Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a mounting bracket for a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is provided in a vehicle for monitoring air or nitrogen gas pressure within a tyre. The TPMS is typically of two types, one capable of being self-mounted and the other requiring a TPMS mounting bracket, for mounting the TPMS on the wheel of the vehicle. A self-mounted TPMS is generally used in a non-motorized wheel which does not have any space restriction inside the wheel hub for accommodating the TPMS. Also, in wheels having hub mounted motor, the TPMS is directly mounted on an outer surface of the air filling valve. However, in such a configuration, the TPMS is directly subjected to damage from pebbles and/or collision during rotation of the wheel.
[003] Further, the wheel with the hub mounted motor often faces the problem of space constraint due to mounting of an induction motor within the wheel. In such a configuration, a TPMS is mounted on a wheel well, which is a depression created along the circumference of the wheel rim, through adhesives. However, adhesives do not provide rigid mounting of the TPMS and the TPMS is prone to slippage due to continuous movement of the wheel, and due to vibrations created during the continuous movement of the wheel. This slippage of the TPMS can cause the TPMS to come into contact with the tire inner surface and during continuous motion, this impact can cause breakage of the TPMS.
[004] Further, in the known arts, the TPMS mounting bracket having slots for accommodating a plurality of metallic straps that extends along the entire circumference of the wheel well and clip at one end is also provided. However, in such a configuration huge material cost is incurred which in turn increases the overall cost of the wheel assembly.
[005] In order to overcome the aforesaid limitations in the mounting bracket for the TPMS, a mounting bracket is used to mount the TPMS at the wheel well. However, a conventional mounting bracket is mounted through one or more fasteners which again requires additional design changes in the wheel and the bracket also has to be customized for different wheel size. Further, a conventional mounting bracket does not provide an anti-rotation feature of the TPMS and thereby causing slippage of the TPMS.
[006] In view of the above, there is a need for a mounting bracket for a tire pressure mounting system, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, a mounting bracket for a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) of a vehicle is disclosed. The mounting bracket comprising a first body portion disposed in a wheel well of a wheel of the vehicle. The first body portion being adapted to receive and support the TPMS for monitoring tire pressure of a tyre mounted on the wheel. A second body portion being mounted to the first body portion and adapted to engage with a filling valve of the tyre. The second body portion comprises a first arm member, which is configured to be disposed with a clearance from the wheel well when the mounting bracket being mounted to the wheel well and the wheel being in a rest condition. The first arm member being adapted to engage with the wheel well during a dynamic condition of the wheel for preventing rotation of the mounting bracket about the filling valve.
[008] In an embodiment, one or more snap fit members being provided on a peripheral surface of the first body portion. The one or more snap fit members being adapted to engage and support the TPMS.
[009] In an embodiment, the second body portion comprises a slot adapted to engage with the filling valve of the tyre, wherein the slot being adapted to receive a threaded bolt for engagement between the second body portion and the filling valve.
[010] In an embodiment, the second body portion extends from the first body portion through an intermediate body portion.
[011] In an embodiment, the second body portion and the intermediate body portion conform to an S-shaped profile.
[012] In an embodiment, the second body portion comprises a rectangular region with a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the first arm member extends from the bottom portion and the second arm member extends from the top portion.
[013] In an embodiment, wherein the intermediate body portion comprises a horizontal portion extending from the first body portion and a bent portion extending into the second body portion.
[014] In an embodiment, the first body portion being provided with a hollow portion for receiving the TPMS.
[015] In an embodiment, the first body portion being oriented perpendicularly to the second body portion, when the mounting bracket being mounted onto the wheel well.
[016] In an embodiment, dimensions of the first body member matches with a width of the wheel well.
[017] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket being located proximal to the filling valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[018] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) being mounted on a wheel well of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 a schematic view of the mounting bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of the mounting bracket being mounted on the wheel well of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket being mounted on the wheel well of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a schematic view of the mounting bracket being connected to a filling valve of the wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket being connected to the filling valve of the wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a schematic view of the mounting bracket being connected to the filling valve of the wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[019] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[020] Figure 1 illustrates a mounting bracket 100 for a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 102, mounted onto a wheel 108 of a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The TPMS 102 is connected to a filling valve 112 of a tyre 126 mounted on a wheel 108 (or wheel rim 108) of the vehicle for monitoring tyre pressure. The mounting bracket 100 is adapted to accommodate and support the TPMS 102, while providing zero degree of freedom to the TPMS 102 or prevent rotation and/or movement of the TPMS 102. The mounting bracket 100 also mitigates the requirement of alterations to the wheel 108 during installation, thereby ensuring simple and easy installation of the TPMS 102 onto the wheel 108. the wheel 108 is provided with a motor mounted to a wheel hub 124. The motor derives supply from battery in the vehicle and drives the wheel, thereby drives the vehicle.
