Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)
on
A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING ONE OR MORE STORAGE UNITS OF A VEHICLE

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, (an Indian Company)

at: “Chaitanya”, No. 12, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600034, Tamil Nadu, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for mounting one or more storage units of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The vehicles are generally powered by a fuel and a battery. The fuel used to power the vehicle may differ in different vehicles, nevertheless, the battery used by the vehicles generally remains the same. However, the capacity of the battery used in the vehicle may change as per the needs of the vehicle. Some vehicles such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles require a battery with a higher capacity and thus require bigger battery packs. The size and the capacity of the battery packs differ in different vehicles, and the weight of the same also differs accordingly. The battery packs are stored in the vehicle at various places which may also differ in different vehicles. Due to the increased weight and size of the battery packs, the battery packs are required to be packaged such that the jerks and the vibrations caused by the movement of the vehicle do not damage the mounting configuration of the battery pack.
[0003] The conventional mounting configurations of the battery pack in the vehicle has various problems associated with it. Due to the bulky nature of the battery pack, the loading/unloading of the battery is difficult, and the conventional mounting configuration used specific techniques and special tools for such mounting/dismounting of the battery pack in the vehicle. The special tools and specific techniques used to mount/dismount would often differ in different vehicles and different locations of mounting in the same vehicle. Thus, different mounting configurations require customised designs for mounting configuration and customised or specific tools and techniques to be developed and used for mounting each different type of battery packs in each type of vehicle. For example, in case of a three-wheeled vehicle, the three-wheeled vehicles are provided with various locations for storing and/or stowing the battery packs by providing a storage compartment which can be mounted on the floorboard of the three-wheeled vehicle or may also be mounted below the passenger cabin or the load body of the three- wheeled vehicle in case of a good carrier. The same is also true for four wheeled vehicles and other multi axle vehicles. Due to this, the mounting of the battery packs and/or the storage units for the battery packs have to be provided with a secure configuration for each type of vehicle, model or location of mounting. This naturally causes complications in assembly as well as increased costs and time required towards the unique customised tools and training personnel for each of the specific techniques for various design configurations depending on type of vehicle, model or location of the storage unit.
[0004] In electric and/or hybrid vehicles (three wheeled or other multi-axle vehicles) also, it might be possible that the battery packs are stored at various locations for better packaging efficiency and the mounting configuration will differ in each such location. The conventional mounting configuration which are used for such mounting/dismounting these battery packs at various locations uses different type of mounting assemblies and mounting brackets for each location. The conventional mounting assemblies and mounting brackets known are generally made for a specific location of mounting the battery packs which generally have a complex structure. Hence, there exists a problem that different types of mounting assemblies and mounting brackets are required for different models of conventional vehicles which are complex and need to be customised based on the mounting location.
[0005] Further special tools and techniques are required to mount/dismount the battery pack at the desired different locations. Hence, requirement and usage of such complex special tools are also a problem associated with the conventional mounting configuration of the battery packs. Further, the jerks and vibrations that are caused by the vehicles may also result in damaging the mounting brackets used conventionally to mount the battery pack. Such jerks and vibrations may also damage the battery pack itself. The conventional mounting configuration does not account for the damages caused by the vibrations and jerks. The battery pack as well as the mounting brackets may become prone to damage due to such vibrations from the vehicle and jerks caused by the vehicle running on the undulated road surfaces. Due to this the user of the vehicle is required to change the battery pack which will be undesirable since the battery pack is an expensive component that adds up to the unnecessary costs in maintaining the vehicle. Moreover, in case of damage to the unique customised bracket for a given model, immediate replacement for that unique or customised mounting arrangement may not be available for a given model of the vehicle. Further, it may also not be safe at all for usage by the user due to the battery pack being dismounted suddenly due to damage to the mounting configuration of the battery packs. Thus, existing solutions for mounting configurations are not only uneconomical but complicated, and potentially unsafe, Hence, the prior art also involves problems of having increased vibrations and jerks in the conventional mounting assemblies that are unable to properly dampen the vibrations and jerks. The conventional mounting configurations of battery packs due to such complexity and the need for customisation for different locations also have further associated problems such as increased costs, and increased weight and may also have further accessibility problems.
