[001]
The present subject matter
described herein,
relates to
a rear body structure
for an automobil
e
and more particularly, relates to a
reinforcement provid
ing
increased
bending and
torsional stiffness
to the rear body structure
of the
5
automobile
.
BACKGROUND
AND PRIOR ART:
[002]
In the vehicle
or automobile
running condition, when one of the tires
enter
s
a
pot hole or bump, the body experiences a twist. The ability of the vehicle
body to withstand or counter this twist moment depends on torsional stiffness
of
10
the vehicle frame and associated components
. Higher the body torsional stiffness
better is the handl
ing performance of
the
vehicle. The design of back door
or
tailgate
opening area plays a critical role in the body torsional stiffness. The
backdoor opening area of a body in white usually consists of panels like roof
panel, side body extension panel, rear
lamp housing member, back panel outer etc.
15
The design of the 4 corners (top 2 and bottom 2) of D
-
ring area has
a
major
impact on the body torsional stiffness
.
[003]
United States
Patent publication
US20170203795A1
provides
structural
reinforcement assembly for
a vehicle body structure. The assembly may include a
pillar portion, a roof cross member, and a bead formation. The pillar portion may
20
be
disposed at a rear upper corner region of the body structure and between a rear
quarter window opening and a liftgate
opening defined by the body structure. The
roof cross member may extend along an upper portion of the liftgate opening. The
bead formation may extend from the pillar portion to the roof cross member to
reinforce the rear upper corner region. The bead form
ation may define an arc
25
shape having a first end located adjacent the roof cross member and an access
hole
.
[004]
T
he
US
prior art
provides
an arc shaped
continuous
bead formation
to
increase stiffness of a vehicle body structure. However, the geometry,
3
location
/position, and orientation of the bead formation do not provide an
effective solution towards the bending and torsional stresses being developed in
the vehicle body structure
.
OBJECTS
OF THE INVENTION
:
[005]
T
he principal objective of the present invention is to
provide
a reinforced
5
rear body structure for an automobile
that does not have the drawbacks or
shortco
mings of the conventional
reinforcing techniques
.
[006]
Another object of the present subject matter is
to
provide
a simple
, cost
effective,
and efficient
ly
d
esign
ed
reinforced rear body structure
that is distinct
from all conventional designs
.
10
SUMMARY
OF THE INVENTION:
[007]
The
present invention
relates to
a
reinforced rear body structure for an
automobile
.
T
he reinforced rear body structure
includes
a roof panel
defining a
rear roof left corner and a rear roof right corner
.
T
he rear roof left corner and the
rear roof right corner defin
e
a
first
width
. The reinforced rear body structure also
15
includes
a side body outer extension panel coupled to the roof panel,
the
side body
outer extension panel defin
e
s
a top left corner coupled to the rear roof left corner,
and a top right corner coupled to the rear roof right corner,
the top left corner and
the top right corner defin
e
a
second
width
. The reinforced rear body struc
ture
further includes
a plurality of reinforcing beads disposed on the top left corner, the
20
top right corner, the rear roof left corner, and the rear roof right corner, the
plurality of reinforcing beads defin
e
a
third
width, a length greater than the
thir
d
width, and a height,
wherein, the length of the plurality of reinforcing beads is
substantially longitudinal along the first width and the second width
.
[008]
In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of
25
the present subject mat
ter, a description relating thereto will be made with
reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative
only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
4
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
OF THE DRAWINGS
[009]
It is to be noted, howe
ver, that the appended drawings illustrate only
typical embodiments of
the present subject matter
and are therefore not to be
considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally
effective embodiments.
The detailed description
is described with reference to the
5
accompanying figures. In the figures, the left
-
most digit(s) of a reference number
identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same
numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like fea
tures and
components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with
embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example,
10
and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which
:
[0010]
Fig. 1
illustrates a
conventional rear
body structure of an automobile
;
[0011]
Fig.
