Claims:
1. A bracket (100) for connecting one or more components (116, 118) in a vehicle, the bracket (100) comprising:
a body (101) defining a base portion (120), a first surface (102) extending from major sides of the base portion (120) and side walls (103, 121) extending from minor sides of the base portion (120);
at least one male connecting member (104) extending from one of the side walls (103) and a side wall (121), opposite to the one of the side walls (103) is defined with a female connecting provision (105);
one or more locking protrusions (106, 107) defined on a first surface (102) of the body (101) and extending from the first surface (102), wherein the one or more locking protrusions (106, 107) are configured to engage with a portion of a first component (116) of the one or more components (116, 118) for fixing the bracket (100) to the first component (116); and
one or more locking fixtures (108) defined on the first surface (102) of the body(101), wherein the one or more locking fixtures (108) are configured to receive a portion of a second component (118) of the one or more components (116, 118), to lock the second component (118) with the bracket (100), thereby connecting the first component (116) and the second component (118).
2. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of ribs (109) extending from one of the side walls (103, 121) and the body (101), wherein each of the plurality of ribs (109) is configured as spacer to prevent the contact of body (101) with the first component (116).
3. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a flange portion (110) extending away from a second surface (122) of the body (101), wherein the flange portion (110) is configured to support a portion of the second component (118).
4. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the flange portion (110) includes a substantially L-shaped configuration.
5. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the one or more locking protrusions (106, 107) includes a first locking protrusion (106) and a second locking protrusion (107).
6. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first locking protrusion (106) comprises a pair of flexible locking wings (113) spaced apart and configured to receive a fastener (112) between the pair of flexible locking wings (113), and wherein the fastener (112) diverges the pair of flexible locking wings (113) to lock the bracket (100) with the first component (116).
7. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second locking protrusion (107) is configured to engage with the portion of the first component (116) and facilitates in flexibly adjusting the bracket (100) for fixing with the first component (116).
8. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the each of the one or more locking fixtures (108) is a snap lock fixture.
9. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one male connecting member (104) is configured to engage with a female connecting provision (105) of an adjacent bracket (100).
10. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (101) is defined with a cavity (111) to receive a fastener (112) for fixing the bracket (100) with the first component (116).
11. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first component (116) is a fender and the second component (118) is a bumper of the vehicle.
12. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (100) is manufactured of a polymeric material.
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a bracket for connecting one or more components in a vehicle/automobile. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose the bracket for connecting a bumper and a fender of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Vehicles are generally mounted with plastic/fibre outer body panels on to metal substructures or chassis, for improving aesthetic appeal and to provide desired aerodynamic properties to the vehicle. Usually, such plastic/fibre outer body panels are used to obtain required dimensions of the vehicle and also aids in as weight reduction. Moreover, such plastic/fibre outer body panels are corrosion resistant, easy to manufacture and can be formed with intricate design and shape to increase aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Further, such plastic/fibre outer body panels are less susceptible to damage from minor impact and can be easily replaceable. Though, plastic/fibre panels improve aesthetic appearance of the vehicle, there are a few drawbacks. One such drawback of such plastic/fibre body panels are the difference in rate of thermal expansion of the plastic/fiber outer body panels and the metal substructures of the vehicle, wherein the plastic/fiber outer body panels cannot be welded onto the metal substructures. Also owing to the structural limitation, direct mechanical joining of such plastic/fiber outer body panels with the metallic subsystem using fasteners and the like may not be also possible. Since, such direct connection of the plastic/fiber panels and metal substructures using fasteners may diminishes aesthetic and aerodynamic properties of such plastic/fibre panels.

