DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to bumper grills in vehicles and more particularly, to a grill for a vehicle bumper, where a portion of the grill is in upright position (vertical position) and another portion of the grill is disposed at a predefined angle from the portion of the grill which is in upright position, wherein the grill is at least a lower grill.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, a front bumper in a vehicle is used to absorb impact energy in an event of collision between the vehicle and a pedestrian such that the front bumper transfers the impact energy to rest of the body structure of the vehicle so as to meet pedestrian norms. A lower grill of the front bumper is used to allow cool air to flow to a radiator of the vehicle thereby cooling the engine. The lower grill of the front bumper plays an important role in pedestrian safety. Pedestrian safety is one of the important aspects in which research and development is being done, in addition to passenger safety, in the automobile design and manufacturing field. When the vehicle collides with the pedestrian, then the front bumper including the lower grill should ensure the pedestrian safety such that the pedestrian survives with little injury. Pedestrian’s lower leg requirement is a part of the pedestrian norms. Under these norms, when the vehicle hits the pedestrian leg, front injuries are quantified using parameters such as knee bending angle, knee shear displacement and acceleration. For the vehicle to pass the pedestrian’s lower leg requirement, the parameters as mentioned above are supposed to be lesser than a predetermined value. Providing approach angle for the lower grill in front bumper is difficult and is one of the challenges faced by the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) due to variations in various geographical regulations. The change in approach angle of the lower grill in the front bumper leads to different deformation pattern of the pedestrian’s lower leg upon impact thereby affecting the knee bending angle parameter. Further, the variation in approach angle of lower grill leads to variation in air intake efficiency of a radiator and a HVAC unit of the vehicle thereby decreasing the cooling efficiency of the radiator and the HVAC unit of the vehicle.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a grill for a vehicle bumper, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a grill for a vehicle bumper, where a portion of the grill is in upright position (vertical position) and another portion of the grill is disposed at a predefined angle from the portion of the grill which is in upright position.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a grill for a vehicle bumper with a predefined approach angle based on geographical regulatory requirement.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a grill for a vehicle bumper, which has reduced knee bending angle, knee shear displacement and acceleration parameter thereby meeting the pedestrian’s lower leg requirements of pedestrian norms.
[007] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a grill for a vehicle bumper that enhances air intake requirements of a radiator and a HVAC unit of the vehicle thereby increasing the cooling efficiency of the radiator and the HVAC unit.
[008] Yet, another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a grill for a vehicle bumper, which increases the co-efficient of drag (C’D) thereby enhancing the fuel economy of the vehicle.
[009] A further object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a grill for a vehicle bumper that meets the styling requirements of the vehicle.
[0010] 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
[0011] 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:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a grill for a vehicle bumper, according to a first embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a grill for a vehicle bumper, according to a second embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a grill for a vehicle bumper, according to a third embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the grill for the vehicle bumper, according to the first embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the grill for the vehicle bumper, according to the first embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of the grill and the vehicle bumper in assembled condition, according to the first embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the grill for the vehicle bumper, according to the second embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 8 depicts a front view of the grill and the vehicle bumper in assembled condition, according to the second embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the grill for the vehicle bumper, according to the third embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the grill and the vehicle bumper in assembled condition, according to the third embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0022] FIG. 11 depicts a graph plot between acceleration (g) on y-axis and time (seconds) on x-axis of the conventional grill and the grill, according to the embodiments (first, second and third embodiment) of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0023] FIG. 12 depicts a graph plot between knee bending angle (degrees) on y-axis and time (seconds) on x-axis of the conventional grill and the grill, according to the embodiments (first, second and third embodiment) of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] 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.
[0025] The embodiments herein achieve a grill for a vehicle bumper, where a portion of the grill is in upright position (vertical position) and another portion of the grill is disposed at a predefined angle from the portion of the grill which is in upright position. Further, embodiments herein achieve a grill for a vehicle bumper, which has reduced knee bending angle, knee shear displacement and acceleration parameter thereby meeting the pedestrian’s lower leg requirements of pedestrian norms. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 12, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a grill 100 for a vehicle bumper B, according to a first embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the grill 100 for the vehicle bumper B, according to the first embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In the first embodiment, the grill 100 is provided with a predefined approach angle on the vehicle bumper B (as shown in fig. 6) thereby providing better values of knee bending angle and knee shear displacement for pedestrian’s lower leg in an event of impact (collision) between the vehicle and a pedestrian. In the first embodiment, the grill 100 is provided with a 25 degree approach angle. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the grill 100 with any other approach angle values. In the first embodiment, the lower grill 100 includes a peripheral frame 102, a plurality of longitudinal links 104 and a plurality of cross links 106. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the grill 100 is explained herein below with reference to a lower grill for a vehicle bumper. It is also within the scope of the invention to use/implement the arrangement (the peripheral frame 102, the plurality of longitudinal links 104 and the plurality of cross links 106) of the grill 100 to a front grill, a front center grill, a rear grill, a rear center grill or any other type of grill connected to the vehicle bumper.
