Claims:1. A bracket (100) for mounting a gear actuation lever to an engine block (2) of a vehicle, the bracket (100) comprising:
a base portion (3);
a plurality of anchoring columns (4) integrated to the base portion (3) and extending from a first surface (FS) of the base portion (3) in a first direction;
a plurality of inclined columns (6) integrated to the base portion (3) and extending from a second surface (SS) of the base portion (3) in a second direction opposite to the first direction,
wherein, a free end of each of the plurality of inclined columns (6) is integrated to form a mounting surface (7b);
a plurality of mounting portions (7a) defined in the mounting surface (7b), wherein the gear actuation lever is connectable to at least one of the plurality of mounting portions (7a) based on a mounting position of the gear actuation lever within a cabin of the vehicle.

2. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of anchoring columns (4) are defined with a plurality of first mounting provisions (5).

3. The bracket as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of first mounting provisions (5) are configured to receive at least one fastener (12) to connect the bracket (100) to the engine block (2) of the vehicle.

4. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of second mounting provisions (8) defined in each of the plurality of the mounting portions (7).

5. The bracket as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of second mounting provisions (8) are configured to receive at least one fastener (12) to secure the gear actuation lever.

6. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of inclined columns (6) comprises at least one aperture (9) defined on at least one surface of the plurality of inclined columns (6) to accommodate at least one securement bracket, wherein the at least one securement bracket secures one or more peripheral components (13) of an engine of the vehicle.

7. The bracket as claimed in claim 6, wherein one or more peripheral components (13) is at least one of wiring harness, intake conduits, exhaust conduits, and intercooler conduits.

8. The bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one of the plurality of inclined columns (6) is defined with at least one mounting flange (10) to accommodate at least one auxiliary component of the engine of the vehicle.

9. A gear actuation lever of a vehicle comprising a bracket as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to a mounting member for a gear shift assembly of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the disclosure disclose a bracket for mounting a gear actuation lever of a vehicle that may be suitable for mounting the gear actuation lever in varying positions based on varying engine displacements and vehicle cabin variants.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
In general, a gear shift lever is located inside a vehicle cabin. The gear shift lever is connected to the transmission system by a suitable connection means such as mechanical linkages, cable connectors, and the like. Typically, the mechanical linkages are used to connect the gear shift lever to a gear actuation lever and then in turn to the transmission system. Conventionally, these linkages could extend to lengths based on the placement of the transmission system and the gear shift lever. Further, these linkages need to be mounted and securely fixed in order to have an efficient and accurate gear engagement. As indicated above, the mounting of the gear actuation lever of the vehicle depends on an engine design and position of the engine with respect to a cabin layout of the vehicle. Conventionally, since the cabin layout and the position of the engine varies, the mounting members are also designed to meet these varying requirements. This results in requirement of different types of mounting members to mount the gear actuation lever. Subsequently, the mounting members may be designed to have an array of designs and may have intricate shapes and configuration. Moreover, these mounting members are also configured to house or secure peripheral components like an engine manifold, a turbocharger intercooler pipe, an exhaust manifold, a wiring harness, etc. Therefore, producing different types of mounting member for different engine designs and positions of the engine with respect to the cabin layout of the vehicle increases the manufacturing cost of the mounting members. Further, the mounting members have intricate shapes and configuration, that require high level maintenance, which is a cumbersome task and incurs added costs.
In some the conventional vehicle variants, mounting members such as gear lever supporting or mounting brackets are mounted on an engine block. More specifically, on an exhaust manifold of the engine to connect with the gear actuation lever via a plurality of fasteners. However, during operation of the engine, the exhaust manifold is subjected to high thermal stresses and vibrations, which may result in loosening of the plurality of fasteners holding mounting member onto the engine block. Such loosening of the plurality of fasteners requires frequent inspection and servicing and at times, it may lead to inflict inappropriate functioning of the gear actuation lever of vehicle.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the assembly of the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a bracket for mounting a gear actuation lever to an engine block of a vehicle is disclosed. The bracket comprises a base portion. Further, a plurality of anchoring columns is integrated to the base portion. The bracket includes the plurality of anchoring columns that extends from a first surface in a first direction. A plurality of inclined columns is integrated to the base portion such that, the plurality of inclined column extends from a second surface of the base portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A free end of each of the plurality of inclined columns are integrated to form a mounting surface. The bracket of the present disclosure includes a plurality of mounting portions defined on the mounting surface to connect the gear actuation lever to at least one mounting portions based on a mounting position of the gear actuation lever within a cabin of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the plurality of anchoring columns are defined with a plurality of first mounting provisions.
In an embodiment, the plurality of first mounting provisions are configured to receive at least one fastener to connect the bracket to the engine block of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the bracket comprises a plurality of second mounting provisions defined in each of the plurality of the mounting portions.
In an embodiment, the plurality of second mounting provisions are configured to receive at least one fastener to secure the gear actuation lever.
In an embodiment, the plurality of inclined columns comprises at least one aperture defined on at least one surface of the plurality of inclined columns to accommodate at least one securement bracket. In another embodiment, the at least one securement bracket secures one or more peripheral components of an engine of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the at least one peripheral component is at least one of wiring harness, an intake conduit, an exhaust conduit, and an intercooler conduit.
In an embodiment, the at least one of the plurality of inclined columns is defined with at least one mounting flange to accommodate at least one auxiliary component of the engine of the vehicle.
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, as well as a preferred mode of use, 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 figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket for mounting a gear actuation lever to an engine block of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the bracket of Figure 1.

