Description:AN INSTRUMENT PANEL MOUNTING STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to an instrument panel (IP) of a vehicle. The present invention is particularly related to an instrument panel mounting structure provided at a lower end of the instrument panel of the vehicle for eliminating the appearance of a sink mark around the instrument panel mounting structure.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter. 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 prior art.
[0003] An instrument panel in a vehicle is the panel where the dials and switches are located. The instrument panel includes mounting flanges that are provided on either side portion of the instrument panel. The mounting flanges connect the side portion of the instrument panel with the body frame of the vehicle such that a predetermined clearance is defined between the instrument panel and the body frame of the vehicle.
[0004] In order to reduce weight of the instrument panel, one of the common practices is to reduce thickness of the instrument panel. However, thickness of mouting flange cannot be reduced due to strength requirement. As a result, the thickness of other portion of the instrument panel is less than the thickness of the mounting flange. Therefore, there is a sink mark appearance on an A-surface on the instrument panel due to high thickness of the mounting flange. Moreover, the mounting flanges are injection molded to the instrument panel and sink marks are a common occurrence on plastic injection molded parts.
[0005] Further, there are chances of breaking of the mounting flanges during IP mounting or testing.
[0006] It is therefore desirable to reduce the sink mark and avoid deformation around the A-surface and further increase the rigidity with cost-effective measures.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] It forms an object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks/limitations in the existing solutions available in the form of related prior arts.
[0008] It is a primary object of the present disclosure to reduce the appearance of a sink mark around the instrument panel (IP) mounting structure.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide strength to the instrument panel (IP) mounting structure.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a cost-effective solution to achieve the above objectives.
[0011] 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 accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.

SUMMARY
[0012] A solution to one or more drawbacks of existing technology and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0013] The present disclosure provides a solution in the form of an instrument panel (IP) mounting structure provided at a lower end of an instrument panel of a vehicle. The IP mounting structure includes a flange mounting structure positioned in between a doghouse mounting structure and a side end of the instrument panel at lower side end of the instrument panel. The flange mounting structure includes a first connecting surface extending in a transverse direction (X) and a second connecting surface extending in a longitudinal direction (Y) of the vehicle. The first connecting surface is connected with the lower side end and the second connecting surface is connected with the doghouse mounting structure. The first connecting surface and the second connecting surface define a step profile with thickness (d) along connecting portion of the lower side end and the doghouse mounting structure and a plurality of ribs provided throughout the step profile connecting the lower side end with the first mounting surface and the doghouse mounting structure with the second mounting surface.
[0014] In an aspect, the flange mounting structure comprises a pair of support legs, where each leg is spaced apart from another leg, extending in a downward direction from lower surface of the flange mounting structure and connect with an inner surface of the lower side end to reduce overhang portion of the flange mounting structure and to provide rigidity to the flange mounting structure.
[0015] In an aspect, the flange mounting structure is configured to mount the instrument panel on a side dash panel structure of the vehicle.
[0016] In an aspect, the flange mounting structure extend in a longitudinal direction from rear surface of the lower side end of the instrument panel towards the side dash panel structure of the vehicle.
[0017] In an aspect, the flange mounting structure extend in a longitudinal direction from rear surface of the lower side end of the instrument panel towards the side dash panel structure of the vehicle.
[0018] In an aspect, the second connecting surface of the flange mounting structure has an extended portion extending on the doghouse mounting structure in the transverse direction (X).
[0019] In an aspect, the thickness (d) is smaller than a thickness (D) of the flange mounting structure.
[0020] In an aspect, the thickness (d) is smaller than a thickness (TD) of the instrument panel.
[0021] In an aspect, the flange mounting structure defines a rectangular profile.
[0022] In an aspect, the doghouse mounting structure is provided adjacent to the lower side end on the instrument panel.
[0023] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be 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 ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0024] 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 present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described 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:
[0025] Fig. 1a illustrates a perspective view of an instrument panel according to the present disclosure;
[0026] Fig. 1b illustrates a perspective view of an IP mounting structure according to the present disclosure;
[0027] Fig. 1c illustrates a top view of a flange mounting structure according to the present disclosure;
[0028] Fig. 2 illustrates a tooling direction for the flange mounting structure according to the present disclosure;
[0029] Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the IP mounting structure according to the present disclosure.
[0030] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for 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 OF INVENTION
[0031] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein 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 scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0032] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0033] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0035] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0036] Hereinafter, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] The present invention discloses an instrument panel (IP) mounting structure that is provided at a lower end of an instrument panel of a vehicle. The shape of the IP mounting structure is improved to eliminate an appearance of a sink mark generated due to the uneven thickness of the IP surface and the IP mounting structure.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b show an instrument panel (IP) mounting structure (100) that is provided at a lower end of an instrument panel (103) of a vehicle. The IP mounting structure (100) includes a flange mounting structure (101) that is positioned in between a doghouse mounting structure (106) and a side end (112) of the instrument panel (103) at a lower side end (102) of the instrument panel (103).
[0039] Also, the doghouse mounting structure (106) is provided adjacent to the lower side end (102) on the instrument panel (103).
[0040] The flange mounting structure (101) is configured to mount the instrument panel (103) on a side dash panel structure (301) (as provided in FIG. 3) of the vehicle. The flange mounting structure (101) defines a rectangular profile.
[0041] The flange mounting structure (101) extends in a longitudinal direction from a rear surface of the lower side end (102) of the instrument panel (103) as seen from inside vehicle cabin and further towards the side dash panel structure (301) (as provided in FIG. 3) of the vehicle.