[0027] In the first embodiment, the peripheral frame 102 includes a first portion 102a, a second portion 102b, a third portion 102c, and a fourth portion 102d. The first portion 102a of the peripheral frame 102 is extending along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the first portion 102a of the peripheral frame 102 is adjacent to an upper portion of the vehicle bumper B. The second portion 102b of the peripheral frame 102 is extending from corresponding end of the first portion 102a of the peripheral frame 102 in a downward direction and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 102a of the peripheral frame 102, where the second portion 102b of the peripheral frame 102 is adjacent to a driver side front wheel (not shown) of the vehicle. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the second portion 102b of the peripheral frame 102 to be transversely extending from corresponding end of the first portion 102a of the peripheral frame 102. The third portion 102c of the peripheral frame 102 is extending from corresponding end of the first portion 102a of the peripheral frame 102 in a downward direction and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 102a of the peripheral frame 102, where the third portion 102c of the peripheral frame 102 is adjacent to a passenger side front wheel (not shown) of the vehicle. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the third portion 102c of the peripheral frame 102 to be transversely extending from corresponding end of the first portion 102a of the peripheral frame 102. The fourth portion 102d of the peripheral frame 102 is transversely extending between corresponding end of the second portion 102b and the third portion 102c of the peripheral frame 102 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the fourth portion 102d of the peripheral frame 102 is adjacent to a lower portion of the vehicle bumper B.
[0028] The plurality of longitudinal links 104 is transversely extending between the second portion 102b and the third portion 102c of the peripheral frame 102 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. In the first embodiment, the plurality of longitudinal links 104 includes at least one first longitudinal link 104a and at least one second longitudinal link 104b. In the first embodiment, the first longitudinal link 104a is transversely extending between the second portion 102b and the third portion 102c of the peripheral frame 102 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle. In the first embodiment, the second longitudinal link 104b is transversely extending between the second portion 102b and the third portion 102c of the peripheral frame 102 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle. In the first embodiment, a length of the first longitudinal link 104a is lesser than the length of the second longitudinal link 104b. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the first longitudinal link 104a and the second longitudinal link 104b with any other length dimensions without otherwise deterring the intended function of the first longitudinal link 104a and the second longitudinal link 104b as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the first embodiment, a portion of the first longitudinal link 104a is substantially parallel to the first portion 102a of the peripheral frame 102. Further, in the first embodiment, another portion of the first longitudinal link 104a is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal link 104b. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the second longitudinal link 104b is substantially parallel to the fourth portion 102d of the peripheral frame 102.
[0029] In the first embodiment, the plurality of cross links 106 includes a plurality of first cross links 106a, a plurality of second cross links 106b and a plurality of third cross links 106c. In the first embodiment, the plurality of cross links 106 including the plurality of first cross links 106a, the plurality of second cross links 106b and the plurality of third cross links 106c are adapted to provide stiffness to the peripheral frame 102 of grill 100. In the first embodiment, the plurality of first cross links 106a is transversely extending between the first portion 102a of the peripheral frame 102 and a portion of the first longitudinal link 104a, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. In the first embodiment, the plurality of first cross links 106a are parallel to each other. In the first embodiment, the plurality of second cross links 106b is transversely extending between another portion of the first longitudinal link 104a and the second longitudinal link 104b, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. In the first embodiment, the plurality of second cross links 106b are parallel to each other. In the first embodiment, the plurality of third cross links 106c is transversely extending between the second longitudinal link 104b and the fourth portion 102d of the peripheral frame 102. In the first embodiment, the plurality of third cross links 106c are parallel to each other. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the plurality of cross links 106 (106a, 106b and 106c) in any other shape and size without otherwise deterring the intended function of the plurality of cross links 106 (106a, 106b and 106c) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the first embodiment, the plurality of second cross links 106b and the plurality of third cross links 106c are substantially parallel to each other. In the first embodiment, the plurality of second cross links 106b and the plurality of third cross links 106c are substantially transverse to the plurality of first cross links 106a thereby restricting cantilever and sagging of the longitudinal links 104. In the first embodiment, the plurality of first cross links 106a are substantially transverse to a portion of the first longitudinal link 104a, the second longitudinal link 104b, the first portion 102a, a portion of the second portion 102b, a portion of the third portion 102c and the fourth portion 102d of the peripheral frame 102 thereby restricting cantilever and sagging of the longitudinal links 104 and to provide better strength/stiffness to the longitudinal links 104. In the first embodiment, height of each second cross link 106b and each third cross link 106c are lesser than the height of the each first cross link 106a. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the each first cross link 106a, each second cross link 106b and each third cross link 106c with any other height dimensions without otherwise deterring the intended function of the plurality of cross links 106 (106a, 106b and 106c) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0030] In the first embodiment, the first portion 102a, the second portion 102b, the third portion 102c and the fourth portion 102d of the peripheral frame 102, the plurality of longitudinal links 104 (104a and 104b) and the plurality of cross links 106 (106a, 106b and 106c) define a plurality of air intake passages 108. The plurality of air intake passages 108 of the peripheral frame 102 of the grill 100 is adapted to allow the cool air to flow to a radiator (not shown) of the vehicle thereby cooling an engine (not shown) of the vehicle.
