The present subject matter described herein, relates to a cowl top garnish structure for a vehicle, more particularly to a two-part cowl structure having a split design along its length. 5
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] In general, a cowl top garnish structure is placed between hood and windshield of a vehicle and acts as a cover to the cowl box structure. The cowl top garnish structure is also significant for the external appearance of the vehicle. There are various slots on the cowl top garnish structure through which fresh air 10 reaches to the HVAC system. A seal or gasket is provided between the hood and the top cover of the cowl structure. This seal closes the gap between the cowl top cover and the hood, and prevents leakage of the heat and engine fumesto get into the vehicle interior through HVAC system.
[003] Japanese Patent publication JP5105236 (B2) provides a cowl top garnish 15 of a structure which can be simplified and reduced in weight even if the structure can secure a sufficient area of an air intake port and enforce its rigidity. Front ends of an upper garnish 20 and a lower garnish 30 are connected to each other, the rear end of the lower garnish 30 is connected to a cowl panel, the upper garnish 20 is formed with a through hole 7 that acts as an outside air intake port for the 20 compartment of a vehicle, a seal fixing part 25 is raised from a front end 20A of the upper garnish 20, the front end of the upper garnish 20 below the seal fixing part 25 is provided with a first vertical wall 23, and the front end 30A of the lower garnish 30 is provided with a second vertical wall 34. The first vertical wall 23 and the second vertical wall 34 are placed to overlap each other in the forward or 25 rearward direction of the vehicle and connected to each other
[004] The Japanese prior art provides split type design to the cowl top, the upper garnish and the lower garnish of the cowl top are coupled to each other about their vertical walls along the cowls top length. Further, the coupling is achieved
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through screwing or bolting. In an open hood situation, a joint between the upper garnish and the lower garnish is also visible, which is not desirable. The upper garnish is also provided with a hood seal on an inclined surface, and positioning of the hood seal is such that its connection with the lower garnish is besides the cowl top. The cowl top also includes an inclined rib shape extending from a back 5 side of the upper garnish, the rib shape being in constant touch with the lower garnish along the vehicle width. Further, HVAC slots are inclined in the structure. Such a design of the cowl top is highly complex and inefficient considering draft and ergonomic requirements. Hence, an improved cowl top design is required.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION: 10
[005] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a cowl structure for a vehicle having an improved split type design to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.
[006] Another object of the present subject matter is to a simple and efficient design to the cowl structure considering draft and ergonomic requirements. 15
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[007] The present invention relates to a cowl top garnish structure of a vehicle. The cowl top garnish structure includes a cowl top garnish upper extending in the vehicle lateral direction and is configured to support a windshield. The cowl top garnish upper defining a rear portion and a front portion. The front portion 20 extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the front portion having an underside and an upper side. The cowl structure further includes a cowl top garnish lower extending in the lateral direction and is arranged at a lower position than the cowl top garnish upper, the cowl top garnish lower defining a first end and a second end, the first end extending horizontally across the lateral direction, 25 the first end having a top side and a lower side, such that the cowl top garnish upper and the cowl top garnish lower forms a structure. The underside of the front portion of the cowl top garnish upper at least partially horizontally overlaps the top side of the first end of the cowl top garnish lower, and the front portion of the
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cowl top garnish upper being coupled and secured to the first end of the cowl top garnish lower.
[008] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a cowl top garnish structure of a vehicle. The method includes providing a cowl top garnish upper extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle and is adapted to take support 5 from windshield, the cowl top garnish upper defining a rear portion and a front portion, the front portion extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the front portion having an underside and an upper side. The method further includes placing a cowl top garnish lower extending in the lateral direction at a lower position than the cowl top garnish upper, the cowl top garnish lower defining a 10 first end and a second end, the first end extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the first end having a top side and a lower side, such that the cowl top garnish upper and the cowl top lower forms a structure. The method also includes coupling and securing the front portion of the cowl top garnish upper to the first end of the cowl top garnish lower, wherein the underside of the front portion of 15 the cowl top garnish upper at least partially horizontally overlaps the top side of the first end of the cowl top garnish lower.