[0006] Thus, conventional methods known in the art for placement and mounting of the battery packs have associated problems and limitations pertaining to increased costs, complexity, accessibility problems, increased weight of assembly owing to additional components, and prone to damage from vibrations/jerks, etc. A skilled person will appreciate that above said problems with respect to one or more energy storage units like a battery pack may also be faced in mounting configurations of other components or parts, such as control units, spare wheel, tool kit etc. Thus, the challenge to safely, economically accommodate these other parts and components is no less than that for one or energy storage units. Therefore, the objective of the invention is to provide a mounting assembly for mounting one or more storage units that can overcome all of the above-mentioned problems and other problems which are known in the art and which provides a solution which is compact, low cost, has reduced weight and dampens the vibration and has increased durability. The objective is also to ensure that the inventive concept of the mounting assembly and the one or more storage unit can be configured not just for energy storage units or battery packs but also for the aforesaid and other types of components other than battery packs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present subject matter relates to a mounting member which receives one or more storage units of a vehicle. The mounting member comprises a first portion, a plurality of reinforcement members, and a second portion. The first portion is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. The plurality of reinforcement members extends perpendicularly from a plurality of edges of the first portion and is terminated on the second portion. The second portion is attached to the plurality of reinforcement members and it detachably connects to one or more predefined portions of the one or more storage units.
[0008] The present subject matter further relates to a mounting assembly for a vehicle comprising one or more storage units, a plurality of receiving members, and a plurality of mounting members. The one or more storage units comprises an outer body which comprises a plurality of protruded portions. The plurality of receiving members is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of mounting members comprises a first portion, a plurality of reinforcement members, and a second portion. The first portion is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. The plurality of reinforcement members extends perpendicularly from a plurality of edges of the first portion and is terminated on the second portion. The second portion is attached to the plurality of reinforcement members and it detachably connects to one or more predefined portions of the energy storage unit.
[0009] The present subject matter further relates to a vehicle comprising a frame assembly, a floorboard, one or more storage units, and a mounting assembly. the floorboard is mounted on the frame assembly of the vehicle. The energy storage units comprise an outer body which comprises a plurality of protruded portions. The mounting assembly comprises the one or more storage units, a plurality of receiving members, and a plurality of mounting members. The plurality of receiving members is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of mounting members comprises a first portion, a plurality of reinforcement members, and a second portion. The first portion is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. The plurality of reinforcement members extends perpendicularly from a plurality of edges of the first portion and is terminated on the second portion. The second portion is attached to the plurality of reinforcement members and it detachably connects to one or more predefined portions of the one or more storage units.
[0010] The present invention along with various embodiments allows the mounting of one or more storage units in a compact manner, having increased durability, low cost, and reduced weight, while also dampening the vibrations and jerks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The proposed invention is described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of a mounting member, a mounting assembly, and a vehicle. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components. Description of certain details and implementations follow, including a description below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments described below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting assembly for mounting one or more storage units on a vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting assembly for one or more storage unit as another embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting member as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the mounting member being connected to the one or more storage units as another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practised without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[0017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the vehicle and looking forward. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any vehicle without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[0018] In order to address the one or more of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a mounting assembly for mounting one or more storage units of a vehicle.
[0019] As per one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting member configured to mount one or more storage units of a vehicle is provided. The mounting member comprises a first portion, a plurality of reinforcement members, and a second portion. The first portion is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. The plurality of reinforcement members extends perpendicularly from a plurality of edges of the first portion and is terminated on the second portion. The second portion is attached to the plurality of reinforcement members and it detachably connects to one or more predefined portions of the energy storage unit.
[0020] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the first portion comprises a first opening to receive a first fastening member to detachably attach the mounting member to the at least one portion of the vehicle.
[0021] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the second portion comprises a plurality of second openings to receive a plurality of second fastening members to detachably attach the mounting member to the one or more predefined portions of the one or more storage units. The one or more predefined portions are one or more protruded portions which extend from an outer body of the one or more storage units.
[0022] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of reinforcement members comprises a plurality of third openings which are configured to facilitate a lifting and docking of the one or more storage units.
[0023] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of reinforcement members is fixedly attached to the second portion. The fixed attachment can include attachment through welding, adhesive, fixed fasteners or other types of fixed attachment known in the art. The reinforcement member can also be fixedly attached using integral moulding with the second portion.
[0024] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more protruded portions are configured as one or more I- shaped boss members which comprises a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes is aligned with the plurality of second openings of the second portion to receive the plurality of second fastening members and fasten the one or more storage units to the at least one portion of the vehicle which may be one or more of a floorboard, a frame assembly, and a partition member.
