TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to mounting of engine in vehicle and, more particularly, to an engine mounting bracket at lower mounting points on apron side member to receive an engine mount. The present engine mounting bracket increases load bearing capacity to withstand Engine mounting functional loads and to make the engine mounting region more durable.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] In vehicles, the engine is mounted under vehicle hood on at least three engine mounts that reduces transfer of vibration from the engine to the vehicle body. Further, the engine mounts are mounted on the vehicle body so that engine mounts can transfer the engine vibrations to the vehicle body. Referring to fig. la and lb, the engine mounting region consists of the engine mounting brackets that are used to mount the engine onto the front end of the vehicle body which is generally done through bolt connections. In the existing design, the mounting is done on the vehicle body at upper and lower region on Apron Side Member. The engine mount is mounted on a bracket which is supported by two engine mounting bracket where one is at upper side and other is at lower side or in some cases the bracket is mounted by four engine mounting brackets two mountings at upper side and the other two mountings are at lower side.
[0004] In the existing arrangements, the lower mounting region experiences moment which is created by overhang (as shown in the fig lb) as the Loading point is away from the lower mounting point.

[0005] Due to the low stiffness of the lower mounting region and the moment, high stresses are created in WL (water line) Load case in that region due to engine vibrations and engine weight.
[0006] Theses technical drawbacks cause functional issues under excessive loading that leads to failures on the vehicle body surface that results in high replacement cost.
[0007] To prevent the failures on the vehicle body surface due to high stresses on the vehicle front body due to overhang and vibrations of engine, an engine mounting bracket is required at lower mounting region that can distribute and damp incoming load evenly without adding extra weight and without adding manufacturing cost.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed hereinbelow.
[0009] The principal object of the present invention is to provide an engine mounting bracket for lower region at apron member to receive an engine mount and to compensate higher amount of overhang loads.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an engine mounting bracket made from a single sheet material using stamping process.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an engine mounting bracket at lower mounting region to receive an engine mount to make engine mounting region more durable and rigid. 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.

[0013] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an engine mounting bracket structure on an apron side member to increase load bearing capacity of an engine mount. The engine mounting bracket structure comprising a first top circular flat region having a mounting hole, a first curved region that is extending outwardly away from the first top circular flat region in inward direction, a second curved region that is extending outwardly away from the first curved region in inward direction, and a base flat region that is extending away in perpendicular direction from circumference region of the second curved region except length (CI) of a chord defined at lower surface of the second curved region to provide a spot welding region.
[0014] In an aspect, a channel provided at middle section of the engine mounting bracket structure.
[0015] In an aspect, the engine mounting bracket structure comprising two partial emboss structures provided at periphery of intersection of the second curved region, the base flat region and the channel at first end and second end of the chord.
[0016] In an aspect, a portion of the base flat region extend in direction (Y) to define a 'C shape profile with the second curved region.
[0017] In an aspect, a radius (rl) of the first curved region is more than radius (rO) of the first circular flat region.
[0018] In an aspect, radius (rl) of the first curved region is less than radius (r2) of the second curved region.
[0019] In an aspect, the base flat region rests on the apron side member for welding.
[0020] In an aspect, a sealant provided in between back surface of the channel and channel provided on the apron side member.
[0021] In an aspect, a bolt is provided on the first top circular flat region to receive the lower leg of the engine mount.

[0022] In an aspect, the engine mounting bracket structure is made from a single sheet material using a stamping process.
[0023] 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 THE DRAWINGS
[0024] 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 way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0025] Figs, la and lb illustrate upper and lower mounting points for an engine mount;
[0026] Fig. 2 illustrates an engine mount mounted on vehicle side body and an apron side member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates an engine mounting bracket mounted at apron side member of Fig. 2;
[0028] Fig. 4a and 4b illustrate perspective and front view of the engine mounting bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0029] Fig. 5a and 5b shows cross section markings AA, BB, and CC on the engine mounting bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0030] Fig. 6a, 6b, and 6c illustrates cross section view along AA, BB, and CC of fig. 5a, and 5b respectively.

[0031] 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
[0032] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0033] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and/or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

[0035] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present description are used for the purpose of description only, and to distinguish between similar elements and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative sequential importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0036] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0038] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0039] Fig. 2 illustrates assembly of engine mount 204 over the engine mounting bracket 203 at lower mounting points. The engine mounting bracket 203 is mounted on an apron side member 202. The apron side member 202 is mounted on the vehicle side body 201. Fig. 3 shows the engine mounting bracket 203 at the apron side member 202 at lower mounting points.

