CLIAMS:CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A collapsible bracket comprising:
a first portion having a first leg and a second leg, said first leg of said first portion adapted for receiving an instrument panel carrier;
a second portion defining a curve, said second portion adapted for receiving a cross car beam, said second portion adapted to be extended from said first portion;
at least one first opening adapted for mounting said collapsible bracket with the instrument panel carrier; and
at least one second opening adapted for mounting said collapsible bracket with the cross car beam,
wherein
said collapsible bracket is adapted to deform to absorb an impact energy at head impact zone of an instrument panel assembly during a crash event.
2. The collapsible bracket as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a plurality of notches adapted to facilitate the deformation of said collapsible bracket to absorb the impact energy.
3. The collapsible bracket as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of notches are provided at either sides of said collapsible bracket between said first portion and said second portion.
4. The collapsible bracket as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a third opening provided between said first leg and said second leg of said first portion of said collapsible bracket.
5. An instrument panel assembly comprising:
a cross car beam;
an instrument panel carrier; and
at least one collapsible bracket adapted to deform to absorb an impact energy at head impact zone of said instrument panel assembly during a crash event, said collapsible bracket comprising a first portion having a first leg and a second leg, said first leg of said first portion connected to said instrument panel carrier; and a second portion defining a curve is connected to said cross car beam, said second portion extended from said first portion.
6. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said collapsible bracket further comprises a plurality of notches adapted to facilitate the deformation of said collapsible bracket to absorb the impact energy.
7. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said collapsible bracket further comprises a first opening adapted to connect said collapsible bracket to said instrument panel carrier.
8. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said collapsible bracket further comprises a second opening adapted to connect said collapsible bracket to said cross car beam.
9. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said collapsible bracket further comprises a third opening provided between said first leg and said second leg of said first portion of said collapsible bracket.
10. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprises an upper glove box lid connected to said instrument panel carrier.
11. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprises a lower glove box lid connected to said instrument panel carrier.

Dated this 15th July 2015
Signature:

Name: Kalyan Chakravarthy
,TagSPECI:FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2005

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“INSTRUMENT PANEL WITH COLLAPSIBLE BRACKETS FOR REDUCING HEAD IMPACT LEVEL OF OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE”

APPLICANT:

Name Nationality Address
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Indian Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.,
MRV, Mahindra World City (MWC),
Plot No. 41/1, Anjur Post, Chengalpattu,
Kanchipuram District – 603204 (TN) INDIA

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to safety systems in vehicles and more particularly but not exclusively to safety systems pertaining to head impact zone in vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, a head impact zone is the area in the instrument panel that may be contacted by the head of occupants (co-driver) in the vehicle during a collision. When a vehicle involves in a collision the forehead of the co-driver/occupant in the vehicle hits the instrument panel of the vehicle and if the deceleration of the head during the impact exceeds a critical level, it may lead to severe injury. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of the occupant, the instrument panel structure has to be designed in such a way that the head impact level is lesser than the critical or threshold level.
[003] Conventional solutions for reducing the head impact level includes changing material properties, changing the stiffness, weakening the instrument panel components locally or adding foams of different density to absorb the energy during impact. Sometimes a combination of above solutions is also used. However, these solutions incur high cost.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a simple and cost-effective instrument panel assembly that can reduce the head impact level of an occupant in the vehicle during a crash event.