[0025] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a mounting assembly for a vehicle is provided. The mounting assembly comprises one or more storage units, a plurality of receiving members, and a plurality of mounting members. The one or more storage units comprises an outer body which comprises a plurality of protruded portions. The plurality of receiving members is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of mounting members comprises a first portion, a plurality of reinforcement members, and a second portion. The first portion is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. The plurality of reinforcement members extends perpendicularly from a plurality of edges of the first portion and is terminated on the second portion. The second portion is attached to the plurality of reinforcement members and it detachably connects to one or more predefined portions of the one or more storage units.
[0026] As per another embodiment, the plurality of protruded portion are I-shaped boss members and comprises a plurality of holes to facilitate the fastening of the one or more storage units with the mounting member.
[0027] As per another embodiment, the plurality of protruded portions is configured to protrude on a plurality of sides of the outer body of the one or more storage units where the plurality of sides is selected from a group consisting of a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a front side and a rear side.
[0028] As per another embodiment, a dampening member is provided between the plurality of mounting members and the plurality of receiving members, and the dampening member comprises a fifth opening.
[0029] As per another embodiment, the plurality of receiving members is integrated to the at least one portion of the vehicle and comprises a fourth opening.
[0030] As per another embodiment, the at least one portion of the vehicle is selected from a group comprising a floorboard, a frame assembly, and a partition member.
[0031] As per another embodiment, the first portion of the mounting member comprises a first opening and a first fastening member passing through the first opening, the fifth opening of the dampening member and the fourth opening of the plurality of receiving members.
[0032] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more storage units may be selected from a group comprising a tool kit, an energy storage unit, and a fuel storage unit.
[0033] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a frame assembly, a floorboard, one or more storage units, and a mounting assembly. The floorboard is mounted on the frame assembly of the vehicle. The energy storage units comprise an outer body which comprises a plurality of protruded portions. The mounting assembly comprises the energy storage units, a plurality of receiving members, and a plurality of mounting members. The plurality of receiving members is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of mounting members comprises a first portion, a plurality of reinforcement members, and a second portion. The first portion is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. The plurality of reinforcement members extends perpendicularly from a plurality of edges of the first portion and is terminated on the second portion. The second portion is attached to the plurality of reinforcement members and it detachably connects to one or more predefined portions of the one or more storage units.
[0034] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the at least two of the one or more storage units are aligned laterally and longitudinally adjacent to each other, and at least two storage units are placed beneath a load body of the vehicle.
[0035] Thus, the mentioned invention provides a mounting assembly for a vehicle for mounting one or more storage units of a vehicle. In various embodiments the vehicle can be a three wheeled vehicle, a four wheeled vehicle or other types of multi-wheeled vehicles. In other or similar embodiments, the vehicle can be an electric or hybrid type of vehicle wherein such one or more storage unit is provided.
[0036] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various configurations may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0037] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms of particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0038] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials processed or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, and “is”, used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components, or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
[0039] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and would in no way be construed as limiting the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader’s understanding of the present invention, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position orientation, or use of the system and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[0040] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/ figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed, or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0041] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting assembly (200) of a vehicle (not shown). The vehicle comprises a frame assembly (101), on which a floorboard (102) is mounted. The floorboard (102) is the base of the vehicle, and most of the components of the vehicle are placed on the frame assembly (101) or the floorboard (102). A storage unit (103) is provided in the vehicle which may be disposed on the floorboard (102) of the vehicle or near the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle. There can be one or more storage units (103) in the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle may be a three-wheeled vehicle. In another preferred embodiment, where the one or more storage units (103) may be provided on the floorboard (102) of the three wheeled vehicle.. In another embodiment, for better utilisation of capacity and space the one or more storage units (103) may also be disposed below a passenger cabin of the three-wheeled vehicle, such as in the case of a passenger vehicle. In another embodiment, the one or more storage units (103) may also be provided below a load body in case of a goods bearing vehicle. In another embodiment, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle wherein the one or more storage units (103) is an energy storage unit, for example a battery pack. The present invention may also be applicable in cases of four-wheeled vehicle, where the same problems of mounting/dismounting of the storage units may occur.