2
a
illustrates
a second solution
of improving stiffness of panels of
conventional rear body structure of Fig. 1
;
[0012]
Fig. 2b illustrates a sectional view about a section A
-
A’
of Fig. 2a;
15
[0013]
Fig. 3 illustrates
a reinforced rea
r body structure for an automobile in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
;
[0014]
Fig.
4 shows
a reinforcing bead of a
plurality of reinforcing beads
disposed on the reinforced rear body structure
of Fig.
3
in accordance with an
embodiment of
the present disclosure
;
20
[0015]
Fig. 5a illustrates a portion of the reinforced rear body structure of Fig. 3;
[0016]
Fig. 5b shows a sectional view about a section B
-
B’
of the
reinforced
rear
body
structure
of Fig. 5a;
[0017]
Fig. 5c shows a sectional view of the top right co
rner in absence of the
reinforcing bead;
25
[0018]
Figs. 6a and 6b
respectively
shows exemplary views of deformation
caused to the portion of the
conventional
,
and
reinforced rear body structure of
Fig. 5
c and Fig. 5b
;
5
[0019]
Fig. 7a illustrates another portion of the rein
forced rear body structure
of
Fig. 3;
[0020]
Fig. 7b shows a sectional view about a section C
-
C’
of the
reinforced
rear
body
structure
of Fig. 7a;
[0021]
Fig. 7c shows a sectional view of the rear roof right corner in absence of
5
the reinforcing bead;
and
[0022]
Figs. 8a and 8b
respectively
shows exemplary views of deformation
caused
to
another
portion of the
conventional
,
and
reinforced rear body structure
of Fig. 7
c and Fig. 7
b
.
[0023]
The
figures
depict embodiments of the
present subject matter
for
the
10
purposes of illustration only.
A person
skilled in the art will
easily
recognize from
the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and
methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles
of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRI
PTION OF THE
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
15
[0024]
The present disclosure presents embodiments for
a
reinforced rear body
structure for an automobile. The reinforced rear body structure includes a roof
panel defining a rear roof left corner and a rear roof right corner.
The rear roof left
corner and the rear roof right corner define a first width. The reinforced rear body
structure also includes a side body outer extension panel coupled to the roof panel,
20
the side body outer extension panel define a top left corner couple
d to the rear
roof left corner, and a top right corner coupled to the rear roof right corner, the top
left corner and the top right corner define a second width. The reinforced rear
body structure further includes a plurality of reinforcing beads disposed
on the top
left corner, the top right corner, the rear roof left corner, and the rear roof right
25
corner, the plurality of reinforcing beads define a third width, a length greater than
the third width, and a height, wherein, the length of the plurality of r
einforcing
beads is substantially longitudinal along the first width and the second width
.
6
[0025]
It
should
be
noted
that the description and figures merely illustrate the
principles of the present subject
matter
. It should be appreciated by those skilled
in the
art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily
utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the
same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those
5
skilled in the ar
t that by devising various arrangements that, although not
explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject
matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples
recited herein are principally inte
nded expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to
aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the
10
concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be
construed as being without limitation to such
specifically recited examples and
conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the
present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages will be better unders
tood from the
15
following description when considered in connection with the accompanying
figures.
[0026]
These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be
described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be
noted that
the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject
20
matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise
various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the
principles of
the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0027]
Fig. 1 illustrates
a conventional rear body structure 100
of an automobile
(not shown).
The rear body structure 100 constituting a roof panel 102 coupled to
25
a side panel 104.
As discussed in r
eference to the background, as the automobile
moves on an uneven surface and encounters any pot holes, bumps etc, torsional
and bending stresses are developed in the roof panel 102 and the side panel 104,
the stresses being capable of deforming the panel 1
02 and 104.
A first solution
7
provided for improving the stiffness of the panels 102 and 104 includes increasing
the thickness of the panels 102 and 104.