[0031] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the grill 100 for the vehicle bumper B, according to the first embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In the first embodiment, the first portion 102a of the peripheral frame 102, at least a portion of the second portion 102b of the peripheral frame 102, at least a portion of the third portion 102c of the peripheral frame 102, at least a portion of the first longitudinal link 104a and the plurality of first cross links 106a are disposed substantially in an upright position (vertical position). Further, in the first embodiment, at least another portion of the second portion 102b of the peripheral frame 102, at least another portion of the third portion 102c of the peripheral frame 102, the fourth portion 102d of the peripheral frame 102, at least another portion of the first longitudinal link 104a, the second longitudinal link 104b, the plurality of second cross links 106b and the plurality of third cross links 106c are disposed at a predefined angle from a vertical plane of the grill 100, where the vertical plane is substantially parallel to the first cross links 106a.
[0032] The arrangement of the peripheral frame 102, the plurality of longitudinal links 104 (104a and 104b) and the plurality of cross links 106 (106a, 106b and 106c) in the aforementioned grill 100 has reduced knee bending angle, knee shear displacement and acceleration parameter thereby meeting the pedestrian’s lower leg requirements of pedestrian norms, enhances air intake requirements of the radiator (not shown) and a HVAC unit (not shown) of the vehicle thereby increasing the cooling efficiency of the radiator (not shown) and the HVAC unit (not shown), increases the co-efficient of drag (C’D) value by 0.05 in aerodynamic CFD analysis thereby enhancing the fuel economy of the vehicle, and meets the styling requirements of the vehicle.
[0033] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a grill 200 for a vehicle bumper B, according to a second embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the grill 200 for the vehicle bumper B, according to the second embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In the second embodiment, the grill 200 is provided with a predefined approach angle on the vehicle bumper B (as shown in fig. 8) thereby providing better values of knee bending angle and knee shear displacement for pedestrian’s lower leg in an event of impact (collision) between the vehicle and the pedestrian. In the second embodiment, the grill 200 is provided with a 25 degree approach angle. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the grill 200 with any other approach angle values. In the second embodiment, the grill 200 includes a peripheral frame 202, a plurality of longitudinal links 204 and a plurality of cross links 206. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the grill 200 is explained herein below with reference to a lower grill for a vehicle bumper. It is also within the scope of the invention to use/implement the arrangement (the peripheral frame 202, the plurality of longitudinal links 204 and the plurality of cross links 206) of the grill 200 to a front grill, a front center grill, a rear grill, a rear center grill or any other type of grill connected to the vehicle bumper.
[0034] In the second embodiment, the peripheral frame 202 includes a first portion 202a, a second portion 202b, a third portion 202c, and a fourth portion 202d. The first portion 202a of the peripheral frame 202 is extending along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the first portion 202a of the peripheral frame 202 is adjacent to an upper portion of the vehicle bumper B. The second portion 202b of the peripheral frame 202 is extending from corresponding end of the first portion 202a of the peripheral frame 202 in a downward direction and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 202a of the peripheral frame 202, where the second portion 202b of the peripheral frame 202 is adjacent to a driver side front wheel (not shown) of the vehicle. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the second portion 202b of the peripheral frame 202 to be transversely extending from corresponding end of the first portion 202a of the peripheral frame 202. The third portion 202c of the peripheral frame 202 is extending from corresponding end of the first portion 202a of the peripheral frame 202 in a downward direction and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 202a of the peripheral frame 202, where the third portion 202c of the peripheral frame 202 is adjacent to a passenger side front wheel (not shown) of the vehicle. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the third portion 202c of the peripheral frame 202 to be transversely extending from corresponding end of the first portion 202a of the peripheral frame 202. The fourth portion 202d of the peripheral frame 202 is transversely extending between corresponding end of the second portion 202b and the third portion 202c of the peripheral frame 202 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the fourth portion 202d of the peripheral frame 202 is adjacent to a lower portion of the vehicle bumper B.