[0042] In other embodiments, instead of one storage units (103) there can be one or more of storage units (103). The one or more storage units (103) can be an energy storage unit which is configured to store one or more battery, a tool kit storage unit, electric charger storage unit, spare parts storage unit and may also be a fuel storage unit. In case where the one or more storage units (103) is the energy storage unit, the energy storage unit (103) may have different capacities, weights and sizes, as per the needs of the vehicle, which may depend upon the type/category of the vehicle. . The one or more storage units (103) can be disposed in a lateral direction of the vehicle or in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The vehicle may also have a partition member (107) which would separate the vehicle into parts. The partition member (107) generally divides the vehicle into two parts the first being a driving cabin part (not shown) and the second being a load body/ passenger seating part (not shown). The driving cabin part is the area dedicated to seating a driver of the vehicle and the driving cabin part may have a seat assembly (not shown) for seating the driver of the vehicle. Several conventional vehicles have utilised the area below the seating assembly for placement of the one or more storage units (103). Such placement however is prone to various safety issues; hence a housing (not shown) is provided for proper mounting of the one or more storage units (103). Several issues further arise by using a dedicated housing or even disposing the one or more storage units (103) under the driver’s seat such as a reduction in leg room thereby causing discomfort to the user. In case a mounting assembly is used to mount the one or more storage units (103) in its place, it may also create a further reduction in leg room thereby causing increased discomfort. The present invention may be applicable in both embodiments, whether the housing is used or not, the present invention mounts the one or more storage units (103) such that no or minimal discomfort is caused to the user of the vehicle, and also does not compromise any leg room. The load body/ passenger seating part is the part which may have available space which may be used according to the type of the vehicle.
[0043] In commercial vehicles, a load body (not shown) might be used to store cargo, etc. while in another embodiment, the load body may also be used to seat multiple passengers by providing one or more seat assemblies (now shown) for seating the passengers. There may be different versions of the vehicle and different variants which may belong to the same platform, and the present invention is applicable in all different variants and has no limitations to work only in a particular type of vehicle. The one or more storage units (103) may be placed at different locations as per the type/ variant of the vehicle, and the present invention is applicable to different locations.
[0044] As per one embodiment, the one or more storage units (103) may be placed beneath the seating assembly of the driving cabin part, in another embodiment, it may also be placed below the load body/ passenger seating part and may have different locations as per the required packaging efficiency and space availability and centre of gravity and various other requirements, which may be different in different vehicles. In one embodiment, the one or more storage unit (103) is one or more energy storage unit (103) for a conventional or hybrid or electric vehicle. Particularly, in case of hybrid or electric vehicles, there may be larger and bulkier one or more energy storage units (103) than a conventional fuelled vehicle. The one or more energy storage unit (103) may in one embodiment be a battery pack, and may also be a hydrogen cell in another. The one or more energy storage units (103) are used to store energy which would be used to power the vehicle and one or more electrical components (not shown) of the vehicle. The one or more energy storage units (103) may also have one or more connectors, which may be a low voltage connector, or a high voltage connector on any side of the one or more energy storage units (103) of the vehicle which may be dependent on several other factors such as the location of an electronic control unit (not shown). The one or more energy storage units (103) may have different cell configurations such as a cylindrical cell configuration or a prismatic cell configuration, etc.
[0045] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting assembly (200) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The one or more storage units (103) being bulky requires proper mounting which solves the problems known in the art which has been solved by the present invention by providing the mounting assembly (200) for the vehicle. The mounting assembly (200) as per the present invention comprises the one or more storage units (103), a plurality of receiving members (201) and a plurality of mounting members (300). The one or more storage units (103) may be provided in the vehicle in different configurations such as with or without a housing (not shown), where the housing may be single housing and may be multiple housings for placement at different locations. The one or more storage units (103) may be stored either directly or inside the housing.
