Claims:

1. A cradle assembly (100) for an engine bay of a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a support member (101), defining a first section (102), a second section (103) and a curved section (104) adjoining the first section (102) and the second section (103);
at least one coupling bracket (105) fixed to an end of the first section (102) and a portion of the second section (103), the at least one coupling bracket (105) is configured to receive at least one mounting block (120) for supporting the cradle assembly (100) in the engine bay; and
a plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124), at least one bracket of the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) is fixed to each of the first section (102), the second section (103) and the curved section (104), wherein each of the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) is adapted to support at least one component in the engine bay.

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member (101) is a tubular member, having a unitary structure.

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a supporting bracket (107) fixed to the curved section (104), wherein the supporting bracket (107) extends vertically in a direction away from the curved section (104).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) includes a first bracket (108), wherein one end of the first bracket (108) is fixed to the supporting bracket (107) and other end, opposite to the one end is fixed to the at least one coupling bracket (105) fixed to the portion of the second section (103).

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first bracket (108) extends along a length of the curved section (104) and the portion of the second section (103), wherein the first bracket (108) defines a stepped profile, and is configured to accommodate an On-Board charger (114), associated with the vehicle.

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) includes a second bracket (109) fixed to a stepped portion of the first bracket (108), wherein the second bracket (109) extends perpendicularly from a top plane of the stepped portion and is configured to accommodate a DC-DC convertor (115), associated with the vehicle.

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) includes a third bracket (110) fixed to the first section (102) and extending along a length of the first section (102), wherein the third bracket (110) is defined with a V-shape configuration.

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the third bracket (110) is configured to accommodate a power distribution unit (116), associated with the vehicle.

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) includes a fourth bracket (111) fixed to the at least one coupling bracket (105) fixed at the end of the first section (102), wherein the fourth bracket (111) extends vertically in a direction away from the at the least one coupling bracket (105), and is configured to support a prime mover (117).

10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) includes a fifth bracket (112) fixed to the second section (103), wherein the fifth bracket (112) extends vertically in a direction away from the second section (103), and configured to support a transmission (118).

11. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) includes a sixth bracket (113) extending laterally along a length and vertically in a direction away from the second section (103), wherein the sixth bracket (113) is configured to accommodate an air conditioning unit compressor (119), associated with the vehicle.

12. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) includes a seventh bracket (124) extending vertically in a direction away from the supporting bracket (107), wherein the seventh bracket (124) is configured to accommodate a vacuum pump.

13. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an elongated member (121) extending between the fourth bracket (111) and the supporting bracket (107), wherein the elongated member (121) is configured to be fixed to a frame in the engine bay of the vehicle.

14. An electric vehicle comprising a cradle assembly (100), as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:[001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to electric vehicles. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a cradle assembly for mounting components in an engine bay of the electric vehicle.

[003] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSUE

[004] With fast depletion of non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels, a significant amount of research and development is devoted in development of alternative energy sources for vehicles. Global warming is another concern for shifting from conventional IC engine automobiles to clean fuel vehicles such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and the like. Moreover, release of carbon contaminants into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels has been another driving factor for researchers to look into alternative sources of energy.

[005] Electric energy has emerged as a promising alternative source of energy for vehicles. Vehicles which run only using electric energy to power an electric motor in a powertrain are broadly termed as electric vehicles or zero emission vehicles. Electric vehicles have significant differences in various components and modules installed in the engine bay, in comparison to the IC engine vehicle. Generally, electric vehicles include electric motors or synchronous motors to generate mechanical power for driving axles and transaxles including differentials. Further, electric vehicles may include a transmission which may transfer necessary torque to the axles and, a plurality of motor controllers for controlling operation of the electric motor. Furthermore, electric vehicles may also include power distribution unit, which receives power from an auxiliary battery and regulates flow of electricity between a high voltage battery system and the electric motor. Additionally, the electric vehicles include a DC-DC convertor for supplying power required for driving the electric motor and vacuum pumps for brake systems.

