Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle, more particularly, a mounting assembly for mounting plurality of electrical components in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] In general, a vehicle, particularly a three wheeled vehicle comprises an 5 internal combustion engine or an electric motor coupled to a battery. The vehicle is configured to accommodate a plurality of electrical components for safety and warning purposes.
[003] In a conventional vehicle, one of the plurality of electrical components includes a flasher unit. The flasher unit is configured to emit warning light when the 10 three wheeled vehicle takes a turn during running condition of the vehicle. In the conventional vehicle, the flasher unit is disposed below a dashboard of the vehicle.
[004] Further in vehicle such as electric or hybrid vehicle, the plurality of electric components includes one or more battery health management components. These battery health management components responds based on factors such as 15 temperature of the battery and thereby prevents thermal runaway of the battery. However, in conventional vehicles separate mounting brackets are required to mount the battery health management components which in turn increases the part count as well as overall weight of the vehicle.
[005] In general, an vehicle also comprises a warning beeper. The warning 20 beeper is configured to emit a continuous alarm sound such as beeping sound once factor of the vehicle is above a predefined condition such as the battery temperature exceeds a threshold temperature and thereby indicates to the user that there is a risk of thermal runaway of the battery.
[006] In general, the warning beeper is disposed on the dashboard of the vehicle. 25 Further the warning beeper is disposed on a mounting bracket and is mounted on the dashboard through one or more fasteners. Further, conventionally the warning beeper is disposed on a right side of a steering assembly of the vehicle.
[007] In the above configuration, the disposition of the warning beeper requires additional wire routings to connect the warning beeper to a vehicle control unit and 30
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the battery. This increases the length of the wire routing and also causes difficulty in routing of wires separately from the flasher unit and the warning beeper.
[008] Furthermore, the mounting of the warning beeper and the flasher unit on separate mounting brackets increases the part count and in turn the overall weight of the vehicle. 5
[009] Additionally, the use of separate mounting brackets for mounting each of the plurality of electrical components in the vehicle leads to lack of packaging space in the vehicle, and hence leads to a bulky design of the vehicle which in turn leads to reduced vehicle handling capacity of the user.
[010] Additionally, the mounting of separate mounting brackets increases the 10 assembly time of the vehicle due to mounting of individual components on separate mounting brackets, and thereby increases the overall cost of the vehicle.
[011] Hence, it is preferred to have a mounting assembly of the vehicle which is configured to accommodate the plurality of electrical components without increasing the assembly time and part count of the vehicle. 15
SUMMARY
[012] The present subject matter provides a vehicle comprising an integrated mounting bracket being configured to accommodate a plurality of electrical components for reducing wire routing length and part count of the vehicle. 20
[013] As per an aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprising a front cowl and a dashboard. The front cowl is configured for receiving an integrated mounting bracket. The integrated mounting bracket is configured to receive a plurality of electrical components. The integrated mounting bracket is disposed below the dashboard of the vehicle. The integrated mounting bracket is disposed in proximity 25 of one of a left side and a right side of a steering assembly of the vehicle.
[014] As per an embodiment, the front cowl is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle when viewed along an axis (F-R). The front cowl is configured for covering a frame assembly of the vehicle. The dashboard is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle and the dashboard comprises of one or more vehicle control components. 30
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[015] As per another embodiment, the integrated mounting bracket is disposed in proximity to the steering assembly of the vehicle. The integrated mounting bracket is aligned with a wire routing and the wire routing extends from the plurality of electrical components to a control unit of the vehicle.
[016] As per another embodiment, the plurality of electrical components is a 5 warning beeper and a flasher unit of the vehicle. The plurality of electrical components is adjacently disposed on the integrated mounting bracket.
