Description:A MOUNTING STRUCTURE IN A VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure belongs to a mounting structure in a vehicle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to locators provided in the bumper of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent times, automobile manufacturers are coming up with a host of features in a vehicle that not only provides smooth driving experience but also ensures safety of the vehicle and the passengers. Further, these features are provided keeping in mind the evolving regulatory requirements along with the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, Typically, a camera is mounted on a front bumper of the vehicle in order to enable the driver to judge distance available in front of the vehicle, so as to park the vehicle on tight spots or to drive the vehicle in heavy traffic. It may be mentioned in this context that mounting of the camera is crucial since the mounting is to be done keeping in mind the aesthetics of the vehicle and robustness of the mounting structure. Additionally, sometimes camera is to be mounted in an inclined position for better aesthetics, however, in such cases lens of the camera may hit the hole of the bumper due to difficulty in assembly.
[0003] The existing arrangement with regard to placement of the camera in the front bumper of the vehicle may constitute a combination of a straight locator, for mounting the camera in straight orientation. However, such arrangements may not completely prevent the camera lens from hitting the bumper hole, thus demanding requirement for more clearance in order to suitably assemble the camera assembly. Moreover, certain additional structures are provided in the vicinity of mounting hole for further guiding the camera assembly to an appropriate hole in the bumper. However, presence of such additional structures may generate surface defects, being visible from outside thereby hampering aesthetic appearance of the vehicle.
[0004] Towards this direction, the present disclosure intends to mitigate the above mentioned limitations and provides a locator assembly to ensure efficient mounting of the camera on the front bumper of the vehicle.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0006] It is an object of the present subject matter to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in the prior art systems and methods.
[0007] It is a significant object of the present disclosure to design and develop a set of locators as to provide efficient guidance to a camera on a front bumper of the vehicle.
[0008] It is another significant object of the present disclosure to design and develop the set of locators such that camera viewing surface and assembly directions are parallel.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to design and develop the set of locators to facilitate smooth insertion of camera bracket on to the set of locators.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to design and develop the set of locators such that the set of locators are rigid and robust.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter, will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description, taken into consideration with accompanied drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a mounting structure in a vehicle. 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] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, there is provided the mounting structure to of a vehicle to facilitate mounting of a camera over a bumper, preferably a front bumper. In an aspect, the bumper comprises an outer surface, having a first portion and a second portion, with a center of the first portion comprising a camera mounting hole and a pair of locators positioned vertically on the second portion, with each of the pair of locators being present on either side of the camera mounting hole, where the pair of locators are configured to guide mounting of the camera over the bumper.
[0014] In an aspect, each of the pair of locators comprises a first portion, where a center of the first portion is defining a doghouse arrangement, a second portion supporting the first portion from bottom, a guiding structure extending towards the first portion from a first end of the second portion, with the guiding structure having a first segment positioned vertically in an upward direction, a wedge shaped second segment extending from the first segment along upward direction, where the wedge shaped second segment is defining a first chamfer and a second chamfer, respectively, along an inner surface of the wedge shaped second segment.
[0015] In an aspect, the first chamfer is defined at top of the wedge shaped second segment, where the first chamfer is configured to facilitate mounting of a camera insertion bracket.
[0016] In an aspect, the second chamfer is defined towards bottom of the wedge shaped segment.
[0017] In an aspect, the wedge shaped second segment is angularly inclined to a rear surface of the first portion.
[0018] In an aspect, a rear surface of the second portion of each of the pair of locators is defining a plurality of strengthening ribs along longitudinal direction.
[0019] In an aspect, a top surface and a front surface of the second portion is having a tapered profile to facilitate transfer of load from each of the pair of locator to the front bumper.
[0020] In an aspect, the front surface of the second portion is having a plurality of ribs along longitudinal direction to provide strength to each of the pair of locators.
[0021] In an aspect, the guiding structure of each of the pair of locators are extended in angular direction such that camera viewing direction and assembly direction are parallel to each other.
[0022] 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 the scope of the present subject matter.
[0023] 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 numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING(S)
[0024] 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. A detailed description is given with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to refer like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure 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
[0025] Figure 1 depicts an outer surface of a front bumper in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] Figure 2 depicts a plurality of locators of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0027] Figure 3 (a-b) illustrates isometric front and rear views of the locator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] A few aspects of the present disclosure are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Example implementations are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows.
[0030] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0031] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0032] The present disclosure is related to a mounting structure of a vehicle, where a bumper (100), preferably a front bumper is designed in order to facilitate mounting of a camera. Herein, the present disclosure typically discloses design of locators so as to enable mounting of a camera insertion bracket into them such that lens of the camera is prevented from hitting the bumper hole. The constructional features of the set of locators are discussed in the subsequent section.
[0033] Figure 1 depicts an outer surface of the bumper (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 depicts a plurality of locators of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be evidenced from Figure 1 and Figure 2, an outer surface (102) of the bumper (100) comprises of a first portion (104) and a second portion (106), where a center of the first portion (104) is provided with a camera mounting hole (108).
[0034] In an aspect, as shown in Figure 2, there is further provided a pair of locators (110) on either side of the camera mounting hole (108). These pair of locators (110) are integrated on the second portion (106) of the outer surface (102) along vertical direction. configured to guide mounting of the camera bracket over the bumper (100).
[0035] Figure 3 (a-b) illustrate isometric front and rear views of the locator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, each of the pair of locators (110) comprises a first portion (112), a second portion (116) and a guiding structure (118).
[0036] In an aspect, a center (114) of the first portion (112) is defining as a screw mounting arrangement. The second portion (116) comprises of a front surface (116-F) and a top surface (116-T), with the top surface (116-T) supporting the first portion (112).
[0037] In an aspect, as can be observed from Figure 3 (a), the guiding structure (118) is extending from a first end (116-1) of the second portion (116) and further comprises of a first segment (118-1) and a wedge shaped second segment (118-2).
[0038] In an aspect, the first segment (118-1) of the guiding structure (118) is positioned vertically in an upward direction, with the wedge shaped second segment (118-2) extending from the first segment (118-1) in an upward direction.
[0039] In an aspect, the wedge shaped second segment (118-2) is angularly inclined to a rear surface (112-R) of the first portion (112), with the angle preferably ranging from 25º to 35º. There is further provided a first chamfer (118-3) at top of the wedge shaped second segment (118-2). The first chamfer (118-3) helps to facilitate easy mounting of the camera insertion bracket, so as to enable easy mounting of the camera. Additionally, of the wedge shaped second segment (118-2) is also defining a second chamfer (118-4) towards bottom of the wedge shaped second segment (118-2). The second chamfer (118-4) is configured to provide strength to the overall assembly. The presence of the second chamfer (118-4) increases rigidity of the guiding structure (118) and helps in optimization of load otherwise created due to placement of heavy camera assembly and the camera insertion bracket.
[0040] In an aspect, in this context it may be noted that the guiding structure (118) of each of the pair of locators (110) is extended in an angular direction such that camera viewing direction and the locator assembly direction are parallel with respect to each other. Consequently, this lessens the clearance requirements in bumper hole and lens of the camera, thereby allowing the camera assembly to be mounted with ease.
[0041] In an aspect, the top surface (116-T) and the front surface (116-F) of the second portion (116) is having a tapered step profile thereby defining an emboss in an inward direction. The presence of the tapered step profile helps in improvement of rigidity and also facilitates uniform distribution of loads from each pair of the locator (110) to the vicinity. Further, the front surface (116-F) and a rear surface (116-R) of the second portion (116) is having a plurality of strengthening ribs (122, 120) positioned along vertical direction.. The presence of tapered step profile and the plurality of strengthening ribs (120, 122) aids in enhancement of strength of each of the pair of locators (110).
[0042] In an aspect, furthermore, the pair of locators (110) disclosed in the present subject matter also contributes to aesthetics of the vehicle unlike the existing arrangements.
[0043] In this context, it is also likely to be mentioned that each of the pair of locators (110) as disclosed in the present subject matter may also be implemented for mounting of parking sensors, radar, kick sensors, cameras and like components.
[0044] Technical Advantages
[0045] All in all, the present invention has the following advantages:
i) Facilitates easy mounting of camera assembly
ii) Ensures uniform distribution of load to the surrounding areas
iii) Rigid and robust
iv) Eliminates the issue of surface defects thereby contributing to aesthetics of the vehicle
[0046] Equivalents
[0047] 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 systems 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 above-mentioned description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0048] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to package 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/device 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.
[0049] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0050] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.

