Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to agricultural vehicles, more particularly but not exclusively to a front-axle bracket assembly for an agricultural vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, in an agricultural vehicle, components such as a radiator mounting bracket, front sheet metal, loaders, dozer, front tow hook, provision of dust cover and the like are supported by a front axle mounting bracket. The conventional agricultural vehicle such as a tractor consists of a sub-assembly of front axle and front axle bracket, which is coupled with remaining chassis of the vehicle.
[003] The conventional front axle bracket is a one-piece cast part, which provides support to the aforementioned components. As the conventional front axle bracketis a one-piece cast part, more material is usually consumed for non-critical areas such as non-functional areas and less stressed zones thereby increasing the weight of the bracket and overall weight of the vehicle.
[004] Further, the conventional front axle bracket assemblies prevent access to certain components from below the vehicle thereby making it difficult for servicing and repair.
[005] Therefore, there is a need for a front bracket assembly,which has an optimal weight distribution, provides access to the components from below the vehicle for servicing and repair and that eliminates the other aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS

[006] The principal object of an embodiment herein is to provide a front-axle bracket assembly for an agricultural vehicle.
[007] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a front-axle bracket assembly, which has a predetermined strength, meets design constraints and can withstand long-term stress.
[008] Still another object of an embodiment herein is to provide a front axle bracket having provision for easy access of vehicle body components for servicing and repairing the vehicle body parts.
[009] These and other objectsof the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The embodiments of this inventionare illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective sub-assembled view of a front axle bracket assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 2a depicts a frame of the front axle bracket assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2b depicts a frame of the front axle bracket assembly, according to an alternate embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a cover of the front axle bracket assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the front axle bracket assembly mounted to a vehicle body, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0017] The embodiments herein achieve a front-axle bracket for an agricultural vehicle. Further, the embodiments herein achieve a front-axle bracket assembly, which has a predetermined strength, meets design constraints and can withstand long-term stress. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0018] The agricultural vehicle is also referred to in this description as vehicle and tractor. The front axle bracket assembly as described in the embodiments is adapted to have optimal weight distribution considering all design constraints to meet its intended functional requirement. The design constraints include meeting strength and stiffness targets of design verification/validation plans (virtual/ Lab/ field testing), ease of serviceability, manufacturability, assembly constraints with engine, front axle beam, radiator mounting bracket, front sheet metal, loaders, dozer, front tow hook etc and sealing of compartment in-front of radiator assembly.
[0019] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective sub-assembled view of a front axle bracket assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The front axle bracket assembly 100 includes a frame 106 and a cover 114. The frame 106 is provided between a front end 102 of the vehicle, and a rear end 104 of the vehicle.
[0020] FIG. 2a depicts a frame of the front axle bracket assembly 100, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The frame 106 as shown in FIG. 2a is provided between a front end 102 of the vehicle, and a rear end 104 of the vehicle. As shown in fig. 1 the frame 106 has a front wall 106a, a rear wall 106b, a first sidewall 106c, a second sidewall 106d, a top surface 106e and a bottom surface 106f (not shown). The frame 106 further has a plurality of locking elements116 provided on each of the front wall 106a, the rear wall 106b, the first side wall 106c, the second sidewall 106d, the top surface 106e and the bottom surface 106f (not shown). The frame 106 further defines an opening 108 and has a beam 106g.
[0021] Further, the frame 106 is adapted to be disposed in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is configured to be mounted on a front axle beam of the vehicle at the bottom surface 106f (not shown). The frame 106 is made up of rigid member to meet the design constraints such as strength and stiffness targets of design verification/validation plans, ease of serviceability, manufacturability, assembly with vehicle components or parts such as engine, front axle beam, radiator mounting bracket, front sheet metal, loaders, dozer, front tow hook etc and sealing of compartment in-front of radiator assembly.
[0022] In an embodiment, the frame 106 is adapted to achieve an optimal weight distribution. The optimal weight distribution is achieved using CAE technology called topology optimization. The topology optimization is used for measuring a plurality of predetermined data such as critical load path and non-critical area (dust cover portion). The design of the front axle bracket assembly 100 is made such that the non-critical area (dust cover portion) is made through fabricated sheet metal to meet the functional requirement of the front axle bracket assembly 100 (i.e. sealing of compartment in-front of radiator assembly). The non-critical area is made of sheet metal to achieve less weight of the front axle bracket assembly 100. For example, the non-critical area i.e., the dust cover portion is covered by sheet metal to prevent dust from entering the vehicle components. For example, the front axle bracket assembly 100 weighs 33% lesser than the conventional benchmark designs of the front axle bracket. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to implement/practice the construction of the front axle bracket assembly in any form and/or by increasing or decreasing the weight without otherwise deterring the intended function of supporting the vehicle components as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. It is to be noted that in this description, the term “non-critical area” is used to at least indicate the area that is not critical for supporting the vehicle components.
[0023] Further, the locking elements 116 of the frame 106 are holes to which fasteners are bolted. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any type of locking element between the frame and the vehicle components without otherwise deterring the intended function of attachment as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The plurality of holes 116 is defined in the frame 106 to engage or connect with the plurality of vehicle components as shown in FIG. 4. The vehicle components may be attached to the frame 106 by fasteners. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any type of attachment between the frame and the vehicle components without otherwise deterring the intended function of attachment as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The plurality of vehicle body components is selected from the group consisting of engine, radiator, sealing, body engineering (sheet metal) mounting frame, front axle, king pin/ pivot pin, headlight mounting frame.
