Description:STEERING PIPE SIDE BRACKET STRUCTURE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to a bracket structure and more particularly to a steering pipe side bracket structure to mount an Instrument Panel sub-assembly in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Generally, in order to mount an IP sub assembly in a vehicle, an IP manipulator is used on assembly line. The IP manipulator lifts the IP sub-assembly with the use of pins on either side. Once the IP sub assembly is placed inside vehicle body, the IP manipulator is taken out and side caps are fit in holes provided in the IP sub assembly for entry of manipulator pins.
[0004] In the event of a mounting the IP sub assembly through the IP manipulator, there can occur strains and tensions on the steering pipe side bracket due to the heavy weight of the IP sub assembly. The strains and tensions could lead to formation of cracks on the steering pipe side bracket.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need to have such a construction of the steering pipe side bracket structure that can distribute the stress and provide better strength of lifting the IP sub assembly and reduce the probability of formation of cracks and tensions on the surface of the steering pipe side bracket structure.
[0006] Another technical problem in the existing bracket structure lie with the fitment of caps provided to cover the holes provided in the instrument panel to improve aesthetic appearance. When the steering pipe side bracket structure is tighten by means of fastener with a side panel structure of the vehicle, the side panel structure pushes the inner portion of the snap fitted cap, specifically lower cap, in the hole and makes the cap to pop out from the hole. Due to tightening of the fastener in the hole, the clearance gap between the instrument panel and the steering pipe side bracket structure reduces beyond threshold value, for example, 3 mm. Therefore, the cap covering the hole cannot be snap fitted in the hole as rear end of the cap is restricted by the steering pipe side bracket structure to achieve the snap lock. It creates an aesthetic issue with the instrument panel which is not acceptable in the vehicle.
[0007] In order to solve the technical problem, there is a need to provide a steering pipe side bracket structure to mount an Instrument Panel sub-assembly in a vehicle.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed hereinbelow.
[0009] It is a general or primary object of the present disclosure to provide a steering pipe side bracket structure to mount an Instrument Panel sub-assembly in a vehicle.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a steering pipe side bracket structure to mount an Instrument Panel sub-assembly in a vehicle which provides sufficient stress distribution to avoid formation of cracks on the surface of the steering pipe side bracket structure.
[0011] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a steering pipe side bracket structure which is highly effective, simple in construction, and cost-effective in nature.
[0012] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a steering pipe side bracket structure to mount an Instrument Panel sub-assembly in a vehicle which reduces the probability of formation of cracks on the surface of steering pipe side bracket structure. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides steering pipe side bracket structure comprising a base having a circular hole with a flange extending circumference inward to receive a steering pipe, a manipulator receiving portion extending from the base toward the instrument panel sub-assembly, in which the manipulator receiving portion defines two surfaces where one has upper hole and another has lower hole at vertical space apart from each other to receive pins of manipulator, a jig receiving portion extending from opposite end of the base to the manipulator receiving portion, the jig receiving portion defining an upper hole and a lower hole at vertical space apart from each other to receive pins of jig; and the manipulator receiving portion pertaining to the lower hole is non-planer and offset with respect the manipulator receiving portion pertaining to the upper hole.
[0014] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides the steering pipe side bracket structure in which the steering pipe side bracket structure has two rectangular embosses provided on the base in between the manipulator receiving portion and the jig receiving portion, where one side of each of the rectangular embosses merge with the extended flange of the circular hole of the base to facilitate stress distribution.
[0015] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides the steering pipe side bracket structure in which a longitudinal bead is provided in between the upper hole and the lower hole where the longitudinal bead extends from the manipulator receiving portion up to a portion of the base provided in between edge of the manipulator receiving portion and the circular hole.
[0016] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides the steering pipe side bracket structure in which a U-shaped notch is provided in between the manipulator receiving portion pertaining to the lower hole and the base at lower end and a notch provided between the manipulator receiving portion pertaining to the upper hole and the base at upper end.
[0017] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides the steering pipe side bracket structure in which a combination of L and V-shaped slot is provided in between the two holes where the combination of L and V-shaped slot initially define V-shaped slot which merges with the L-shaped slot, the L-shaped slot extend towards the upper hole.
[0018] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides the steering pipe side bracket structure in which manipulator receiving portion pertaining to the lower hole is moved towards inside in direction of the flange of the circular hole with respect to the upper hole to maintain a gap between the instrument panel and the steering pipe side bracket structure to receive covering caps.
[0019] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides the steering pipe side bracket structure in which the upper and lower sides of the base define a flange extending inwardly to provide stiffness to the steering pipe side bracket structure.
[0020] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides the steering pipe side bracket structure in which the edge of the manipulator receiving portion pertaining to the lower hole and the base defining the U-shaped notch define flange extending inwardly in direction of the flange of circular hole.
[0021] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides the steering pipe side bracket structure in which the upper edge of the manipulator receiving portion pertaining to the upper hole define flange extends inwardly in direction of the flange of circular hole.
[0022] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0024] Fig.1 illustrate assembly of an instrument panel sub-assembly, a steering pipe side bracket structure, and manipulator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0025] FIG. 2A illustrates the steering pipe side bracket structure of Fig. 1;
[0026] FIG. 2B illustrates another view of the steering pipe side bracket structure of fig. 2A;
[0027] FIG.3A illustrates a top-down view of the steering pipe side bracket structure; and