Considering the above, the conventional plastic/ fibre outer body panels have been manufactured with flanges, which may be bolted or snap fitted on to the metal substructures or sandwiched by a retainer plate. However, this method of assembling requires additional parts and requires the fasteners to be secured to the flanges. Further, additional cover members are required to be installed in order to hide the fasteners being exposed. This method of connection does not allow for different rates of thermal expansion and hydroscopic growth. Hence, with the advent of technology, attachment means for fixing the plastic/fibre outer body panels with the metal substructures of the vehicle have been developed. However, conventional attachment means have its application limited to specific design of the vehicle. With the change in design of the vehicle, different configurations of the attachment means are required for fixing different body panels such as front bumper bracket, rear bumper bracket, side panels and the like. Such configurations increase the overall design costs and manufacturing costs which ultimately increases the overall cost of the vehicle.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome the one or more problems stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a bracket for connecting one or more components in a vehicle is disclosed. The bracket includes a body, defining a base portion, a first surface extending from major sides of the base portion and side walls extending from minor sides of the base portion. Further, the bracket includes at least one male connecting member extending from one of the side walls and a side wall, opposite to the one of the side walls which is defined with a female connecting provision. Furthermore, the bracket includes one or more locking protrusions defined on a first surface of the body and extending from the body. The one or more locking protrusions are configured to engage with a portion of a first component of the one or more components for fixing the bracket to the first component. Additionally, the bracket includes one or more locking fixtures defined on the first surface of the body, wherein the one or more locking fixtures are configured to receive a portion of a second component of the one or more components, to lock the second component with the bracket, thereby connecting the first component and the second component.
In an embodiment, the bracket includes a plurality of ribs defined in the body, a plurality of ribs extending from one of the side walls and the body, the plurality of ribs configured as spacer to prevent the contact of body with the first component.
In an embodiment, the bracket includes a flange portion extending away from a second surface of the body, wherein the flange portion is configured to support a portion of the second component.
In an embodiment, the one of the one or more locking protrusions includes a first locking protrusion and a second locking protrusion.
In an embodiment, the first locking protrusion includes a pair of flexible locking wings spaced apart. The space between the pair of flexible locking wings are configured to receive a fastener, such that the pair of flexible locking wings diverge outwardly for locking the first locking protrusion with a portion of the first component, for fixing the bracket with the first component.
In an embodiment, the second locking protrusion is configured to engage with the portion of the first component and facilitates in flexibly adjusting the bracket for fixing with the first component.
In an embodiment, the each of the one or more locking fixtures is a snap lock fixture.
In an embodiment, the at least one male connecting member is configured to engage with a female connecting provision of an adjacent bracket.
In an embodiment, the body is defined with a cavity to receive a fastener for fixing the bracket with the first component.
In an embodiment, wherein the first component is a fender and the second component is a bumper of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, wherein the bracket is manufactured of a polymeric material.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

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 THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a bracket for connecting one or more components of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the bracket of Figure. 1.

Figure. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality brackets of Figure. 1 connected to each other to form a chain of brackets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a first component for receiving the plurality of brackets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 5 illustrates a cut sectional view along axis A-A of Figure. 1, with the bracket fixed to the first component, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a second component, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 7 illustrates a cut sectional view along axis A-A of Figure. 1, depicting the second component locked to the bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily 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

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has 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 alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and would modify various constructions of the bracket for connecting one or more components in the vehicle. However, such modifications should be considered to be within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

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.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a bracket for connecting one or more components in a vehicle. Generally, vehicles are mounted with plastic/fibre outer body panels mounted on metal substructures for improving aesthetic appeal and for improving aerodynamics of the vehicle. Conventionally, the plastic/ fibre outer body panels are manufactured with flanges, which may be bolted on to the metal substructures or sandwiched by a retainer plate. However, such method of assembling requires additional parts, requires that fasteners secured to the flanges to be hidden by the body panels thereby difficult to access the fasteners, and also compromising on different rates of thermal expansion and hydroscopic growth. Further, adapting the conventional attachment means to connect the components may not be feasible, as different configuration of the attachment means are required for connecting different components in the vehicle, which is undesired.

Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a bracket for connecting one or more components in a vehicle. The bracket may include a body, which defines a base portion, a first surface extending from major sides of the base portion and side walls extending from minor sides of the base portion. Further, the bracket includes at least one male connecting member extending from one of the side walls. A side wall which is opposite to the one of the side walls is defined with a female connecting provision. Furthermore, the bracket includes one or more locking protrusions defined on a first surface of the body. The one or more locking protrusions may include a first locking protrusion and a second locking protrusion. The first locking protrusion and a second locking protrusion are configured to engage with a portion of a first component for fixing the bracket to the first component. Additionally, the bracket includes one or more locking fixtures defined on the first surface of the body. The one or more locking fixtures are configured to receive a portion of a second component of the one or more components, to lock the second component with the bracket, thereby connecting the first component and the second component.

In an embodiment, the bracket may include a plurality of ribs, extending from one of the side walls and the body. The plurality of ribs may be configured to act as a spacer to prevent the contact of the body with the first component. Further, the bracket includes a flange portion extending away from a second surface of the body and may be configured to support a portion of the second component. Further, the male connecting portion of the bracket may engage with a female connecting provision of an adjacent bracket to form a chain of plurality of brackets. The configuration of the bracket aids in adapting the same bracket for connecting different components in the vehicle, and thus eliminates the requirement of different brackets for connecting different components. Further, the brackets of the present disclosure may be connected to each other to form a chain of brackets, based on the requirement for connecting the one or more components in the vehicle.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 6. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. In the figures, neither the complete bumper and fender assembly nor the vehicle illustrated for the purpose of simplicity.

Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket (100) for connecting one or more components in a vehicle. The bracket (100) of the present disclosure may be a universal bracket which may be used for connecting one or more components in vehicles with different body configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more components of the vehicle may include a first component (116) [seen in Figure.4] such as a fender of a vehicle and, a second component (118) [shown in Figure 8] such as a bumper subsystem. However, the examples illustrated for the first component and the second components are an exemplary embodiment and the same should not be construed as a limitation, since the bracket may be adapted to connect different components in the vehicle.

The bracket (100) as shown in Figures. 1 and 2 may include a body (101). The body (101) may be defined with a base portion (120) defining a major sides and minor sides. A first surface (102) is extending from one of the major sides of a base portion (120) and may extend along a length of the base portion (120). Further, the body (101) may be defined with side walls (103, 121), which extend from the minor sides of the base portion (120). As apparent from Figure. 1, the bracket (100) may include at least one male connecting member (104) extending from one side walls (103), in a direction along a longitudinal axis L-L of the bracket (100). Further, a side wall (121) which is opposite to the one side walls (103) may be defined with a female connecting provision (105). As an example, the female connecting provision (105) may be an opening, configured to receive the at least one male connecting member (104) of an adjacent bracket. In an embodiment, the male connecting member (104) may be integrally formed or connected to the one of the side walls (103), and wherein the male connecting member (104) may be of a joystick shape. The female connecting provision (105) is defined to match the profile of the male connecting portion (104). As seen in Figure. 1, the bracket (100) may further include one or more locking protrusions (106, 107), which may be defined on a first surface (102) of the body(101). The one or more locking protrusions (106, 107) may include a first locking protrusion (106) and the second locking protrusion (107). Each of the first locking protrusion (106) and the second locking protrusion (107) are configured to engage with a portion of a first component (116) of the one or more components (116, 118) for fixing the bracket (100) with the first component (116) [as seen in Figure. 4]. As an example, the first locking protrusion (106) may be positioned at a substantially central portion of the first surface (102). In an embodiment, the first locking protrusion (106) may include a pair of flexible locking wings (113), which may be spaced apart from each other to receive a fastener (112). During installation [i.e. insertion of the fastener (112)], the pair of flexible locking wings (113) may diverge and, thus locks with the first component (116), resulting in fixing the bracket (100) with the first component (116). In an embodiment, the second locking protrusion (107) may be a cylindrical member defined with a star-shaped configuration or splines. In an embodiment, the second locking protrusion (107) may be positioned substantially at one end of the body(101). In an illustrated embodiment, the second locking protrusion (107) is positioned at one end of the first surface (102) proximal to the side wall (121). However, the same should not be construed as a limitation as the second locking protrusion (107) may be positioned at the end of the first surface (102) proximal to the one side wall (103).

In an embodiment, the second locking protrusion (107) may facilitate in flexibly adjusting the bracket (100) during fixing of the bracket (100) with the first component (116). In other words, while fixing the bracket (100) with the first component (116), the second locking protrusion (107) may provide flexibility in adjusting (thus, rotating) the bracket (100) in desired direction for locking the bracket (100) with the first component (116).

Referring again to Figure. 1, the bracket (100) may include one or more locking fixtures (108), which are defined on a first surface (102) of the body (101). As an example, the locking fixtures (108) may be but not limiting to a snap lock fixture. The one or more locking fixtures (108) may include a flexible clamp (114) and a projection (115) [shown in Figure. 2]. The projection (115) may be defined below the flexible clamp (114). The projection (115) may deform upon receiving a portion of a second component (118) and engages with a recess (119) defined in the portion of the second component (118) (as seen in Figure. 6). Further, the flexible clamp (114) may abut the portion of the second component (118) and thus firmly lock the second component (118) with the bracket (100). In an embodiment, the one or more locking fixtures (108) may be defined adjacent to the first locking protrusion (106) and the second locking protrusion (107). Further, the bracket (100) may include a flange portion (110), which may extend away from a second surface (122) of the body(101). The flange portion (110) may be configured to support a portion of the second component (118) upon locking the second component (118) with the bracket (100). As an example, the flange portion (110) may include a substantially L-shaped configuration. In an embodiment, the flange portion (110) may be configured to support a portion of the second component (118), upon connecting the second component (118) with the first component (116).