[0024] The frame 106 includes the at least one opening 108. The opening108 is configured to have predetermined dimensions. The opening 108 is defined in the frame 106 to connect with the vehicle body and the plurality of vehicle components. The opening 108 facilitates in easy accessibility to the plurality of vehicle components. In an embodiment, the frame 106 is made up of at least one material selected from a group consisting of SG 500/7, IS: 1865, CI Gr.-25, and IS: 210.
[0025] The frame 106 further includes the beam 106g connecting the first side wall 106c and the second side wall 106d. The beam 106g is disposed horizontally in between the front wall 106a and the rear wall 106b. The beam 106g includes a first portion extending away from the top surface 106e of the frame 106. Further, the first portion includes a first opening O1 to engage with the vehicle body components i.e. front axle 113. For example, the first portion extending away from the top surface 106e may be selected from at least one of triangular shape, which in an embodiment can be used for a two wheel drive (2WD) front axles and a flat bottom surface, which in an embodiment can be used for a pillow block or a plumber block for four wheel drive (4WD) front axles, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. Further, it may be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize the body components generally used depending upon the type of front axles.
[0026] The rear wall 106b of the frame 106 includes a second portion extending away from the top surface 106e of the frame 106. The second portion includes a second opening O2 to connect with the vehicle body components. The second opening O2 and the first opening O1 lie in the same axis. The rear wall 106b of the frame 106 includes a U-shaped opening U to accommodate the vehicle body components. For example, the second portion extending away from the top surface 106e may be selected from at least one of triangular shape, which in an embodiment can be used for a two wheel drive (2WD) front axles and a flat bottom surface, which in an embodiment can be used for a pillow block or a plumber block for four wheel drive (4WD)front axles, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.- Further, it may be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize the body components generally used depending upon the type of front axles.
[0027] FIG. 3 depicts a cover of the front axle bracket assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The front axle bracket assembly 100 includes the at least one cover 114. The at least one cover 114 covers the opening 108. The cover 114 is removably attached to an upper surface of beam 106g of the frame 106. The cover 114 is made up of at least one material selected from a group consisting of O/D/DD/EDD-1079/, IS:1079, O/D/DD/EDD-513/, and IS:513. In an embodiment, the cover 114 is connected to the frame 106 by at least one of bolt screw arrangement, snap fit. The cover 114 is made up of predetermined shape and size. Further, a rubber beading 118 may be attached with the cover 114 as shown in FIG. 4 to provide improved sealing for attaching the cover 114 with the vehicle body components (such as for compartment in-front of radiator assembly).
[0028] The technical advantages provided by the embodiments herein include high strength and stiffness compared to conventional benchmark design with at least 33% lesser weight compared to conventional benchmark design, meeting performance targets in design verification/validation plans (virtual/ Lab/ field testing), meeting all design constraints and withstand long-term stress, improved accessibility to engine front axle bracket bolts and belts/pulley system, improved serviceability, detachable and replaceable light weight dustcover in case of accidental damage, and accessibility for potential auxiliary attachments like front end implements.
[0029] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,
1.A front-axle bracket assembly 100 for an agricultural vehicle, said front-axle bracket assembly 100 comprising:
a frame 106, said frame 106 defining at least one opening 108 therein; and
a cover 114, saidcover 114 adapted to be removably connected to said frame 106 thereby closing said opening 108,
wherein
said frame 106 includes, a front wall 106a, a rear wall 106b, a first side wall 106c, a second side wall 106d, a top surface 106e and a bottom surface 106f; and
said cover 114 is removably connected to an upper surface of a beam 106g of said frame 106; and
said frame 106 is connected to a front axle beam at said bottom surface 106f.
2. The front axle bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame 106 includes a plurality of locking elements 116 provided on said front wall 106a, said rear wall 106b, said first side wall 106c, said second side wall 106d, said top surface 106e and said bottom surface 106f, to enable locking of a corresponding vehicle component.
3. The front axle bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame 106 includes said beam 106g connecting said first side wall 106c and said second side wall 106d.
4. The front axle bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cover 114 is connected to said frame 106 by at least one of bolt screw arrangement and snap fit.
5. The front axle bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame 106 is made up of at least one material selected from a group consisting of SG 500/7, IS: 1865, CI Gr.-25, and IS: 210.
6. The front axle bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cover 114 is made up of at least one material selected from a group consisting of O/D/DD/EDD-1079, IS:1079, O/D/DD/EDD-513, and IS:513.
7. The front axle bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said beam 106g includes a first portion extending away from said top surface 106e of said frame 106, said first portion having at least one of a first opening O1 and a flat bottom surface to engage with said corresponding vehicle body component.
8. The front axle bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear wall 106b of said frame 106 includes:
a second portion extending away from said top surface 106e of said frame 106, said second portion having at least one of a second opening O2 and a flat bottom surface to engage with said corresponding vehicle body component,
wherein said second opening O2 and said first opening O1 lie in the same axis.
9. The front axle bracket assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear wall 106b of said frame 106 includes a U-shaped opening ‘U’ to accommodate said vehicle body components. ,