OBJECTS
[005] The principle object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective instrument panel assembly that can reduce the head impact level of an occupant in the vehicle during a crash event.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a collapsible bracket for absorbing impact energy at the head impact zone of the instrument panel assembly during a crash event.
[007] 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
[008] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout 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:
[009] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a collapsible bracket according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a cross car beam according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the cross car beam with collapsible brackets assembled to the body of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the instrument panel carrier mounted with the collapsible brackets according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the instrument panel assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the instrument panel assembly along the line A-A according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 7a depicts the collapsible bracket before a crash event according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 7b depicts the collapsible bracket at the start of a crash event according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 7c depicts the collapsible bracket during the crash event according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 7d depicts the collapsible bracket at the end of the crash event according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 8a depicts the graph plot between head form relative acceleration and time for the conventional instrument panel assembly without collapsible brackets according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0020] FIG. 8b depicts the graph plot between head form relative acceleration and time for the instrument panel assembly with collapsible bracket 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 simple and cost-effective instrument panel assembly that can reduce the head impact level of an occupant in the vehicle during a crash event. Further, embodiments herein achieve a collapsible bracket for absorbing energy at the head impact zone of the instrument panel assembly during a crash event. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 8b, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the instrument panel assembly along the line A-A according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment the instrument panel assembly 100 includes a cross car beam 102, a plurality of collapsible brackets 104, an instrument panel carrier 106, a upper glove box lid 108 and a lower glove box lid 110.
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a cross car beam according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment the cross car beam 102 is the main support structure of the instrument panel assembly 100. The cross car beam 102 is laterally mounted between opposite sides of the forward portion of the body of the vehicle (not shown).
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a collapsible bracket according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The collapsible bracket 104 is used for absorbing the impact energy at the head impact zone of the instrument panel assembly 100 during a crash event. In an embodiment the collapsible bracket 104 includes a first portion 104a, a second portion 104b, a plurality of notches 104c, a first opening 104d, a second opening 104e and a third opening 104f.
[0026] In an embodiment the first portion 104a includes a first leg 104g and a second leg 104h. In an embodiment the first leg 104g and the second leg 104h are transverse to each other. In an embodiment the angle between the first leg 104g and the second leg 104h is 36.58 degree. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other angle between the first leg 104g and the second leg 104h without otherwise deterring the intended function of the collapsible bracket 104 as can be deduced from the description. The first leg 104g of the first portion 104a is adapted for receiving the instrument panel carrier 106 for receiving the impact load/energy.
[0027] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the cross car beam with collapsible brackets assembled to the body of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment the second portion 104b defines a curve adapted for receiving the cross car beam 102. The second portion 104b is extended from the first portion 104a.
[0028] In an embodiment the plurality of notches 104c is used for facilitating the deformation of the collapsible bracket 104 for absorbing the impact energy. In an embodiment the notches 104c are provided at the sides of the collapsible bracket 104 between the first portion 104a and the second portion 104b. In an embodiment the notches 104c are U shaped. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the notches 104c in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the notches 104c as can be deduced from the description.
[0029] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the instrument panel carrier mounted with the collapsible brackets according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment the first opening 104d is used for receiving a fastener (not shown) for facilitating the mounting of the instrument panel carrier 106 with the first leg 104g of the first portion 104a of the collapsible bracket 104.
[0030] In an embodiment the second opening 104e is used for receiving a fastener (not shown) for facilitating the mounting of the second portion 104b of the collapsible bracket 104 with the cross car beam 102 as shown in Fig. 6. The plurality of collapsible brackets 104 are mounted to the cross car beam 102 at the head impact zone of the instrument panel assembly 100.
[0031] In an embodiment the third opening 104f is used for facilitating the manufacturing of the collapsible bracket 104. Further the third opening 104f aids in integration of the collapsible bracket 104 in the instrument panel assembly 100. The third opening 104f is provided between the first leg 104g and the second leg 104h of the first portion 104a of the collapsible bracket 104.
[0032] In an embodiment the instrument panel assembly 100 includes two collapsible brackets 104. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any number of collapsible brackets 104 without otherwise deterring the intended function of the collapsible bracket 104 as can be deduced from the description. In an embodiment the second portion 104b of the collapsible brackets 104 are connected with the cross car beam 102 at the head impact zone of the co-driver (occupant) compartment of the vehicle (not shown).
