DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to mounting arrangement for fender panels in vehicles and more particularly, to a fender panel mounting bracket assembly for a vehicle, which deforms (collapses) to absorb impact energy (collision energy) in an event of impact (collision) between the vehicle and the pedestrian thereby reducing head injury level of pedestrian.

BACKGROUND
[002] Improvements in the automobile safety features have steadily reduced injury and death rate of passengers as well as pedestrians during collision event. Studies have shown that injury and death rate of the pedestrians are more when compared with the passenger death rate. In event of a collision (impact) between the vehicle and the pedestrian, the head of the pedestrian contacts/hits the hood (bonnet) or front fender panel of the vehicle. If there are any hard points under the hood (bonnet) or the front fender panel, the pedestrian’s head will be severely injured which may end fatal due to the rigid structure of the hood (bonnet) or the front fender panel. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of the pedestrian, there is a requirement of crushable space below the front fender panel region of the vehicle to meet the head injury criteria (HIC) of the pedestrian so that the pedestrian survives with less head injury level.
[003] One of the conventional fender panel assemblies discloses a front fender panel that is directly mounted on an engine compartment side panel thereby resulting in a rigid structure. Therefore, the aforementioned fender panel assembly is not able to meet the pedestrian head injury criteria as the side structure acts as the hard point due to rigid structure and due to the less crushable space below the front fender panel. Another conventional solution discloses a fender panel assembly which comprises a fender panel and a deformation element which is C-shaped in cross section. The deformation element of the aforementioned fender panel assembly is complex in design and incurs high cost since it is an additional element. Another conventional fender panel assembly has a less crush space which may result in severe injury to the pedestrian’s head. Further, the aforementioned fender panel assembly is not bolt able which makes servicing difficult.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a fender panel mounting bracket assembly for a vehicle, which deforms (collapses) to absorb impact energy (collision energy) in event of impact (collision) between the vehicle and the pedestrian thereby reducing head injury level of pedestrian. Further, there exists a need for a fender panel mounting bracket assembly for a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a fender panel mounting bracket assembly for a vehicle, which deforms (collapses) to absorb impact energy (collision energy) in event of impact (collision) between the vehicle and the pedestrian thereby reducing head injury level of pedestrian.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a fender panel mounting bracket assembly for a vehicle, which is easily serviceable.
[007] A further object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a fender panel mounting assembly for a vehicle, which has more crushable space below the front fender panel region.
[008] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] The embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, through out which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a conventional fender panel assembly;
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the conventional fender panel assembly;
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of a fender panel mounting bracket assembly for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a first mounting bracket of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a second mounting bracket of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a third mounting bracket of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly and an engine compartment side panel in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly, an engine compartment side panel and a fender panel in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly, the engine compartment side panel and the fender panel in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0020] FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly in deformed (collapsed) condition, where the fender panel mounting bracket is assembled with the engine compartment side panel and the fender panel, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0022] The embodiments herein achieve a fender panel mounting bracket assembly for a vehicle, which deforms (collapses) to absorb impact energy (collision energy) in an event of impact (collision) between the vehicle and the pedestrian thereby reducing head injury level of pedestrian. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 11, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100, an engine compartment side panel E and a fender panel F in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the vehicle (not shown) includes a plurality of fender panel mounting bracket assemblies 100 (as shown in fig. 3, fig. 4, fig. 8, fig. 9, fig. 10 and fig. 11), a plurality of first weld nuts W1 (as shown in fig. 3, fig. 10 and fig. 11), a plurality of second weld nuts W2 (as shown in fig. 10 and fig. 11), a plurality of fender panels F (as shown in fig. 9 to fig. 11), a plurality of engine compartment side panels E (as shown in fig. 8 to fig. 11), a plurality of fasteners (not shown) and may include other standard components or systems as present in standard vehicle. Each engine compartment side panel E is provided to corresponding side of a vehicle front portion. Each fender panel F is provided to corresponding side face of the vehicle front portion and mounted to corresponding engine compartment side panel E through corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100.
[0024] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of a fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, each fender panel mounting assembly 100 includes a first mounting bracket 102 and a second mounting bracket 104, where one of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 includes a third mounting bracket 106.
[0025] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a first mounting bracket 102 of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the first mounting bracket 102 of each fender panel mounting assembly 100 includes a first portion 102a, a second portion 102b, a third portion 102c and a fourth portion 102d. The first portion 102a of the first mounting bracket 102 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is connected to a first portion 104a (as shown in fig. 6) of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100. The second portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is transversely extending from the first portion 102a of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100. The second portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is adapted to facilitate mounting of corresponding fender panel F of the vehicle therein to removably connect corresponding fender panel F to the second portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100. The second portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 defines a plurality of openings 102e adapted to receive fasteners (not shown) therein to removably connect corresponding fender panel F to the second portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100. The third portion 102c of the first mounting bracket 102 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is transversely extending from the first portion 102a of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 and then extending vertically downward in a direction towards the fourth portion 102d of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100. The third portion 102c of the first mounting bracket 102 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 substantially defines a L-shape configuration. The fourth portion 102d of the first mounting bracket 102 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is extending from the third portion 102c of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 and transverse to the first portion 102a of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100. The fourth portion 102d of the first mounting bracket 102 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is adapted to be mounted to corresponding engine compartment side panel E therein to removably connect the fourth portion 102d of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 to corresponding engine compartment side panel E. The fourth portion 102d of the first mounting bracket 102 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 defines an opening 102f adapted to receive a fastener (not shown) therein to removably connect the fourth portion 102d of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 to corresponding engine compartment side panel E.