[006] Conventionally, each component and modules to be accommodated within the engine bay, especially in passenger electric vehicles are separately installed on the vehicle body. This technique of separately installing the components and the modules in the engine bay is cumbersome, leading to lower productivity and increased lead time, which is undesired. Further, as the size and shape of the components within the engine bay, play a vital role in smooth functioning, the body of the engine bay is specifically designed to mount such components. As the body of the engine bay is altered to accommodate the components, it leads to increase in the manufacturing costs, which is undesired.

[007] Considering the above, and with the advent of technology, cradles or mounting frames have been developed to accommodate various components in the engine bay of passenger vehicles. However, conventional cradles include casted structures and include a plurality of support members, making the cradles complex, which may lead to less flexibility. Moreover, these cradles with its additional components may add on weight, which affects performance of the vehicle. Also, the conventional cradles define a platform for supporting the components in relation to each other and installing these components on the platform is cumbersome. Further, such configuration of the cradles may not facilitate in easy serviceability in the engine bay, as the components are arranged in relation to one another.

[008] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such limitations associated with the conventional arts.

[009] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[010] One or more shortcomings of conventional systems are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the system 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 disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered as a part of the claimed disclosure.

[011] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a cradle assembly for an engine bay of a vehicle is disclosed. The cradle assembly includes a support member, defining a first section, a second section and a curved section adjoining the first section and the second section. Further, the cradle assembly includes at least one coupling bracket fixed to an end of the first section and a portion of the second section, the at least one coupling bracket is configured to receive a mounting bracket. Furthermore, the cradle assembly includes a plurality of brackets. At least one bracket of the plurality of brackets is fixed to each of the first section, the second section and the curved section. Each of the plurality of brackets are adapted to support at least one component in the engine bay.

[012] In an embodiment, the support member is a tubular member having a unitary structure.

[013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cradle assembly includes a supporting bracket fixed to the curved section. The supporting bracket extends vertically in a direction away from the curved section.

[014] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of brackets includes a first bracket. One end of the first bracket is fixed to the supporting bracket and other end, opposite to the one end is fixed to the at least one coupling bracket, fixed to the portion of the second section. The first bracket extends along a length of the curved section and the portion of the second section, wherein the first bracket defines a stepped profile, and is configured to accommodate an on-board charger associated with the vehicle.

[015] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of brackets includes a second bracket fixed to a stepped portion of the first bracket. The second bracket extends perpendicularly from top plane of the stepped portion and is configured to accommodate a DC-DC convertor, associated with the vehicle.

[016] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of brackets includes a third bracket fixed to the first section. The third bracket extends along a length of the first section and is defined with a V-shape configuration. The third bracket is adapted to accommodate a power distribution unit associated with the vehicle.

[017] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of brackets includes a fourth bracket fixed to the at least one coupling bracket fixed at the end of the first section. The fourth bracket extends vertically in direction away from the at the least one coupling bracket and configured to support a prime mover.

[018] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of brackets includes a fifth bracket fixed to the second section. The fifth bracket extends vertically in direction away from the second section, and configured to support a transmission.

[019] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of brackets includes a sixth bracket, which extends laterally along a length and vertically in a direction away from the second section. The sixth bracket is configured to accommodate an air conditioning unit compressor, associated with the vehicle.

[020] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of brackets comprises includes a seventh, which extends vertically in a direction away from the supporting bracket, the seventh bracket is configured to accommodate a vacuum pump.

[021] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cradle assembly comprises an elongated member extending between the fourth bracket and the supporting bracket, the elongated member is configured to be fixed to a frame in the engine bay of the vehicle.

[022] In another non-limiting embodiment, an electric vehicle employed with the cradle assembly in the engine bay is disclosed.

[023] 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.

[024] 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.

[025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[026] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an 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:

[027] Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cradle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[028] Figure. 2 illustrates a side view of the cradle assembly of Figure. 1;

[029] Figure. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the cradle assembly of Figure. 1;

[030] Figure. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the cradle assembly supporting the components of the engine bay, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[031] 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 assembly illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[033] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[034] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of assembly, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part 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 skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the cradle assembly of the present disclosure may be employed in vehicles other than electric vehicles for supporting the components in the engine bay. However, the engine bay of the vehicle is not illustrated in the drawings of the disclosure for the purpose of simplicity.