[0035] The plurality of longitudinal links 204 is transversely extending between the second portion 202b and the third portion 202c of the peripheral frame 202 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. In the second embodiment, the first longitudinal link 204a is transversely extending between the second portion 202b and the third portion 202c of the peripheral frame 202 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle. In the second embodiment, the second longitudinal link 204b is transversely extending between the second portion 202b and the third portion 202c of the peripheral frame 202 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle. In the second embodiment, a length of the first longitudinal link 204a is lesser than the length of the second longitudinal link 204b. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the first longitudinal link 204a and the second longitudinal link 204b with any other length dimensions without otherwise deterring the intended function of the first longitudinal link 204a and the second longitudinal link 204b as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the second embodiment, a portion of the first longitudinal link 204a is substantially parallel to the first portion 202a of the peripheral frame 202. Further, in the second embodiment, another portion of the first longitudinal link 204a is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal link 204b. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the second longitudinal link 204b is substantially parallel to the fourth portion 202d of the peripheral frame 202.
[0036] In the second embodiment, the plurality of cross links 206 includes a plurality of first cross links 206a, a plurality of second cross links 206b and a plurality of third cross links 206c. In the second embodiment, the plurality of cross links 206 including the plurality of first cross links 206a, the plurality of second cross links 206b and the plurality of third cross links 206c are adapted to provide stiffness to the peripheral frame 202 of grill 200. In the second embodiment, the plurality of first cross links 206a is adapted to extend between the first portion 202a of the peripheral frame 202 and a portion of the first longitudinal link 204a at a predefined angle, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. The plurality of first cross links 206a are substantially parallel to each other. In the second embodiment, the plurality of second cross links 206b is adapted to extend between another portion of the first longitudinal link 204a and the second longitudinal link 204b at a predefined angle, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. The plurality of second cross links 206b are substantially parallel to each other. In the second embodiment, the plurality of third cross links 206c is adapted to extend between the second longitudinal link 204b and the fourth portion 202d of the peripheral frame 202 at a predefined angle, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. The plurality of third cross links 206c are substantially parallel to each other. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the plurality of cross links 206 (206a, 206b and 206c) in any other shape and size without otherwise deterring the intended function of the plurality of cross links 206 (206a, 206b and 206c) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the second embodiment, the plurality of first cross links 206a and the plurality of second cross links 206b are substantially transverse to each other thereby restricting cantilever and sagging of the longitudinal links 204. In the second embodiment, height of each second cross link 206b and each third cross link 206c are lesser than the height of each first cross link 206a. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide each first cross link 206a, each second cross link 206b and each third cross link 206c with any other height dimensions without otherwise deterring the intended function of the plurality of cross links 206 (206a, 206b and 206c) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0037] In the second embodiment, the first portion 202a, the second portion 202b, the third portion 202c and the fourth portion 202d of the peripheral frame 202, the plurality of longitudinal links 204 (204a and 204b) and the plurality of cross links 206 (206a, 206b and 206c) define a plurality of air intake passages 208. The plurality of air intake passages 208 of the peripheral frame 202 of the grill 200 is adapted to allow the cool air to flow to a radiator (not shown) of the vehicle thereby cooling an engine (not shown) of the vehicle.
[0038] In the second embodiment, the first portion 202a of the peripheral frame 202, at least a portion of the second portion 202b of the peripheral frame 202, at least a portion of the third portion 202c of the peripheral frame 202, at least a portion of the first longitudinal link 204a and the plurality of first cross links 206a are disposed substantially in an upright position (vertical position). Further, in the second embodiment, at least another portion of the second portion 202b of the peripheral frame 202, at least another portion of the third portion 202c of the peripheral frame 202, the fourth portion 202d of the peripheral frame 202, at least another portion of the first longitudinal link 204a, the second longitudinal link 204b, the plurality of second cross links 206b and the plurality of third cross links 206c are disposed at a predefined angle from a vertical plane of the grill 200, where the vertical plane is substantially parallel to the first cross links 206a.
[0039] The arrangement of the peripheral frame 202, the plurality of longitudinal links 204 (204a and 204b) and the plurality of cross links 206 (206a, 206b and 206c) in the aforementioned grill 200 has reduced knee bending angle, knee shear displacement and acceleration parameter thereby meeting the pedestrian lower leg requirements of pedestrian norms, enhances air intake requirements of the radiator (not shown) and a HVAC unit (not shown) of the vehicle thereby increasing the cooling efficiency of the radiator (not shown) and the HVAC unit (not shown), increases the co-efficient of drag (C’D) value by 0.05 in aerodynamic CFD analysis thereby enhancing the fuel economy of the vehicle, and meets the styling requirements of the vehicle.
[0040] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a grill 300 for a vehicle bumper B of a vehicle, according to a third embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the grill 300 for the vehicle bumper B, according to the third embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In the third embodiment, the grill 300 is provided with a predefined approach angle on the vehicle bumper B (as shown in fig. 10) thereby providing better values of knee bending angle and knee shear displacement for pedestrian’s lower leg in an event of impact (collision) between the vehicle and the pedestrian. In the third embodiment, the grill 300 is provided with a 25 degree approach angle. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the grill 300 with any other approach angle values. In the third embodiment, the grill 300 includes a peripheral frame 302, a plurality of longitudinal links 304 and a plurality of cross links 306. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the grill 300 is explained herein below with reference to a lower grill for a vehicle bumper. It is also within the scope of the invention to use/implement the arrangement (the peripheral frame 302, the plurality of longitudinal links 304 and the plurality of cross links 306) of the grill 300 to a front grill, a front center grill, a rear grill, a rear center grill or any other type of grill connected to the vehicle bumper.