[0033] FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the instrument panel assembly according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment the instrument panel carrier 106 serves as the base for the upper glove box lid 108 and the lower glove box lid 110. The instrument panel carrier 106 is mounted to the first leg 104g of the first portion 104a of the collapsible brackets 104 provided at the head impact zone of the instrument panel assembly 100 through openings (not shown) provided in the instrument panel carrier 106 using fasteners (not shown) as shown in Fig. 4. Thereafter, the upper glove box lid 108 and the lower glove box lid 110 are mounted to the instrument panel carrier 106.
[0034] FIG. 7a depicts the collapsible bracket before a crash event according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 7b depicts the collapsible bracket at the start of a crash event according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 7c depicts the collapsible bracket during the crash event according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 7d depicts the collapsible bracket at the end of the crash event according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
[0035] The working of the collapsible bracket 104 in the instrument panel assembly 100 is as follows. During a crash event when the head of the occupant hits at the head impact zone of the instrument panel assembly 100 the impact energy/load passes from the upper glove box lid 108 to instrument panel carrier 106. Thereafter the instrument panel carrier 106 transmits the load to the collapsible bracket 104 via the first leg 104g of the first portion 104a. As a result the collapsible bracket 104 deforms (as shown in Fig. 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d) and absorbs the impact energy.
[0036] FIG. 8a depicts the graph plot between head form relative acceleration and time for the conventional instrument panel assembly without collapsible bracket according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 8b depicts the graph plot between head form relative acceleration and time for the instrument panel assembly with collapsible bracket according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. A CAE (computer aided engineering) test was conducted on a finite element model (not shown) of the instrument panel assembly 100 with appropriate loads and boundary conditions as per the standards. The CAE test simulates a head form (not shown) weighing 6.8kg with a diameter of 165 mm hitting at the head impact zone of the instrument panel assembly 100 at a speed of 24.1 km/h. A graph plot between head form’s relative acceleration and time was obtained and the deceleration of the head form for a time period of 3 seconds (between peak intensities) was found to be 76.7 G’s as shown in Fig. 8b.
[0037] Similarly another CAE test that simulates a head form (not shown) weighing 6.8kg with a diameter of 165 mm hitting at the head impact zone of the conventional instrument panel assembly (not shown) without collapsible brackets 104 at a speed of 24.1 km/h was conducted. A graph plot between head form’s relative acceleration and time was obtained and the deceleration of the head form for a time period of 3 seconds (between peak intensities) was found to be 89.5 G’s as shown in Fig. 8a.
[0038] Therefore, from the Fig. 8b it is clearly evident that the instrument panel assembly 100 can reduce the head impact level of an occupant (not shown) in the vehicle during a crash event.
[0039] 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
We claim,
1. A collapsible bracket comprising:
a first portion having a first leg and a second leg, said first leg of said first portion adapted for receiving an instrument panel carrier;
a second portion defining a curve, said second portion adapted for receiving a cross car beam, said second portion adapted to be extended from said first portion;
at least one first opening adapted for mounting said collapsible bracket with the instrument panel carrier; and
at least one second opening adapted for mounting said collapsible bracket with the cross car beam,
wherein
said collapsible bracket is adapted to deform to absorb an impact energy at head impact zone of an instrument panel assembly during a crash event.
2. The collapsible bracket as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a plurality of notches adapted to facilitate the deformation of said collapsible bracket to absorb the impact energy.
3. The collapsible bracket as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of notches are provided at either sides of said collapsible bracket between said first portion and said second portion.
4. The collapsible bracket as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a third opening provided between said first leg and said second leg of said first portion of said collapsible bracket.
5. An instrument panel assembly comprising:
a cross car beam;
an instrument panel carrier; and
at least one collapsible bracket adapted to deform to absorb an impact energy at head impact zone of said instrument panel assembly during a crash event, said collapsible bracket comprising a first portion having a first leg and a second leg, said first leg of said first portion connected to said instrument panel carrier; and a second portion defining a curve is connected to said cross car beam, said second portion extended from said first portion.
6. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said collapsible bracket further comprises a plurality of notches adapted to facilitate the deformation of said collapsible bracket to absorb the impact energy.
7. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said collapsible bracket further comprises a first opening adapted to connect said collapsible bracket to said instrument panel carrier.
8. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said collapsible bracket further comprises a second opening adapted to connect said collapsible bracket to said cross car beam.
9. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said collapsible bracket further comprises a third opening provided between said first leg and said second leg of said first portion of said collapsible bracket.
10. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprises an upper glove box lid connected to said instrument panel carrier.
11. The instrument panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprises a lower glove box lid connected to said instrument panel carrier.

Dated this 15th July 2015
Signature:

Name: Kalyan Chakravarthy

ABSTRACT
Instrument panel assembly for reducing head impact level of occupant in the vehicle includes, a cross car beam, a plurality of collapsible brackets, an instrument panel carrier, a upper glove box lid and a lower glove box lid. The upper glove box lid and glove box lid are mounted to the instrument panel carrier. The collapsible bracket includes a first portion having a first leg and a second leg and the first leg of first portion is connected to the instrument panel carrier and a second portion defining a curve is connected to the cross car beam. The second portion is extended from said first portion. The collapsible brackets deform and absorb the impact energy at head impact zone of the instrument panel assembly during a crash event.
Fig. 6