[0046] In case of direct mounting of the one or more storage units (103), the one or more storage units (103) would be provided with an outer body (104). In case of the one or more storage units (103) being stored inside the housing and mounted in the vehicle, the housing has an outer body (104). Hence, the outer body (104) may be the outer body (104) of either the housing or the one or more storage units (103) itself. The outer body (104) is the part which facilitates mounting of the one or more storage units (103) on the vehicle. As per the present invention, the outer body (104) is provided with a plurality of protruded portions (105) which extends from the outer body (103) of the one or more storage units (103). The plurality of protruded portions may also be the one or more predefined portions of the one or more storage units (103). The plurality of protruded portions (105) may be configured to protrude from different sides of the outer body (104), it may in one embodiment protrude on a plurality of sides (not shown) of the outer body (104). The plurality of sides may be a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a front side, a rear side, or a combination of such sides. The plurality of sides of the one or more storage units (103) are in respect to a mounted condition, and the plurality of sides are with respect to the directions of the vehicle. The plurality of protruded portions (105) is made on such sides which are designed to face the at least one portion of the vehicle. The plurality of protruded portions (105) provides a stronger interface for connection of the one or more storage units (103) to the vehicle. The configuration of the plurality of protruded portions (105) is such that it helps in the reduction/dampening of vibrations which might be transferred to the one or more storage units (103). This dampening/ reduction in vibrations reduces damage to the mounting assembly (200) and provides a better mounting configuration for the one or more storage units (103).
[0047] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of protruded portions (105) is configured to be shaped as I-shaped. The I-shaped plurality of protruded portions (105) may also be called one or more I-shaped boss members. The one or more I-shaped boss members (105) provide various advantages in terms of reduction of weight, and dampening/reduction in vibration due to reduction in surface area of interaction between the one or more I-shaped boss members (105) and the mounting member (300). The one or more I-shaped boss members (105) are used to connect the mounting member (300) to the one or more storage units (103). The plurality of receiving members (201) is attached to at least one portion of the vehicle. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the I-shaped is configured based on the embodiment where there are at least four mounting points based on a rectangular profile of the one or more protruded portions (105), in this profile the at least four mounting points are provided at the four corners of the rectangular profile and at least four second fastening members (309) are used in such embodiment to mount the energy storage unit (103) to the vehicle. The plurality of receiving members (201) is provided to enable connection of the one or more storage units (103) to the at least one portion of the vehicle. The plurality of receiving members (201) may be either provided separately which may be connected to the at least one portion of the vehicle or it may also be integrated with the at least one portion of the vehicle. The connection between the plurality of receiving members (201) and the at least one portion of the vehicle may be a fixed connection in one embodiment, where the fixed connection may be achieved by affixation, welding, etc. The at least one portion of the vehicle can be in different locations where the one or more storage units (103) and according to the location of the placement of the one or more storage units (103), the at least one portion may change. In one embodiment, the at least one portion may be the floorboard (102) of the vehicle, in other embodiments, it may also be the partition member (107) or may even be the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle. The at least one portion may change depending on the location/ placement of the one or more storage units (103). The one or more storage units (103) may also be placed at different locations, where one may be placed on the floorboard (102), the other may be placed beneath the load body of the vehicle and in another embodiment may also be placed beneath the passenger seating portion of the vehicle.
[0048] In the embodiment, where the one or more storage units (103) are stored beneath the driving seat assembly, in that scenario, the at least one portion may be the floorboard (102) of the vehicle, and/or the partition member (107) of the vehicle. In an embodiment where the one or more storage units (103) may be placed beneath the load body/ passenger seating portion, then in that embodiment, the at least one portion may be a frame assembly (101) or a floorboard (102) or a partition member (107). Hence, in cases where more than one storage unit (103) are placed in the vehicle, there may be cases where at least two of the storage units (103) may be aligned laterally and longitudinally to each other for better packaging efficiency, and the mounting configuration of the present invention could also be implemented there, and also could work in cases where the one or more storage units (103) are placed beneath the load body of the vehicle.
[0049] Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view of the mounting member (300) respectively being attached to the one or more predefined portions (not shown) of the vehicle. The mounting member (300) of the present invention is configured to mount the one or more storage units (103). In one embodiment, the mounting member (300) and the plurality of protruded portions (105) may be made up of a metal such as iron, steel, aluminium, plastics, an alloy or other composite material with desired requirements. The mounting member (300) comprises a first portion (301), a plurality of reinforcement members (302), and a second portion (303). The first portion (301) of the mounting members (300) is configured to be attached to the at least one portion of the vehicle. The first portion (301) is the portion which is configured to attach the one or more storage units (103) to the at least one portion of the vehicle. The first portion (301) has a plurality of edges (304) and a first opening (305) for facilitating detachable connection to the at least one portion of the vehicle and the first opening (305) receives a first fastening member (308) where the first fastening member (308) passes through the first opening (305), and a fourth opening (202) which is provided on the plurality of receiving members (201).