Now referring to Figure. 2, which illustrates a rear perspective view of the bracket (100). The bracket (100) may include plurality of ribs (109) extending from one of the side walls (103, 121) and the body (101), extending defined on the body (101). The plurality of ribs (109) may be configured as spacers to prevent the body(101) from contacting the first component (116). In an embodiment, the plurality if ribs (109) may be defined at one more corners and rear side of the body(101). As apparent from Figure. 2, the body(101) may be defined with a cavity (111) to receive a connecting element such as a fastener (112) for fixing the bracket (100) with the first component (116).

In an embodiment, the bracket (100) may be manufactured by polymeric material such as but not limiting to foam, Nylon-6 and the like.

Turning to Figure. 3 which illustrates a plurality of brackets (200) connected to each other. In an embodiment, the at least one male connecting member (104) of the bracket (100) may engage with a female connecting provision (105) of the adjacent bracket (100). Similarly, a plurality of brackets (200) may be connected based on the requirement to form a chain of brackets (200). The configuration of the at least one male connecting member (104) and the female connecting provision (105) may aid in arranging the plurality of brackets (200) in a straight-line profile, curved profile and the like.

Now referring to Figures. 4 and 5, which illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the first component (116) and cut section of the portion of the bracket (100) about A-A (as seen on Figure. 1) fixed to first component (116), respectively. As seen in Figure. 4, the portion i.e. a flange of the first component (116) may be defined with a plurality of cavities (117a, 117b), whose shape corresponds to the first locking protrusion (106) and the second locking protrusion (107) of the bracket (100). As seen in Figure. 5, the first locking protrusion (106) may engage with one of the cavity (117a) defined in the first component (116). Similarly, the second locking protrusion (107) may engage with a corresponding cavity (117b) in the first component (116). In an embodiment, the second locking protrusion (107) may provide flexibility in adjusting the bracket (100) for fixing the bracket (100) with the first component (116) at desired position. Upon engagement of the first locking protrusion (106) with the cavity (117a) of the first component (116), the fastener (112) may be inserted between the pair of flexible locking wings (113) of the first locking protrusion (106). Due to insertion of the fastener (112), the flexible locking wings (113) may diverge and reside on the flange portion of the first component (116) and, thus aids in fixing the bracket (100) to the first component (116).

Turning now to Figures. 6 and 7, which illustrates a portion of the second component (118) and cut section of the bracket (100) along A-A (as seen in Figure. 1). As seen in Figure. 6, the portion of the second component (118) may be defined with a plurality of recesses (119) matching the profile or shape of the one or more locking fixtures (108). During locking of the second component (118) to the bracket (100), the portion of the second component (118) (i.e. the portion defined with a plurality of recesses) may be inserted into the one or more locking fixtures (108) in the bracket (100). Due to insertion of the portion of the second component (118), the flexible clamp (114) and the projection (115) below the flexible clamp (114), may deform to receive the portion of the second component (118) such that the recess (119) engages with projection (115) and the flexible clamp (114) abuts the portion of the second component (118), thus locking the second component (118) with the bracket (100). Hence, the bracket (100) may facilitate in connecting the first component (116) and the second component (118).

In an embodiment, the configuration of the bracket (100) is designed as a universal fit wherein the same bracket may be used for connecting one or more components of the different vehicles, irrespective of the shape and configuration of the vehicle. In addition, the brackets (100) may be connected to each other to form a chain link for connecting the components.

In an embodiment, since the bracket is designed as a universal fit, manufacturing costs may be reduced as the brackets are mass produced leading to cost cutting in forming different dies for manufacturing different shapes of dies.

In an embodiment, the bracket of the present disclosure minimizes the cost and time for manufacturing, as it eliminates the requirement of designing new brackets for new design of the vehicle

In an embodiment, the bracket of the present disclosure aids in achieving standardization as common integrator for connecting components in the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the bracket of the present disclosure is a compact integratorator bracket, unlike the conventional brackets which include bigger size, complex 3D shapes and involves more maturation time for design and quality requirements.

It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a bracket of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

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.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERICALS:

Referral numerals Particulars
100 Bracket
101 Body
102 First surface
103, 121 Side walls
104 Male connecting member
105 Female connecting provision
106 First locking protrusion
107 Second locking protrusion
108 Locking fixtures
109 Plurality of ribs
110 Flange portion
111 Cavity
112 Fastener
113 Flexible locking wings
114 Flexible clamp
115 Projection
116 First component
117 [117a and 117b] Cavities defined in the first component
118 Second component
119 Recess
120 Base portion
122 Second surface
200 Plurality of brackets forming a chain