FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 of 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10; and Rule 13]
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
“A MOUNTING BRACKET”
APPLICANT
TATA MOTORS LIMITED,
an Indian company having its registered office at
Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street,
Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001,
Maharashtra, India
INVENTORS
(1) Rajanikant Pathak and (2) Niketan Kulkarni
Both from Tata Motors Limited,
Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street,
Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001,
Maharashtra, India
Both are Indian Nationals
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in
which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a system for mounting and supporting a propeller shaft on a chassis of a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mounting bracket for facilitating mounting and supporting of propeller shaft on a chassis of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
In case of a vehicle, a propeller shaft, also referred to as a carden shaft, transmits power from a gearbox connected to an engine to a rear axle connected to rear wheels for transmitting power from the engine to the rear wheels. Generally, the propeller shaft has a tubular section and is of one-piece or two-piece configuration. Short drive shafts are incorporated for the transmission of power from the final drive assembly to the road wheels in both front and rear wheel drive layouts. Long wheelbase vehicles generally utilize two piece propeller shaft arrangement. The two piece propeller shaft arrangement also prevents the drive shaft from pulling out under extreme axle movement. The two-piece propeller shaft arrangement is supported at mid-point by a rubber mounted bearing, also referred to as a center bearing. The center bearing is generally mounted on a chassis, particularly on a cross member of the chassis via a bracket referred to as center bearing mounting bracket.
Conventionally, the center bearing mounting bracket is mounted at different heights with respect to the chassis for supporting the center bearing at different elevations depending upon the drive and engine power train configuration selected and assembled for defining the vehicle configurations. Particularly, the center bearing mounting bracket is mounted at a first height w.r.t chassis for mounting the center bearing on the cross member for supporting the propeller shaft of a four by two (4X2) drive on the chassis. Similarly, the center bearing mounting bracket is mounted at a second height w.r.t the chassis for mounting the center bearing on the cross member for supporting the propeller shaft of a four by two (4X2) drive

on the chassis. More specifically, in case of a four by four (4X4) drive, as a transfer case is disposed between the gearbox and the propeller shaft, the configuration and position of the propeller shaft is different as compared to the configuration and position of the propeller shaft in case of four by two (4X2) drive. Accordingly, the central bearing for supporting the propeller shaft of the four by four (4X4) drive is required to be mounted at a different elevation as compared to that for four by two (4X2) drive. In some cases, different type of brackets are also used depending upon the drive and engine power train configuration selected.
Although, such arrangements enable mounting of the center bearing mounting bracket at different heights based on the drive and engine power train configuration selected during assembly. However, such an arrangement require either use of separate brackets for supporting the propeller shafts at different heights or selecting a separate bracket or mounting bracket at different heights based on the drive and engine power train configuration selected during assembly. There are several disadvantages associated with the use of different center bearing brackets based on the drive and engine power train configuration, for example, such arrangement require separate center bearing brackets, one for four by four (4X4) drive and another for four by two (4X2) drive, thereby requiring maintaining large inventory of center bearing brackets. Further, selecting a separate bracket or mounting bracket at different height based on the drive and engine power train configurations is also inconvenient, as the worker assembling the propeller shaft on the chassis has to select different center bearing bracket or mount center bearing bracket at different height based on different drive and engine power train configuration defining the vehicle configuration. This is inconvenient, time consuming and prone to errors, thereby substantially increasing assembly time and lowering production rates. Further, as the conventional center bearing mounting brackets are mounted on either side of the cross members, such configuration is unstable and prone to failures. In order to avoid confusion, inconvenience and chances of error during assembly and in order to enhance

