FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention is related to a structure mounting bracket assembly for
automobile. The assembly involves uneven load distribution.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR ART
Typically a fuel tank (T) is mounted to the BIW by means of a set of single
brackets (B), for which reference may be made to fig. 1. While this mounting
bracket might sustain vertical loads on the fuel tank, but it is not practicable
to counter lateral loads when a symmetric fuel tank mounting system is not
feasible due to layout constraints. In case the bracket is mounted to rear floor
frame (F) which is inclined as shown in Figure 1 wherein, the bracket (B) is
spot welded to the frame (F) and bolted to fuel tank (T),the inclination causes
uneven bending of the bracket resulting in non-uniform high stress at spot
weld locations. This finally causes failure at the panel, spot welds and joint
locations.
The drawbacks associated with the above can be listed hereinbelow:
- Non-uniform high stress at spot weld locations leading to failure at the
spot weld.
- Failure at the spot welding may damage to the mounted part such as fuel
tank thereby requiring maintenance.
- May be lethal at times thereby endangering human life.
Thus, the mounting bracket should be able to bear the load from multiple
directions i.e. the mounting bracket should be stiff enough to sustain vertical
load, breaking load, cornering load during movement of vehicle.
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According to an existing technology regarding a fuel tank mounting
arrangement, there is at least one bracket mounted on a vehicle rail together
with atleast one strap so as to hold the tank. The rail is a straight longitudinal
member with said bracket involving uniformly distributed load onto the tank.
In addition to the above, a spacer bracket is interposed between the vehicle rail
and fuel tank mounting bracket, which enables mounting of the fuel tank
bracket on a suspension spring hanger mounting bracket and move the fuel
tank to the extreme front of the vehicle.
Now, reference may be made to CN203902273 (U) in respect of lightweight fuel
tank bracket of L-shape including a vertical arm and a cross arm having Ncross
section. There is provision of two bracket fixing holes and a fuel tank
band pin fixing hole in the vertical arm, wherein the cross arm is having an arc
shape. Further, a fuel tank band fixing "hole is formed in the end of the cross
arm & lighting holes are formed in the cross arm and the vertical arm.
None of the above can satisfy the requirements of the present invention. Hence,
the present invention has been proposed, which serves the purpose efficiently.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to propose a structure mounting bracket
assembly for automobile which overcomes drawbacks of prior art(s).
Another object of this invention is to propose a structure mounting bracket
assembly for automobile which can be employed to receive inclined part
resulting in even distribution of load.
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Still another object of this invention is to propose a structure mounting bracket
assembly for automobile which leads to flexibility in mounting and layouting.
SUMMERY OF INVENTION
According to this invention there is provided a structure mounting bracket
assembly for automobile comprising a plurality of brackets including second
bracket interposed between first and third bracket constituting a single
structure wherein the first bracket receives inclined part of rear floor frame and
the third bracket is in contact with the structure for even distribution of load
across the frame and structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from
the ensuing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings of exemplary embodiments of invention and wherein:
Fig. 1 shows:. Fuel tank mounted to rear floor frame by mounting
bracket(s) in prior art.
Fig. 2 shows: Fuel tank mounted to rear floor frame by amounting bracket
according to present invention.
Fig. 3 shows: Mounting bracket assembly of present invention.
Fig. 4 shows: Various brackets of the bracket assembly in accordance with
present invention.
Fig. 5 shows: Strength comparison between conventional (I) and present
invention (I') fuel tank mounting bracket.
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DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE
ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The instant invention discloses a structure mounting bracket assembly
associated with uneven load distribution for automobile. The structure is such
as fuel tank.
Now, reference may be made to fig. 2 illustrating exemplary embodiment of
present invention in which a fuel tank (1) is mounted to vehicle rear floor frame.
(2). To establish connectivity between said fuel tank and frame, bracket (3) is
placed therebetween. The bracket has been devised to meet inherent design
layout constraints of fuel tank mounting system.
The assembly of mounting bracket helps in. uniformly altering the load path, so
that the loads are evenly distributed across the fuel tank and frame. In the
case of unsymmetrical load path, the assembly of mounting brackets can be
implemented to distribute load evenly.
As can be observed from fig.2, the frame is having an inclined part (P), which is
required to be supported by bracket of present invention. The novel bracket is
in contact with the frame at one end by means of top bracket (1st bracket) and
is in contact with the fuel tank at another end through bottom bracket (3rd
bracket).