[0050] In another embodiment, a dampening member (203) may also be provided between the detachable connection of the plurality of receiving members (201) and the mounting member (300) which further dampens/ reduces any vibrations or any noise which may reach the energy storage unit (103). In another embodiment, a dampening member may also be provided between the detachable mounting member (300) and the one or more protruded portions (105) of the one or more storage units (103) which further dampens/ reduces any vibrations or any noise which may reach the energy storage unit (103). The first fastening member (308) in such embodiments would pass through the first opening (305) of the mounting member (300), a fifth opening (204) which is provided on the dampening member (203), and a fourth opening (202) of the plurality of receiving members (201). The plurality of reinforcement members (302) is extended perpendicularly from the plurality of edges (304) of the first portion (301). The plurality of reinforcement members (302) acts as a reinforcement to the connection between the at least one portion of the vehicle and the one or more storage units (103). The plurality of reinforcement members (302) starts to extend from the first portion (301) and terminates in the second portion (303). The plurality of reinforcement members (302) and the second portion (303) are attached and the second portion (303) is configured to detachably connect to the one or more predefined portions of the one or more storage units (103).
[0051] In one embodiment, the first portion (301) may also be connected to the second portion (303), while in another embodiment it may not be directly connected at all. The plurality of reinforcement members (302) acts as a reinforcing member and reinforces the connection between the first portion (301) and the second portion (302), which is required due to the bulky nature of the one or more storage units (103). This further eliminates any damage which may occur to the mounting member (300) or the mounting assembly (200). Further, these reinforcement members (302) eliminate the need for a direct connection between the first portion (301) and the second portion (303) and also helps in dampening the vibrations which may reach the one or more storage units (103) without compromising on the strength/ durability of the mounting member (300).
[0052] In another embodiment, the plurality of reinforcement members (302) may be fixedly attached the second portion (303) and/or the first portion (301). The fixed attachment or connection may be achieved via affixation, welding, adhesives etc. or other methods of fixed attachment known in the art. In another embodiment, the fixed attachment between the plurality of reinforcement members (302), the first portion (301) and the second portion (303) may also be through integral connection by moulding, forging or other known methods. The plurality of reinforcement members (302) may also in one embodiment be provided with a truncated edge (310), the truncated edge (310) helps in the reduction of weight of the mounting member (300) and also reduces unnecessary interaction with the surrounding components. The plurality of reinforcement members (302) is provided with a plurality of third openings (307). The plurality of third openings (307) is configured such that it facilitates the usage of conventional hooks which can be used to mount/dismount the one or more storage units (103). The plurality of third openings (307) might be used in docking and undocking of the one or more storage units (103) to the at least one portion of the vehicle. The one or more storage units (103) being bulky is not easy to place in the desired portion of the vehicle, hence certain tools are used in order to lift and move the one or more storage units (103) and assist in placing the one or more storage units (103) at the desired location, this may also be called as the docking/ undocking of the one or more storage units (103).
[0053] The conventional methods used various different types of tools and techniques for docking/ undocking the energy storage unit (103) at different locations, the present invention provides a simple solution of using hooks and simple openings provided in the mounting member (300) for facilitating such hooks instead of such complex special tools/ techniques for docking/undocking the one or more storage units (103) at the desired location. The second portion (303) is the portion which connects the mounting member (303) with the one or more storage units (103). The second portion (303) is provided with a plurality of second openings (306) which facilitate a detachable connection between the mounting member (300) and the one or more storage units (103) via a plurality of second fastening members (309). The plurality of second fastening members (309) passes through the plurality of second openings (306) and a plurality of holes (106) which are provided on the one or more protruded portions (105) of the one or more storage units (103) to facilitate detachable connection. The configuration of the mounting member (300) is such that it does not cause any discomfort to the user of the vehicle, due to its small size. Further, the mounting member (300) as per the present invention can be applied at different locations as per the mounting location of the one or more storage units (103) and is not limited to mounting the one or more storage units (103) only to a particular region of the vehicle, hence no need for customisation of the type of brackets based on the mounting location is required when using the present invention. Further, the present invention is applicable in different models of the vehicle l, thus further reducing any need for having customised brackets/ mounting members (300) for each vehicle or each mounting location. Hence, the present invention solves the need for having a customised bracket for different locations and different vehicle models, by providing a simple layout of the mounting member (300) as per the present invention, thereby eliminating the need for complex, customised mounting configurations which were used in the conventional vehicles and providing a solution which may be used in the vehicles having different layouts.
