[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a front portion of a vehicle construction and more particularly, relates to a bumper grille structure.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] The front portion of vehicles are relatively complex assemblies and include numerous parts and pieces. There are many reasons for this, including both styling and functional reasons, for example, the vehicle front portion and associated bumper systems must not only be able to resist damage upon low-energy impacts, but must also allow the bumper to absorb substantial energy upon high-energy impacts, while still permitting the front portion to anchor and uniformly support multiple components during normal vehicle operation.
[003] However, due to multiple components, an overall weight of the front portion structure increases along with overall costs. Further, the components are coupled to each other using state of the art techniques like snap-fits, bolts, rivets, fusion, etc., that are unable to sustain high or sometimes low energy impacts. To overcome this, certain stiffening or reinforcing members are provided along with the multiple components. However, inclusion of such stiffening or reinforcing members includes state of the art joining techniques that are undurable. Further, addition of stiffening or reinforcing members increases cost and weight.
[004] It is desirable to reduce a number of the parts and pieces that provide the front portion of vehicles, while still maintaining structural stability of a front of the vehicle and a low total weight. It is also desirable to integrate and consolidate features and functions of the present front-end components into fewer parts and pieces to reduce a total cost and complexity of the assembly, while at the same time reducing assembly time.
[005] United States Patent publication US7354082B2 provides a bumper structure adapted to be attached to a front end of a vehicle, which is capable of preventing a fine member from being bent downward by its own weight after integrally forming a bumper body and a grill portion together, and avoiding a problem about deterioration in appearance of the grill portion which would otherwise be caused by the fin support remaining within the grill portion, so as to provide drastically enhanced appearance of the grill portion. A fin support (5, 5, 6, 6) is formed to allow an distal end thereof to extend toward an open zone on the upper side of an opening (X), and folded about a thin-wall portion (5 a, 6 a) in such a manner as to be engaged with an engagement pin (3 a, - - - , 3 a) at an edge of the opening (X) to support the fin member (4). After resin is cooled, thin-wall portion (5 a, 6 a) is cut off to remove the fin support (5, 5, 6, 6) from the inside of the opening (X).
[006] However, the components, assembly, shape, and location of the parts mentioned in the prior art is not similar to the present disclosure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[007] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide integrated bumper grille for a vehicle.
[008] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a simple, cost effective, and efficiently designed integrated bumper grille that is distinct from all conventional designs, and includes necessary structural strength and aesthetic capabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[009] The present invention relates to an integrated bumper grille for a vehicle. The integrated bumper grille includes an upper grille; a lower grille integrally coupled to the upper grille; and a plurality of ribbed connections integrally coupled to the upper grille and the lower grille, the plurality of ribbed connections being positioned intermediately between the upper grille and the lower grille, wherein, each of the plurality of ribbed connections includes an H or I shaped cross-section, such that depressions associated with the H or I shaped cross-section defines an elongated hole pattern along a depth of the each of the plurality of ribbed connections.
[0010] In order 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 scope of the present subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] 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 described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of 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 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:
[0012] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an integrated bumper grille for a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate a front view and a rear view of the integrated bumper grille of Fig. 1 respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Fig. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the integrated bumper grille of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the integrated bumper grille of Fig. 3 along a section A-A’ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] Fig. 5a illustrates another sectional view of the integrated bumper grille 100 Fig. 3 along a section B-B’ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] Fig. 5b illustrates an enlarged view of the cross-section of the plurality of ribbed connections of Fig. 5a;
[0018] Fig. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the integrated bumper grille in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] Fig. 7 illustrates another sectional view of the integrated bumper grille of Fig. 3 along the section A-A’; and
[0020] Figs. 8a-8b, and 9a-9b illustrates another sectional view of the integrated bumper grille of Fig. 3 along the section A-A’ under action of forces or impacts.
[0021] 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.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0022] The present disclosure presents embodiments for an integrated bumper grille for a vehicle. The integrated bumper grille includes an upper grille; a lower grille integrally coupled to the upper grille; and a plurality of ribbed connections integrally coupled to the upper grille and the lower grille, the plurality of ribbed connections being positioned intermediately between the upper grille and the lower grille, wherein, each of the plurality of ribbed connections includes an H or I shaped cross-section, such that depressions associated with the H or I shaped cross-section defines an elongated hole pattern along a depth of the each of the plurality of ribbed connections.