[0028]
Fig. 2a illustrates a second solution
for
improving the stiffness of the
panels 102 and 104, wherein a
dditional reinforcements 202 are added to lower
corners of the side panel 104.
Fig. 2b illustrates a sectional view about a section
5
A
-
A’ passing through the reinforcements 202 of Fig. 2a.
The first and the second
solution
s
lead to increase in the sectional
stiffness of the panels 102 and 104,
which in turn improves a global torsion stiffness of the
rear body structure 100
.
However, the aforementioned solutions include limitations like
weight addition
,
cost addition due to additional reinforcements
,
deterior
ation in fuel efficiency due
10
to weight addition
, unfeasible
reinforcement addition
, and many more.
[0029]
Fig. 3 illustrates a reinforced rear body structure 300 for an automobile in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The reinforced rear
bod
y structure 300 is configured to overcome the limitations associated with the
prior solutions in an effective way
.
As shown, the reinforced rear body structure
15
300 includes a
roof panel 302. The roof panel 302 defines a rear roof left corner
304
and a rear
roof right corner
306.
T
he rear roof left corner
304
and the rear
roof right corner
306
defin
e
a
first
width (Wr).
[0030]
The reinforced rear body structure 300 further includes a side body outer
extension panel
308
coupled to the roof panel
302
.
In an embodime
nt,
the side
20
body outer extension panel
308
defin
es
a top left corner
310
coupled to the rear
roof left corner
304
, and a top right corner
312
coupled to the rear roof right
corner
306.
T
he top left corner
310
and the top right corner
312
defin
es
a
second
width (Ws).
[0031]
As illustrated in Fig. 3, the reinforced rear body structure 300 further
25
includes a plurality of reinforcing beads
314
disposed on the top left corner
310
,
the top right corner
312
, the rear roof left corner
304
, and the rear roof right
corner
306
. In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4,
the plurality of reinforcing
beads
314
defin
e
a
third
width (Wb), a length (Lb) greater than the
third
width
(Wb), and a height (Hb).
In continuing reference to Fig. 3 representing the
30
8
reinforced rear body struct
ure 300, the length (Lb) of the plurality of reinforcing
beads 314 is substantially
longitudinal
along
the first width (Wr)
of the rear roof
left corner 304 and the rear roof right corner 306
,
and
the second width (Ws)
of
the top left corner 310 and the to
p right corner 312
.
Alternatively, the length (Lb)
of the plurality of reinforcing beads (314)
may be
substantially diagonal along the
5
first width (Wr) and the second width (Ws).
[0032]
In an embodiment, the
third
width (Wb), the length (Lb), and the height
(Hb)
of the plurality of reinforcing beads 314 is either constant or variable.
Further, the plurality of reinforcing beads 314
include one of a uniform, non
-
uniform, linear, non
-
linear, regular, irregular, arcuate, concave, or convex
10
geometry.
[0033]
Fig. 5a illustrat
es a portion of the reinforced rear body structure 300
depicting the top right corner 312 of the side body outer extension panel 308.
As
seen, the top right corner 312 is provided with the reinforcing bead 314.
Fig. 5b
shows a sectional view about
a
sectio
n B
-
B’
of the
reinforced rear body structure
15
300
of Fig. 5a
, and Fig. 5c shows a sectional view of the top right corner 312 in
absence of the reinforcing bead 314
.
In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5b, the
reinforcing bead 314 increases a local area of th
e top right corner 312
of the
side
body outer extension panel 308 as compared to conventional design when no
reinforcing bead
314
is added
, and hence thereby increasing a stiffness of the top
20
right corner
312
to counter bending and torsional stresses
actin
g along
a section
X
-
X’
.
Likewise, the reinforcing bead 314 is configured to increase a local area,
and in turn a stiffness of the top left corner 31
0
of the
side body outer extension
panel 308
to counter bending and torsional stresses.