[035] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an 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, method, 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.

[036] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a cradle assembly for an engine bay of a vehicle. Conventional cradle assemblies include casted structures and a plurality of support members for supporting the components, which makes the cradle assembly complex and bulky. These conventional cradles adds on weight, which may affect performance of the vehicle. Also, the conventional cradle assemblies are defined with a platform for supporting the components. Moreover, assembling and disassembling the components from the platform is cumbersome, as the components are assembled in relation to each other. Further, such configuration of the cradle assemblies may not facilitate in easy serviceability in case of malfunction of the components in the engine bay, as a number of components have to be disassembled to fix the malfunctioning component. Additionally, these conventional cradle assemblies do not provide flexibility during operation of the vehicle and, also may not meet the crash test requirements of the vehicle.

[037] Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a cradle assembly for an engine bay of a vehicle. The cradle assembly may include a support member, which is defined with a first section, a second section and a curved section. The first section and the second sections are adjoined by the curved section. Further, the cradle assembly includes at least one coupling bracket, which may be fixed to an end of the first section and a portion of the second section. Each of the at least one coupling bracket may be configured to accommodate at least one mounting block. The at least one mounting block may be connected to a vehicle frame for accommodating the cradle assembly in the engine bay. Further, the cradle assembly may include a plurality of brackets, which may be fixed to the support member for accommodating the components in the engine bay. That is, the first section, the second section and the curved section may be configured to accommodate at least one bracket of the plurality of brackets for supporting components in the engine bay.

[038] In an embodiment, the plurality of brackets may include a first bracket, a second bracket, a third bracket, a fourth bracket, a fifth bracket, a sixth bracket and a seventh bracket. The first bracket may be fixed to the support member, such that one end of the first bracket is fixed to a supporting bracket and another end, opposite to the one end is fixed to the at least one coupling bracket, fixed to the portion of the second section. The first bracket may be defined with a stepped profile and may be configured to accommodate an On-Board charger, associated with a vehicle. The second bracket may be fixed to a stepped portion of the first bracket and may extend perpendicularly away from a top plane of the stepped portion. The second bracket may be configured to accommodate a DC-DC convertor, associated with the vehicle. Further, the third bracket is fixed to the first section and extends along a length of the first section. The third bracket may be configured to accommodate a power distribution unit, associated with the vehicle. The fourth bracket may be fixed to the at least one coupling bracket, which is fixed to the end of the first section. The fourth bracket may extend vertically in a direction away from the at least one coupling member and, may be configured to support a prime mover. The fifth bracket may be fixed to the second section of the support member. The fifth bracket may extend vertically in a direction away from the second section and may be configured to support a transmission. The sixth bracket may be fixed to the second section, which may extend laterally along a length of the second section and extends vertically in a direction away from the second section. The sixth bracket may be configured to accommodate an air conditioning unit compressor, associated with the vehicle. Further, the seventh bracket may be fixed to the supporting bracket and may extend downwardly in a direction away from the supporting bracket. The seventh bracket may be configured to accommodate a vacuum pump. This configuration of the cradle assembly consumes less space in the engine bay and, thereby reduces the packaging constraints.

[039] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[040] Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cradle assembly (100) for an engine bay of a vehicle. As an example, the vehicle may be but not limiting to electric passenger vehicle. The cradle assembly (100) may be configured to support a plurality of components that are usually accommodated in an engine bay [not shown in Figures] of the vehicle. The cradle assembly (100) may accommodate a plurality of components independently, resulting in effortless assembling and disassembly of the components, which may facilitate in easy serviceability. Further, the cradle assembly (100) is designed to include less number of components, making the cradle assembly (100) simple and compact, which results in reducing weight and, thus reducing packaging constraints within the engine bay of the vehicle.

