DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Application 202141035987 filed on 09th August 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a vehicle structure, more particularly, to a pillar reinforcement structure for a front A pillar right side of the vehicle structure.
BACKGROUND
[002] In general, a front pillar forming a front edge portion of a front door opening has a structure in which a pillar outer panel and a pillar inner panel are joined to form a rectangular box cross section. A door hinge of a front door, a door checker that regulates a degree of opening of the front door, and a pillar inner to pillar member that supports a steering column and an instrument panel are attached to the front pillar, so that a reinforcing member may be disposed in the attached portion to increase strength and rigidity. The front portion of the vehicle, that is, on each side of the vehicle, an area of the bodywork between a passage of front wheel (as well as to the boundary of the apron) and a recess of front door, which carries the upper and lower hinges of the front door, is subject to stresses potentially violent in an event of a frontal impact i.e. when the vehicle has a serious frontal collision, the upper inner plate and lower plate of the A-pillar deforms due to the compression of the parts in the cabin and the tires, which causes the front door frame to deform, thereby causing a situation where the door cannot be opened easily. The inability to open the door not only hinders the escape of the occupants or passengers, but also hinders the rescue of the occupants by the ambulance personnel, whereby results in missing the best treatment time and increase in the casualty rate of the accident.
[003] In general, a reinforcement structure may be adopted in the front pillar which is configured to avoid the impact energy of the collision by transmitting input impact energy from the front end of the vehicle toa rear end of the vehicle. However, the current designs of such assemblies of reinforcement are complex, costly and generate significant mounting stress on the vehicle body. Further, these assemblies are composed of many parts (reinforcements, stiffeners, cores, gussets, etc.) that are derived from their manufacture of cold drawing tools and also hot formed Meta tools. The design of such parts therefore requires significant investments of the fact of tools costly, due to the size of the ranges and the number of tools in each range.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a pillar reinforcement structure for a front A pillar right side of the vehicle structure, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of an embodiment herein is to provide a pillar reinforcement structure for a front A pillar right side of the vehicle structure.
[006] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a pillar reinforcement structure which is disposed at a door hinge portion of the front pillar of the vehicle structure.
[007] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide the pillar reinforcement structure which forms a unique joinery between A pillar bulkhead and A pillar inner and outer panel for stronger connection in a body in white of the vehicle.
[008] Yet another object of an embodiment herein is to provide the pillar reinforcement structure which provides higher structural strength, ensures the strength of the pillar and reduces the deformation to the pillar during frontal collision.
[009] 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
[0010] 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:
[0011] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a pillar reinforcement structure, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] Fig. 2 depicts another perspective view of the pillar reinforcement structure, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0013] Fig. 3 depicts a bottom view of the pillar reinforcement structure, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0014] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of the reinforcement structure assembled to a front right side A pillar of a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] 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.
[0016] The embodiments herein achieve a pillar reinforcement structure for a front A pillar right side of the vehicle structure. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the pillar reinforcement structure which is disposed at a door hinge portion of the front pillar of the vehicle structure. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the pillar reinforcement structure which forms a unique joinery between a pillar bulkhead and a pillar inner and outer panel for stronger connection in a body in white of the vehicle. Additionally, the embodiments herein achieve the pillar reinforcement structure which provides higher structural strength, ensures the strength of the pillar and reduces the deformation to the pillar during frontal collision. Referring now to the drawing, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0017] Figs. 1 and 2 depict perspective views of a pillar reinforcement structure, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the pillar reinforcement structure (100) is disposed at a door hinge portion (134) of a vehicle structure (V) (as shown in Fig. 4). In an embodiment, the pillar reinforcement structure (100) includes a first wall (102), a third wall (104), a second wall (106), a top right-side flange (108), a top left-side first flange (110a), a top left-side second flange (110b), a top inner flange (112), a first opening (114), a plurality of apertures (116), a bottom right-side flange (118), a bottom left-side flange (120), a bottom inner flange (122), a right-side flange (124) and a left-side flange (126). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the pillar reinforcement structure (100) is explained herein below with reference to a front structure of a motor vehicle (car). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the pillar reinforcement structure to any similar vehicular structure without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pillar reinforcement structure as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0018] The pillar reinforcement structure (100) includes the first wall (102) which extends between A pillar lower inner panel (128) and a body outer side (130) in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle and extends between A pillar front vertical wall third wall (132) and A pillar rear vertical wall (134) along a widthwise direction of the vehicle. Further, the pillar reinforcement structure (100) includes a plurality of top flanges (TF) which include the top right-side flange (108), the top left-side first flange (110a), the top left-side second flange (110b), and the top inner flange (112) which extend transversely and away from the first wall (102) in the right side, left side and the A pillar lower inner panel side (128), respectively. The top inner flange (112) defines an opening (112o) at a predetermined location to receive at least one fastening member (not shown).