[009] 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 20 only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] 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 25 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 30
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embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a cowl structure of a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Fig. 1b illustrates a perspective view of the cowl top garnish upper of the 5 cowl structure of Fig. 1a;
[0013] Fig. 1c illustrates a perspective view of the cowl top garnish lower of the cowl structure of Fig. 1a
[0014] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a section A-A’ of the cowl top garnish structure of Fig. 1a; 10
[0015] Fig. 3 illustrates a two-dimensional side view of the cowl structure as seen along the section A-A’ of Fig. 2;
[0016] Fig. 4 illustrates a two-dimensional environment defining a front structure of the vehicle (not shown), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 15
[0017] Fig. 5 illustrates a method for assembling the cowl top garnish structure of Fig. 1a.
[0018] 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 20 methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0019] The present disclosure presents embodiments for a cowl top garnish structure of a vehicle is disclosed. The cowl top garnish structure includes a cowl 25 top garnish upper extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The cowl top garnish upper defining a front portion extending horizontally in the lateral direction, the front portion having an underside and an upperside. The cowl top
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garnish structure further includes a cowl top garnish lower extending in the lateral direction and is arranged at a lower position than the cowl top garnish upper, the cowl top lower defining a first end extending horizontally in the lateral direction, the first end having a top side and a lower side. The underside of the front portion of the cowl top garnish upper at least partially overlaps the top side of the first end 5 of the cowl top garnish lower, and the front portion of the cowl top garnish upper being coupled to the first end of the cowl top garnish lower.
[0020] 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 10 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 15 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 20 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.
[0021] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be 25 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. 30
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[0022] Fig. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a cowl structure 100 of a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to the invention, the cowl structure 100 includes a two-part design having a split design along its length “L”. The length “L” extends along a lateral direction of the vehicle. The two-part design of the cowl top garnish structure 100 5 includes a cowl top garnish upper 104 and a cowl top garnish lower 108. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lateral direction is along a width of the vehicle.
[0023] Fig. 1b illustrates a perspective view of the cowl top garnish upper 104 of the cowl top garnish structure 100 of Fig. 1a. The cowl top garnish upper 104 10 extends along the lateral direction along its length “L”.
[0024] Fig. 1c illustrates a perspective view of the cowl top lower 108 of the cowl structure 100 of Fig. 1a. The cowl top garnish lower 108 corresponds to the cowl top garnish upper 104 of Fog. 1b, and extends along the lateral direction along its length “L”. In an exemplary embodiment, the cowl top garnish upper 104 and the 15 cowl top garnish lower 108 are separately molded components.
[0025] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a section of the cowl top garnish structure 100, the section being taken along axis A-A’ as shown in Fig. 2. As shown, the two-part design of the cowl top garnish structure includes the cowl top garnish upper 104 being coupled and secured to the cowl top garnish lower 108. 20
[0026] Fig. 3 illustrates a generalized two-dimensional side view of the cowl top garnish structure 100 as seen along the section A-A’ of Fig. 2. As shown, the cowl top garnish structure 100 includes the cowl top garnish upper 104. The cowl top garnish upper 104 extends along the lateral direction of the vehicle (not shown). The cowl top garnish upper includes a rear portion 302, the rear portion 302 25 defining a receptacle 304 configured to receive and support a windshield (not shown) of the vehicle.
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[0027] The cowl top garnish upper 104 further includes a front portion 306 extending horizontally across the lateral direction. The front portion 306 includes an underside 308 and an upperside 310.
[0028] Fig. 3 further illustrates the cowl top lower 108 extending in the lateral direction. In an embodiment, the cowl top lower 108 is arranged at a lower 5 position than the cowl top garnish upper 104. The cowl top lower 108 includes a first end 312 and a second end 314, the second end 318 being rear to the first end 312. The first end 312 of the cowl top lower 108 defines a top side 314 and a lower side 316.
[0029] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in 10 Fig. 3, the cowl top garnish upper 104 and the cowl top garnish lower 108 are arranged to form a structure such that the underside 308 of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104 at least partially horizontally overlaps the top side 314 of the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108. In an embodiment, the front portion 306 being horizontally overlapping the first end 312, wherein the 15 front portion 306 is coupled and secured to the first end 312 through a mechanism 320.
[0030] In an embodiment, the mechanism 320 includes a plastic bonding process. The plastic bonding process may be one of an ultrasonic welding, vibrations welding, thermal fusion, or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the mechanism 20 320 may include one of a screwing, bolting, clipping, riveting, or the like state of the art techniques. The horizontal overlapping of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104 over the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108 provides substantial tooling access for carrying out the plastic bonding process. This also ensures that surface appearance of the parts being welded is also 25 maintained and not deteriorated. Further, the plastic bonding process is being carried out on the lower side 316 of the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108 for joining with the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104.