[0026] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a second mounting bracket 104 of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the second mounting bracket 104 of each fender panel mounting assembly 100 includes a first portion 104a, a second portion 104b and a third portion 104c. The first portion 104a of the second mounting bracket 104 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is adapted to be connected to the first portion 102a of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 by welding. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the first portion 104a of the second mounting bracket 104 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 with first portion 102a of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 by riveting, clinching, adhesive bonding, interlocking joints, combination thereof or by any other means. The second portion 104b of the second mounting bracket 104 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is transversely extending the first portion 104a of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 and then extending vertically downward in a direction towards the third portion 104c of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100. The second portion 104b of the second mounting bracket 104 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 substantially defines a L-shape configuration. The third portion 104c of the second mounting bracket 104 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is extending from the second portion 104b of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 and transverse to the first portion 104a of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100. The third portion 104c of the second mounting bracket 104 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is adapted to be connected to the fourth portion 102d of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 and mounted to corresponding engine compartment side panel E therein to removably connect the third portion 104c of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 to corresponding engine compartment side panel E. The third portion 104c of the second mounting bracket 104 of each fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 defines a plurality of openings 104d adapted to receive fasteners (not shown) therein to removably connect the third portion 104c of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 to corresponding engine compartment side panel E.
[0027] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a third mounting bracket 106 of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The third mounting bracket 106 is provided to one of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100. In an embodiment, the fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 includes a first portion 106a, a plurality of second portions 106b and a plurality of third portions 106c. The first portion 106a of the third mounting bracket 106 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is used for removably mounting the hood support arm (not shown) therein to access the components in the engine compartment (not shown) of the vehicle in event of servicing or maintenance. The first portion 106a of the third mounting bracket 106 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 defines an opening 106d adapted to receive corresponding portion of the hood support arm (not shown) thereby enabling the hood (not shown) in an open position in event of servicing or maintenance. Each second portion 106b of the third mounting bracket 106 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is transversely extending from the first portion 106a of the third mounting bracket 106 corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100. Each third portion 106c of the third mounting bracket 106 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is transversely extending from corresponding second portion 106a of the third mounting bracket 106 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100. Each third portion 106c of the third mounting bracket 106 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is adapted to be connected to the first portion 104a of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100.
[0028] The plurality of first weld nuts W1 are adapted to be connected to predetermined portion of the second portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 therein to receive corresponding fastener (not shown) adapted to secure corresponding fender panel F to the second portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100, where a longitudinal axis of each first weld nuts W1 is substantially co-axial to a longitudinal axis of corresponding opening 102e of the second portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100.
[0029] The plurality of second weld nuts W2 are adapted to be connected to predetermined portion of the third portion 104c of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 therein to receive corresponding fastener (not shown) adapted to secure the third portion 104c of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 to corresponding engine compartment side panel E, where a longitudinal axis of each second weld nuts W2 is substantially co-axial to a longitudinal axis of corresponding openings 104d of the third portion 104c of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100.
[0030] The assembly of fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 with corresponding engine compartment side panel E and corresponding fender panel F is as follows. Firstly, the third portion 104c of the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is mounted to corresponding engine compartment side panel E therein to fasten the fasteners (not shown) to corresponding second weld nuts W2. Thereafter, corresponding fender panel F is mounted to the second portion 102b of the first mounting bracket 102 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 therein to fasten the fasteners (not shown) to corresponding first weld nuts W1.
[0031] FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 in deformed (collapsed) condition, where the fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 is assembled with the engine compartment side panel E and the fender panel F, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an event of a collision (impact) between the vehicle and the pedestrian, the head of the pedestrian contacts/hits the hood (not shown) or corresponding fender panel F of the vehicle. Thereafter, the first mounting bracket 102 and the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 deforms (collapses) to absorb impact energy (collision energy) thereby reducing the head injury of the pedestrian. It is clearly evident from figure. 11 that the first mounting bracket 102 and the second mounting bracket 104 of corresponding fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 deforms to absorb maximum impact energy (collision energy) in an event of impact (collision) between the vehicle and the pedestrian. Therefore, a fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 which deforms (collapses) to absorb impact energy (collision energy) in an event of impact (collision) between the vehicle and the pedestrian thereby reducing head injury level of pedestrian is provided for a vehicle.
[0032] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 for a vehicle to reduce head injury of a pedestrian, said mounting bracket assembly 100 comprising:
a first mounting bracket 102 having a first portion 102a; a second portion 102b transversely extending from the first portion 102a, the second portion 102b adapted to facilitate mounting of a fender panel F of the vehicle therein to removably connect the fender panel F to the second portion 102b of said first mounting bracket 102; a third portion 102c extending from the first portion 102a; and a fourth portion 102d extending from the third portion 102c and transverse to the first portion 102a, the fourth portion 102d adapted to be mounted to an engine compartment side panel E of the vehicle therein to removably connect the fourth portion 102d of said first mounting bracket 102 to the engine compartment side panel E; and
a second mounting bracket 104 having a first portion 104a adapted to be connected to the first portion 102a of said first mounting bracket 102; a second portion 104b extending from the first portion 104a; and a third portion 104c extending from the second portion 104b and transverse to the first portion 104a, the third portion 104c adapted to be connected to the fourth portion 102d of said first mounting bracket 102 and mounted to the engine compartment side panel E therein to removably connect the third portion 104c of said second mounting bracket 104 to the engine compartment side panel E,
wherein
said first mounting bracket 102 and said second mounting bracket 104 are adapted to deform thereby absorbing the impact energy in an event of an impact between the vehicle and the pedestrian.