Now, the assembly of brackets can be detailed out hereinunder;
Referring to fig. 3 indicating the entire assembly of brackets and fig. 4 reflecting
individual brackets of the assembly including top bracket (1st bracket) (1'),
middle bracket (2nd bracket) (2') and bottom bracket (3rd bracket) (3'). Said
brackets are spot welded to each other constituting a single structure of three
brackets. The material of the brackets can be composite, fiber, sheet metal,
wherein
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sheet metal is preferred due to cost effectiveness and ease in manufacturing.
However, any other suitable materials readily apparent to a person skilled in
the art are understood to be within purview of the invention.
The top bracket (1') comprises a channel section to receive the inclined part (P)
of the frame, Base (1A) of the bracket corresponds to the inclined surfc.ee (S) of
the inclined part (P) to establish full -surface contact therewith upon mounting.
The middle bracket (2') is having substantially a L-section.
The bottom bracket (3') has a substantrally U-section with flange (4') on both
sides as shown.
All the brackets (1', 2', 3') are spot welded with each other so as to obtain a
single piece of the bracket assembly as best seen in fig. 3. The bracket is spot
welded to the frame and bolted to fuel tank.
All the three brackets take part in the load transfer. Role played by each of the
brackets is as follows:
Top bracket (1st Bracket)- Helps in even distribution of the load.
Middle bracket (2nd Bracket)- Transfers load between top and bottom brackets.
Bottom bracket (3rd Bracket)- Transfers the load from the mounted part such
as fuel tank to the frame.
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Thus, the invention introduces an optimized assembly of 3 brackets for fuel
tank mounting bracket, which counters the uneven bending of the brackets
caused- due to inclination of floor frame. Thus, the mounting bracket of
invention can be utilized in inclined position of the frame without restricting
the mounting location to the flat.
Reference may be made to fig. 5. It has been found that, the novel mounting
bracket of. invention involves stress reduction of 76% as compared with existing
design.
Advantageous Features
- Increases stiffness at mounting position to reduce frame displacement.
- Reduction in bending moment due to less overhang;
- Uniform alteration in the load path, which results in even distribution of
loads across the structures (frame and fuel tank).
- Overcomes layout constraints. '
- Reduction in the stress.
It is to be noted that the present invention is susceptible to modifications,
adaptations and changes by those skilled in the art. Such variant embodiments
employing the concepts and features of this invention are intended to be within
the scope of the present invention, which is further set forth under the
following claims:-

CLAIM:
1. A structure mounting bracket assembly for automobile comprising a
plurality of brackets including second bracket interposed between first
and third bracket constituting a single structure wherein the first
bracket receives inclined part of rear floor frame and the third bracket is
in contact with. the structure for even distribution of load across the
frame and structure.
2. A structure mounting bracket assembly for automobile as claimed in
claim 1 wherein the first bracket, second bracket and third bracket are
fixedly connected to each other forming a single structure.
3. A structure mounting bracket assembly for automobile as claimed in
claim 1 or 2 wherein the first bracket comprises a channel section, base
of which corresponds to the inclined surface of the inclined part.
4. A structure mounting bracket assembly for automobile as claimed in any
of the preceding claims wherqin said second bracket is having
substantially a L-section.
5. A structure mounting bracket assembly for automobile as r.laimed in any
of the preceding claims wherein said third bracket has a substantially Usection
with flange on both sides together.
6. A structure mounting bracket assembly for automobile as claimed in any
of the preceding claims wherein the first bxacket and third bracket is
fixedly secured to frame and structure such as fuel tank of vehicle
respectively.
7. A structure mounting bracket assembly for automobile as claimed in any
of the preceding claims wherein top bracket (1st Bracket) helps in even
distribution of the load, middle bracket (2nfi Bracket) transfers load
between top and bottom brackets and bottom bracket (3rd Bracket)
transfers the load from the mounted part such as fuel tank to the frame.
8. A structure mounting bracket assembly for automobile as claimed in any
of the preceding claims wherein the bracket is made of material
preferably sheet metal.
9. A structure mounting bracket assembly for automobile as claimed in any
of the preceding claims is associated with the advantageous features.
such as herein described.
10-
10. A structure mounting bracket assembly for automobile substantially as
herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.