[0031] Fig. 4 illustrates a two-dimensional environment 400 defining a front structure of the vehicle (not shown). As illustrated, the front structure 400 30
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includes the cowl top garnish structure 100 provided with an openable hood 402, the openable hood 402 being in contact with the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104 through a hood seal 406. In an embodiment, the hood seal 406 is provided on the upperside 310 of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104. Further, the windshield 404 being received by the receptacle 304 is 5 also illustrated. Another advantage of the plastic bonding process being carried out in reference to Fig. 3 will now be highlighted with respect to an opening and closing of the openable hood 402. As the plastic bonding process is being carried out on the lower side 316 of the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108 for joining with the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104, it is not 10 visible as the openable hood 402 is opened or closed. Further, the plastic bonding process is carried out on the opposite side of the hood seal 406. Such a provision provides space optimization and weight saving.
[0032] Fig. 4 further illustrates provision of a rib structure 408 on the cowl top garnish structure 100. In an embodiment, the rib structure 408 is disposed on the 15 underside 308 of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104. The rib structure 408 is configured to restrict an entry of water through a joint 410 created by the coupling of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104 and the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108. Fig. 4 also illustrates opening for HVAC structure 412 being disposed underside 308 of the front portion 306 of the 20 cowl top garnish upper 104. Further, the cowl top garnish lower 108 is in contact with a panel cowl 414.
[0033] Fig. 5 illustrates a method 500 for assembling the cowl structure 100 of the vehicle. At step 502, the method 500 includes providing the cowl top garnish upper 104 extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle, the cowl top garnish 25 upper 104 being adapted to support the windshield 404, the cowl top garnish upper 104 defining the rear portion 302 and the front portion 306, the front portion 306 extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the front portion 306 having the underside 308 and the upperside 310.
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[0034] At step 504, the method 500 further includes placing the cowl top garnish lower 108 extending in the lateral direction at the lower position than the cowl top garnish upper 104, the cowl top garnish lower 108 defining the first end 312 and the second end 318, the first end 312 extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the first end 312 having the top side 314 and the lower side 316, such 5 that the cowl top garnish upper 104 and the cowl top garnish lower 108 forms the structure.
[0035] At step 504, the method 500 further includes coupling and securing the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104 to the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108, wherein the underside 308 of the front portion 306 of 10 the cowl top garnish upper 104 at least partially horizontally overlaps the top side 314 of the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108.
[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, 15 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. A cowl top garnish structure (100) of a vehicle, the cowl top garnish structure (100) comprising:
a cowl top garnish upper (104) extending in the vehicle lateral direction and is configured to support a windshield (404) and cover cowl box, the cowl top garnish upper (104) defining a rear portion (302) and a front portion (306), the front portion (306) extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the front portion (306) having an underside (308) and an upperside (310); and
a cowl top garnish lower (108) extending in the lateral direction and is arranged at a lower position than the cowl top garnish upper (104), the cowl top garnish lower (108) defining a first end (312) and a second end (318), the first end (312) extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the first end (312) having a top side (314) and a lower side (316), such that the cowl top garnish upper (104) and the cowl top garnish lower (108) forms a structure,
wherein the underside (308) of the front portion (306) of the cowl top garnish upper (104) at least partially horizontally overlaps the top side (314) of the first end (312) of the cowl top garnish lower (108), and the front portion (306) of the cowl top garnish upper (104) being coupled and secured to the first end (312) of the cowl top garnish lower (108)
2. The cowl structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral direction is along a width of the vehicle.

3. The cowl structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cowl top garnish upper (104) and the cowl top garnish lower (108) are molded.

4. The cowl structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front portion (306) of the cowl top garnish upper (104) is coupled and secured to the first end (312) of the cowl top garnish lower (108) by a plastic bonding process at a defined pitch along the complete lateral direction of the cowl top garnish structure (100).

5. The cowl structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plastic bonding process is one of an ultrasonic welding, vibrations welding, thermal fusion, or the like.