, Claims:We Claim:

1. A mounting structure in a vehicle, to facilitate mounting of a camera over a bumper (100), the mounting structure (100) comprising:
- an outer surface (102) of the bumper (100),
having a first portion (104) and a second portion (106), with a center of the first portion (104) comprising a camera mounting hole (108); and
- a pair of locators (110) positioned vertically on the second portion (106), with each of the pair of locators (110) being present on either side of the camera mounting hole (108), wherein the pair of locators (110) are configured to guide mounting of the camera over the bumper.

2. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of locators (110) comprises:
- a first portion (112), wherein a center (114) of the first portion (112) is defining a screw mounting arrangement;
- a second portion (116) supporting the first portion (112) from bottom;
- a guiding structure (118) extending towards the first portion (112) from a first end (116-1) of the second portion (116), with the guiding structure (118) having:
a first segment (118-1) positioned vertically in an upward direction,
a wedge shaped second segment (118-2) extending from the first segment (118-1) along upward direction, wherein the wedge shaped second segment (118-2) is defining a first chamfer (118-3) and a second chamfer (118-4) along an inner surface of the wedge shaped second segment (118-2).

3. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first chamfer (118-3) is defined at top of the wedge shaped second segment (118-2), and wherein the first chamfer (118-3) is configured to facilitate mounting of a camera insertion bracket.

4. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second chamfer (118-4) is defined towards bottom of the wedge shaped segment (118-2).

5. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wedge shaped second segment (118-2) is angularly inclined to a rear surface (112-R) of the first portion (112).
6. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein a rear surface (116-R) of the second portion (116) of each of the pair of locators (110) is defining a plurality of strengthening ribs (120) along vertical direction.

7. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein a top surface (116-T) and a front surface (116-F) of the second portion (116) is having a tapered step profile to facilitate transfer of load from each of the pair of locator (110) to the vicinity.

8. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein the front surface (116-F) of the second portion (116) is having a plurality of ribs (122) along vertical direction to provide strength to each of the pair of locators (110).

9. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the guiding structure (118) of each of the pair of locators (110) are extended in angular direction such that camera viewing direction and assembly direction are parallel with respect to each other.

10. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the pair of locators (110) is used for mounting of parking sensors, radar, kick sensors, cameras and like components.

Dated this 31st day of January, 2024

AMIT JAIN
IN/PA – 2189
OF L. S. DAVAR & CO.,
APPLICANT’S AGENT