The present disclosure generally relates to an adjustable bracket assembly. The present invention, in particular, relates to an adjustable bracket assembly for trunk well of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In a vehicle, a spare tyre is usually provided as a replacement tyre, to meet the emergency need, when one of the tires goes flat or has a blowout. The spare tyre is usually kept in the trunk/cargo compartment of a vehicle which is accessible from the vehicle rear. To enhance the packing capacity of the trunk, a trunk well is provided to accommodate the spare tyre. The trunk well is usually a crater provided in the trunk with trunk floor as its base. In the vehicle, the spare tyre is placed horizontally in the trunk well.
[0003] When the vehicle is in motion, vibrations of engine is transmitted to vehicle body. In a particular case, when the vehicle is in running condition, the vibrations of engine are transmitted to the trunk/cargo compartment. This cause the trunk floor to vibrate. These transmitted vibrations in the base of the trunk well generate noise inside the vehicle cabin. This noise generated from the transmitted vibrations provide discomfort to the passengers while travelling, thus deteriorating the vehicle's NVH performance.
[0004] Generally, weight of the spare tyre is in the range of 10 Kg - 15 Kg. Since in vehicle, the spare tyre is placed horizontally inside the trunk well, the weight of the spare tyre acts on the base of the trunk well and the vibrations transmitted to the trunk/cargo compartment in the trunk well region gets arrested, resulting in eradication of noise generated from the transmitted vibrations.
[0005] In vehicles operating with CNG, an additional fuel tank is provided for storing CNG. Generally, the additional tank is fitted in the trunk/cargo compartment

over the trunk well using a frame structure. Since the additional fuel tank is fitted over the trunk well, the retraction of the tyre in the event of emergency becomes challenging. To avoid the challenging retraction of tyre from the trunk well, the tyre is placed vertically in the trunk/cargo compartment. In the event of emergency, the vertically placed tyre is easily retractable. However, placing the tyre vertically in the trunk well resuscitates the vibration problem inside the trunk/cargo compartment which results in discomfort to the passengers while travelling and deteriorates vehicle's NVH performance.
[0006] To provide solution to the vibration problem, a stiffener is provided on the base of the trunk well. The stiffener is capable of reducing vibrations in the base of the trunk well. However, providing stiffener only reduces the vibrations to a limited extend. In addition, sometimes anti-vibration members are provided to arrest the vibrations in the vehicle trunk region. However, the anti-vibration members are costly and the designs of the anti-vibration members has to be changed as per requirements based on different vehicle models.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a solution for reducing vibration in the trunk base to enhance vehicles NVH performance and capable of adjusting as per the requirments of different vehicle models.
SUMMARY
[0008] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an adjustable bracket assembly for trunk well of a vehicle. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0009] The present subject matter relates to an adjustable bracket assembly for trunk well of a vehicle. The adjustable bracket assembly comprises a support rod, an upper support bracket and a lower support bracket. The support rod has a first end and a second end. The upper support bracket is fixedly attached to the first end

of the support rod. The upper support bracket is attached to frame of an additional fuel tank. The lower support bracket is slidably engaged with the support rod below the upper support bracket. The lower support bracket is attached to the base of the trunk well.
[0010] In an aspect, the upper support bracket has an inverted hat-shaped profile with an elevated portion to facilitate engagement with the support rod, and a plurality of base portions each integrally originating from ends of the elevated portion to facilitate attachment of the upper support bracket on the frame of the additional fuel tank.
[0011] In an aspect, a hole is provided in the middle of the elevated portion of the upper support bracket to facilitate engagement of the upper support bracket with the support rod.
[0012] In an aspect, the lower support bracket has a hat-shaped profile with an elevated portion to facilitate engagement with the support rod, and a plurality of base portions each integrally originating from ends of the elevated portion to facilitate attachment of the lower support bracket on the base of the trunk well.
[0013] In an aspect, a hole is provided in the middle of the elevated portion of the lower support bracket to facilitate engagement of the lower support bracket on the support rod.
[0014] In an aspect, a threaded fastener is provided at the first end of the support rod to fixedly attach the upper support bracket at the first end of the support rod.
[0015] In an aspect, the lower support bracket is slidably engaged with the support rod using a first nut engaged with the support rod resting on top surface of the elevated portion of the lower support bracket and a second nut engaged with the support rod resting on bottom surface of the elevated portion of the lower support bracket.
[0016] In an aspect, each of the plurality of base portions of the upper support bracket and the lower support bracket is provided with a longitudinal rib.