6. The cowl structure (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein plastic bonding process is configured on the lower side (316) of the first end (312) of the cowl top garnish lower (108).

7. The cowl structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front portion (306) of the cowl top garnish upper (104) is coupled and secured to the first end (312) of the cowl top garnish lower (108) by one of a screwing, bolting, clipping, riveting, or the like.

8. The cowl structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front portion (306) of the cowl top garnish upper (104) includes a hood seal (406) coupled to an openable hood (402) of the vehicle, the hood seal (406) being provided on the upperside (310) of the front portion (306) of the cowl top garnish upper (104).

9. The cowl structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rib structure (408) is disposed on the underside (308) of the front portion (306) of the cowl top garnish upper (104), the rib structure (408) being configured to restrict an entry of water through a joint (410) created by the coupling of the front portion (306) of the cowl top garnish upper (104) and the first end (312) of the cowl top garnish lower (108).

10. A method (500) for assembling a cowl structure (100) of a vehicle, the method (500) comprising:
providing a cowl top garnish upper (104) extending in the vehicle lateral direction and is configured to support a windshield (404), the cowl top garnish upper (104) defining a rear portion (302) and a front portion (306), the front portion (306) extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the front portion (306) having an underside (308) and an upperside (310);
placing a cowl top garnish lower (108) extending in the lateral direction at a lower position than the cowl top garnish upper (104), the cowl top garnish lower (108) defining a first end (312) and a second end (318), the first end (312) extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the first end (312) having a top side (314) and a lower side (316), such that the cowl top garnish upper (104) and the cowl top garnish lower (108) forms a structure; and
coupling and securing the front portion (306) of the cowl top garnish upper (104) to the first end (312) of the cowl top garnish lower (108), wherein the underside (308) of the front portion (306) of the cowl top garnish upper (104) at least partially horizontally overlaps the top side (314) of the first end (312) of the cowl top garnish lower (108). The securing of the coupling location is done by holding firmly by jig or any other method of manufacturing keeping the datum portion as the initial bonding or securing point.
, Description:COWL TOP GARNISH STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a cowl top garnish structure for a vehicle, more particularly to a two-part cowl structure having a split design along its length.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] In general, a cowl top garnish structure is placed between hood and windshield of a vehicle and acts as a cover to the cowl box structure. The cowl top garnish structure is also significant for the external appearance of the vehicle. There are various slots on the cowl top garnish structure through which fresh air reaches to the HVAC system. A seal or gasket is provided between the hood and the top cover of the cowl structure. This seal closes the gap between the cowl top cover and the hood, and prevents leakage of the heat and engine fumesto get into the vehicle interior through HVAC system.
[003] Japanese Patent publication JP5105236 (B2) provides a cowl top garnish of a structure which can be simplified and reduced in weight even if the structure can secure a sufficient area of an air intake port and enforce its rigidity. Front ends of an upper garnish 20 and a lower garnish 30 are connected to each other, the rear end of the lower garnish 30 is connected to a cowl panel, the upper garnish 20 is formed with a through hole 7 that acts as an outside air intake port for the compartment of a vehicle, a seal fixing part 25 is raised from a front end 20A of the upper garnish 20, the front end of the upper garnish 20 below the seal fixing part 25 is provided with a first vertical wall 23, and the front end 30A of the lower garnish 30 is provided with a second vertical wall 34. The first vertical wall 23 and the second vertical wall 34 are placed to overlap each other in the forward or rearward direction of the vehicle and connected to each other
[004] The Japanese prior art provides split type design to the cowl top, the upper garnish and the lower garnish of the cowl top are coupled to each other about their vertical walls along the cowls top length. Further, the coupling is achieved through screwing or bolting. In an open hood situation, a joint between the upper garnish and the lower garnish is also visible, which is not desirable. The upper garnish is also provided with a hood seal on an inclined surface, and positioning of the hood seal is such that its connection with the lower garnish is besides the cowl top. The cowl top also includes an inclined rib shape extending from a back side of the upper garnish, the rib shape being in constant touch with the lower garnish along the vehicle width. Further, HVAC slots are inclined in the structure. Such a design of the cowl top is highly complex and inefficient considering draft and ergonomic requirements. Hence, an improved cowl top design is required.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[005] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a cowl structure for a vehicle having an improved split type design to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.
