FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to an automotive mounting assembly, and more particularly to an audio mounting assembly for use in automotive vehicles comprising a bracket assembly and a bridge with reinforcing plate. 5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Automotive vehicles generally comprise of hundreds of individual components connected together to form a complete vehicle. To streamline and minimize the cost associated with assembling a vehicle, manufacturers may construct subassemblies consisting of various components. Each 10 subassembly is then attached to the vehicle as part of the final assembly. An audio mounting assembly is one such subassembly.
[003] The audio mounting assembly is adapted to house in-vehicle infotainment unit such as car audio systems that generally consists of radios and cassette or CD players, automotive navigation systems, video players, 15 carputers and the like in the instrumental panel of the vehicle. The modern day instrument panels are subject to redesigning and experimentation that incudes moving displays to various position including center. Modern day vehicle includes mounting the in-vehicle infotainment unit, speedometer in the center of the instrument panel. In such instrument panel arrangement, 20 the speedometer is generally arranged above the audio mounting assembly.
[004] The audio mounting assembly generally comprise of a bracket assembly to receive the in-vehicle infotainment unit and a bridge that fastens the lateral walls of the bracket assembly. In such arrangements the speedometer is arranged above the laterals walls of the bracket assembly. 25 A problem that exists in the bridges of the prior art is that they are of inferior
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structural strength and an accidental application of force can damage the speedometer lens which is generally made up of PMMA [Poly (methyl methacrylate)] and is vulnerable.
[005] Therefore, there is a requirement of an audio mounting assembly comprising a bridge with improved structural strength. Also, the audio 5 mounting assembly needs to be designed not only to provide structural strength but should also to provide optimum balance between the displacement and the g-value. The displacement is the deforming distance of the bridge when the structure is hit by an object or passenger, whereas, the g-value represents deceleration offered to the object or passenger when 10 he/she hits the structure in the events such as sudden braking or crash.
[006] If structure is too rigid, the displacement will be less and the g-value will be high. This may cause deep injury on to the head of the occupant. However, if the structure is not too rigid, the displacement will be high and the g-value will be low. This may lead to head of the occupant reaching the 15 glass of the speedometer console. This can cause glass to shatter and cause injuries to head and / or eyes.
[007] Therefore, there is a requirement to provide a bridge structure, connecting the two brackets, which provides optimum rigidity such that chances of injuries to occupant can be minimized. 20
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[008] The primary object of the invention is to provide an audio mounting assembly comprising a bridge that overcomes the problem of the prior art.
[009] Another object of the invention is to provide an audio mounting assembly comprising a bridge with improved structural strength. 25
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[010] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an audio mounting assembly comprising a bridge with improved structural strength at the center portion of the bridge.
[011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an audio mounting assembly comprising a bridge with improved structural strength at the left 5 and right corners of the bridge.
[012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an audio mounting assembly comprising a bridge with reinforcement plate structure with improved structural strength at the center portion of the bridge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 10
[013] The present invention provides an audio mounting assembly for use in automotive vehicles comprising a bridge with enhanced structural strength.
[014] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an audio mounting assembly comprising a bracket assembly adapted to 15 house an in-vehicle infotainment unit and support a speedometer unit. The bracket assembly comprises of a left bracket and a right bracket.
[015] In accordance with said embodiment, the audio mounting assembly comprises of a bridge connecting the left bracket and the right bracket of the bracket assembly. The bridge comprises of a base wall comprising of an 20 outer surface and an inner surface, a front wall comprising of an outer surface and an inner surface, and a rear wall comprising of an outer surface and an inner surface.
[016] In accordance with said embodiment, the bridge comprises a reinforcement plate to increase the structural strength at the center position. 25
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The bridge comprises of ridges at the left and right portion to provide increased structural strength.
[017] In accordance with said embodiment, the bridge also provides for a deformation space that allows the bridge to deform optimally without damaging the speedometer unit and without imparting serious injuries to 5 the occupant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[018] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter 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 10 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:
Figure 1: illustrates an exemplary audio mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 15
Figure 2: illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary in-vehicle infotainment system housed in audio mounting assembly and an exemplary position of a speedometer unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3: illustrates a bracket assembly of audio mounting assembly, in 20 accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
Figure 4: illustrates back view of a bridge, in accordance with an embodiment the present disclosure.
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Figure 5: illustrates front view of a bridge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6: illustrates top view of a bridge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7: illustrates bottom view of a bridge, in accordance with an 5 embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[019] The embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosed subject matter may, however, be embodied in many different 10 forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the disclosed subject matter to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. 15
[020] It is to be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or”, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 20
[021] Hereinafter, an audio mounting assembly (100) is discussed in more detail.
[022] Referring to figures 1-3, figure 1 illustrates an audio mounting assembly (100). The audio mounting assembly (100) comprises of a bracket assembly (10) and a bridge (20). The bracket assembly (10) is adapted to 25
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house an in-vehicle infotainment system (200) and support a speedometer unit (300) as depicted in figure 2. The in-vehicle infotainment unit (200) includes car audio systems that generally consists of radios and cassette or CD players, automotive navigation systems, video players, carputers and the like. Also, a plastic pocket or cover can be positioned in place of in-5 vehicle infotainment system (200) for lower specification variants.
[023] Referring to figure 3, a bracket assembly (10) of the audio mounting assembly (100) is illustrated. The bracket assembly comprises of a left bracket (11) and a right bracket (12). The construction of the bracket assembly is not limited to any particular material. The in-vehicle 10 infotainment unit (200) is housed in the cavity formed by the left bracket (11), and the right bracket (12).