[0017] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0018] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0019] The illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates isometric view of an exemplary adjustable bracket assembly that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates exploded view of the adjustable bracket assembly that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates sectional view of the adjustable bracket assembly, in installed state in a vehicle, that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates dynamic cabin noise data during vehicle operation.
[0024] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily 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
[0025] A few aspects of the present disclosure are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Example implementations are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows.
Definitions
[0026] In the disclosure hereinafter, one or more terms are used to describe various aspects of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, a few definitions are provided herein for better understating of the present disclosure.
[0027] "Engine vibrations" may be defined as vibrations generated by the engine and transmitted towards the trunk floor of the trunk/ cargo compartment.
EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENT A TIONS
[0028] While the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. Not all of the depicted components described in this disclosure may be required, however, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components from those expressly described in this disclosure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the claims as set forth herein.

[0029] Vehicle trunk/cargo compartment is provided with a trunk well to accommodate a spare tyre. Generally, trunk well comprises a base in the bottom and an opening on the top. Depth of the trunk well varies in different vehicle models. The trunk well being provided in the trunk floor is prone to vibrations transmitted from the engine. These vibrations generate noise in the vehicle cabin. In the automobile industry, noise, vibration and harshness are quantitative parameters to determine the NVH performance of the vehicle. The noise in the cabin of a vehicle deteriorate the NVH performance.
[0030] The spare tyre in the trunk well arrest vibrations in the trunk well, however, when the trunk well is empty, it resuscitates the vibration problem inside the vehicle cabin. In case, the vehicle uses CNG or any other additional gas as a fuel for operation, the additional fuel or CNG tank is fitted over the trunk well in the trunk/cargo compartment. A frame is provided over the opening on the top of the trunk well to affix the additional fuel or CNG tank. The frame is fixedly attached over the opening provided on the top of the trunk well which restrict the accessibility of spare tyre inside the trunk well. Thus, the trunk well is kept empty which leads to vibration problem and vehicle's poor NVH performance.
[0031] In order to achieve the goal of reducing vibrations in the trunk well to enhance vehicle's NVH performance in a CNG fueled vehicle, an adjustable bracket assembly may be utilized. The adjustable bracket assembly is described in more detail below.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates isometric view of an exemplary adjustable bracket assembly that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The adjustable bracket assembly 100 comprises a support rod 101, an upper support bracket 102 and a lower support bracket 103. The adjustable bracket assembly 100 is positioned inside the trunk well below the frame of the additional fuel or CNG tank. The support rod 101 is a cylindrical rod with threads provided over the outer surface. The support rod 101 has a first end 101a facing the frame of the additional fuel tank and a second end 101b facing the base of the trunk well. The support rod 101 is adapted to engage the upper support

bracket 102 and the lower support bracket 103. The upper support bracket 102 is fixedly attached to the first end 101a of the support rod 101 facing the frame of the additional fuel tank. The lower support bracket 103 is slidably engaged with the support rod 101, below the upper support bracket 102, facing the base of the trunk well.
[0033] In the installed state, the upper support bracket 102 of the adjustable bracket assembly 100 is fixedly attached to the frame of the additional fuel tank provided over the opening of the trunk well. Additionally, the lower support bracket 103 of the adjustable bracket assembly 100 is fixedly attached to the base of the trunk well.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates exploded view of the adjustable bracket assembly 100 that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The upper support bracket 102 of the adjustable bracket assembly 100 has an elevated portion 102a and a plurality of base portions 102b. The plurality of base portions 102b originate integrally from ends of the elevated portion 102a forming an inverted hat-shaped profile. A hole 201 is provided in the middle of the elevated portion 102a of the upper support bracket 102. The hole 201 facilitates engagement of the upper support bracket 102 to the support rod 101.
[0035] In an aspect, the lower support bracket 103 is identical to the upper support bracket 102. Accordingly, the lower support bracket 103 of the adjustable bracket assembly 100 has an elevated portion 103 a and a plurality of base portions 103b. The plurality of base portions 103b originate integrally from ends of the elevated portion 103a forming a hat-shaped profile. A hole 202 is provided in the middle of the elevated portion 103a of the lower support bracket 103. The hole 202 facilitates slidable engagement of the lower support bracket 103 to the support rod 101. It is to be noted that the particular profile of the upper support bracket 102 and the lower support bracket 103 is just an embodiment of the subject matter. Other shaped profiles are equally possible providing the same results as provided by the hat-shaped profile.