[0041] In the third embodiment, the peripheral frame 302 includes a first portion 302a, a second portion 302b, a third portion 302c, and a fourth portion 302d. The first portion 302a of the peripheral frame 302 is extending along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the first portion 302a of the peripheral frame 302 is adjacent to an upper portion of the vehicle bumper B. The second portion 302b of the peripheral frame 302 is extending from corresponding end of the first portion 302a of the peripheral frame 302 in a downward direction, and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 302a of the peripheral frame 302, where the second portion 302b of the peripheral frame 302 is adjacent to a driver side front wheel (not shown) of the vehicle. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the second portion 302b of the peripheral frame 302 to be transversely extending from corresponding end of the first portion 302a of the peripheral frame 302. The third portion 302c of the peripheral frame 302 is extending from corresponding end of the first portion 302a of the peripheral frame 302 in a downward direction, and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 302a of the peripheral frame 302, where the third portion 302c of the peripheral frame 302 is adjacent to a passenger side front wheel (not shown) of the vehicle. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the third portion 302c of the peripheral frame 302 to be transversely extending from corresponding end of the first portion 302a of the peripheral frame 302. The fourth portion 302d of the peripheral frame 302 is transversely extending between corresponding end of the second portion 302b and the third portion 302c of the peripheral frame 302 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the fourth portion 302d of the peripheral frame 302 is adjacent to a lower portion of the vehicle bumper B.
[0042] The plurality of longitudinal links 304 is transversely extending between the second portion 302b and the third portion 302c of the peripheral frame 302 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. In the third embodiment, the plurality of longitudinal links 304 includes at least one first longitudinal link 304a and at least one second longitudinal link 304b. In the third embodiment, the first longitudinal link 304a is transversely extending between the second portion 302b and the third portion 302c of the peripheral frame 302 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle. In the third embodiment, the second longitudinal link 304b is transversely extending between the second portion 302b and the third portion 302c of the peripheral frame 302 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle. In the third embodiment, a length of the first longitudinal link 304a is lesser than the length of the second longitudinal link 304b. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the first longitudinal link 304a and the second longitudinal link 304b with any other length dimension without otherwise deterring the intended function of the first longitudinal link 304a and the second longitudinal link 304b as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the third embodiment, a portion of the first longitudinal link 304a is substantially parallel to the first portion 302a of the peripheral frame 102. Further, in the third embodiment, another portion of the first longitudinal link 304a is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal link 304b. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the second longitudinal link 304b is substantially parallel to the fourth portion 302d of the peripheral frame 302.
[0043] In the third embodiment, the plurality of cross links 306 includes a plurality of first cross links 306a, a plurality of second cross links 306b and a plurality of third cross links 306c. In the third embodiment, the plurality of cross links 306 including the plurality of first cross links 306a, the plurality of second cross links 306b and the plurality of third cross links 306c are adapted to provide stiffness to the peripheral frame 302 of to the grill 300. In the third embodiment, the plurality of first cross links 306a is transversely extending between the first portion 302a of the peripheral frame 302 and a portion of the first longitudinal link 304a, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. In the third embodiment, the plurality of first cross links 306a are parallel to each other. In the third embodiment, the plurality of second cross links 306b is transversely extending between another portion of the first longitudinal link 304a and the second longitudinal link 304b, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other. In the third embodiment, the plurality of second cross links 306b are parallel to each other. In the third embodiment, the plurality of third cross links 306c is transversely extending between the second longitudinal link 304b and the fourth portion 302d of the peripheral frame 302. In the third embodiment, the plurality of third cross links 306c are parallel to each other. In the third embodiment, the plurality of cross links 306 including the plurality of first cross links 306a, the plurality of second cross links 306b and the plurality of third cross links 306c substantially defines a leaf shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the plurality of cross links 306 (306a, 306b and 306c) in any other shape and size without otherwise deterring the intended function of the plurality of cross links 306 (306a, 306b and 306c) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the third embodiment, the plurality of second cross links 306b and the plurality of third cross links 306c are substantially parallel to each other. In the first embodiment, the plurality of second cross links 306b and the plurality of third cross links 306c are substantially transverse to the plurality of first cross links 306a thereby restricting cantilever and sagging of the longitudinal links 304. In the third embodiment, the plurality of first cross links 306a are substantially transverse to a portion of the first longitudinal link 304a, the second longitudinal link 304b, the first portion 302a, a portion of the second portion 302b, a portion of the third portion 302c and the fourth portion 302d of the peripheral frame 302 thereby restricting cantilever and sagging of the longitudinal links 304, and to provide better strength/stiffness to the longitudinal links 304. In the third embodiment, height of each second cross link 306b and each third cross link 306c are lesser than the height of the each first cross link 306a. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the each first cross link 306a, each second cross link 306b and each third cross link 306c with any other height dimensions without otherwise deterring the intended function of the plurality of cross links 306 (306a, 306b and 306c) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0044] In the third embodiment, the first portion 302a, the second portion 302b, the third portion 302c and the fourth portion 302d of the peripheral frame 302, the plurality of longitudinal links 304 (304a and 304b) and the plurality of cross links 306 (306a, 306b and 306c) define a plurality of air intake passages 308. The plurality of air intake passages 308 of the peripheral frame 302 of the grill 300 is adapted to allow the cool air to flow to a radiator (not shown) of the vehicle thereby cooling an engine (not shown) of the vehicle.