[041] As seen in Figure. 1, the cradle assembly (100) may include a support member (101). The support member (101) may include a first section (102), a second section (103) and a curved section (104) [best seen in Figure. 2]. The curved section (104) may adjoin the first section (102) and the second section (103). In an embodiment, the support member (101) may be a tubular member, having a unitary structure. That is, the tubular member [thus, the support member (101) is a single structure without any joints. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member (101) includes a cylindrical configuration, and the same should not be construed as a limitation, as the support member (101) may include any geometrical configuration, based on the requirement.

[042] In an embodiment, the support member (101) may be made of metals such as but not limiting to high grade steel, HSS steel, MS steel, Steel alloy and the like.

[043] Referring further to Figure. 1, the cradle assembly (100) may include at least one coupling bracket (105). The at least one coupling bracket (105) may be fixed to each of the first section (102) and the second section (103). In an embodiment, the at least one coupling bracket (105) may be fixed to an end of the first section (102) and to a portion of the second section (103). The at least one coupling bracket (105), that is fixed to each of the first section (102) and the second section (103) may be configured to accommodate at least one mounting block (120) [as shown in Figure. 4]. The at least one mounting block (120) may be adapted for connecting to a frame of the vehicle, such that, the cradle assembly (100) may be accommodated within an engine bay of the vehicle. In other words, the mounting blocks (120) may facilitate in suspending the cradle assembly (100) within the engine bay of the vehicle. Further, the cradle assembly (100) may include a plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124), which may be fixed to the support member (101). As apparent from the Figure. 1, the first section (102), the second section (103) and the curved section (104) may be configured to support at least one bracket of the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124). In an embodiment, each of the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) are configured to support at least one component in the engine bay.

In an illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) is fixed to the support member (101) by fastening means such as bolts, screws and, the same should not be construed as a limitation, as each of the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) may be fixed to the support member (101) by permanent joining means such as but not limiting to welding, brazing and the like.

[044] Now referring to Figure. 4, which illustrates a cradle assembly (100), which is supporting the components of the engine bay, in relation with Figures. 1 and 2. The support member (101) of the cradle assembly (100) may be configured to support a plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124). In an embodiment, the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) may include a first bracket (108), a second bracket (109), a third bracket (110), a fourth bracket (111), a fifth bracket (112), a sixth bracket (113) and a seventh bracket (124). It should be noted that the number of brackets i.e. first to seventh referred in the description is for the purpose of illustration and should not be considered as a limitation, as the number of brackets and the relative position on the support member (101) may vary based on variants of the vehicles. As seen in Figure. 1, the cradle assembly (100) may include a supporting bracket (107), which may be fixed to the curved section (104) of the support member (101). The supporting bracket (107) may extend vertically in a direction away from the curved section (104) and may be configured to support at least one bracket of the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124). In an embodiment, the supporting bracket (107) may include a plurality of columns (122) extending upwardly in a vertical direction. Each of the plurality of columns (122) define a supporting surface for supporting at least one bracket of the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124).

[045] As apparent from Figure. 1, the first bracket (108) of the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124), may be fixed to the support member (101) (thus, the tubular member). One end of the first bracket (108) may be fixed to the supporting bracket (107) and other end, opposite to the first end may be fixed to the at least one coupling bracket (105), which is fixed to the portion of the second section (103). The first bracket (108) may extend along a length of the curved section (104) and a portion of the second section (103). In an embodiment, the first bracket (108) may be defined with a stepped profile. The first bracket (108) may include a plurality of holes, to receive fasteners for fixing the first bracket (108) with the support member (101) and, accommodating at least one component in the engine bay. In an embodiment, the first bracket (108) may be configured to accommodate an On-Board charger (114) [as seen in Figure. 4], associated with the vehicle.

[046] As seen in Figure. 1, the second bracket (109) may be fixed to a stepped portion defined in the first bracket (108). The second bracket (109) may extend perpendicularly away from a top plane of the stepped portion of the first bracket (108). In an embodiment, the second bracket (109) may define a platform to accommodate a DC-DC convertor (115) [as seen in Figure. 4], associated with the vehicle. Further, the third bracket (110) may be fixed to the first section (102) of the support member (101) and may extend along a length of the first section (102). As apparent from Figure. 1, the third bracket (110) may be fixed to the first section (102) by one or more members (123), which may adjoin the first section (102) and the third bracket (110), such that the third bracket (110) extends above the first bracket (108). In other words, the third bracket (110) includes a height greater than the first bracket (108). In an embodiment, the third bracket (110) may be defined with a V-shape configuration and may be configured to accommodate a power distribution unit (116) [as seen in Figure. 3], associated with the vehicle.