[006] Another object of the present subject matter is to a simple and efficient design to the cowl structure considering draft and ergonomic requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[007] The present invention relates to a cowl top garnish structure of a vehicle. The cowl top garnish structure includes a cowl top garnish upper extending in the vehicle lateral direction and is configured to support a windshield. The cowl top garnish upper defining a rear portion and a front portion. The front portion extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the front portion having an underside and an upper side. The cowl structure further includes a cowl top garnish lower extending in the lateral direction and is arranged at a lower position than the cowl top garnish upper, the cowl top garnish lower defining a first end and a second end, the first end extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the first end having a top side and a lower side, such that the cowl top garnish upper and the cowl top garnish lower forms a structure. The underside of the front portion of the cowl top garnish upper at least partially horizontally overlaps the top side of the first end of the cowl top garnish lower, and the front portion of the cowl top garnish upper being coupled and secured to the first end of the cowl top garnish lower.
[008] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a cowl top garnish structure of a vehicle. The method includes providing a cowl top garnish upper extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle and is adapted to take support from windshield, the cowl top garnish upper defining a rear portion and a front portion, the front portion extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the front portion having an underside and an upper side. The method further includes placing a cowl top garnish lower extending in the lateral direction at a lower position than the cowl top garnish upper, the cowl top garnish lower defining a first end and a second end, the first end extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the first end having a top side and a lower side, such that the cowl top garnish upper and the cowl top lower forms a structure. The method also includes coupling and securing the front portion of the cowl top garnish upper to the first end of the cowl top garnish lower, wherein the underside of the front portion of the cowl top garnish upper at least partially horizontally overlaps the top side of the first end of the cowl top garnish lower.
[009] 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
[0010] 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:
[0011] Fig. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a cowl structure of a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Fig. 1b illustrates a perspective view of the cowl top garnish upper of the cowl structure of Fig. 1a;
[0013] Fig. 1c illustrates a perspective view of the cowl top garnish lower of the cowl structure of Fig. 1a
[0014] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a section A-A’ of the cowl top garnish structure of Fig. 1a;
[0015] Fig. 3 illustrates a two-dimensional side view of the cowl structure as seen along the section A-A’ of Fig. 2;
[0016] Fig. 4 illustrates a two-dimensional environment defining a front structure of the vehicle (not shown), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0017] Fig. 5 illustrates a method for assembling the cowl top garnish structure of Fig. 1a.
[0018] 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:
[0019] The present disclosure presents embodiments for a cowl top garnish structure of a vehicle is disclosed. The cowl top garnish structure includes a cowl top garnish upper extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The cowl top garnish upper defining a front portion extending horizontally in the lateral direction, the front portion having an underside and an upperside. The cowl top garnish structure further includes a cowl top garnish lower extending in the lateral direction and is arranged at a lower position than the cowl top garnish upper, the cowl top lower defining a first end extending horizontally in the lateral direction, the first end having a top side and a lower side. The underside of the front portion of the cowl top garnish upper at least partially overlaps the top side of the first end of the cowl top garnish lower, and the front portion of the cowl top garnish upper being coupled to the first end of the cowl top garnish lower.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] Fig. 1a illustrates a perspective view of a cowl structure 100 of a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to the invention, the cowl structure 100 includes a two-part design having a split design along its length “L”. The length “L” extends along a lateral direction of the vehicle. The two-part design of the cowl top garnish structure 100 includes a cowl top garnish upper 104 and a cowl top garnish lower 108. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lateral direction is along a width of the vehicle.
[0023] Fig. 1b illustrates a perspective view of the cowl top garnish upper 104 of the cowl top garnish structure 100 of Fig. 1a. The cowl top garnish upper 104 extends along the lateral direction along its length “L”.
[0024] Fig. 1c illustrates a perspective view of the cowl top lower 108 of the cowl structure 100 of Fig. 1a. The cowl top garnish lower 108 corresponds to the cowl top garnish upper 104 of Fog. 1b, and extends along the lateral direction along its length “L”. In an exemplary embodiment, the cowl top garnish upper 104 and the cowl top garnish lower 108 are separately molded components.
[0025] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a section of the cowl top garnish structure 100, the section being taken along axis A-A’ as shown in Fig. 2. As shown, the two-part design of the cowl top garnish structure includes the cowl top garnish upper 104 being coupled and secured to the cowl top garnish lower 108.