[0028] FIG.3B illustrates a top-down view of the steering pipe side bracket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0031] As shown in Fig 1., the instrument panel sub-assembly 200 is mounted on the steering pipe (not shown in the figures) and the steering pipe has two side bracket structures at left hand side and at right hand side to mount the assembly of Instrument panel mounted over the steering pipe in the vehicle by a manipulator as sub-assembly of the instrument panel 200 and the steering pipe is a heavy component. The manipulator (not shown in the figures) moves the sub-assembly inside the vehicle and positioned the sub-assembly at predefined space. The manipulator has pins 301 which engages with the holes of the steering side bracket structure to lift the sub-assembly from both ends and positioned the same inside the vehicle. After positioning the manipulator is ejected from the steering side bracket structure and the steering side bracket structure is fasten to side panel of the vehicle by means of fasteners, such as nut-bolt.
[0032] In order to cater the stress generated on the steering side bracket structure due to heavy load and weight of the sub-assembly of Instrument panel and the steering pipe, the structure of the steering side bracket is modified. Fig. 2A and 2B illustrate the structure of the steering side bracket. Fig. 2A and 2B illustrate an exterior and interior view of the steering pipe side bracket structure 100 from the outside and inside of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the steering pipe side bracket structure 100 comprises of a base 101 having a circular hole 105 with a flange 105-1 which is extending circumference inward to receive a steering pipe. The steering pipe welded with the steering side bracket structure and the flange 105-1 provide support and extra portion for welding. Further, the steering pipe side bracket structure 100 comprises of a manipulator receiving portion 102, 103 which extends from the base 101 towards the instrument panel sub-assembly to receive the pins 301 of the manipulator. The receiving portion 102, 103 defines two surfaces 102, 103 where one has an upper hole 102 and another has a lower hole 103 at vertical space apart from each other to receive pins 301 of the manipulator. The surface of the upper hole 102 defines a flange 102a extending inwardly in direction of the flange 105-1 of the circular hole 105.
[0033] To cater to the stresses inducted in the steering side bracket structure and as depicted in Fig. 2A, the manipulator receiving portion 102, 103 pertaining to the lower hole 103 is non-planar and offset with respect to the manipulator receiving portion 102, 103 pertaining to the upper hole 102. The manipulator receiving portion 102, 103 pertaining to the lower hole 103 is moved towards inside in the direction of the flange (105-1) of the circular hole 105 with respect to the upper hole 102 to maintain a gap, which is more than and equal to pre-defined threshold gap between the instrument panel and the steering pipe side bracket structure 100 to receive covering caps.
[0034] Furthermore, as depicted in Fig. 2B, the steering pipe side bracket structure 100 comprises of a jig receiving portion 106, 107 which is provided opposite to the manipulator receiving portion 102, 103. The jig receiving portion 106, 107 extend from the base 101 away from the manipulator receiving portion 102, 103. The jig receiving portion 106, 107 defines an upper hole 106 and a lower hole 107 at the vertical space apart from each other to receive the pins of jig.
[0035] As shown in fig. 2A, the base 101 also has two rectangular embosses 104-1 and 104-2 in between the manipulator receiving portion 102, 103 and the jig receiving portion 106, 107 where one side of each of the rectangular embosses 104-1, 104-2 are merging with the extended flange 105-1 of the circular hole 105 of the base 101 to facilitate stress distribution. This arrangement helps in facilitating the stress distribution across the pipe side bracket structure 100. Also, a longitudinal head 111 is provided between the upper hole 102 and the lower hole 103 which extends from the manipulator receiving portion 102, 103 up to a portion of the base 101 provided in between the edge of the manipulator receiving portion 102, 103 and the circular hole 105.
[0036] Further, as depicted in fig 2B, the edge 103a of the manipulator receiving portion 102, 103 pertaining to the lower hole 103 and the base 101 defines a U-shaped notch 112a. The structure 100 also comprises of a notch 112b provided between the manipulator receiving portion 102, 103 pertaining to the upper hole 102 and the base 101 at upper end. The arrangement facilitates stress management across the structure 100. The U-shaped notch 112a further defines a flange 103b, 110 extending inwardly in direction of the flange 105-1 of the circular hole 105.
[0037] Fig. 3A and 3B shows a top-down view from the backside and side of the IP manipulator of the bracket structure 100 respectively. As shown in figure 2B, the structure 100 comprises of a combination of L and V-shaped slot 108, 109 provided in between the two holes 106, 107. The combination of L and V-shaped slot 108, 109 initially defines V-shaped slot 108 which merges with the L-shaped slot 109. The L-shaped slot 109 extends towards the upper hole 106. Further, as shown in figure 3A and 3B, the structure comprises of a combination of notches 113a and 113b which are located on the outer edge of the rectangular emboss 104-1. The arrangement too helps in facilitating stress concentration and management across the structure 100.
[0038] As shown in fig 3A, the upper and lower sides of the base 101 define a flange 110 extending inwardly to provide stiffness to the steering pipe side bracket structure 100. The width of the flange 110 can be varied as per the requirement of the stiffness.
[0039] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the clearance gap between the instrument panel and steering pipe side bracket structure 100 is equal to or more than pre-defined threshold value, for example, 3.0 mm to receive the covering caps and avoid popping out of the covering caps from the holes provided in the instrument panel provided to receive the manipulator pins.
[0040] Thus, with the steering pipe side bracket structure described in the present disclosure, various technical problems of the state of the art are resolved. Further, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its scope.
[0041] Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention 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. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.
[0042] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A steering pipe side bracket structure (100) to mount a sub-assembly (200) of an instrument panel and a steering pipe in a vehicle, the pipe steering side bracket structure (100) comprising:
a base (101) having a circular hole (105) with a flange (105-1) extending circumference inward to receive the steering pipe;
a manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) extend from the base (101) toward the sub-assembly (200), the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) defines two surfaces (102, 103) where one has upper hole (102a) and another has lower hole (103a) at vertical space apart from each other to receive pins (301) of a manipulator;
a jig receiving portion (106, 107) extending from opposite end of the base (101) to the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103), the jig receiving portion (106, 107) defines upper hole (106) and lower hole (107) at vertical space apart from each other to receive pins of a jig; and
the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) pertaining to the lower hole (103) is non-planer and offset with respect the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) pertaining to the upper hole (102).