Figures 3 illustrates a rear view of the bracket of Figure 1;
Figures 4 illustrates a schematic view of the bracket connected to the engine block , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figures 5 illustrates a schematic view of the bracket accommodating peripheral component of the engine, 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

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other mechanism for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or process that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or process. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a bracket for mounting a gear actuation lever to an engine block of a vehicle. The bracket of the present disclosure is configurable to mount the gear actuation lever based on different designs and positions of the gear actuation lever and a cabin layout of the vehicle. Generally, conventional mounting members are designed to mount and secure the gear actuation lever based on engine design, position of the gear actuation lever and the cabin layout of the vehicle. Since, every other vehicle has different engine design and vehicle cabin layouts, an array of mounting brackets with varying designs need to be manufactured. Producing such various types of mounting members increases the overall manufacturing costs of the vehicle.
Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a bracket that may be configured in vehicles ranging from passenger vehicles to commercial vehicles, and such bracket may be used in different variants of the vehicle without any modifications. Further, the bracket of the present disclosure is defined as a unified structure capable of catering to mounting the gear actuation lever based on varying positions of the gear shift lever within the cabin of the vehicle. Moreover, the unified structure is capable of resisting thermal stresses and vibration fatigue developed during operation of the engine. The bracket includes a plurality of provisions to suitably accommodate one or more peripheral components of the engine. Additionally, the plurality of mounting provisions defined on the bracket allows mounting of at least one auxiliary mounting brackets to secure one or more peripheral components associated with the engine.
In an embodiment, the bracket of the present disclosure may be mounted to the engine block of the vehicle. The bracket may be configured with a base portion having a plurality of inclined columns and a plurality of anchoring columns that extend from the base portion. The plurality of inclined columns may extend in a direction opposite to the extension of the plurality of anchoring columns. Further, free ends of the plurality of inclined columns may be defined with a plurality of mounting portions wherein the plurality of mounting portions receives and secured the gear actuation lever.
In the following detailed description, embodiments of the disclosure are explained with reference of accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration 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.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating perspective, front and rear views of a bracket (100). As shown in Figure 1, the bracket (100) is unitary structure and may be made of suitable material, which can easily be formed. The bracket (100) includes a base portion (3) wherein, the base portion (3) may be defined as a solid body about a first axis (A). Further, the base portion (3) is defined with a first surface (FS) and a second surface (SS). In an embodiment, the second surface (SS) is opposite to the first surface (FS) of the base portion (3). Further, a plurality of anchoring columns (4) are integrated to the base portion (3) such that the plurality of the anchoring columns (4) extends from the first surface (FS) of the base portion (3) in a first direction. In an embodiment, the first direction (FS) is a downward direction with respect to axis (A). The plurality of anchoring columns (4) extends in the first direction such that, the columns (4) may be oriented in at least one of perpendicular or inclined orientation, with respect to the base portion (3) depending on the requirement and design parameter of the engine. Further, the plurality of anchoring columns (4) is defined with a longitudinal structure extending along a second axis (B) from the first surface (FS) of the base portion (3) thereof. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, each column of the plurality of anchoring columns (4) are disposed in a spaced apart configuration. Each of the plurality of anchoring columns (4) are defined with a plurality of first mounting provisions (5). The plurality of first mounting provisions (5) are configured to receive at least one fastener (12) to connect the bracket (100) to an engine block (2) of the vehicle, referring to Figure 4. The plurality of first mounting provisions (5) may be at least one of a threaded hole, an aperture and any suitable mounting provision to receive at least one fastener (12). Further, the anchoring columns (4) are configured to support the base portion (3) that provides rigid link between the bracket (100) and the engine block (2) of the vehicle.
The bracket (100) as disclosed in the present invention is used to mount a gear actuation lever (not shown in figures) on the engine block (2) of the vehicle based on a mounting position of the gear actuation lever within a cabin of the vehicle.

Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, a plurality of inclined columns (6) are integrally connected to the base portion (3) and extend away from the second surface (SS) of the base portion (3). The plurality of inclined columns (6) extend in a second direction opposite to the first direction of extension of the plurality of anchoring columns (4). Further, each column of the plurality of inclined columns (6) are oriented at a predetermined angle with respect to the base portion (3). In an embodiment, each of the plurality of inclined columns (6) may be in a spaced apart configuration. Further, free ends of each of the plurality of inclined columns (6) are integrated to form a mounting surface (7b).
In an embodiment, the plurality of inclined columns (6) comprises at least one aperture (9) defined on at least one surface of the plurality of inclined columns (6) to accommodate at least one securement bracket (not shown in figures). The securement bracket may be configured to secure one or more peripheral components associated with the engine of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the one or more peripheral component (13) is at least one of wiring harness, an intake conduit, an exhaust conduit, an intercooler conduit. Further, the plurality of the inclined columns (6) is defined with at least one mounting flange (10) to accommodate at least one auxiliary component of the engine of the vehicle. The plurality of inclined columns (6) is defined with a at least one hook (14) as illustrated in Figure 3 and 5 to accommodate one or more peripheral component (13) of the engine of the vehicle. The provision of at least one aperture (9) and at least one mounting flange (10) defined on the plurality of inclined columns (6) creates an area for accommodating and mounting of one or more securement brackets to support the peripheral components (13) without interfering with components surrounding the engine block (2) of the vehicle. Additionally, since the each of the plurality of inclined columns (6) are equidistantly spaced apart and inclined configuration, the bracket (100) becomes stiff in configuration and hence absorb vibrations and thermal stresses acting on them.

Further, free end of each of the plurality of inclined columns (6) are joined to form a mounting surface (7b). In an embodiment, the free end of each of the plurality of inclined columns (6) are joined by a ridge extension integrally between each of the plurality of inclined columns (6). The mounting surface (7b) is defined with a plurality of mounting portions (7a) to accommodate the gear actuation lever of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the gear actuation lever may be connectable to at least one mounting portion of the plurality of mounting portions (7a) based on mounting position of the gear actuation lever within the cabin of the vehicle. As an example, in a first variant, based on the engine displacement/design and the mounting position of the gear shift lever within the vehicle cabin, the gear actuation lever may be mounted on at least two mounting portions of the plurality of mounting portions (7a). Similarly, in a second variant, the gear shift lever within the vehicle cabin is mounted on at least one mounting portion of the plurality of mounting portions (7a) which are offset to that of the at least two mounting portions utilized for mounting to the first variant. Furthermore, a plurality of second mounting provisions (8) is defined in each of the plurality of the mounting portions (7a). In another embodiment, the plurality of second mounting provisions (8) are configured to receive at least one fastener (12) to secure the gear actuation lever. The plurality of second mounting provision (8) is at least one of hole, aperture, and any suitable mounting provision to receive at least one fastener (12) to secure the gear actuation lever.

In an embodiment, the plurality of mounting portions (7a) are reinforced by defining contours all around the mounting surface (7b). These contours may be defined with additional material in order to add strength and reinforcement so that the bracket (100) may withstand vibrations and stresses.
Moreover, the plurality of inclined columns (6) and the plurality of anchoring columns (4) are also reinforced in order withstand vibrations and stresses acting on the bracket (100). Additionally, the bracket (100) designed offers realm of flexibility due to the thermal and vibrational stresses acting on the bracket (100).

In an embodiment, a cabin layout of the vehicle varies with respect to engine design and location within the vehicle, thus the gear actuation lever may be secured on at least one of mounting portions of the plurality of mounting portions (7a) by suitably altering a position of the bracket (100) based on the mounting position of the gear actuation lever within the cabin of the vehicle. Further, due to the inclined profile of the columns (6), the mounting portions (7a) may be configured at an offset from the base portion (3) which aids in providing flexibility for mounting varying configuration of the gear actuation lever. The inclined columns (6) may be designed with a length, a height and a thickness that is variable to provide adequate strength to the bracket (100) and also to accommodate and hold one or more peripheral components (13) of the engine.

In an embodiment, the bracket (100) according to present disclosure provides a cost-effective solution for securing and supporting a gear actuation of lever on the engine block.

In an embodiment, the size, configuration of the components of bracket (100) may be varied according to the application requirement.

In an embodiment, the bracket (100) can be manufactured of a material that has the characteristics to resist vibrations and thermal stresses.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a bracket (100) which is simple in construction, along with being robust and compact.

In an embodiment, the bracket (100) of the present disclosure eliminates usage of different intricate shaped conventional mounting members.

In an embodiment, the bracket (100) of the present disclosure reduces number of components for coupling and securing the gear actuation lever

In an embodiment, the bracket (100) of the present disclosure with provision of the securement bracket allows securing of one or more peripheral components of the engine of the vehicle.

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 NUMERALS
Reference Number Description
100 Bracket
2 Engine block
3 Base portion
4 Anchoring column
5 First mounting provision
6 Inclined columns
7a Mounting portion
7b Mounting surface
8 Second mounting provision
9 Aperture
10 Mounting flange
12 Fastener
13 Peripheral components
14 Hook
FS First surface
SS Second surface
A First axis
B Second axis