[0026] Fig. 3 illustrates a generalized two-dimensional side view of the cowl top garnish structure 100 as seen along the section A-A’ of Fig. 2. As shown, the cowl top garnish structure 100 includes the cowl top garnish upper 104. The cowl top garnish upper 104 extends along the lateral direction of the vehicle (not shown). The cowl top garnish upper includes a rear portion 302, the rear portion 302 defining a receptacle 304 configured to receive and support a windshield (not shown) of the vehicle.
[0027] The cowl top garnish upper 104 further includes a front portion 306 extending horizontally across the lateral direction. The front portion 306 includes an underside 308 and an upperside 310.
[0028] Fig. 3 further illustrates the cowl top lower 108 extending in the lateral direction. In an embodiment, the cowl top lower 108 is arranged at a lower position than the cowl top garnish upper 104. The cowl top lower 108 includes a first end 312 and a second end 314, the second end 318 being rear to the first end 312. The first end 312 of the cowl top lower 108 defines a top side 314 and a lower side 316.
[0029] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in Fig. 3, the cowl top garnish upper 104 and the cowl top garnish lower 108 are arranged to form a structure such that the underside 308 of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104 at least partially horizontally overlaps the top side 314 of the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108. In an embodiment, the front portion 306 being horizontally overlapping the first end 312, wherein the front portion 306 is coupled and secured to the first end 312 through a mechanism 320.
[0030] In an embodiment, the mechanism 320 includes a plastic bonding process. The plastic bonding process may be one of an ultrasonic welding, vibrations welding, thermal fusion, or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the mechanism 320 may include one of a screwing, bolting, clipping, riveting, or the like state of the art techniques. The horizontal overlapping of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104 over the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108 provides substantial tooling access for carrying out the plastic bonding process. This also ensures that surface appearance of the parts being welded is also maintained and not deteriorated. Further, the plastic bonding process is being carried out on the lower side 316 of the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108 for joining with the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104.
[0031] Fig. 4 illustrates a two-dimensional environment 400 defining a front structure of the vehicle (not shown). As illustrated, the front structure 400 includes the cowl top garnish structure 100 provided with an openable hood 402, the openable hood 402 being in contact with the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104 through a hood seal 406. In an embodiment, the hood seal 406 is provided on the upperside 310 of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104. Further, the windshield 404 being received by the receptacle 304 is also illustrated. Another advantage of the plastic bonding process being carried out in reference to Fig. 3 will now be highlighted with respect to an opening and closing of the openable hood 402. As the plastic bonding process is being carried out on the lower side 316 of the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108 for joining with the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104, it is not visible as the openable hood 402 is opened or closed. Further, the plastic bonding process is carried out on the opposite side of the hood seal 406. Such a provision provides space optimization and weight saving.
[0032] Fig. 4 further illustrates provision of a rib structure 408 on the cowl top garnish structure 100. In an embodiment, the rib structure 408 is disposed on the underside 308 of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104. The rib structure 408 is configured to restrict an entry of water through a joint 410 created by the coupling of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104 and the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108. Fig. 4 also illustrates opening for HVAC structure 412 being disposed underside 308 of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104. Further, the cowl top garnish lower 108 is in contact with a panel cowl 414.
[0033] Fig. 5 illustrates a method 500 for assembling the cowl structure 100 of the vehicle. At step 502, the method 500 includes providing the cowl top garnish upper 104 extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle, the cowl top garnish upper 104 being adapted to support the windshield 404, the cowl top garnish upper 104 defining the rear portion 302 and the front portion 306, the front portion 306 extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the front portion 306 having the underside 308 and the upperside 310.
[0034] At step 504, the method 500 further includes placing the cowl top garnish lower 108 extending in the lateral direction at the lower position than the cowl top garnish upper 104, the cowl top garnish lower 108 defining the first end 312 and the second end 318, the first end 312 extending horizontally across the lateral direction, the first end 312 having the top side 314 and the lower side 316, such that the cowl top garnish upper 104 and the cowl top garnish lower 108 forms the structure.
[0035] At step 504, the method 500 further includes coupling and securing the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104 to the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108, wherein the underside 308 of the front portion 306 of the cowl top garnish upper 104 at least partially horizontally overlaps the top side 314 of the first end 312 of the cowl top garnish lower 108.
[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.