[0034]
Fig
s
. 6a and 6b sho
ws exemplary views of deformation caused to the top
25
right corner 31
2
, or the top left corner 310
of the side body outer extension panel
308
under bending and torsional stresses acting along the section X
-
X’ in absence
and presence of the reinforcing bead 3
14 respectively.
As is evident from Fig. 6b,
deformation of the top right corner 31
2
or the top left corner 310
is less due the
provision of the reinforcing bead 314.
30
9
[0035]
Fig. 7a illustrates another portion of the reinforced rear body structure 300
depicting
the rear roof left corner 304, and the rear roof right corner 306 of the
roof panel 302.
As seen, the rear roof left corner 304 and the rear roof right corner
306 are provided with the plurality of reinforcing beads 314.
Fig. 7
b
shows a
sectional view abou
t a section C
-
C’
of the
reinforced rear body structure
300
of
5
Fig. 7a.
In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7
b
, the reinforcing bead 314
increases a local area of the rear roof right corner 306
of the roof panel 302 as
compared to conventional design
, shown
in Fig. 7c,
when no reinforcing bead
314
is added
, and hence thereby increasing a stiffness of the rear roof right corner 306
to counter bending and torsional stresses acting along a section Y
-
Y’.
Likewise,
10
the reinforcing bead 314 is configured to increas
e a local area, and in turn a
stiffness of the rear roof left corner 304
of the roof panel 302
to counter bending
and torsional stresses.
[0036]
Figs. 8a and 8b shows exemplary views of deformation caused to the rear
roof left corner 304, or the rear roof right
corner 306
of the roof panel 302
under
15
bending and torsional stresses acting along the section Y
-
Y’ in absence and
presence of the reinforcing bead 314 respectively. As is evident from Fig.
8
b,
deformation of the
rear roof left corner 304, or the rear roof
right corner 306
is
less due the provision of the reinforcing bead 314.
[0037]
Hence, the plurality of reinforcing beads increases the sectional stiffness of
20
the
roof
panel
3
02
,
and
the side body outer extension panel 308
, which in turn
improves a global torsio
n stiffness of the
reinforced
rear body structure
3
00.
Further, in reference to the
above
-
mentioned
embodiments, only one reinforcing
bead 314 is provided
on
the top left corner 310, the top right corner 312, the rear
roof left corner 304, and the rear roo
f right corner 306 of the reinforced rear body
25
structure 300. However, in alternative embodiments, multiple reinforcing beads
314 may be provided
, as per design requirements,
at multiple locations of the
reinforced rear body structure 300.
[0038]
Although embodim
ents for the present subject matter have been
described
in
language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the
present
30
10
subject matter
is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather,
the specific features and met
hods are disclosed as embodiments for the present
subject matter.
Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system
/
component
of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is
intended by the appended claims to cover
all such modifications and adaptations
5
which fall within
the
scope of
the present subject matter.

Claims:We claim:
1. A reinforced rear body structure (300) for an automobile, the reinforced rear body structure (300) comprising:
a roof panel (302) defining a rear roof left corner (304) and a rear roof right corner (306), the rear roof left corner (304) and the rear roof right corner (306) defining a first width (Wr);
a side body outer extension panel (308) coupled to the roof panel (302), the side body outer extension panel (308) defining a top left corner (310) coupled to the rear roof left corner (304), and a top right corner (312) coupled to the rear roof right corner (306), the top left corner (310) and the top right corner (312) defining a second width (Ws); and
a plurality of reinforcing beads (314) disposed on the top left corner (310), the top right corner (312), the rear roof left corner (304), and the rear roof right corner (306), the plurality of reinforcing beads (314) defining a third width (Wb), a length (Lb) greater than the third width (Wb), and a height (Hb),
wherein, the length (Lb) of the plurality of reinforcing beads (314) is substantially longitudinal along the first width (Wr) and the second width (Ws).
2. The reinforced rear body structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of reinforcing beads (314) increase a local area of the top left corner (310), the top right corner (312), the rear roof left corner (304), and the rear roof right corner (306).
