Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
39 OF 1970
&
THE PATENT RULES 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTIONS 10 & RULE 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION

A MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR
2. APPLICANTS (S)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
MARUTI SUZUKI INDIA LIMITED Indian 1, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj,
New Delhi - 110070
India

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

A MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR AN EMERGENCY LOCKING RETRACTOR

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to mounting of an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) in a vehicle. The present invention is particularly related to a mounting structure for mounting the ELR to a roof rear cross member for a central seat of a rear seat row of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter.
[0003] In the ever-evolving landscape of vehicle safety, the mounting of an Emergency Lock Retractor (ELR) has become a regulatory necessity. The ELR is a critical component and plays a pivotal role in ensuring passenger safety by fastening the seatbelt securely. Traditionally, ELRs are three-point seatbelts, necessitating three distinct mounting points. Typically, two of these points are located on the seat itself, securing the passenger. However, the challenge arises when accommodating the third mounting point, especially concerning passengers occupying the middle seat.
[0004] For passengers in the backseat, there are usually only two seatbelts, leaving the middle seat with inadequate safety measures. Regulations mandate a three-point mounting system even for the middle seat, which adds a layer of complexity to vehicle design. The existing solutions include mounting the ELR in vehicle roof which in turn present a multifaceted challenge. Further, vehicle designs incorporate various roof types across different models, leading to significant packaging issues.
[0005] Moreover, variations in vehicle designs, including the integration of sunroof variants, pose unique challenges. In some configurations, roof panels might be reduced to maintain clearances, causing a shift in the overall packaging of the rear area towards the rear end of the vehicle. The shift makes it increasingly challenging to find suitable mounting points, especially for the ELR (which is crucial).
[0006] Additionally, existing vehicles offer three types of mounts for the middle seat. However, the inherent problem lies in the intricate balance between complying with regulations, maintaining safety standards, and adapting to diverse vehicle designs. One specific challenge emerges when attempting to mount the bracket necessary for the ELR on the cross member of a roof panel. The reduction of the roof panel, especially in sunroof variants, further complicates this task. Traditional mounting methods are no longer viable, necessitating an innovative solution that not only adheres to regulations but also addresses the nuanced packaging issues in modern vehicle designs.
[0007] In light of these challenges, there is a need to not only meets regulatory requirements but also ensures the safety and comfort of passengers across various vehicle models and configurations.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] It forms an object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks/limitations in the existing solutions available in the form of related prior arts.
[0009] It is a primary objective of the present disclosure to adhere to regulatory mandates, specifically concerning the mounting of the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the center passenger.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to achieve compact packaging.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to ensure the secure fastening of the ELR, meeting both strength requirements and packaging constraints. The compactness ensures that the ELR fits seamlessly into the structure of the vehicle without compromising on safety or vehicle aesthetics.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to enhance the overall safety, quality, and user experience of vehicles for a more secure and comfortable journey.
[0013] 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 accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.