[0040] In the fig. 4a. arrow 'X' indicates width direction and arrow 'Y' indicates height direction. The engine mounting bracket 400 comprises a first top circular flat region 410 having a mounting hole 404 to receive fastener from the engine mount 204. The first top circular flat region 410 defines a radius 'r0' (as shown in fig. 4b). The mounting hole 404 is provided with a nut at back surface to receive the fastener of the engine mount 204. Further, the engine mounting bracket 400 includes a first curved region 409 that is extending outwardly away from the first top circular flat region 410 in inward direction. The first curved region 409 defines a circular surface with radius 'rl' as shown in fig. 4b. The first curved region 409 is connected with the second curved region 408 at the other end. The second curved region 408 is extending outwardly away from the first curved region 409 in inward direction. The second curved region 408 defines a circular surface with radius 'r2' as shown in fig. 4b. A base flat region 403 extending away in perpendicular direction from circumference region of the second curved region 408 except at length 'CI' of a chord 411 (as shown in fig. 4b) defined at lower surface of the second curved region 408 to provide a spot welding region.
[0041] Referring to fig. 4b, the second curved region 408 defines the chord 411 of length 'CI' at lower surface. The chord 411 defines a first end 411a and the second end 411b. The curved surface of the chord 411 is cut-out from the engine mounting bracket structure. The second curved region 408 is cut from the lower section along the chord 411 to avoid high stress values. The radius 'rl' of the first curved region 409 is more than radius 'r0' of the first circular flat region 410. The radius 'rl' of the first curved region 409 is less than radius 'r2' of the second curved region 408. The base flat region 403 defines portions 401, 402 that extend in direction 'Y' to define a 'C shape profile with the second curved region 408.
[0042] The engine mounting bracket structure 400 defines a channel 407 that is provided at middle section of the engine mounting bracket structure 400 and matches with the channel of the apron side member (as shown in fig. 6c), the

channel 407 is bent in inward direction. Further, the engine mounting bracket structure 400 comprising two partial emboss structures 406, 405 that are provided at periphery of intersection of the second curved region 408, the base flat region 403, and the channel 407 at first end and second end of the chord 411.
[0043] Fig. 5a and 5b illustrates cross section lines AA, BB, and CC on the engine mounting bracket mounted on the apron side member 202. Correspondingly, fig. 6a, 6b, and 6c shows cross section views along line AA, BB, and CC. As shown in fig. 5b, the base flat region 401, 402, 403 of the engine mounting bracket 400 rests on the apron side member 202 for welding, preferably, spot welding.
[0044] Referring to fig. 6a, the engine mounting bracket 400 is mounted on the apron side member 202 along the base flat region 401, 402, 403 and there is gap 412 defined in between the second curved region 408 and the apron side member 202 along the chord 411.
[0045] Referring to fig. 6b which is cross section along line BB of fig. 5b, with the partial emboss structures 406, 405 at the chord ends 411a, 411b, along the chord 411 has better load distribution in downward direction of the engine mounting bracket 400. With the gap 412 between the second curved region 408 and the apron side member 202, and the two partial emboss structures 405, 406 at downward direction of the engine mounting bracket 400 has better load distribution due to overhang of the engine mount 204.
[0046] Referring to fig. 6c that shows cross section view along line CC of fig 5b, the channel 407 that is bending in inward direction maintains a gap 202a between the channel of the apron side member 202 for application of sealant. The sealant is provided in between back surface of the channel 407 and the channel of the apron side member 202.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the present engine mounting bracket structure 400 is a multi-level radial emboss structure having a bolt at the centre to receive fastener from the engine mount. The present engine

mounting bracket structure 400 is made from a single metal sheet material using a stamping process.
[0048] With the present engine mounting bracket structure, the lower mounting points of the engine mount has become rigid as per the requirements. The present engine mounting bracket structure increases the stiffness at the lower region of engine mounting. The present engine mounting bracket structure is designed so as to provide sufficient strength to the engine mounting region so that it can withstand the water line (WL) loads that are transferred from the Engine mount to the body side.
[0049] The term "vehicle" as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants or goods and is powered by any form of energy. The term "vehicle" is a motor vehicle which includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, hatchback, sedan, MUVs, and SUVs.
[0050] 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 can choose suitable manufacturing and design details.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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 engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) on an apron side member
(202) to increase load bearing capacity of an engine mount (204), the engine
mounting bracket structure (400) comprising:
a first top circular flat region (410) having a mounting hole (404);
a first curved region (409) extending outwardly away from the first top circular flat region (410) in inward direction;
a second curved region (408) extending outwardly away from the first curved region (409) in inward direction; and
a base flat region (403) extending away in perpendicular direction from circumference region of the second curved region (408) except length (CI) of a chord (411) defined at lower surface of the second curved region (408) to provide a spot welding region.
2. The engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein channel (407) provided at middle section of the engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400).
3. The engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) comprising two partial emboss structures (406, 405) provided at periphery of intersection of the second curved region (408), the base flat region (403), and the channel (407) at first end (411a) and second end (411b) of the chord (411).
4. The engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion (401, 402) of the base flat region (403) extend in direction (Y) to define a 'C shape profile with the second curved region (408).
5. The engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein radius (rl) of the first curved region (409) is more than radius (rO) of the first circular flat region (410).

6. The engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein radius (rl) of the first curved region (409) is less than radius (r2) of the second curved region (408).
7. The engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base flat region (401, 402, 403) rests on the apron side member (202) for welding.
8. The engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a water proof sealant is provided in between back surface of the channel (407) and channel provided on the apron side member (202).
9. The engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bolt is provided on the first top circular flat region (410) to receive the lower leg of the engine mount (204).
10. The engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engine mounting bracket structure (203, 400) made from a single sheet material using a stamping process.