[017] As per another embodiment, the integrated mounting bracket is mounted to a mounting point and the mounting point is disposed on the front cowl of the vehicle. 10
[018] As per another embodiment, the integrated mounting bracket comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion being integrated with each other. The first portion is configured to mount the integrated mounting bracket on the front cowl. The second portion is configured to receive the plurality of electrical components using one or more fasteners. 15
[019] As per another embodiment, the integrated mounting bracket is disposed below a storage compartment and the storage compartment is disposed in the dashboard of the vehicle.
[020] As per another embodiment, the vehicle comprising a windshield, the windshield comprising a holder and the holder being mounted on one of a left side 20 and a right side of the windshield of the vehicle.
[021] As per an aspect of the present invention, the integrated mounting bracket for a vehicle comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to connect the integrated mounting bracket with the vehicle and the second portion is configured to receive a plurality of electrical components. 25
[022] As per an embodiment, the plurality of electrical components being a flasher unit and a warning beeper. The first portion includes a mounting provision for connecting the integrated mounting bracket with the vehicle.
[023] As per another embodiment, the first portion and the second portion is connected through an intermediary portion. The intermediary portion is configured 30 to extend as a flange and integrally connect the first portion and the second portion.
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[024] As per another embodiment, the first portion having a length (L1) and the second portion having a length (L2), and the length (L1) being less than the length (L2). Further one of the plurality of electrical components is disposed at a lower height than another of the plurality of electrical components.
[025] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the 5 following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPT ION OF THE DRAWINGS
[026] The present invention is described with reference to figures. This 10 invention is implementable in two-wheeled, three wheeled and four wheeled vehicles. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are outlined in the appended claims.
[027] Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a front portion of a vehicle, in 15 accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[028] Figure 1b illustrates a left perspective view of the front portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[029] Figure 2a illustrates a front perspective view of an integrated mounting bracket of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject 20 matter.
[030] Figure 2b illustrates a rear perspective view of the integrated mounting bracket of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[031] Figure 3a illustrates a perspective view of a front cowl of the vehicle, in 25 accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[032] Figure 3b illustrates a perspective view of the integrated mounting bracket mounted on the front cowl of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[033] Figure 4a illustrates a side view of a holder of the vehicle, in accordance 30 with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
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[034] Figure 4b illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle with the holder mounted at a portion of the windshield of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 5
[035] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and 10 other implementations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.
[036] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely 15 illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements 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. 20
[037] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or 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 25 skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[038] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or 30 numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's
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understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification. 5
[039] Hence it is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated mounting bracket for a vehicle to mount plurality of electrical components without increasing the overall wire routing length in the vehicle and also to overcome other related problems known in the art as explained in the background problem.
[040] It is also an object of the present invention to reduce overall part count and 10 eliminate use of separate mounting brackets for mounting each of the plurality of electrical components.
[041] It is also an object of the present invention to reduce overall assembly time of the vehicle and also to reduce overall time required to mount separate mounting brackets for each of the plurality of electrical components. 15
[042] It is also an object of the present invention to provide ease of assembly and also reduce overall assembly time of the vehicle.
[043] It is also an object of the present invention to reduce waste of packaging space in the vehicle and also to provide modularity of the integrated mounting bracket to accommodate a plurality of electrical components of the vehicle. 20
[044] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[045] Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a front portion of a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 1b illustrates a left perspective view of the front portion of the vehicle (100), in 25 accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. For brevity figures 1a and 1b will be discussed together. A vehicle (100) is configured to have a frame assembly (106). In one embodiment, the vehicle (100) is one of a two wheeled vehicle, a three wheeled vehicle, a four wheeled vehicle or a multi axel vehicle. In one of the embodiments of the present application the vehicle (100) may be an 30 Electric Vehicle (EV), a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), an Internal Combustion
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Engine (ICE) based vehicle and have components suitable for traction. In another embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes a power unit (not shown). In one embodiment, the power unit is one of or a combination of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor coupled to a battery, and any other alternate energy sources, such as hydrogen fuel etc. The vehicle (100) includes a front portion and a rear 5 portion along an axis (F-R) in one embodiment. The front portion and the rear portion of the vehicle (100) is separated by a cabin wall (110).