[0036] To arrest the movement of the upper support bracket 102 at the first end 101a of the support rod 101, a threaded fastener 203, preferably a stud, is provided at the first end 101a of the support rod 101. The threaded fastener 203 is fixedly attached to first end 101a of the support rod 101 eliminating any possibility of disengagement of the upper support bracket 102 from the first end 101a of the support rod 101. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the lower support bracket 103 is slidably engaged with the support rod 101 below the upper support bracket 102. The upper support bracket 102 and the lower support bracket 103 are engaged with the support rod 101 in a way that the elevated portions 102a, 103a of the upper support bracket 102 and the lower support bracket 103 face each other and the plurality of base portions 102b, 103b of the upper support bracket 102 and the lower support bracket 103 faces away from each other. Gap between the upper support bracket 102 and the lower support bracket 103 can be varied as per the depth of the trunk well in different vehicle models. The gap is adjusted by sliding the lower support bracket 103 and varying the relative distance between the upper support bracket 102 and the lower support bracket 103. To facilitate sliding movement of the lower support bracket 103 over the support rod 101, a first nut 204 and a second nut 205 are engaged on the support rod 101. The first nut 204 is engaged on the support rod 101 in the vicinity of the top surface of the elevated portion 103 a of the lower support bracket 103. Preferably, the first nut 204 rests on the top surface of the elevated portion 103a of the lower support bracket 103. The second nut 205 is engaged with the support rod 101 in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the elevated portion 103a of the lower support bracket 103. Preferably, the second nut 205 rests on the bottom surface of the elevated portion 103 a of the lower support bracket 103. Both the first nut 204 and the second nut 205 are capable of rotating over the thread of the support rod 101. In an aspect, both the first nut 204 and the second nut 205 are threaded on inner surfaces. Since the lower support bracket 103 is provided in between the first nut 204 and the second nut 205, the adjustment of height needed as per the requirement, is made by rotating the first nut 204 and the second nut 205 over the thread of the support rod 101. Together the first nut 204 and the second nut 205 arrest the movement of the lower support

bracket 103 when the required gap between the upper support bracket 102 and the lower support bracket 103 is achieved. The second nut 205, which rests on the bottom surface of the elevated portion 103a of the lower support bracket 103, also ensures that the lower support bracket 103 is not disengaged involuntarily from the second end 101b of the support rod 101.
[0037] In the assembled condition, the plurality of base portions 102b of the upper support bracket 102 is fixedly attached to the frame of the additional fuel tank provided on the opening on the top of the trunk well. Thus, during assembled condition, the plurality of base portions 102b of the upper support bracket 102 may experience stress. To strengthen the plurality of base portions 102b of the upper support bracket 102, a longitudinal rib 206 is provided on each of the plurality of the base portions 102b of the upper support bracket 102. In an aspect, the plurality of the base portions 102b of the upper support bracket 102 is fixedly attached to the frame of the additional fuel tank by welding or bolting.
[0038] In addition, the plurality of base portions 103b of the lower support bracket 103 is fixedly attached to the base of the trunk well. Thus, during assembled condition, the plurality of base portions 103b of the lower support bracket 103 may experience stress. To strengthen the plurality of base portions 103b of the lower support bracket 103, a longitudinal rib 207 is provided on each of the plurality of the base portions 103b of the lower support bracket 103. In an aspect, the plurality of the base portions 103b of the lower support bracket 103 is fixedly attached to the base of the trunk well by welding or bolting.
[0039] In an alternate embodiment, profile of the the upper support bracket is different from profile of the lower support bracket. However, in the installed state, the upper support bracket is always fixedly attached to the frame of the additional fuel tank and the lower support bracket is always fixedly attached to the base of the trunk well. Further, in another alternate embodiment, both the upper support bracket and the lower support bracket is slidably engaged with the support rod.