[0023] 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 arrangements 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 following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0024] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an integrated bumper grille 100 for a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The integrated bumper grille 100 includes an upper grille 102, and a lower grille 104 integrally coupled to the upper grille 102. In an example, the upper grille 102 and the lower grille 104 may be integrated through a molding or the like process. In an embodiment, the integrated bumper grille 100 further includes a plurality of ribbed connections 106 integrally coupled to the upper grille 102 and the lower grille 104. As mentioned earlier, the plurality of ribbed connections 106 may also be integrated with the upper grille 102 and the lower grille 104 through a molding or the like process. As shown in Fig. 1, the upper grille 102 includes a plurality of vents 103, the lower grille 104 includes a plurality of openings 105, and the plurality of ribbed connections 106 define a plurality of vacant portions 107 for serving a purpose of weight saving, part strength, component placement, aesthetics, etc. for the integrated bumper grille 100. In an example, the plurality of vacant portions 107 are box shaped holes. The box shaped holes provide strength and resilience to the integrated bumper grille 100.
[0026] Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate a front view and a rear view of the integrated bumper grille 100 respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the integrated bumper grille 100 of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the plurality of ribbed connections 106 are integrally coupled with the upper grille 102 and the lower grille 104. In an example, a connection between the upper grille 102 and the plurality of ribbed connections 106 includes a first recessed portion 202, and a connection between the lower grille 104 and the plurality of ribbed connections 106 includes a second recessed portion 204. In an embodiment, the first recessed portion 202 and the second recessed portion 204 are configured to receive a styling component 402 (See Fig. 4). The styling component 402 may be snap fitted to the first recessed portion 202 and the second recessed portion 204 in order to be secured to the integrated bumper grille 100.
[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, the plurality of ribbed connections 106 includes an upper arcuate portion 108 proximal to the upper grille 102, and a lower arcuate portion 110 proximal to the lower grille 104. In an example, the upper arcuate portion 108 is bent towards a rearward direction of the vehicle, and the lower arcuate portion 110 is bent towards a forward direction of the vehicle. Such a bent profile of the plurality of ribbed connections 106 provide structural strength against impacts, and also provide appealing aesthetics.
[0029] Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the integrated bumper grille 100 of Fig. 3 along a section A-A’ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As mentioned earlier, the integrated bumper grille 100 includes the upper grille 102, the lower grille 104, the plurality of ribbed connections 106, the upper arcuate portion 108, the lower arcuate portion 110, and the first recessed portion 202 and the second recessed portion 204 received with the styling component 402.
[0030] Fig. 5a illustrates another sectional view of the integrated bumper grille 100 of Fig. 3 along a section B-B’ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a cross-section of the plurality of ribbed connections 106 is shown. Fig. 5b illustrates an enlarged view of the cross-section of the plurality of ribbed connections 106. As shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, each of the plurality of ribbed connections 106 includes an H or I shaped cross-section 502. The H or I shaped cross-section 502 defines depressions 504, such that the depressions 504 associated with the H or I shaped cross-section 502 defines an elongated hole pattern along a depth of the each of the plurality of ribbed connections 106. In an embodiment, the H or I shaped cross-section 502 connected between the upper grille 102 and the lower grille 104 provides better strength from either side of the connecting profile of the plurality of ribbed connections 106 to the integrated bumper grille 100Further, the elongated hole pattern associated with the plurality of ribbed connections 106 results in an overall weight reduction of the integrated bumper grille 100, without compromising on strength of the integrated bumper grille 100.
[0031] Fig. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the integrated bumper grille 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, a scenario is illustrated wherein the integrated bumper grille 100 undergoes an impact “I”, the impact “I” may be due to a collision with a vehicle, or pedestrian, or any other roadside object. As mentioned earlier, the H or I shaped cross-section 502 and the elongated hole pattern along the depth of the each of the plurality of ribbed connections 106 makes the integrated bumper grille a resilient structure with sufficient strength, and also allows effective load distribution along the surface of the integrated bumper grille 100, as shown by arrows “E”., which ensures that the load/force is not transmitted to other part of the integrated bumper grille 100.
[0032] Fig. 7 illustrates another sectional view of the integrated bumper grille 100 of Fig. 3 along the section A-A’. As mentioned earlier, the integrated bumper grille 100 includes the upper grille 102, the lower grille 104, the plurality of ribbed connections 106, and the styling part 402. In an example, upon integration, a smooth transition 602 is observed among the upper grille 102, the lower grille 104, and the plurality of ribbed connections 106. Such smooth transition 602 makes the integrated bumper grille a resilient structure with sufficient strength under action of impacts or forces. Further, the H or I shaped cross-section 502 and the elongated hole pattern along the depth of the each of the plurality of ribbed connections 106 allows for branching of impact energy along the surface of the integrated bumper grille 100.