[046] The front portion of the vehicle (100) includes a steering assembly (108). The steering assembly (108) is centrally disposed along a longitudinal axis (L-L’) of the vehicle (100). The steering assembly (108) is attached to a front cowl (102). The 10 front cowl (102) is configured to cover the frame assembly (106). The front cowl (102) extends between one or more side trims (114) of the vehicle (100) when viewed along the longitudinal axis (L-L’) of the vehicle (100). The front portion also includes a driver seat (104) for providing a seating for a driver of the vehicle (100). The front portion of the vehicle (100) also comprising a dashboard (120). The 15 dashboard (120) is disposed above the front cowl (102) of the vehicle (100). The dashboard (120) is configured to include one or more vehicle control components (122). The one or more vehicle control components (122) includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components enabling a display and notification of vehicle operations. 20
[047] The dashboard (120) of the vehicle (100) further includes a storage compartment (120a) for storing one or more articles, such as paper, documents, water bottles etc. The front portion of the vehicle (100) is configured to receive and accommodate an integrated mounting bracket (118). The integrated mounting bracket (118) is disposed below the dashboard (120) of the vehicle (100) and the 25 integrated mounting bracket (118) is mounted to a portion of the front cowl (102) of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the integrated mounting bracket (118) is mounted on a left side of the steering assembly (108) and in another embodiment, the integrated mounting bracket (118) is mounted to a right side of the steering assembly (108). In one embodiment, the integrated mounting bracket (118) is 30
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mounted below the storage compartment (120a) of the dashboard (120) of the vehicle (100).
[048] Figure 2a illustrates a front perspective view of an integrated mounting bracket (110) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 2b illustrates a rear perspective view of the integrated 5 mounting bracket (118) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. For brevity, figures 2a and 2b will be discussed together. The integrated mounting bracket (118) is configured to receive and accommodate a plurality of electrical components (200, 202). In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical components (200, 202) is a flasher unit (202) and a warning beeper (200). 10 In another embodiment, the plurality of electrical components (200, 202) being a combination of any warning signal notifying and indicating electrical components. The flasher unit (202) is connected to a connector (204) for wire routing connection between the flasher unit (202) and the vehicle turn signal sensors, and a vehicle control unit (not shown). The flasher unit (202) is connected to the integrated 15 mounting bracket (118) through a first mounting point (not shown) using one fastener (210) of one or more fasteners (208a, 208b, 210).
[049] The warning beeper (200) is attached to the integrated mounting bracket (118) through the fasteners (308a, 208b) of the one or more fasteners (208a, 208b, 210). The warning beeper (200) is also connected to the vehicle control unit (not 20 shown) through a wire routing (206). In one embodiment, the integrated mounting bracket (118) includes a first portion (300a) and a second portion (300b). The first portion (300a) and the second portion (300b) is attached integrally through an intermediary portion (302). In one embodiment, the intermediary portion (302) is configured to extend as a flange to integrally connect the first portion (300a) and the 25 second portion (300b). In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical components (200, 202) are adjacently disposed on the integrated mounting bracket (118).
[050] In another embodiment, the plurality of electrical components (200, 202) are mounted on a first surface (220a) of the integrated mounting bracket (118) and the one or more fasteners (208a, 208b, 210) rigidly attaches the plurality of electrical 30 components (200, 202) on to a second surface (220b) of the integrated mounting
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bracket (118). In one embodiment, the first surface (220a) is a front surface, and the second surface (220b) is a rear surface of the integrated mounting bracket (118). In one embodiment, the first portion (300a) includes a mounting provision (304) for connecting the integrated mounting bracket (118) to the front cowl (102). In another embodiment, the second portion (300b) is configured to receive the plurality of 5 electrical components (200, 202).