[0045] In the third embodiment, the first portion 302a of the peripheral frame 302, at least a portion of the second portion 302b of the peripheral frame 302, at least a portion of the third portion 302c of the peripheral frame 302, at least a portion of the first longitudinal link 304a and the plurality of first cross links 306a are disposed substantially in an upright position (vertical position). Further, in the third embodiment, at least another portion of the second portion 302b of the peripheral frame 302, at least another portion of the third portion 302c of the peripheral frame 302, the fourth portion 302d of the peripheral frame 302, at least another portion of the first longitudinal link 304a, the second longitudinal link 304b, the plurality of second cross links 306b and the plurality of third cross links 306c are disposed at a predefined angle from a vertical plane of the grill 300, where the vertical plane is substantially parallel to the first cross links 306a.
[0046] The arrangement of the peripheral frame 302, the plurality of longitudinal links 304 (304a and 304b) and the plurality of cross links 306 (306a, 306b and 306c) in the aforementioned grill 300 has reduced knee bending angle, knee shear displacement and acceleration parameter thereby meeting the pedestrian lower leg requirements of pedestrian norms, enhances air intake requirements of the radiator (not shown) and a HVAC unit (not shown) of the vehicle thereby increasing the cooling efficiency of the radiator (not shown) and the HVAC unit (not shown), increases the co-efficient of drag (C’D) value by 0.05 in aerodynamic CFD analysis thereby enhancing the fuel economy of the vehicle, and meets the styling requirements of the vehicle.
[0047] FIG. 11 depicts a graph plot between acceleration (g) on y-axis and time (seconds) on x-axis of the conventional grill and the grill (100, 200 and 300), according to the embodiments (first, second and third embodiment) of the invention as disclosed herein. As can be deduced from the graph, it is clearly evident that the acceleration value of the grill (100, 200 and 300) is lesser than the acceleration value of the conventional grill. The acceleration value of the grill (100, 200 and 300) complies with the acceleration values of pedestrian norms.
[0048] FIG. 12 depicts a graph plot between knee bending angle (degrees) on y-axis and time (seconds) on x-axis of the conventional grill and the grill, according to the embodiments (first, second and third embodiment) of the invention as disclosed herein. As can be deduced from the graph, it is clearly evident that the knee bending angle value of the grill (100, 200 and 300) is lower than the knee bending angle of the conventional grill. The knee bending angle of the grill (100, 200 and 300) complies with the knee bending value of pedestrian norms.
[0049] Therefore, a grill (100, 200 and 300) for a vehicle bumper B is provided for a vehicle.
[0050] 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:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A grill 100 for a vehicle bumper B, said grill 100 comprising:
a peripheral frame 102 having a first portion 102a extending along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the first portion 102a is adjacent to an upper portion of the vehicle bumper B; a second portion 102b extending from corresponding end of the first portion 102a in a downward direction and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 102a, where the second portion 102b is adjacent to a driver side front wheel of the vehicle; a third portion 102c extending from corresponding end of the first portion 102a in a downward direction and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 102a, where the third portion 102c is adjacent to a passenger side front wheel of the vehicle; and a fourth portion 102d transversely extending between corresponding end of the second portion 102b and the third portion 102c along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the fourth portion 102d is adjacent to a lower portion of the vehicle bumper B;
a plurality of longitudinal links 104 transversely extending between the second portion 102b and the third portion 102c of said peripheral frame 102 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other, said plurality of longitudinal links 106 comprising at least one first longitudinal link 104a and at least one second longitudinal link 104b; and
a plurality of cross links 106 comprising a plurality of first cross links 106a transversely extending between the first portion 102a of said peripheral frame 102 and a portion of said first longitudinal link 104a, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other; a plurality of second cross links 106b transversely extending between another portion of said first longitudinal link 104a and said second longitudinal link 104b, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other; and a plurality of third cross links 106c transversely extending between said second longitudinal link 104b and the fourth portion 102d of said peripheral frame 102, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other,
wherein
the first portion 102a, the second portion 102b, the third portion 102c and the fourth portion 102d of said peripheral frame 102, said plurality of longitudinal links 104 and said plurality of cross links 106 define a plurality of air intake passages 108;
the first portion 102a of said peripheral frame 102, at least a portion of the second portion 102b of said peripheral frame 102, at least a portion of the third portion 102c of said peripheral frame 102, at least a portion of said first longitudinal link 104a and said plurality of first cross links 106a are disposed substantially in an upright position; and
at least another portion of the second portion 102b of said peripheral frame 102, at least another portion of the third portion 102c of said peripheral frame 102, the fourth portion 102d of said peripheral frame 102, at least another portion of said first longitudinal link 104a, said second longitudinal link 104b, said plurality of second cross links 106b and said plurality of third cross links 106c are disposed at a predefined angle from a vertical plane of said grill 100, where the vertical plane is substantially parallel to said first cross links 106a.