3. The reinforced rear body structure (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of reinforcing beads (314) increase a stiffness of the top left corner (310), the top right corner (312), the rear roof left corner (304), and the rear roof right corner (306) based on an increase in the local area.
4. The reinforced rear body structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, the length (Lb) of the plurality of reinforcing beads (314) is substantially diagonal along the first width (Wr) and the second width (Ws).
5. The reinforced rear body structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third width (Wb), the length (Lb), and the height (Hb) of the plurality of reinforcing beads (314) is either constant or variable.
6. The reinforced rear body structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of reinforcing beads (314) includes one of a uniform, non-uniform, linear, non-linear, regular, irregular, arcuate, concave, or convex geometry.
, Description:REINFORCED REAR BODY STRUCTURE FOR AN AUTOMOBILE
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a rear body structure for an automobile and more particularly, relates to a reinforcement providing increased bending and torsional stiffness to the rear body structure of the automobile.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] In the vehicle or automobile running condition, when one of the tires enters a pot hole or bump, the body experiences a twist. The ability of the vehicle body to withstand or counter this twist moment depends on torsional stiffness of the vehicle frame and associated components. Higher the body torsional stiffness better is the handling performance of the vehicle. The design of back door or tailgate opening area plays a critical role in the body torsional stiffness. The backdoor opening area of a body in white usually consists of panels like roof panel, side body extension panel, rear lamp housing member, back panel outer etc. The design of the 4 corners (top 2 and bottom 2) of D-ring area has a major impact on the body torsional stiffness.
[003] United States Patent publication US20170203795A1 provides structural reinforcement assembly for a vehicle body structure. The assembly may include a pillar portion, a roof cross member, and a bead formation. The pillar portion may be disposed at a rear upper corner region of the body structure and between a rear quarter window opening and a liftgate opening defined by the body structure. The roof cross member may extend along an upper portion of the liftgate opening. The bead formation may extend from the pillar portion to the roof cross member to reinforce the rear upper corner region. The bead formation may define an arc shape having a first end located adjacent the roof cross member and an access hole.
[004] The US prior art provides an arc shaped continuous bead formation to increase stiffness of a vehicle body structure. However, the geometry, location/position, and orientation of the bead formation do not provide an effective solution towards the bending and torsional stresses being developed in the vehicle body structure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[005] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a reinforced rear body structure for an automobile that does not have the drawbacks or shortcomings of the conventional reinforcing techniques.
[006] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a simple, cost effective, and efficiently designed reinforced rear body structure that is distinct from all conventional designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[007] The present invention relates to a reinforced rear body structure for an automobile. The reinforced rear body structure includes a roof panel defining a rear roof left corner and a rear roof right corner. The rear roof left corner and the rear roof right corner define a first width. The reinforced rear body structure also includes a side body outer extension panel coupled to the roof panel, the side body outer extension panel defines a top left corner coupled to the rear roof left corner, and a top right corner coupled to the rear roof right corner, the top left corner and the top right corner define a second width. The reinforced rear body structure further includes a plurality of reinforcing beads disposed on the top left corner, the top right corner, the rear roof left corner, and the rear roof right corner, the plurality of reinforcing beads define a third width, a length greater than the third width, and a height, wherein, the length of the plurality of reinforcing beads is substantially longitudinal along the first width and the second width.