[0040] In an alternate embodiment, the additional fuel can be one of a CNG, PNG, LPG, or any other known fuel used to run a vehicle as will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
WORKING OF THE AJUSTABLE BRACKET ASSEMBLY IN INSTALLED STATE
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates sectional view of the adjustable bracket assembly 100, in installed state, that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The adjustable bracket assembly 100 is designed to get adjusted, with respect to the requirement, depending on the depth of the trunk well 301. In particular, the gap between the upper support bracket 102 and the lower support bracket 103 is adjusted based on the gap between the frame 302 of the additional fuel tank 303 and the base of the trunk well 301. Once, the gap between the upper support bracket 102 and the lower support bracket 103 is adjusted, by using the support rod 101, the first nut 204, and the second nut 205, based on the requirement, fixing of the plurality of base portions 102b, 103b of the upper support bracket 102 and the lower support bracket 103 is initiated. The plurality of base portions 102b of the upper support bracket 102 is fixedly attached to the frame 302 of the additional fuel tank 303. The plurality of base portions 103b of the lower support bracket 103 is fixedly attached to the base of the trunk well 301. In this way, the adjustable bracket assembly 100 creates a rigid connection between the frame 302 of the additional fuel tank 303 and the base of the trunk well 301. As a result, the vibration of the trunk well is arrested thereby reducing noise generated inside vehicle cabin.
[0042] Fig. 4 shown dynamic cabin noise data during vehicle operation. The X-axis represents vehicle rpm and the Y-axis represents cabin noise. The line pattern illustrated with black color shows the noise variation in a non-CNG vehicle when the spare tyre is placed horizontally in the trunk well. The line pattern illustrated with red color shows the noise variation in a conventional CNG vehicle when the spare tyre is placed vertically alongside the additional fuel tank. The line pattern illustrated with blue color shows the noise variation in a conventional CNG

vehicle when the spare tyre is placed vertically alongside the additional fuel tank and the proposed adjustable bracket assembly is installed in the trunk well. It could be gathered from the line pattern illustrated with black color that the noise due to transmitted vibration in the trunk/cargo compartment is low as the weight of the spare tyre acts on the base of the trunk well and the vibrations of the trunk well region gets reduced. However, the line pattern illustrated with red color illustrates that the noise due to transmitted vibration in the trunk/cargo compartment is high as the weight of the spare tyre is no longer acting on the base of the trunk well. The line pattern illustrated by blue color illustrates noise due to transmitted vibrations are reduced to lower levels when the adjustable bracket assembly is installed in the trunk well. As shown in Fig. 4, an improvement of about 8 dB(A) is achieved by using the adjustable bracket assembly in the trunk well region as compared to empty trunk well in an additional fuel or CNG vehicle.
ADVANTAGES
[0043] The adjustable bracket assembly ensures reduction in vibrations of the trunk well region which reduces noise generation resulting in better NVH performance of the vehicle. Further, the proposed adjustable bracket assembly is adjustable, with respect to the requirement, depending on the depth of the trunk well. Hence, the adjustable bracket assembly is adaptable to use in different vehicle models.
[0044] The above description does not provide specific details of the manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.
[0045] Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or

applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0046] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0047] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.


We Claim:

1. An adjustable bracket assembly (100) for trunk well (301) of a vehicle, the
adjustable bracket assembly (100) comprises:
a support rod (101) having a first end (101a) and a second end (101b);
an upper support bracket (102) fixedly attached to the first end (101a) of the support rod (101), wherein the upper support bracket (102) is attached to frame (302) of the additional fuel tank (303);
a lower support bracket (103) slidably engaged with the support rod
(101) below the upper support rod (102), wherein the lower support bracket
(103) is attached to the base of the trunk well (301).
2. The adjustable bracket assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper support bracket (102) has an inverted hat-shaped profile with an elevated portion (102a) to facilitate engagement with the support rod (101), and a plurality of base portions (102b) each integrally originating from ends of the elevated portion (102a) to facilitate attachment of the upper support bracket (102) on the frame (302) of the additional fuel tank (303).
3. The adjustable bracket assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a hole (201) is provided in the middle of the elevated portion (102a) of the upper support bracket (102) to facilitate engagement of the upper support bracket
(102) with the support rod (101).
4. The adjustable bracket assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
lower support bracket (103) has a hat-shaped profile with an elevated
portion (103a) to facilitate engagement with the support rod (101), and a
plurality of base portions (103b) each integrally originating from ends of the
elevated portion (103a) to facilitate attachment of the lower support bracket
(103) on the base of the trunk well (301).

5. The adjustable bracket assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a hole (202) is provided in the middle of the elevated portion (103a) of the lower support bracket (103) to facilitate engagement of the lower support bracket (103) on the support rod (101).
6. The adjustable bracket assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a threaded fastener (203) is provided at the first end (101a) of the support rod
(101) to fixedly attach the upper support bracket (102) at the first end (101a)
of the support rod (101).
7. The adjustable bracket assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lower support bracket (103) is slidably engaged with the support rod (101) using a first nut (204) engaged with the support rod (101) resting on top surface of the elevated portion (103a) of the lower support bracket (103) and a second nut (205) engaged with the support rod (101) resting on bottom surface of the elevated portion (103a) of the lower support bracket (103).
8. The adjustable bracket assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of base portions (102b, 103b) of the upper support bracket
(102) and the lower support bracket (103) is provided with longitudinal ribs
(206, 207).