[051] Further, in one embodiment, the first portion (300a) is configured to have a length (L1) and the second portion (300b) is configured to have a length (L2). In one embodiment, the length (L1) is less than the length (L2). In one embodiment, the flasher unit (202) is disposed at a lower height than the warning beeper (200). In 10 another embodiment, the warning beeper (200) is disposed at a lower height that the flasher unit (202).
[052] Figure 3a illustrates a perspective view of a front cowl (102) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 3b illustrates a perspective view of the integrated mounting bracket (118) mounted on 15 the front cowl (102) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. For brevity, figures 3a and 3b will be explained together. The front cowl (102) of the vehicle (100) includes a receiving portion (400). The receiving portion (400) includes a mounting point (400a) for mounting the integrated mounting bracket (118) on the front cowl (102) of the vehicle (100). The integrated 20 mounting bracket (118) is rigidly affixed to the mounting point (400a) through the one fastener (210) of the one or more fasteners (208a, 208b, 210). In one embodiment, the receiving portion (400) is disposed below the dashboard (120) of the vehicle (100).
[053] Figure 4a illustrates a side view of a holder (500) of the vehicle (100), in 25 accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 4b illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle (100) with the holder (500) mounted at a portion of the windshield (502) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. For brevity, figures 4a and 4b shall be discussed together. The vehicle (100) further comprising a windshield (502) disposed in the front portion 30 of the vehicle (100) for visibility and also to protect the driver from any external
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impacts. The windshield (502) of the vehicle (100) is configured to receive a holder (500) through at least two mounting points (502a, 502b). In one embodiment, the holder (500) is disposed at a peripheral edge of the windshield (502). In another embodiment, the holder (500) is disposed on one of a left side or a right side of the windshield (502). In one embodiment, the holder (500) is one of a magazine holder 5 and a bottle holder.
[054] Various embodiments of the invention provides a vehicle comprising an integrated mounting bracket being configured to accommodate a plurality of electrical components for reducing wire routing length and part count of the vehicle.
[055] The present invention is a vehicle comprising a front cowl and a dashboard. 10 The front cowl is configured for receiving an integrated mounting bracket. The integrated mounting bracket is configured to receive a plurality of electrical components. The integrated mounting bracket is disposed below the dashboard of the vehicle. The integrated mounting bracket is disposed in proximity of one of a left side and a right side of a steering assembly of the vehicle. 15
[056] The present claimed invention solves the technical problem of using separate mounting brackets for mounting a plurality of electrical components in the vehicle and thereby resolves the problem of increased part count of the vehicle.
[057] Specifically, the claimed invention provides the advantage of reduced part count by using a single mounting bracket for accommodating a plurality of electrical 20 components in the vehicle.
[058] Additionally, the location of mounting the integrated mounting bracket below the dashboard and on the front cowl of the vehicle provides ease of wire routing of the plurality of electrical components from the vehicle control unit.
[059] Furthermore, the disposition of the integrated mounting bracket on one of 25 a left side and a right side of the vehicle provides reduced length of wire routing and also overcomes the requirement of complex wire routing pathways for connecting the vehicle control unit with the plurality of electrical components.
[060] The present invention also provides advantages of ease of assembly and ease of serviceability of the plurality of electrical components and the integrated 30 mounting bracket without any vehicle layout hindrance.
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[061] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the claimed vehicle with an integrated mounting bracket capable of receiving a plurality of electrical components and being mounted below a dashboard of the vehicle, the claimed invention as discussed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed invention enable the 5 following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed invention clearly bring an improvement in the mounting and ease of assembly of the vehicle and also provides reduction in overall part count of the vehicle as the claimed invention provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[062] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference 10 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.