2. The grill 100 as claimed in claim 1 is provided with a predefined approach angle on the vehicle bumper B.

3. The grill 100 as claimed in claim 1 is provided with 25 degree approach angle on the vehicle bumper B.

4. The grill 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a length of said first longitudinal link 104a is lesser than the length of said second longitudinal link 104b.

5. The grill 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein another portion of said first longitudinal link 104a is substantially parallel to said second longitudinal link 104b.
6. The grill 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of second cross links 106b and said plurality of third cross links 106c are substantially parallel to each other.

7. The grill 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein said plurality of second cross links 106b and said plurality of third cross links 106c are substantially transverse to said plurality of first cross links 106a thereby restricting cantilever and sagging of said longitudinal links 104.

8. The grill 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein said plurality of first cross links 106a are substantially transverse to a portion of said first longitudinal link 104a, said second longitudinal link 104b, the first portion 102a, a portion of the second portion 102b, a portion of the third portion 102c and the fourth portion 102d of said peripheral frame 102 thereby restricting cantilever and sagging of said longitudinal links 104 and to provide better stiffness to said longitudinal links 104.

9. The grill 100 as claimed in claim 8, wherein a height of each of said second cross link 106b and each of said third cross link 106c are lesser than the height of each of said first cross link 106a.

10. The grill 100 as claimed in claim 1 is at least a lower grill.
11. A grill 200 for a vehicle bumper B, said grill 200 comprising:
a peripheral frame 202 having a first portion 202a extending along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the first portion 202a is adjacent to an upper portion of the vehicle bumper B; a second portion 202b extending from corresponding end of the first portion 202a in a downward direction and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 202a, where the second portion 202b is adjacent to a driver side front wheel of the vehicle; a third portion 202c extending from corresponding end of the first portion 202a in a downward direction and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 202a, where the third portion 202c is adjacent to a passenger side front wheel of the vehicle; and a fourth portion 202d transversely extending between corresponding end of the second portion 202b and the third portion 202c along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the fourth portion 202d is adjacent to a lower portion of the vehicle bumper B;
a plurality of longitudinal links 204 transversely extending between the second portion 202b and the third portion 202c of said peripheral frame 202 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other, said plurality of longitudinal links 206 comprising at least one first longitudinal link 204a and at least one second longitudinal link 204b; and
a plurality of cross links 206 comprising a plurality of first cross links 206a extending between the first portion 202a of said peripheral frame 202 and a portion of said first longitudinal link 204a at a predefined angle, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other; a plurality of second cross links 206b extending between another portion of said first longitudinal link 204a and said second longitudinal link 204b at a predefined angle, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other; and a plurality of third cross links 206c extending between said second longitudinal link 204b and the fourth portion 202d of said peripheral frame 202 at a predefined angle, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other ,
wherein
the first portion 202a, the second portion 202b, the third portion 202c and the fourth portion 202d of said peripheral frame 202, said plurality of longitudinal links 204 and said plurality of cross links 206 define a plurality of air intake passages 208;
the first portion 202a of said peripheral frame 202, at least a portion of the second portion 202b of said peripheral frame 202, at least a portion of the third portion 202c of said peripheral frame 202, at least a portion of said first longitudinal link 204a and said plurality of first cross links 206a are disposed substantially in an upright position; and
at least another portion of the second portion 202b of said peripheral frame 202, at least another portion of the third portion 202c of said peripheral frame 202, the fourth portion 202d of said peripheral frame 202, at least another portion of said first longitudinal link 204a, said second longitudinal link 204b, said plurality of second cross links 206b and said plurality of third cross links 206c are disposed at a predefined angle from a vertical plane of said grill 200, where the vertical plane is substantially parallel to said first cross links 206a.

12. The grill 200 as claimed in claim 11 is provided with a predefined approach angle on the vehicle bumper B.

13. The grill 200 as claimed in claim 11 is provided with a 25 degree approach angle on the vehicle bumper B.

14. The grill 200 as claimed in claim 11, wherein a length of said first longitudinal link 204a is lesser than the length of said second longitudinal link 204b.