SUMMARY
[0014] A solution to one or more drawbacks of existing technology and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0015] The present disclosure provides a solution in the form of an mounting structure for mounting an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) to a roof rear cross member of a vehicle. The mounting structure includes a back door hinge reinforcement and a roof back inner cross member combinedly forming the roof rear cross member, an inverse section defined at a joinery of the back door hinge reinforcement and the roof back inner cross member and a bracket positioned within the inverse section, where a portion of the bracket is coupled to the back door hinge reinforcement and the roof back inner cross member, wherein the bracket defines a profile corresponding to shape as the inverse section.
[0016] In an aspect, the bracket comprises a base divided into a front half and a rear half by a stepped portion.
[0017] In an aspect, the base includes a plurality of invert flanges provided on the rear half, wherein the plurality of invert flanges extend upwards and connect with the inverse section of the roof rear cross member.
[0018] In an aspect, a plurality of ribs are provided on one end of the plurality of invert flanges.
[0019] In an aspect, the plurality of invert flanges is welded to the back door hinge reinforcement and a roof back inner member.
[0020] In an aspect, the roof rear cross member is joined with roof of the vehicle by means of a line sealant for sealing.
[0021] In an aspect, the inverse section forms a V shape configuration.
[0022] In an aspect, a continuous flange is defined at an outer periphery of the base.
[0023] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[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 present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described 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 reference 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] Fig. 1 illustrates a top view of the mounting structure, as seen from vehicle inside, according to the present invention;
[0026] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket on the mounting structure, as seen from vehicle inside, according to the present disclosure; and
[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates the mounting structure for mounting an ELR to a roof rear cross member according to the present disclosure.
[0028] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for 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 OF INVENTION
[0029] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein 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 spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0031] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0033] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0034] Hereinafter, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] The present invention discloses a mounting structure for mounting an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) to a roof rear cross member for a central seat of a vehicle. The present invention not only ensures the secure attachment of the ELR but also maintains the rigidity and the structural integrity of the vehicle. The present invention emphasizes the adaptability, strength, and safety enhancements provided by this ELR mounting structure.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) (302) is mounted to the roof rear cross member (102) of the central seat of the vehicle. The mounting structure (100) includes the roof rear cross member (102) that is formed by a combination of a back door hinge reinforcement (103) and a roof back inner cross member (104). The roof rear cross member (102) is positioned at the rearward portion on the roof of the vehicle.
[0037] At a joint of the back door hinge reinforcement (103) and the roof back inner cross member (104), an inverse section (105) may be formed, creating a structure for installing the ELR (302). The inverse section (105) refers to a defined area within the roof rear cross member (102) of the vehicle. It is a recess or cavity-like structure, having a V-shaped configuration.
[0038] In an embodiment, the V-shaped configuration is an inverse V-shaped configuration. The shape is provided for specific purposes related to the mounting of the ELR (302). The mounting structure (100), forming the V shape, is crucial for accommodating the ELR (302) in a way that ensures both stability and proper fitment.
[0039] Further, within the inverse section (105), a bracket (106) is positioned. A portion (107) of the bracket (106) is attached to both the back door hinge reinforcement (103) and the roof back inner cross member (104), providing a robust foundation for the ELR (302). The bracket (106) matches the shape and profile of the inverse section (105). The matching ensures a snug fit, enhancing stability and preventing unwanted movement or vibration, especially during vehicle operation.
[0040] The inverse section (105), along with the bracket (106), acts as a structural reinforcement point in the frame of the vehicle. Both the inverse section (105), along with the bracket (106) contributes significantly to the overall rigidity and torsional strength, especially during abrupt maneuvers or collisions.
[0041] Ref. to Fig. 2, the bracket (106) coupled to the back door hinge reinforcement (103) and the roof back inner cross member (104) is disclosed. The bracket (106) comprises a base (200). The base (200) is further divided into front and rear halves (208a, 208b) by a stepped portion (203). The base (200) includes a plurality of invert flanges (201a, 201b) that are provided on the rear half (208b). The invert flanges (201a, 201b) extend upwards and connect with the inverse section (105) of the roof rear cross member (102). The invert flanges (201a, 201b), along with the stepped portion (203), provide structural integrity, ensuring the bracket (106) is securely fixed to both the inverse section (105) and the roof structure of the vehicle.
[0042] Further, a plurality of ribs (206a, 206b) are added on one end of the plurality of invert flanges (201a, 201b) to enhance the structural integrity. The one or more ribs (206a, 206b) provide additional strength, ensuring that the attachment points are robust and durable.
[0043] Also, the stepped portion (203) is a part of the bracket (106) that serves as a structural divider, enhancing the strength and integrity of the bracket (106). Also, the stepped portion (203) is crucial for the secure mounting of the ELR (302).
[0044] The rear half (208b), containing the invert flanges (201a, 201b), is connected to the roof of the vehicle through a sealant and the invert flanges (201a, 201b) are further secured to the roof rear cross member (102) and the roof back inner cross member (104) via spot welding.
[0045] The invert flanges (201a, 201b) are welded to the back door hinge reinforcement (103) and the roof back inner member (104), forming a stable connection. Also, the spot welding forms a three-ply structure that further increases the strength of the mounting structure (100) and facilitates a tight and efficient packaging of the mounting structure (100).
[0046] The front half (208a) of the base (200) is designed to accommodate the ELR (302), providing a sturdy platform for its installation. The front half (208a) has fastening holes (204, 205) that play a pivotal role in ensuring the secure attachment of the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) (302). The fastening holes (204, 205) allow for precise and stable fastening of the ELR (302).
[0047] Further, a continuous flange (207) defines the outer periphery of the base (200) of the bracket (106). The continuous flange (207) adds to the structural stability of the bracket (106), ensuring that the mounting structure (100) may withstand various forces and pressures without deformation.
[0048] Ref. to Fig. 3. To provide a watertight seal, the roof rear cross member (102) is joined with the roof of the vehicle using a line sealant (301), ensuring that no water or moisture can penetrate the mounting area.
[0049] Therefore, the line sealant (301) effectively prevents water ingress and preserving the integrity of the mounting structure (100).
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0050] The present invention ensures strict adherence to regulatory requirements regarding Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR), such that vehicles meet safety standards mandated by authorities.
[0051] By optimizing the roof panel stiffness and incorporating the inverse section, the present invention contributes significantly to the structural integrity of the vehicle. This enhances the overall stability and safety of the vehicle, especially during various load conditions.
[0052] The present invention accommodates diverse vehicle configurations, allowing seamless integration into different models and variants.
[0053] The implementation of line sealants ensures a watertight seal between the roof rear cross member and the roof panel. This prevents water ingress, preserving the interior and electronics of the vehicle from damage due to moisture.
[0054] 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 disclosures 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. Also, 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 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 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.”
[0055] 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 disclosure contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the disclosure, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Also, while a feature of the present disclosure 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 disclosure. The present disclosure 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 (100) for mounting an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) (302) to a roof rear cross member (102) of a vehicle, the mounting structure (100) comprising:
a back door hinge reinforcement (103) and a roof back inner cross member (104) combinedly forming the roof rear cross member (102),
an inverse section (105) defined at a joinery of the back door hinge reinforcement (103) and the roof back inner cross member (104); and
a bracket (106) positioned within the inverse section (105), where a portion (107) of the bracket (106) is coupled to the back door hinge reinforcement (103) and the roof back inner cross member (104),
wherein the bracket (106) defines a profile corresponding to shape as the inverse section (105).
2. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (106) comprises:
a base (200) divided into a front half (208a) and a rear half (208b) by a stepped portion (203).
3. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base (200) includes a plurality of invert flanges (201a, 201b) provided on the rear half (208b), wherein the plurality of invert flanges (201a, 201b) extend upwards and connect with the inverse section (105) of the roof rear cross member (102).
4. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a plurality of ribs (206a, 206b) are provided on one end of the plurality of invert flanges (201a, 201b).
5. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of invert flanges (201a, 201b) is welded to the back door hinge reinforcement (103) and a roof back inner member (104).
6. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roof rear cross member (102) is joined with roof of the vehicle by means of a line sealant (301) for sealing.
7. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inverse section (105) forms a V shape configuration.
8. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a continuous flange (207) is defined at an outer periphery of the base (200).

Dated this 1st day of March, 2024

SONAL MISHRA
IN/PA – 3929
OF L. S. DAVAR & CO.,
APPLICANT’S AGENT