[0042] Further, the flange mounting structure (101) has a pair of support legs (110a, 110b). Each leg from the pair of support legs (110a, 110b) is spaced apart from another leg. The pair of support legs (110a, 110b) extend in a downward direction from lower surface (113) of the flange mounting structure (101).
[0043] Further, the pair of support legs (110a, 110b) connect with an inner surface of the lower side end (102) to reduce the overhang portion of the flange mounting structure (101) and also provide rigidity to the flange mounting structure (101).
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1c, the flange mounting structure (101) has a first connecting surface (104) and a second connecting surface (105). The first connecting surface (104) extends in a transverse direction (X) and the second connecting surface (105) extends in a longitudinal direction (Y) of the vehicle.
[0045] The first connecting surface (104) connects with the lower side end (102) of the instrument panel (103) and further defines a curved profile.
[0046] The second connecting surface (105) connects with the doghouse mounting structure (106).
[0047] Further, the first connecting surface (104) and the second connecting surface (105) define a step profile (108a, 108b). The step profile (108a, 108b) is provided with a thickness (d) along a connecting portion of the lower side end (102) and the doghouse mounting structure (106).
[0048] The first connecting surface (104) and the second connecting surface (105) have a plurality of ribs (109) that are provided throughout the step profile (108a, 108b). The step profile (108a) connects the lower side end (102) with the first mounting surface (104) and the step profile (108b) connects the doghouse mounting structure (106) with the second mounting surface (105).
[0049] The plurality of ribs (109) that is provided throughout the step profile (108a, 108b) provides strength to the flange mounting structure (101) from the first connecting surface (104) and the second connecting surface (105).
[0050] The second connecting surface (105) of the flange mounting structure (101) has an extended portion (114). The extended portion (114) extends on the doghouse mounting structure (106) in a transverse direction (X).
[0051] Further, the thickness (d) is smaller than thickness (TD) of the instrument panel (103).
[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, illustrates cross section view of the IP mounting structure (100) of Fig 1c along the line A-A. The figure illustrates the tooling direction for the instrument panel (103) and the flange mounting structure (101).
[0053] The figure shows that the flange mounting structure (101) now has lesser thickness adjoining the connection portion as compared to the instrument panel (103). Further, the thickness (d) is smaller than a thickness (D) of the flange mounting structure (101). This ensures the requirement of lesser thickness of the flange mounting structure (101) from the instrument panel (103) at the connection portion.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, illustrates the mounting of the IP mounting structure (100) onto the side dash panel structure (301) of the vehicle. Here the IP mounting structure (100) is bolted with a bracket welded tothe side dash panel structure (301).
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0055] With the help of the solution as proposed herein in the context of the present disclosure, the appearance of the sink mark at the joining of the IP mounting structure and the side end of the instrument panel is avoided.
[0056] The strength of the IP mounting structure is improved with the provision of ribs.
[0057] Further, the tooling direction of the flange is changed to make it feasible.
[0058] 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 disclosures 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. Also, 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 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 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.”
[0059] 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 disclosure 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 disclosure, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Also, while a feature of the present disclosure 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 disclosure. The present disclosure 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. An instrument panel (IP) mounting structure (100) provided at a lower end of an instrument panel (103) of a vehicle, the IP mounting structure (100) comprises:
a flange mounting structure (101) positioned in between a doghouse mounting structure (106) and a side end (112) of the instrument panel (103) at a lower side end (102) of the instrument panel (103), the flange mounting structure (101) comprising:
a first connecting surface (104) extending in a transverse direction (X) and a second connecting surface (105) extending in a longitudinal direction (Y) of the vehicle,
wherein the first connecting surface (104) is connected with the lower side end (102) and the second connecting surface (105) is connected with the doghouse mounting structure (106),
wherein the first connecting surface (104) and the second connecting surface (105) define a step profile (108a, 108b) with thickness (d) along a connecting portion of the lower side end (102) and the doghouse mounting structure (106); and
a plurality of ribs (109) provided throughout the step profile (108a, 108b) connecting the lower side end (102) with the first mounting surface (104) and the doghouse mounting structure (106) with the second mounting surface (105).
2. The IP mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange mounting structure (101) comprises a pair of support legs (110a, 110b), where each leg is spaced apart from another leg, extending in a downward direction from a lower surface (113) of the flange mounting structure (101) and connecting with an inner surface of the lower side end (102) to reduce overhang portion of the flange mounting structure (101) and to provide rigidity to the flange mounting structure (101).
3. The IP mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange mounting structure (101) is configured to mount the instrument panel (103) on a side dash panel structure (301) of the vehicle.
4. The IP mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange mounting structure (101) extends in a longitudinal direction from a rear surface of the lower side end (102) of the instrument panel (103) towards the side dash panel structure (301) of the vehicle.
5. The IP mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second connecting surface (105) of the flange mounting structure (101) has an extended portion (114) extending on the doghouse mounting structure (106) in the transverse direction (X).
6. The IP mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness (d) is smaller than a thickness (D) of the flange mounting structure (101).
7. The IP panel mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness (d) is smaller than a thickness (TD) of the instrument panel (103).
8. The IP panel mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange mounting structure (101) defines a rectangular profile.
9. The IP panel mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the doghouse mounting structure (106) is provided adjacent to the lower side end (102) on the instrument panel (103).