[024] Referring to figures 4-7 that depicts the back, front, top and bottom view of the bridge (20) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The bridge (20) connects the left bracket (11) and the right bracket 15 (12) of the bracket assembly (10). The bridge (20) comprises of a base wall (21) comprising of an outer surface (21O) and an inner surface (21I), a front wall (22) comprising of an outer surface (22O) and an inner surface (22I), and a rear wall (23) comprising of an outer surface (23O) and an inner surface (23I). 20
[025] Figure 4 depicts the back view of the bridge (20). The bridge comprises of plurality of ribs for enhanced structural strength. In accordance with the preferred embodiment the number of ribs is three (R1, R2, R3). The ribs (R1, R2, R3) extend through the outer surfaces (21O, 22O, 23O) of the base wall, front wall and rear wall (21, 22, 23) as depicted. Figure 4 depicts the outer 25 surface (21O) of the base wall (21) and the outer surface (23O) of the rear wall (23).
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[026] Referring to figure 5 and figure 6, depicting the front view and top view of the bridge (20) respectively. Figure 5 depicts the ribs (R1, R2, R3) extending on the outer surface (22O) of the front wall (22). Figure 6 depicts the top view of the bridge (20) showing the outer surface (21O) of the base wall (21). The base wall (21) is substantially rectangular-shaped and 5 comprises of a central portion (21CP), a left portion (21LP) and a right portion (21RP). The width of the left portion (21LP) and right portion (21RP) is increased gradually from the center portion (21CP) to provide enhanced structural strength in the left and right portions of the bridge (20) where profile is changing. Further, the base wall (21) as depicted comprises a pair 10 of ribs (R4, R5) at the distal ends of the left portion (21LP). The ribs (R4, R5) are provided to enhance the structural strength at the corners of the left portion (21LP). The base wall (21) further comprises of a pair of ribs (R6, R7) at the distal ends of the right portion (21RP). The ribs (R6, R7) are provided to enhance the structural strength at the corners of the right 15 portion (21RP).
[027] The left portion (21LP) and the right portion (21RP) have widths (WL, WR) greater than width (WC) of the central portion (21CP) to provide a deformation space (24) in the central area. The deformation space (24) provides space for the rear wall (23) to deform without damaging the 20 speedometer unit (300) on application of force on the front wall (22) or on application of force on the base wall (21).
[028] Figure 7 depicts the bottom view of the bridge (20) wherein the inner surface (21I) of the base wall (21) is depicted. The bridge (20) comprises of a reinforcement plate (30) to enhance the structural strength at the center 25 area. The reinforcement plate (30) is adapted to be secured on the inner surface (21I, 22I, 23I) of the base wall (21), front wall (22) and rear wall (23) as depicted.
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[029] The reinforcement plate (30) is adapted i.e. has a complementary shape to facilitate securing the reinforcement plate (30) on the inner surface (21I, 22I, 23I) of the base wall (21), front wall (22) and rear wall (23) with ribs (R1, R2, R3). The reinforcement plate (30) has a length (L) smaller than length (BL) of the base wall (21). 5
[0030] 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" 10 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 15 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 20 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. 25
[031] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques
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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.
[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the 5 present 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 10 departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[033] 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 15 disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[034] 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.

We claim:

1. An audio mounting assembly (100) for use in automotive vehicles comprising:
 a bracket assembly (10) adapted to house an in-vehicle infotainment unit (200) and support a speedometer unit (300), said bracket assembly comprises: 5
 a left bracket (11), and
 a right bracket (12).
 a bridge (20) connecting the left bracket (11) and the right bracket (12) of the bracket assembly (10), the bridge comprises:
 a base wall (21) comprising of an outer surface (21O) and an 10 inner surface (21I),
 a front wall (22) comprising of an outer surface (22O) and an inner surface (22I), and
 a rear wall (23) comprising of an outer surface (23O) and an inner surface (23I), 15
wherein the bridge comprises of a reinforcement plate (30).
2. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcement plate (30) is adapted to be secured on the inner surface (21I, 22I, 23I) of the base wall (21), front wall (22) and rear wall (23).
3. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the 20 reinforcement plate (30) is secured at the center of the base wall (21), front wall (22) and rear wall (23).
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4. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcement plate (30) has a length (L) smaller than length (BL) of the base wall (21).
5. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base wall (21) is substantially rectangular-shaped. 5
6. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base wall (21) comprises of a central portion (21CP), a left portion (21LP) and a right portion (21RP).
7. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the left portion (21LP) and the right portion (21RP) have a width (WL, WR) greater 10 than width (WC) of the central portion (21CP) to provide a deformation space (24).
8. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the width (WL, WR) of the left portion (21LP) and right portion (21RP) is gradually increased from the central portion (21CP). 15
9. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the deformation space (24) provides space for the rear wall (23) to deform optimally without damaging the speedometer unit (300) on application of force on the front wall (22).
10. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bridge 20 (30) comprises a plurality of ribs.
11. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bridge (20) comprises of three ribs (R1, R2, R3) extending through the outer surface (21O, 22O, 23O) of the base wall (21), front wall (22) and the rear wall (23).
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12. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the base wall (21) comprises a pair of ribs (R4, R5) at the distal ends of the left portion (21LP).
13. The audio mounting assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the base wall (21) comprises a pair of ribs (R6, R7) at the distal ends of the right 5 portion (21RP).