2. The fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion 102b of said first mounting bracket 102 defines a plurality of openings 102e adapted to receive fasteners therein to removably connect the fender panel F to the second portion 102b of said first mounting bracket 102.

3. The fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a plurality of first weld nuts W1 adapted to be connected to predetermined portion of the second portion 102b of said first mounting bracket 102 therein to receive corresponding fastener adapted to secure the fender panel F to the second portion 102b of said first mounting bracket 102, where a longitudinal axis of each of said first weld nut W1 is substantially co-axial to a longitudinal axis of corresponding opening 102e of the second portion 102b of said first mounting bracket 102.

4. The fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fourth portion 102d of said first mounting bracket 102 defines an opening 102f adapted to receive a fastener therein to removably connect the fourth portion 102d of said first mounting bracket 102 to the engine compartment side panel E.

5. The fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein the third portion 102c of said first mounting bracket 102 is transversely extending from the first portion 102a and then extending vertically downward in a direction towards the fourth portion 102d of said first mounting bracket 102.

6. The fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein the third portion 102c of said first mounting bracket 102 substantially defines a L-shape configuration.

7. The fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third portion 104c of said second mounting bracket 104 defines a plurality of openings 104d adapted to receive fasteners therein to removably connect the third portion 104c of said second mounting bracket 104 to the engine compartment side panel E.

8. The fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a plurality of second weld nuts W2 adapted to be connected to predetermined portion of the third portion 104c of said second mounting bracket 104 therein to receive corresponding fastener adapted to secure the third portion 104c of said second mounting bracket 104 to the engine compartment side panel E, where a longitudinal axis of each of said second weld nuts W2 is substantially co-axial to a longitudinal axis of corresponding openings 104d of the third portion 104c of said second mounting bracket 104.

9. The fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second portion 104b of said second mounting bracket 104 is transversely extending the first portion 104a and then extending vertically downward in a direction towards the third portion 104c of said second mounting bracket 104.

10. The fender panel mounting bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second portion 104b of said second mounting bracket 104 substantially defines a L-shape configuration.