15. The grill 200 as claimed in claim 14, wherein a portion of said first longitudinal link 204a is substantially parallel to the first portion 202a of said peripheral frame 202.

16. The grill 200 as claimed in claim 15, wherein another portion of said first longitudinal link 204a is substantially parallel to said second longitudinal link 204b.

17. The grill 200 as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second longitudinal link 204b is substantially parallel to the fourth portion 202d of said peripheral frame 202.

18. The grill 200 as claimed in claim 11, wherein said plurality of first cross links 206a and said plurality of second cross links 206b are substantially transverse to each other thereby restricting cantilever and sagging of said longitudinal links 204.

19. The grill 200 as claimed in claim 18, wherein a height of each of said second cross link 206b and each of said third cross link 206c are lesser than the height of each of said first cross link 206a.

20. The grill 200 as claimed in claim 11 is at least a lower grill.

21. A grill 300 for a vehicle bumper B, said grill 300 comprising:
a peripheral frame 302 having a first portion 302a extending along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the first portion 302a is adjacent to an upper portion of the vehicle bumper B; a second portion 302b extending from corresponding end of the first portion 302a in a downward direction and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 302a, where the second portion 302b is adjacent to a driver side front wheel of the vehicle; a third portion 302c extending from corresponding end of the first portion 302a in a downward direction and provided at a predefined angle from corresponding end of the first portion 302a, where the third portion 302c is adjacent to a passenger side front wheel of the vehicle; and a fourth portion 302d transversely extending between corresponding end of the second portion 302b and the third portion 302c along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, where the fourth portion 302d is adjacent to a lower portion of the vehicle bumper B;
a plurality of longitudinal links 304 transversely extending between the second portion 302b and the third portion 302c of said peripheral frame 302 along the widthwise direction of the vehicle, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other, said plurality of longitudinal links 306 comprising at least one first longitudinal link 304a and at least one second longitudinal link 304b; and
a plurality of cross links 306 comprising a plurality of first cross links 306a transversely extending between the first portion 302a of said peripheral frame 302 and a portion of said first longitudinal link 304a, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other; a plurality of second cross links 306b transversely extending between another portion of said first longitudinal link 304a and said second longitudinal link 304b, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other; and a plurality of third cross links 306c transversely extending between said second longitudinal link 304b and the fourth portion 302d of said peripheral frame 302, and provided at a predetermined distance from each other,
wherein
the first portion 302a, the second portion 302b, the third portion 302c and the fourth portion 302d of said peripheral frame 302, said plurality of longitudinal links 304 and said plurality of cross links 306 define a plurality of air intake passages 308;
the first portion 302a of said peripheral frame 302, at least a portion of the second portion 302b of said peripheral frame 302, at least a portion of the third portion 302c of said peripheral frame 302, at least a portion of said first longitudinal link 304a and said plurality of first cross links 306a are disposed substantially in an upright position; and
at least another portion of the second portion 302b of said peripheral frame 302, at least another portion of the third portion 302c of said peripheral frame 302, the fourth portion 302d of said peripheral frame 302, at least another portion of said first longitudinal link 304a, said second longitudinal link 304b, said plurality of second cross links 306b and said plurality of third cross links 306c are disposed at a predefined angle from a vertical plane of said grill 300, where the vertical plane is substantially parallel to said first cross links 306a.

22. The grill 300 as claimed in claim 21 is provided with a predefined approach angle on the vehicle bumper B.

23. The grill 300 as claimed in claim 21 is provided with 25 degree approach angle on the vehicle bumper B.

24. The grill 300 as claimed in claim 21, wherein a length of said first longitudinal link 304a is lesser than the length of said second longitudinal link 304b.

25. The grill 300 as claimed in claim 24, wherein another portion of said first longitudinal link 304a is substantially parallel to said second longitudinal link 304b.

26. The grill 300 as claimed in claim 21, wherein said plurality of second cross links 306b and said plurality of third cross links 306c are substantially parallel to each other.
27. The grill 300 as claimed in claim 26, wherein said plurality of second cross links 306b and said plurality of third cross links 306c are substantially transverse to said plurality of first cross links 306a thereby restricting cantilever and sagging of said longitudinal links 304.

28. The grill 300 as claimed in claim 27, wherein said plurality of first cross links 306a are substantially transverse to a portion of said first longitudinal link 304a, said second longitudinal link 304b, the first portion 302a, a portion of the second portion 302b, a portion of the third portion 302c and the fourth portion 302d of said peripheral frame 302 thereby restricting cantilever and sagging of said longitudinal links 304 and to provide better stiffness to said longitudinal links 304.

29. The grill 300 as claimed in claim 28, wherein said plurality of cross links 306 (306a, 306b and 306c) substantially defines a leaf shape configuration.

30. The grill 300 as claimed in claim 21 is at least a lower grill.