[0054] The mounting member (300) as per the present invention is also stronger and durable and does not get affected by damages caused due to hitting small stones or pebbles on an uneven road surface, and is not prone to damage by the vibrations or jerks caused by the vehicle. Due to the heavy/ bulky nature of the one or more storage units (103), in one embodiment of the present invention, at least seven mounting members (300) may be used to mount the one or more storage units (103) to the vehicle which may be more than seven depending upon the size, capacity and weight of the one or more storage units (103). As per the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting members (300) should be connected to the floorboard (102) of the vehicle and a bottom portion (not shown) and a top portion (not shown) of the plurality of sides of the one or more storage units (103). In one embodiment, the one or more protruded portions (105) may be integrated with the housing at equidistant intervals.
[0055] Thus, as per the present subject matter, a mounting assembly (200) for mounting one or more storage units (103) of a vehicle is provided.
[0056] According to the above disclosure, the present invention provides various advantages in terms of providing a simple mounting configuration which is stronger, have increased durability of the mounting member as well as the one or more storage units (103), simpler, eliminating the need for having a customised mounting configuration for vehicles having different layouts, dampening of the vibrations and jerks caused by the vehicle, providing easier configuration for lifting and docking of the one or more storage units (103) as well as handling it, and also provides ease of assembly and manufacturing. The disclosed mounting configuration, in a preferred embodiment, is applicable for one or energy storage units (103) as it reduces costs associated with developing unique customised mounting brackets and techniques thereof for different variants or models of vehicles including conventional engine vehicles or hybrid or electric vehicles. The mounting configuration for such battery packs, especially the heavier size in electric and hybrid vehicles is simplified while significantly reducing vibrations, jerks and enhancing safety from breakage, wear and tear and potential fire hazard in case of electric vehicles where battery packs are known to catch fire in case improper mounting or damage. Similar advantages as above can be realised for other components of the vehicle apart from battery packs as explained above. Further, as per the present invention, there are multiple mounting members (300), the user may also replace the mounting members (300) in case of any damage or issue in the mounting member (300) which is already installed. The user can easily replace the mounting member (300) and that will be more economical and time saving solution than the conventionally known solutions.
[0057] While the present invention is applicable to three wheeled vehicles as well as other multi-wheeled vehicles, the customer segment of the three-wheeled vehicles including the passenger and goods bearing vehicles are cost conscious. Manufacturers are have to therefore focus solutions and ideas that reduce costs and the benefits can be passed on the customers. The present invention provides a solution which provides a cheaper but at the same time efficient, and effective solution with improved durability which are applicable to different kinds of vehicles such as three-wheeled vehicle, four wheeled vehicle, and multi-axled vehicle as well as different locations within a given vehicle type. Hence, the solution provided by the present invention provides a more versatile configuration for them for mounting the one or more storage units (103).
[0058] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0059] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[0060] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in light of the above disclosure.

List of References

Reference Numeral Meaning
101 Frame Assembly
102 Floorboard
103 Storage Unit/one or more storage units/one or more energy storage units
104 Outer Body
105 Protruded Portions
105 I-Shaped Boss Members
106 Holes
200 Mounting Assembly
201 Receiving Members
202 Fourth Opening
203 Dampening Member
204 Fifth Opening
300 Mounting Member
301 First Portion
302 Reinforcement Member
303 Second Portion
304 Edges
305 First Opening
306 Second Opening
307 Third Opening
308 First Fastening Member
309 Second Fastening Member
310 Truncated Edge
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A mounting member (300), the mounting member (300) being configured to mount one or more storage units (103) of a vehicle, the mounting member (300) comprising:
a first portion (301), the first portion (301) being configured to be attached to at least one portion of the vehicle;
a plurality of reinforcement members (302), the plurality of reinforcement members (302) being extended perpendicularly from a plurality of edges (304) of the first portion (301); and
a second portion (303), the second portion (303) being attached to the plurality of reinforcement members (302), the second portion (303) being configured to detachably connect to one or more predefined portions of the one or more storage units (103) and the plurality of reinforcement members (302) terminating on the second portion (303) of the mounting member (300).
2. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (301) comprising a first opening (305), the first opening (305) being configured to receive a first fastening member (308) to detachably attach the mounting member (300) to the at least one portion of the vehicle.
3. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (303) comprising a plurality of second openings (306), the plurality of second openings (306) being configured to receive a plurality of second fastening members (309) to detachably attach the mounting member (300) to the one or more predefined portions of the one or more storage units (103), the one or more predefined portions being one or more protruded portions (105), the one or more protruded portions (105) extending from an outer body (104) of the one or more storage units(103).
4. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of reinforcement members (302) comprising a plurality of third openings (307), the plurality of third openings (307) being configured to facilitate a lifting and a docking of the one or more storage units (103).
5. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of reinforcement members (302) being fixedly attached to the second portion (303).
6. The mounting member (300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or protruded portions (105) being configured as one or more I-shaped boss members (105), the one or more I-shaped boss members (105) comprising a plurality of holes (106), the plurality of holes (106) being aligned with the plurality of second openings (306) of the second portion (303) to receive the plurality of second fastening members (309) and fasten the one or more storage units (103) to the at least one portion of the vehicle, the at least one portion of the vehicle being one or more of a floorboard (102), a frame assembly (101), and a partition member (107).
7. A mounting assembly (200) for a vehicle, the mounting assembly (200) comprising:
one or more storage units (103), the one or more storage units (103) comprising an outer body (104), the outer body (104) comprising a plurality of protruded portions (105);
a plurality of receiving members (201), the plurality of receiving members (201) being attached to at least one portion of the vehicle; and
a plurality of mounting members (300), each of the plurality of mounting members (300) comprising:
a first portion (301), the first portion (301) being configured to be attached to at least one portion of the vehicle;
a plurality of reinforcement members (302), the plurality of reinforcement members (302) being extended perpendicularly from a plurality of edges (304) of the first portion (301) and terminating on a second portion (303) of the mounting member (300); and
a second portion (303), the second portion (303) being attached to the plurality of reinforcement members (302), the second portion (303) being configured to detachably connect to one or more predefined portions of the one or more storage units (103).
8. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of protruded portions (105) being I-shaped boss members, the plurality of protruded portions (105) comprising a plurality of holes (106) to facilitate fastening of the one or more storage units (103) with the mounting member (300).
9. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of protruded portions (105) being configured to protrude on a plurality of sides of the outer body (104) of the one or more storage units (103), the plurality of sides being selected from a group consisting of a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a front side and a rear side.
10. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein a dampening member (203) being provided between the plurality of mounting members (300) and the plurality of receiving members (201), the dampening member (203) comprising fifth opening (204).
11. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of receiving members (201) being integrated to the at least one portion of the vehicle and the plurality of receiving members (201) comprising a fourth opening (202).
12. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one portion of the vehicle being selected from a group comprising a floorboard (102), a frame assembly (101), and a partition member (107).
13. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first portion (301) of the mounting member (300) comprising a first opening (305), and a first fastening member (308) passing through the first opening (305), the fifth opening (204) of the dampening member (203), and the fourth opening (202) of the plurality of receiving members (201).
14. The vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more storage units (103) being selected from a group comprising a tool kit, an energy storage unit, and a fuel storage unit.
15. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising:
a frame assembly (101);
a floorboard (102), the floorboard (102) being mounted on the frame assembly (101) of the vehicle;
one or more storage units (103), the one or more storage units (103) comprising an outer body (104), the outer body (104) comprising a plurality of protruded portions (105); and
a mounting assembly (200), the mounting assembly (200) comprising:
the one or more storage units (103),
a plurality of receiving members (201), the plurality of receiving members (201) being attached to at least one portion of the vehicle; and
a plurality of mounting members (300), each of the plurality of mounting members (300) comprising:
a first portion (301), the first portion (301) being configured to be attached to at least one portion of the vehicle;
a plurality of reinforcement members (302), the plurality of reinforcement members (302) being extended perpendicularly from a plurality of edges (304) of the first portion (301) and terminating on a second portion (303) of the mounting member (300); and
a second portion (303), the second portion (303) being attached to the plurality of reinforcement members (302), the second portion (303) being configured to detachably connect to one or more predefined portions of the one or more storage units (103).
16. The vehicle as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least two of the one or more storage units (103) being aligned laterally and longitudinally adjacent to each other, and at least two storage units (103) being placed beneath a load body of the vehicle.
Dated this 9th day of November, 2023
[Digitally Signed]
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA – 1611
Agent for the Applicant