[008] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0010] Fig. 1 illustrates a conventional rear body structure of an automobile;
[0011] Fig. 2a illustrates a second solution of improving stiffness of panels of conventional rear body structure of Fig. 1;
[0012] Fig. 2b illustrates a sectional view about a section A-A’ of Fig. 2a;
[0013] Fig. 3 illustrates a reinforced rear body structure for an automobile in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Fig. 4 shows a reinforcing bead of a plurality of reinforcing beads disposed on the reinforced rear body structure of Fig. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Fig. 5a illustrates a portion of the reinforced rear body structure of Fig. 3;
[0016] Fig. 5b shows a sectional view about a section B-B’ of the reinforced rear body structure of Fig. 5a;
[0017] Fig. 5c shows a sectional view of the top right corner in absence of the reinforcing bead;
[0018] Figs. 6a and 6b respectively shows exemplary views of deformation caused to the portion of the conventional, and reinforced rear body structure of Fig. 5c and Fig. 5b;
[0019] Fig. 7a illustrates another portion of the reinforced rear body structure of Fig. 3;
[0020] Fig. 7b shows a sectional view about a section C-C’ of the reinforced rear body structure of Fig. 7a;
[0021] Fig. 7c shows a sectional view of the rear roof right corner in absence of the reinforcing bead; and
[0022] Figs. 8a and 8b respectively shows exemplary views of deformation caused to another portion of the conventional, and reinforced rear body structure of Fig. 7c and Fig. 7b.
[0023] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0024] The present disclosure presents embodiments for a reinforced rear body structure for an automobile. The reinforced rear body structure includes a roof panel defining a rear roof left corner and a rear roof right corner. The rear roof left corner and the rear roof right corner define a first width. The reinforced rear body structure also includes a side body outer extension panel coupled to the roof panel, the side body outer extension panel define a top left corner coupled to the rear roof left corner, and a top right corner coupled to the rear roof right corner, the top left corner and the top right corner define a second width. The reinforced rear body structure further includes a plurality of reinforcing beads disposed on the top left corner, the top right corner, the rear roof left corner, and the rear roof right corner, the plurality of reinforcing beads define a third width, a length greater than the third width, and a height, wherein, the length of the plurality of reinforcing beads is substantially longitudinal along the first width and the second width.
[0025] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0026] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0027] Fig. 1 illustrates a conventional rear body structure 100 of an automobile (not shown). The rear body structure 100 constituting a roof panel 102 coupled to a side panel 104. As discussed in reference to the background, as the automobile moves on an uneven surface and encounters any pot holes, bumps etc, torsional and bending stresses are developed in the roof panel 102 and the side panel 104, the stresses being capable of deforming the panel 102 and 104. A first solution provided for improving the stiffness of the panels 102 and 104 includes increasing the thickness of the panels 102 and 104.
[0028] Fig. 2a illustrates a second solution for improving the stiffness of the panels 102 and 104, wherein additional reinforcements 202 are added to lower corners of the side panel 104. Fig. 2b illustrates a sectional view about a section A-A’ passing through the reinforcements 202 of Fig. 2a. The first and the second solutions lead to increase in the sectional stiffness of the panels 102 and 104, which in turn improves a global torsion stiffness of the rear body structure 100. However, the aforementioned solutions include limitations like weight addition, cost addition due to additional reinforcements, deterioration in fuel efficiency due to weight addition, unfeasible reinforcement addition, and many more.
[0029] Fig. 3 illustrates a reinforced rear body structure 300 for an automobile in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The reinforced rear body structure 300 is configured to overcome the limitations associated with the prior solutions in an effective way. As shown, the reinforced rear body structure 300 includes a roof panel 302. The roof panel 302 defines a rear roof left corner 304 and a rear roof right corner 306. The rear roof left corner 304 and the rear roof right corner 306 define a first width (Wr).
[0030] The reinforced rear body structure 300 further includes a side body outer extension panel 308 coupled to the roof panel 302. In an embodiment, the side body outer extension panel 308 defines a top left corner 310 coupled to the rear roof left corner 304, and a top right corner 312 coupled to the rear roof right corner 306. The top left corner 310 and the top right corner 312 defines a second width (Ws).