[0033] For example, in operation under action of force or impact acting on the upper grille 102, part of the impact force will be absorbed by the plurality of ribbed connections 106 and part of impact transferred to the lower grille 104 through the structural support of the plurality of ribbed connections 106. Likewise, under any force acting on the plurality of ribbed connections 106, part of the impact force will be absorbed by the plurality of ribbed connections 106 and part of impact transferred to the upper grille 102 and the lower grille 104, through structural support along with the H or I shaped cross-section 502, the upper arcuate portion 108, and the lower arcuate portion 110. Similarly, under any force acting on the lower grille 104, part of the impact force will be absorbed by the plurality of ribbed connections 106 and part of impact transferred to the upper grille 102 through the structural support of the plurality of ribbed connections 106.
[0034] The branching of impact energy along the surface of the integrated bumper grille 100 under action of any impact or force will now be described in the foregoing description. Figs. 8a-8b, and 9a-9b illustrates another sectional view of the integrated bumper grille 100 of Fig. 3 along the section A-A’ under action of forces or impacts. Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b illustrate respective orientation of the integrated bumper grille 100 before and during an impact “F1” acting on the styling component 402. “BI1”, in Fig. 8a, indicates the branching of impact energy along the surface of the integrated bumper grille 100 under initial action of the impact “F1”. “BI2”, in Fig. 8b, indicates the branching of impact energy along the surface of the integrated bumper grille 100 during action of the impact “F1”. In an example, a spring back force “S” acts against the impact “F1”, the spring back force “S” is due to the resilient structure of the integrated bumper grille 100, which is resulting part of the impact force will be absorbed by the plurality of ribbed connections 106 and part of impact transferred to the upper grille 102 and the lower grille 104.
[0035] Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b illustrate respective orientation of the integrated bumper grille 100 before and during an impact “F2” acting on the lower grille 104. “BI3”, in Fig. 9a, indicates the branching of impact energy along the surface of the integrated bumper grille 100 under initial action of the impact “F2”. “BI4”, in Fig. 8b, indicates the branching of impact energy along the surface of the integrated bumper grille 100 during action of the impact “F2”. In an example, the spring back force “S” acts against the impact “F2”, the spring back force “S” is due to the resilient structure the integrated bumper grille 100. Such branching of the impact energy along the surface of the integrated bumper grille 100 provides effective load distribution, and thereby less deformation. Further, the integrated bumper grille 100 includes a robust structure with the upper grille 102 and the lower grille 104 becoming a single unit. Further, securing of the styling component 402 to the integrated bumper grille 100 takes less time. Further, the H or I shaped cross-section 502 and the elongated hole pattern along the depth of the each of the plurality of ribbed connections 106 allows optimum weight reduction without compromising on the strength. Further, the smooth transition 602 allows the branching of impact energy, thereby effective load distribution with less deformation. Further, the H or I shaped cross-section 502 provides more spring back force to cater effect of impacts or forces.
[0036] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural 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/component 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.

Claims:We claim:
1. An integrated bumper grille (100) for a vehicle, the integrated bumper grille (100) comprising:
an upper grille (102);
a lower grille (104) integrally coupled to the upper grille (102); and
a plurality of ribbed connections (106) integrally coupled to the upper grille (102) and the lower grille (104), the plurality of ribbed connections (106) being positioned intermediately between the upper grille (102) and the lower grille (104),
wherein, each of the plurality of ribbed connections (106) includes an H or I shaped cross-section (502), such that depressions (504) associated with the H or I shaped cross-section (502) defines an elongated hole pattern along a depth of the each of the plurality of ribbed connections (106).
2. The integrated bumper grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper grille (102) includes a plurality of vents (103), the lower grille (104) includes a plurality of openings (105), and the plurality of ribbed connections (106) define a plurality of vacant portions (107).
3. The integrated bumper grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a connection between the upper grille (102) and the plurality of ribbed connections (106) includes a first recessed portion (202), and a connection between the lower grille (104) and the plurality of ribbed connections (106) includes a second recessed portion (204).
4. The integrated bumper grille (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first recessed portion (202) and the second recessed portion (204) are configured to receive a styling component (402).
5. The integrated bumper grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribbed connections (106) includes an upper arcuate portion (108) proximal to the upper grille (102), and a lower arcuate portion (110) proximal to the lower grille (104).
6. The integrated bumper grille (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper arcuate portion (108) is bent towards a rearward direction of the vehicle, and the lower arcuate portion (110) is bent towards a forward direction of the vehicle.
7. The integrated bumper grille (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of vacant portions (107) includes box shaped holes.