production rates, separate dedicated assembly lines to cater to different vehicle configurations based on different drive and engine power train configurations is also proposed but such option is infeasible and expensive.
Accordingly, there is a need for a mounting bracket that eliminates the need for separate brackets or mounting the brackets at different height based on different drive and engine power train configuration selected during assembly, thereby substantially decreasing assembly time and error during assembly and also enhancing production rates. Further, there is need for a mounting bracket that is light in weight, robust in construction and that stably supports the center bearing that in turn support the propeller shaft.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a common center bearing mounting bracket that can support the propeller shaft at either one of different heights based on drive and engine power train configuration selected during assembly, thereby eliminating the need of different brackets or mounting bracket at different height for different drive and engine power train configuration selections.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a common center bearing mounting bracket that reduces inventory as a single bracket replaces multiple dedicated brackets that were earlier required for different drive and engine power train configurations selected during assembly.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a common center bearing mounting bracket that reduces assembly time and errors.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a common center bearing mounting bracket that enhances convenience of assembly.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a common center bearing mounting bracket that positively fits on a cross member of the chassis and stably supports a center bearing supporting a propeller shaft.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a common center bearing mounting bracket that eliminates the drawbacks associated with using multiple dedicated brackets for different drive and engine power train configurations selected during assembly.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a common center bearing mounting bracket that do not require skilled worker at the assembly line for mounting the common center bearing mounting bracket on the cross member.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a common center bearing mounting bracket that is light in weight.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a common center bearing mounting bracket that enables use of a single assembly line for assembling of different vehicle configurations having different drive and engine power train configurations, without any inconvenience, error and confusion.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a common center bearing mounting bracket that provide flexibility of mounting the center bearing at different heights and positions depending upon requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through 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 a part of the claimed disclosure.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure a mounting bracket for supporting a propeller shaft on a chassis of a vehicle is disclosed. The mounting bracket includes a central portion, at least a pair of sleeve portions and at least one locating element. The sleeve portions are extending from opposite sides of said central portion. The central portion receives at least a portion of a cross member of the chassis such that the sleeve portions are disposed on opposite sides of the cross member. The sleeves are at same inclination but offset from each other, wherein during assembly, based on drive and engine power train selected either one of the first and second sleeve portions supports the propeller shaft at either one of different heights. The locating element is configured on the mounting bracket for locating the mounting bracket on the cross member.
Typically, the mounting bracket includes at least one cutout configured on the central portion for achieving weight reduction and facilitating welding of the mounting bracket on the cross member.
In accordance with another embodiment, the mounting bracket further includes a first set of mounting apertures configured thereon for facilitating mounting of a center bearing thereon.
In accordance with another embodiment, the mounting bracket includes a second set of mounting apertures configured thereon for facilitating mounting thereof on the cross member.
Typically, the locating element is a locating notch that registers with a corresponding depression configured on the cross member.

Alternatively, the locating element is a locating depression that registers with a corresponding notch configured on the cross member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
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:
FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b illustrate separate conventional center bearing mounting brackets mounted at different heights Z1 and Z2 w.r.t a cross member of a chassis for supporting propeller shaft for four by two (4X2) drive and four by four (4X4) drive respectively at different elevations;
FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b illustrates a side view of a single mounting bracket also referred to as center bearing mounting bracket of the present invention mounted on a cross member of a chassis for supporting either one of the propeller shaft for four by two (4X2) drive and four by four (4X4) drive at different elevations respectively;
FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b illustrates isometric view of the single center bearing mounting bracket of the FIG. 2a and FIG 2b mounted on the cross member of the chassis; and
FIG. 4a illustrates the center bearing mounting bracket of FIG 2a - FIG 3b mounted on the cross member of the chassis, and FIG. 4b – FIG. 4d illustrates enlarged views of the center bearing mounting bracket.

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 structures 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 spirit and 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.
A mounting bracket also referred to as center bearing mounting bracket is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The center bearing mounting bracket of the present disclosure eliminates the need for separate center bearing mounting brackets or mounting center bearing mounting brackets at different height based on different drive and engine power train configuration selected during assembly, thereby substantially decreasing assembly time, inventory and error during assembly and also enhancing production rates. Further, the center bearing mounting bracket is light in weight, robust in construction and stably supports the center bearing that in turn support the propeller shaft.

Conventionally, based on the drive and engine power train configuration selected during assembly, separate brackets are used for supporting the propeller shafts at different heights. Alternatively, a bracket is selected or the bracket is mounted at a height suitable for a particular drive and engine power train configuration. FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b illustrate separate conventional center bearing mounting brackets (1, 2) mounted at different heights Z1 and Z2 w.r.t a cross member (R) of a chassis (C) for supporting propeller shaft for four by two (4X2) drive and four by four (4X4) drive respectively at different elevations. Also is illustrated an enlarged view depicting the center bearing mounting brackets (1, 2) mounted on the cross member (R).
However, there are several disadvantages associated with the use of different center bearing brackets based on the drive and engine power train configuration, for example, such arrangement require separate center bearing mounting brackets (1,2), one for four by four (4X4) drive and another for four by two (4X2) drive, thereby requiring maintaining large inventory of center bearing brackets. Further, selecting a separate bracket or mounting the bracket at different height based on the drive and engine power train configurations is also inconvenient, as the worker assembling the propeller shaft on the chassis (C) has to either select different center bearing bracket (1, 2) or mount center bearing bracket at different height based on different drive and engine power train configuration defining the vehicle configuration. This is inconvenient, time consuming and prone to errors, thereby substantially increasing assembly time and lowering production rates. Further, as the conventional center bearing mounting brackets (1, 2) are mounted on either side of the cross members (R), such configuration is unstable and prone to failures.
Referring to FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b and FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, a center bearing mounting bracket (100) mounted on the cross member (R) of the chassis (C) of the vehicle for supporting a propeller shaft on the chassis (C) is illustrated. Particularly, FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b illustrates a side view of the single center bearing mounting