[0031] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the reinforced rear body structure 300 further includes a plurality of reinforcing beads 314 disposed on the top left corner 310, the top right corner 312, the rear roof left corner 304, and the rear roof right corner 306. In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the plurality of reinforcing beads 314 define a third width (Wb), a length (Lb) greater than the third width (Wb), and a height (Hb). In continuing reference to Fig. 3 representing the reinforced rear body structure 300, the length (Lb) of the plurality of reinforcing beads 314 is substantially longitudinal along the first width (Wr) of the rear roof left corner 304 and the rear roof right corner 306, and the second width (Ws) of the top left corner 310 and the top right corner 312. Alternatively, the length (Lb) of the plurality of reinforcing beads (314) may be substantially diagonal along the first width (Wr) and the second width (Ws).
[0032] In an embodiment, the third width (Wb), the length (Lb), and the height (Hb) of the plurality of reinforcing beads 314 is either constant or variable. Further, the plurality of reinforcing beads 314 include one of a uniform, non-uniform, linear, non-linear, regular, irregular, arcuate, concave, or convex geometry.
[0033] Fig. 5a illustrates a portion of the reinforced rear body structure 300 depicting the top right corner 312 of the side body outer extension panel 308. As seen, the top right corner 312 is provided with the reinforcing bead 314. Fig. 5b shows a sectional view about a section B-B’ of the reinforced rear body structure 300 of Fig. 5a, and Fig. 5c shows a sectional view of the top right corner 312 in absence of the reinforcing bead 314. In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5b, the reinforcing bead 314 increases a local area of the top right corner 312 of the side body outer extension panel 308 as compared to conventional design when no reinforcing bead 314 is added, and hence thereby increasing a stiffness of the top right corner 312 to counter bending and torsional stresses acting along a section X-X’. Likewise, the reinforcing bead 314 is configured to increase a local area, and in turn a stiffness of the top left corner 310 of the side body outer extension panel 308 to counter bending and torsional stresses.
[0034] Figs. 6a and 6b shows exemplary views of deformation caused to the top right corner 312, or the top left corner 310 of the side body outer extension panel 308 under bending and torsional stresses acting along the section X-X’ in absence and presence of the reinforcing bead 314 respectively. As is evident from Fig. 6b, deformation of the top right corner 312 or the top left corner 310 is less due the provision of the reinforcing bead 314.
[0035] Fig. 7a illustrates another portion of the reinforced rear body structure 300 depicting the rear roof left corner 304, and the rear roof right corner 306 of the roof panel 302. As seen, the rear roof left corner 304 and the rear roof right corner 306 are provided with the plurality of reinforcing beads 314. Fig. 7b shows a sectional view about a section C-C’ of the reinforced rear body structure 300 of Fig. 7a. In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7b, the reinforcing bead 314 increases a local area of the rear roof right corner 306 of the roof panel 302 as compared to conventional design, shown in Fig. 7c, when no reinforcing bead 314 is added, and hence thereby increasing a stiffness of the rear roof right corner 306 to counter bending and torsional stresses acting along a section Y-Y’. Likewise, the reinforcing bead 314 is configured to increase a local area, and in turn a stiffness of the rear roof left corner 304 of the roof panel 302 to counter bending and torsional stresses.
[0036] Figs. 8a and 8b shows exemplary views of deformation caused to the rear roof left corner 304, or the rear roof right corner 306 of the roof panel 302 under bending and torsional stresses acting along the section Y-Y’ in absence and presence of the reinforcing bead 314 respectively. As is evident from Fig. 8b, deformation of the rear roof left corner 304, or the rear roof right corner 306 is less due the provision of the reinforcing bead 314.
[0037] Hence, the plurality of reinforcing beads increases the sectional stiffness of the roof panel 302, and the side body outer extension panel 308, which in turn improves a global torsion stiffness of the reinforced rear body structure 300. Further, in reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, only one reinforcing bead 314 is provided on the top left corner 310, the top right corner 312, the rear roof left corner 304, and the rear roof right corner 306 of the reinforced rear body structure 300. However, in alternative embodiments, multiple reinforcing beads 314 may be provided, as per design requirements, at multiple locations of the reinforced rear body structure 300.
[0038] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.