2. The steering pipe side bracket structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering pipe side bracket structure (100) has two rectangular embosses (104-1, 104-2) provided on the base (101) in between the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) and the jig receiving portion (106, 107), where one side of each of the rectangular embosses (104-1, 104-2) merge with the extended flange (105-1) of the circular hole (105) of the base (101) to facilitate stress distribution.

3. The steering pipe side bracket structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a longitudinal bead (111) provided in between the upper hole (102) and the lower hole (103), the longitudinal bead (111) extend from the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) upto a portion of the base (101) provided in between edge of the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) and the circular hole (105).

4. The steering pipe side bracket structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a U-shaped notch (112a) provided in between the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) pertaining to the lower hole (103) and the base (101) at lower end and a notch (112b) provided between the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) pertaining to the upper hole (102) and the base (101) at upper end.

5. The steering pipe side bracket structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a combination of L and V-shaped slot (108, 109) provided in between the two holes (106, 107), the combination of L and V-shaped slot (108, 109) initially define V-shaped slot (108) which merges with the L-shaped slot (109), the L-shaped slot (109) extend toward upper hole (106).

6. The steering pipe side bracket structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) pertaining to the lower hole (103) moved toward inside in direction of the flange (105-1) of the circular hole (105) with respect to the upper hole (102) to maintain gap between the instrument panel and the steering pipe side bracket structure (100) to receive covering caps.

7. The pipe side bracket structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower sides of the base (101) define a flange (110) extending inwardly to provide stiffness to the steering pipe side bracket structure (100).

8. The pipe side bracket structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein edge (103a) of the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) pertaining to the lower hole (103) and the base (101) defining the U-shaped notch (112a) define flange (103b, 110) extending inwardly in direction of the flange (105-1) of circular hole (105).

9. The pipe side bracket structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein upper edge of the manipulator receiving portion (102, 103) pertaining to the upper hole (102) define flange (102a) extending inwardly in direction of the flange (105-1) of circular hole (105).