[0019] The pillar reinforcement structure (100) includes the second wall (106) which is disposed parallel to the first wall (102) with a predetermined space defined in between them. The second wall (106) extends between the A pillar lower inner panel (128) and the body outer side (130) in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle and extends between the A pillar front vertical wall (132) and the A pillar rear vertical wall (134) along the widthwise direction of the vehicle. Further, the pillar reinforcement structure (100) includes a plurality of bottom flanges (BF) which include the bottom right-side flange (118), the bottom left-side flange (120), and the bottom inner flange (122) which extend transversely and away from the second wall (106) in the right side, left side and the A pillar lower inner panel side (128), respectively. The bottom inner flange (122) defines an opening (122o) at a predetermined location to receive at least one fastening member (not shown).
[0020] Fig. 3 depicts a bottom view of the pillar reinforcement structure, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) further includes the third wall (104) which is disposed transverse to the first wall (102) and the second wall (106). One end of the third wall (104) is connected to the first wall (102) and other end of the third wall (104) is connected to the second wall (106). Further, the third wall (104) includes a bulge portion (104b) which is formed substantially at mid portion of the third wall (104). In an embodiment, the bulge portion (104b) defines the first opening (114) and a plurality of apertures (116). The first opening (114) is at least a through hole which is adapted to receive a portion of hinge (134) of the vehicle. Further, the plurality of apertures (116) are adapted to receive corresponding fastening means to connect the third wall (104) with the body outer side (130) of the vehicle. Furthermore, the pillar reinforcement structure (100) includes a plurality of side flanges (SF) which include a right-side flange (124) extending towards a right side of said third wall (104) at predetermined position and a left-side flange (126) extending towards a left side of said third wall (104) at predetermined position.
[0021] In an embodiment, the pillar reinforcement structure (100) is made-up of composite material. In an embodiment, the pillar reinforcement structure (100) is substantially U-shaped in construction. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the pillar reinforcement structure in any shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pillar reinforcement structure as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) is adapted to provide a unique joinery between A pillar bulkhead and A pillar inner, outer panel for stronger connection in the body in white. In an embodiment, the pillar reinforcement structure (100) is adapted to transfer impact energy of a collision from a front side to a rear side of the vehicle.
[0022] In an embodiment, the top inner flange (112) and the bottom inner flange (122) are connected to the A pillar lower inner panel (128) using at least one bolt and nut assembly which is adapted to be received through the openings (112o) and (122o). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any type of connecting means between the pillar reinforcement structure (100) and the vehicular structure without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pillar reinforcement structure as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, the top right-side flange (108), the top left-side first flange (110a), the top left-side second flange (110b), the bottom right-side flange (118), the bottom left-side flange (120), and the right-side flange (124) and the left-side flange (126) of the pillar reinforcement structure (100) are connected to the corresponding A pillar front vertical wall (132) and A pillar rear vertical wall (134) by spot welding. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any type of connecting means between the pillar reinforcement structure (100) and the vehicular structure without otherwise deterring the intended function of the pillar reinforcement structure as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0023] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of the reinforcement structure assembled to a front right side A pillar of a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) is disposed towards the front right side A pillar of the vehicle such that the pillar reinforcement structure (100) extends between A pillar lower inner panel (128) and the body outer side (130) in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle and extends between A pillar front vertical wall (132) and A pillar rear vertical wall (134) along the widthwise direction of the vehicle.
[0024] The technical advantages provided by the embodiments herein include higher structural strength, ensures the strength of the pillar and reduces the deformation to the pillar during frontal collision.
[0025] 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 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:1. A pillar reinforcement structure (100) disposed at a door hinge portion (134) of a vehicle structure (V), comprising:
a first wall (102);
a second wall (106), said second wall (106) disposed parallel to said first wall (102) in a spaced relation;
a third wall (104) disposed transversely between said first wall (102) and said second wall (106);
a plurality of top flanges (TF) extending from said first wall (102) at predetermined positions;
a plurality of bottom flanges (BF) extending from said second wall (106) at predetermined positions;
a plurality of side flanges (SF) connected to said third wall (104) at predetermined positions; and
a plurality of apertures (116) defined in said third wall (104) at predetermined positions.

2. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first wall (102) extends between an A-pillar lower inner panel (128) and a body outer side (130) in a lengthwise direction of said vehicle structure (V), said first wall (102) extends between an A pillar front third wall (132) and an A-pillar rear third wall (134) along a widthwise direction of said vehicle structure (V).

3. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second wall (106) extends between said A-pillar lower inner panel (128) and said body outer side (130) in the lengthwise direction of said vehicle structure (V), and said second wall (106) extends between said A pillar front third wall (132) and said A pillar rear third wall (134) along the widthwise direction of the vehicle structure (V).

4. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one end of said third wall (104) is connected to the first wall (102) and other end of the third wall (104) is connected to the second wall (106).

5. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, where said plurality of apertures (116) are adapted to receive corresponding fastening means to connect said third wall (104) with said body outer side (130) of said vehicle.

6. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of top flanges (TF) include:
a top right-side flange (108) extending from a right side of said first wall (102) at a predetermined position, said top right-side flange (108) extends transversely and away from said first wall (102);
a top left-side first flange (110a) and a top left-side second flange (110b) extending from a left side of said first wall (102) at predetermined positions, said top left-side first flange (110a) and a top left-side second flange (110b) extends transversely and away from said first wall (102); and
a top inner flange (112) extending towards said A-pillar lower inner panel (128), said top inner flange (112) extending transversely and away from said first wall (102),
wherein said top inner flange (112) defines an opening (112o) at a predetermined position to receive at least one fastening member.

7. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of bottom flanges (BF) include:
a bottom right-side flange (118) extending towards a right side of said second wall (106) at a predetermined position, said bottom right-side flange (118) extends transversely and away from said first wall (106);
a bottom left-side flange (120) extending from a left side of said second wall (106) at predetermined position, said bottom left-side flange (120) extends transversely and away from said second wall (106); and
a bottom inner flange (122) extending towards said A pillar lower inner panel side (128), said bottom inner flange (122) extends transversely and away from said first wall (106),
wherein an opening (122o) is defined in said bottom inner flange at a predetermined position to receive at least one fastening member.

8. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of side flanges (SF) include:
a right-side flange (124) extending towards a right side of said third wall (104) at predetermined position; and
a left-side flange (126) extending towards a left side of said third wall (104) at predetermined position,
wherein said third wall (104) comprises of a bulge portion (104b) defined at a mid-portion of said third wall (104),

9. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a first opening (114) and said plurality of apertures (116) are defined in said bulge portion (104b) at predetermined positions, wherein said first opening (114) is at least a through hole (number) which is adapted to receive a portion of a hinge (134) of said vehicle structure (V).

10. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pillar reinforcement structure (100) is at least a U-shaped structure, wherein said pillar reinforcement structure (100) is made-up of a composite material.

11. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said top inner flange (112) is connected to said A pillar lower inner panel (128) by at least one bolt and nut assembly, said bolt is adapted to be received through said top inner flange opening (112o) to be connected to said nut, wherein said bottom inner flange (122) is connected to said A pillar lower inner panel (128) by at least one bolt and nut assembly, said bolt is adapted to be received through said bottom inner flange opening (122o) to be connected to said nut.

12. The pillar reinforcement structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said the top right-side flange (108), said top left-side first flange (110a), said top left-side second flange (110b), said bottom right-side flange (118), said bottom left-side flange (120), said right-side flange (124) and said left-side flange (126) of the pillar reinforcement structure (100) are connected to corresponding said A pillar front vertical wall (132) and said A pillar rear vertical wall (134) by spot welding.