bracket (100) mounted on the cross member (R) of the chassis ( C) for supporting the propeller shaft for four by two (4X2) drive and four by four (4X4) drive at different elevations respectively. FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b illustrates isometric view of the single center bearing mounting bracket (100) mounted on the cross member (R) of the chassis (C).
FIG. 4a illustrates the center bearing mounting bracket (100) mounted on the cross member (R) of the chassis (C) and FIG. 4b - FIG. 4d illustrates enlarged views of the center bearing mounting bracket (100). The center bearing mounting bracket (100) includes a central portion (10), at least a pair of sleeve portions (12, 14) and at least one locating element (16). The sleeve portions are extending from opposite sides of the central portion (10). The central portion (10) receives at least a portion of the cross member (R) of the chassis (C) such that the sleeve portions (12, 14) are disposed on opposite sides of the cross member (R). The sleeve portions (12, 14) are at same inclination (α) but offset from each other, wherein during assembly, based on drive and engine power train selected either one of the first and second sleeve portions (12, 14) support the propeller shaft at either one of different heights. However, the center bearing mounting bracket (100) of the present invention is not limited to any particular configuration or number of sleeves and the enter bearing mounting bracket (100) can have any number of sleeves depending upon different possible heights at which the propeller shaft may be required to be supported based on possible drive and engine power train configurations.
With such a configuration, the common center bearing mounting bracket (100) can support the propeller shaft at either one of different heights based on drive and engine power train configuration selected during assembly, thereby eliminating the need of different brackets or mounting bracket at different height for different drive and engine power train configuration selections. More specifically, in case of four by four (4X4) drive there is transfer case (T) disposed between the gearbox and the propeller shaft, and accordingly, in case of four by four (4X4)

drive the configuration and position of the propeller shaft P4X4 is different as compared to the configuration and position of the propeller shaft P4X2 in case of four by two (4X2) drive. With such configuration of the center bearing mounting bracket (100), the sleeve 12 is at height Z1 w.r.t the cross member R and the sleeve 14 is at height Z2 w.r.t the cross member R, and such configuration of the center bearing mounting bracket (100) can support the propeller shaft P4X4 and propeller shaft P4X2 at different heights based on assembled drive configuration. Such configuration also assists in supporting propeller shafts based on different power train configurations. With such a configuration of the common center bearing mounting bracket (100), the assembly time is reduced and production rates are improved. Still further, with such configuration of the common center bearing mounting bracket (100), the center bearing (B) and the propeller shaft supported by the center bearing (B) are stably supported.
The locating element (16) is configured on the center bearing mounting bracket (100) for locating the center bearing mounting bracket (100) on the cross member. Typically, the locating element (16) is a locating notch that registers with a corresponding depression (not illustrated in Figure) configured on the cross member (R). Alternatively, the locating element (16) is a locating depression that registers with a corresponding notch configured on the cross member (R). However, the center bearing mounting bracket (100) of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular configuration or position of the locating element (16) configured on the center bearing mounting bracket (100) and the cross member (R). With such configuration of the common center bearing mounting bracket (100), the common center bearing mounting bracket (100) can be mounted on the cross member (R) without requiring skilled worker, without error and conveniently.
In accordance with one embodiment, the center bearing mounting bracket (100) includes at least one cutout (18) configured on the central portion (10) for achieving weight reduction and facilitating welding of the center bearing

