impact forces during an impact. The impact forces acting on the body (2) of the vehicle (3) travel in a wave form and this impact wave is gradually attenuated by the plurality of plates (5). The crumpling of the plurality of plates (5) further deforms the at least one mounting rail (1) and avoids more damage to the body (2) of the vehicle (3). The plurality of support members (4) supports the plurality of plates (5) and help in further attenuation of the impact forces. The plurality of support members (4) provides strength and rigidity to the entire impact energy absorption assembly (100).
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the impact energy absorption assembly (100) with one mounting rail (1) fixed to the plurality of support members (4). The plurality of support members (4) are fixed adjacent to each other at predetermined distances on the mounting rail (1). By fixing the plurality of support members (4) at predetermined distances, the plurality of plates (5) fixed to the plurality of support members (4) overlap each other in such a way that, during the time of impact energy absorption, the plurality of plates (5) crumple and displace the energy to the adjacent plurality of plates (5). The entire impact energy absorption assembly (100) is fixed at specific locations on the body (2) of the vehicle (3) so as to absorb the impact energy forces arising from a crash/collision of the vehicle. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) can be fixed at the front end, rear end, sides of the vehicle and also the underbelly of the body (2) of the vehicle (3).
Figure 4 illustrates front view of the at least one mounting rail (1) fixed to the plurality of support members (4) of the impact energy absorption assembly (100). The plurality of plates (5) fixed on the plurality of support members (4) form a grid pattern which sequentially absorb the impact energy forces of the vehicle involved in a crash/collision. The grid pattern and the overlapping of the plurality of plates (5) with adjacent support member (4) will restrict the impact energy to protrude into occupants in the cabin (13) of the vehicle (3). The plurality of support members (4) absorb majority of the energy, provides strength and rigidity whereas, the plurality of plates (5) deflect the energy waves away from the cabin (13) of the vehicle (3). In an embodiment the plurality of plates (5) and the plurality of support member (4) observers the impact energy.
Figure 5 illustrates isometric view of a vehicle (3) installed with an impact energy absorption assembly (100). In a non-limiting embodiment of the instant disclosure, the impact energy absorption assembly (100) is installed at the front end of the vehicle (3). The impact energy absorption assembly (100) absorbs the impacts occurring on the vehicle (3) in a frontal crash/collision. This absorption of sudden impact energy forces by the impact energy absorption assembly (100) prevents the impulse forces acting on the cabin (13) of the vehicle (3) and hence protecting the occupants/passengers of the vehicle (3). However, it is obvious for a person skilled in art to envisage fixing of the impact energy absorption assembly (100) at other locations of the vehicle to absorb impact energy or, to deflect the impact energy.
Figure 6 illustrates top view of the vehicle (3) installed with an impact energy absorption assembly (100). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cabin (13) of the vehicle (3) is equipped with impact energy absorption assembly (100) which protects the occupant’s/passengers from the sudden impact energy forces occurring during a vehicle crash/collision.
Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the impact energy absorption assembly (100) wherein, the plurality of plates (5) is fixed on the plurality of support members (4) at equal pitch differences. The plurality of plates (5) is fixed substantially perpendicular to the plurality of support members (4). The plurality of plates (5) are fixed to the plurality of support members (4) by fixing means selected from a group comprising welding, soldering and brazing. In one embodiment it is also observed that the plates from the adjacent support member (4) overlap each other. In one exemplary embodiment the plates from the adjacent support member (4) do not overlap with each other.
Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of the impact energy absorption assembly (100) wherein, the plurality of plates (5) is fixed at a predetermined angle on the plurality of support members (4). The plurality of plates (5) are fixed to the plurality of support members (4) by fixing means selected from a group comprising welding, soldering and brazing. In one embodiment it is also observed that the plates from the adjacent support member (4) overlap each other. In one exemplary embodiment the plates from the adjacent support member (4) do not overlap with each other
Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of the impact energy absorption assembly (100) wherein, the plurality of plates (5) is fixed in an ascending order from the top end (11) of the plurality of support members (4) to the bottom end (12) of the plurality of support members (4). The plurality of plates (5) is of different dimensions wherein, the width of the plurality of plates (5) varies accordingly and the smaller width plates are fixed at the top end (11) of the plurality of support members (4). The plurality of plates (5) is arranged in an ascending order and the larger width plates are fixed at the bottom end (12) of the plurality of support members (4). In one embodiment it is also observed that the plates from the adjacent support member (4) overlap each other. In one exemplary embodiment the plates from the adjacent support member (4) do not overlap with each other.Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of the impact energy absorption assembly (100) wherein, the plurality of plates (5) is fixed in a descending order from the top end (11) of the plurality of support members (4) to the bottom end (12) of the plurality of support members (4). The plurality of plates (5) is of different dimensions wherein, the width of the plurality of plates (5) varies accordingly and the larger width plates are fixed at the top end (11) of the plurality of support members (4). The plates are arranged in a descending order and the smaller width plates are fixed at the bottom end (12) of the plurality of support members (4). In one embodiment it is also observed that the plates from the adjacent support member (4) overlap each other. In one exemplary embodiment the plates from the adjacent support member (4) do not overlap with each other. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the surface area of the plurality of plates (5) varies.
Figure 11 illustrates deformed impact energy absorption assembly (100) wherein the support members (100) and plurality of plates (5) are in a crumpled state after the crash/collision of the vehicle (3). The plurality of support members (4) absorb majority of the impact energy occurring during a crash/collision of a vehicle (3). The plurality of plates (5) fixed to the plurality of support members (4) absorb the impact energy forces and crumple. During the crumpling stage, the part of the impact energy acting on the first set of plurality of plates (5) are deflected onto the second adjacent sets of plurality of plates (5). The impact energy absorption assembly (100) absorbs the energies stage wise and prevents damage to the cabin (13) of the vehicle (3) safe guarding the occupant’s/passengers.
Figure 12 illustrates front view of the impact absorption assembly (100) wherein the plurality of plates (5) is fixed on the plurality of support members (4) with varying pitch and widths. The plurality of plates (5) forms a grid similar to a brick wall lining which effectively reduces and absorbs the impact energy forces. In one embodiment it is also observed that the plates are of varying thickness placed along the length of the support member (4). In one embodiment the thickness of the plates in a support member varies linearly. In one embodiment the thickness of the plates between the adjacent support members (4) varies.
Figure 13 illustrates isometric view of an embodiment of the impact absorption assembly (100) which is fixed to a clamping bracket (6) and in turn fixed to the vehicle floor (14). The impact energy absorption assembly (100) fixed to the clamping bracket (6) can be easily removed for service and maintenance. In the event of a crash/collision, the crumpled plurality of plates (5) and plurality of support members (4) can be removed and replaced quickly and efficiently. This assembly reduces the maintenance cost and versatility of the impact energy absorption assembly (100) is vastly improved. The impact energy absorption assembly (100) is fixed to the clamping bracket (6) by fastening means selected from a group comprising bolting, screwing and riveting.
Figure 14 illustrates side view of the vehicle (3) with the impact absorption assembly (100) fixed below the cabin (13) of the vehicle (3) to provide additional safety to the occupant’s/passengers seated within the cabin (13) of the vehicle (3) in cases where there is an impact occurring from underneath the vehicle (3). Fig 14 also shows an enlarged view the impact absorption assembly (100) fixed below the cabin (13) of the vehicle (3).
EQUIVALENTS

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 context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
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.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

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.

REFERRAL NUMERALS
Impact Energy Absorption Assembly 100
Mounting rail 1
Body 2
Vehicle 3
Plurality of support members 4
Plurality of plates 5
Clamping brackets 6
Protruded parts 7, 8
Channel 9
Rib plates 10
Top end 11
Bottom end 12
Cabin 13
Vehicle floor 14