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Reference Numerals:
100 vehicle
102 front cowl 5
104 driver seat
106 frame assembly
108 steering assembly
110 cabin wall
114 one or more side trims 10
118 integrated mounting bracket
120 dashboard
120a storage compartment
122 one or more vehicle control components 15
200 warning beeper
202 flasher unit
204 one or more connector
206 wire routing
208a, 208b, 210 one or more 20 fasteners
220a first surface
220b second surface
300a first portion
300b second portion 25
302 intermediary portion
304 mounting provision
400 receiving portion
400a mounting point
500 holder 30
502 windshield
502a, 502b at least two mounting points , Claims:I/We claim:
1. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a front cowl (102);
a dashboard (120);
wherein said front cowl (102) being configured for receiving 5 an integrated mounting bracket (118);
wherein said integrated mounting bracket (118) being configured to receive a plurality of electrical components (200, 202);
wherein said integrated mounting bracket (118) being disposed below said dashboard (120) of said vehicle (100), and 10
wherein said integrated mounting bracket (118) being disposed in proximity of one of a left side and a right side of a steering assembly (108) of said vehicle (100) when viewed along a longitudinal axis (L-L’).
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front cowl (102) being 15 disposed in a front portion of said vehicle (100) when viewed along an axis (F-R), wherein said front cowl (102) being configured for covering a frame assembly (106) of said vehicle (100).
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said dashboard (120) being disposed in said front portion of said vehicle (100), wherein said dashboard 20 (120) comprising one or more vehicle control components (122), and wherein said integrated mounting bracket (118) being disposed below a storage compartment (120a), said storage compartment (120a) being disposed in said dashboard (120) of said vehicle (100).
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integrated mounting 25 bracket (118) being disposed in proximity to said steering assembly (108) of said vehicle (100), wherein said integrated mounting bracket (118) being aligned with a wire routing (206), said wire routing (206) extending from said plurality of electrical components (200, 202) to a control unit of said vehicle (100). 30
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5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of electrical components (200, 202) being a warning beeper, and a flasher unit of said vehicle (100).
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said plurality of electrical components (200, 202) being adjacently disposed on said integrated 5 mounting bracket (118).
7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integrated mounting bracket (118) being mounted to a mounting point (400a), said mounting point (400a) being disposed on said front cowl (102) of said vehicle (100).
8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integrated mounting 10 bracket (118) comprising a first portion (300a) and a second portion (300b), said first portion (300a) being integral with said second portion (300b), and wherein said first portion (300a) being configured to mount said integrated mounting bracket (118) on said front cowl (102), and wherein said second portion (300b) being configured to receive said plurality of electrical 15 components (200, 202) using one or more fasteners (208a, 208b, 210).
9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle (100) comprising a windshield (502), said windshield (502) comprising a holder (500) being mounted on one of a left side and a right side of said windshield (502) of said vehicle (100). 20
10. An integrated mounting bracket (118) for a vehicle (100), said integrated mounting bracket (118) comprising:
a first portion (300a); and
a second portion (300b);
wherein said first portion (300a) being configured to connect said 25 integrated mounting bracket (118) with said vehicle (100);
wherein said second portion (300b) being configured to receive a plurality of electrical components (200, 202), and
11. wherein said first portion (300a) and said second portion (300b) being connected through an intermediary portion (302), said intermediary portion 30 (302) being configured to extend as a flange and integrally connect said first
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portion (300a) and said second portion (300b)The integrated mounting bracket (118) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said plurality of electrical components (200, 202) being a flasher unit and a warning beeper.
12.The integrated mounting bracket (118) as claimed in claim 12, wherein saidfirst portion (300a) including a mounting provision (304) for connecting5 said integrated mounting bracket (118) with said vehicle (100).
13.The integrated mounting bracket (118) as claimed in claim 12, wherein saidfirst portion (300a) having a length (L1) and said second portion (300b)having a length (L2), wherein said length (L1) being less than said length(L2).10
14.The integrated mounting bracket (118) as claimed in claim 12, wherein oneof said plurality of electrical components (200, 202) being disposed at alower height than another of said plurality of electrical components (200,202).