mounting bracket (100) on the cross member (R). However, the center bearing mounting bracket (100) of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular shape and configuration of the cutout (18). With such configuration the common center bearing mounting bracket (100) is light in weight and easily welded on the cross member (R).
In accordance with another embodiment, the center bearing mounting bracket (100) further includes a first set of mounting apertures (22) configured thereon for facilitating mounting of the center bearing (B) thereon. The mounting apertures (22) are of oblong configuration, thereby providing flexibility of mounting the center bearing at different positions depending upon requirement. Fastener bolts (F1) pass through the apertures configured on the center bearing (B) and registering with mounting apertures (22), the mounting apertures (22), and engage with nuts (F2) for facilitating mounting of the center bearing (B) on the center bearing mounting bracket (100). The present invention is not limited to any particular configuration of the mounting apertures (22). Further, the present invention is not limited to any particular method for securing the center bearing (B) on the center bearing mounting bracket (100). In accordance with an embodiment, the center bearing mounting bracket (100) can be welded on the cross member (R) along the cut-out (18) configured on the central portion (10) of the center bearing mounting bracket (100). Alternatively, the center bearing mounting bracket (100) includes a second set of mounting apertures configured thereon for facilitating mounting thereof on the cross member (R). However, the present invention is not limited to any particular method for securing the center bearing mounting bracket (100) on the cross member (R).
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.

Advantages:
The present disclosure provides a common center bearing mounting bracket that:
• enables a single assembly line for assembling of different vehicle configurations having different drive and engine power train configurations, without any inconvenience, error and confusion;
• supports the propeller shaft at either one of different heights based on drive and engine power train configuration selected during assembly, thereby eliminating the need of different brackets or mounting bracket at different height for different drive and engine power train configuration selections during assembly;
• reduces inventory as a single bracket replaces multiple dedicated brackets that were earlier required for different drive and engine power train configurations selected during assembly;
• reduces assembly time and errors;
• enhances convenience of assembly;
• positively fits on a cross member of the chassis and stably supports a center bearing supporting a propeller shaft;
• eliminates the need of multiple dedicated brackets that were earlier required for different drive and engine power train configurations selected during assembly and drawbacks associated therewith;
• do not require skilled worker at the assembly line for mounting the common center bearing mounting bracket on the cross member;
• is light in weight and robust in construction; and
• provide flexibility of mounting the center bearing at different heights and positions depending upon requirement.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
(1, 2) conventional center bearing mounting brackets;
(100) a center bearing mounting bracket;
(P4X4) a propeller shaft for four by four drive;
(P2X4) a propeller shaft for two by four drive;
(C) chassis of a vehicle;
(B) center bearing;
(10) central portion of the center bearing mounting bracket;
(12, 14) a first and a second sleeve portion of the center bearing mounting bracket;
Z1 height of sleeve 12 w.r.t the cross member R
Z2 height of sleeve 14 w.r.t the cross member R, due to difference in Z1 and Z2 it is possible to mount propeller shaft P4X4 and P4X2 at different height based on different drive configuration selected during assembly
(T) transfer case;
(F1) bolts of the fastener assembly;
(F2) Nuts of the fastener assembly;
(R) cross member;
(16) a locating element;
(18) at least one cut out;
(22) mounting apertures;
Pd Propeller shaft at differential side

WE CLAIM:
1. A mounting bracket (100) for supporting a propeller shaft (P) on a chassis
(C) of a vehicle, said mounting bracket (100) comprising:
• a central portion (10) and at least a pair of sleeve portions (12, 14), wherein said sleeve portions (12, 14) are extending from opposite sides of said central portion (10), said central portion (10) adapted to receive at least a portion of a cross member (R) of the chassis (C) such that said sleeve portions (12, 14) are disposed on opposite sides of the cross member (R), said sleeve portions (12, 14) are at same inclination but offset from each other, wherein during assembly, based on drive and engine power train configuration selected and assembled, either one of said first and second sleeve portions (12, 14) adapted to support the propeller shaft at either one of different heights,
• at least one locating element (16) configured on the mounting bracket (100) for locating said mounting bracket (100) on said cross member (R).

2. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprises at least one cutout configured on said central portion for achieving weight reduction and facilitating welding of said mounting bracket (100) on the cross member (R).
3. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a first set of mounting apertures configured thereon for facilitating mounting of a center bearing thereon.
4. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a second set of mounting apertures configured thereon for facilitating mounting of the mounting bracket (100) on the cross member (R).
5. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein locating element (16) is a locating notch adapted to register with a corresponding depression configured on the cross member (R).

6. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein locating element (16) is a locating depression adapted to register with a corresponding notch configured on the cross member (R).