[047] Referring again to Figure. 1 in relation with Figure. 4, the fourth bracket (111) may be fixed to the at least one coupling bracket (105), which is fixed to an end of the first section (102). The fourth bracket (111) may extend vertically in a direction downwardly from the at least one coupling bracket (105). As an example, the fourth bracket (111) may extend substantially perpendicular to the at least one coupling bracket (105), in a direction opposite to the direction in which the supporting bracket (107) extends from the curved section (104). In an embodiment, the fourth bracket (111) may include a plurality of holes to receive fasteners for mounting and supporting a prime mover (117) [as seen in Figure. 4], such as not limiting to an electric motor. Further, as seen in Figure. 1, the fifth bracket (112) may be fixed to the second section (103) of the support member (101). The fifth bracket (112) may extend vertically in a direction away from the second section (103). As an example, the fifth bracket (112) may extend substantially perpendicular from the second section (103), in a direction opposite to the direction in which the supporting bracket (107) extends from the curved section (104). In an embodiment, the fifth bracket (112) may be configured to support a transmission (118) [as seen in Figure. 4].

[048] In an embodiment, as seen in Figure. 1, the sixth bracket (113) may be fixed to the second section (103). The sixth bracket (113) may extend laterally along a length and vertically in a direction away from the second section (103). The sixth bracket (113) may include a plurality of holes for receiving fasteners, in order to fix the sixth bracket (113) with the second section (103) and, accommodate at least one component in the engine bay. In an embodiment, the sixth bracket (113) may be configured to accommodate an air conditioning unit compressor (119), which is associated with the vehicle. Further, the cradle assembly (100) includes an elongated member (121), which extends between the fourth bracket (111) and the supporting bracket (107). The elongated member (121) may extend along a length of the prime mover (117) and the transmission (118). The elongated member (121) may prevent auxiliary components from contacting the prime mover (117) and the transmission (118) during operation of the vehicle in the engine bay. Additionally, the elongated member (121) may be configured to be fixed to a frame in the engine bay of the vehicle, for supporting the cradle assembly (100) in the engine bay.

[049] In an embodiment, as seen in Figure. 3, the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) may include a seventh bracket (124). The seventh bracket (124) may extend downwardly from the supporting bracket (107). The seventh bracket (124) may extend in a side opposite to the side at which the elongated member (121) is fixed in the cradle assembly (100). As apparent from Figure. 3, the seventh bracket (124) may include a semi-circular groove, for accommodating a vacuum pump.

[050] In an embodiment, as each of the plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) are configured to accommodate at least one component in the engine bay. The engine bay components may be disassembled individually, unlike the conventional cradle assemblies which require the entire powertrain to be disassembled in order to reach or service other electronic components fixed to the cradle assembly (100).

[051] In an embodiment, the cradle assembly (100) includes less number of components i.e. the cradle assembly (100) includes single support member (101), which receives a plurality of brackets (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 124) for accommodating at least one component in the engine bay. This configuration aids in minimizing weight of the cradle assembly (100) and, thus reducing packaging constraints in the engine bay.

[052] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop an assembly 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 invention. 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.

[053] Equivalents:

[054] 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.

[055] 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.

[056] Referral Numerals:

Cradle assembly 100
Support member 101
First section 102
Second section 103
Curved section 104
Coupling bracket 105
Supporting bracket 107
First bracket 108
Second bracket 109
Third bracket 110
Fourth bracket 111
Fifth bracket 112
Sixth bracket 113
On-Board charger 114
DC-DC convertor 115
Power distribution unit 116
Prime mover 117
Transmission 118
Air conditioning unit compressor 119
Mounting block 120
Elongated member 121
Columns 122
Members 123
Seventh bracket 124