[021] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the mounting bracket 100 comprises a first body portion 104 disposed in a wheel well 106 (for e.g. as shown in Figures 4 and 5) and is positioned proximal to the filling valve 112 of the tyre 126. The first body portion 104 is capable of receiving and supporting the TPMS 102 for monitoring tyre pressure. The first body portion 104 is defined with dimensions identical to a width of the wheel well 106 for facilitating interference fit between the first body portion 104 and the wheel well 106. Such a configuration mitigates the need for fasteners or locators or any other fastening mechanisms for mounting the first body portion 104 onto the wheel well 106. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the first body portion 104 can be selected as per design feasibility of the wheel well 106.
[022] Further, the first body portion 104 has a hollow portion 104b for accommodating the TPMS 102. In an embodiment, the first body portion 104 is a rectangular structure (as shown in Figure 2) having a peripheral portion 104a which acts as an outer wall or a rim of the hollow portion 104b. The hollow portion 104b is defined by the peripheral portion 104a, and thus the TPMS 102 is confined within the peripheral portion 104a of the first body portion 104. In an embodiment, the hollow portion 104b has dimensions identical to the TPMS 102, for accommodating the TPMS 102. One or more snap fit members 118 are provided on the peripheral portion 104a for locking or securing the TPMS 102 within the hollow portion 104b. In an embodiment, the one or more snap fit members 118 may be clip members which are oriented towards one another and engage onto the TPMS 102 for securing the TPMS 102 in the hollow portion 104b.
[023] In an embodiment, the first body portion 104 may be a U-shaped clip member (as shown in Figure 3), wherein the snap fit members 118 are integrated to the hollow portion 104b for securing the TPMS 102.
[024] Further, the mounting bracket 100 comprises a second body portion 110 attached to the first body portion 104 and adapted to engage with the filling valve 112 of the wheel 108. In an embodiment, the second body portion 110 is attached to the first body portion 104 through an intermediate body portion 116. In an embodiment, the second body portion 110 is attached onto the first body portion 104 via conventional attachment techniques such as welding, brazing, fastening and the like, as per design feasibility and requirement. The second body portion 110 is provided with a slot 120 which engages with the filling valve 112. The slot 120 is capable of receiving a threaded bolt 122 (as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8) so that, the second body portion 110 is fastened to the filling valve 112. Such an engagement of the second body portion 110 with the filling valve 112 reduces vibrations being felt by the TPMS 102, as the vibrations that are generated during rotation of the wheel 108 are transferred to the filling valve 112. In an embodiment, the slot 120 is provided with dimensions based on dimensions of the filling valve 112, for facilitating engagement of the second body portion 110 with the filling valve 112. The second body portion 110 may be defined as having a rectangular region 110c (as shown in Figure 3) from whose top portion 110b and bottom portion 110a, a first arm member 114 and a second arm member 128 extend. The width of the rectangular region 110c appears equal to the width of the intermediate body portion 116. Thus, the second body portion 110 has a L-shaped profile with the first arm member 114 and the second arm member 128.
[025] The first arm member 114 is configured to be disposed with a clearance (X) (as shown in Figure 8) from the wheel well 106, when the mounting bracket 100 is mounted to the wheel well 106 and the wheel 108 is in a rest condition. In an embodiment, the clearance (X) is about 0.02 mm. The first arm member 114 engages with the wheel well 106 during a dynamic condition of the wheel 108 for preventing rotation of the mounting bracket 100 about the filling valve 112. Such a construction prevents rotation of the TPMS 102 during dynamic condition of the wheel 108, thereby ensuring accurate measurement of tyre pressure.
[026] In an embodiment, the rest condition of the wheel 108 refers to a stand-still condition of the wheel 108, and the dynamic condition of the wheel 108 refers to a rotating condition of the wheel 108.
[027] In an embodiment, the second body portion 110 is attached to the first body portion 104 through an intermediate body portion 116. As such, the intermediate body portion 116 is located between the first body portion 104 and the second body portion 110. The intermediate body portion 116 extends from the peripheral portion 104a on one side of the first body portion 104. In an embodiment, the intermediate body portion 116 may extend from the snap clip members 118 provided on one side of the first body portion 104. The intermediate body portion 116 is oriented longitudinally or inline the length of the first body portion 104. As such, upon mounting of the mounting bracket 100 onto the wheel well 106, the intermediate body portion 116 is inline with the first body portion 104 and the second body portion 110, wherein the second body portion 110 extends behind the intermediate body portion 116 for mounting with the filling valve 112. In an embodiment, the intermediate body portion 116 has a bend portion 116b, and the second body portion 110 extends from the bent portion 116b of the intermediate body portion 116. The second body portion 110 is oriented perpendicularly and laterally rear to the first body portion 104 and the intermediate body portion 116. In other words, an axis Y-Y’ (shown in Figure 3) of the second body portion 110 is perpendicular to an axis X-X’ of the intermediate body portion 116. The axis Y-Y’ of the second body portion 110 passes through the slot 120 that engages with the filling valve 112 and the axis X-X’ is parallel to a horizontal portion 116a of the intermediate body portion 116.
[028] In the present embodiment, the second body portion 110 and the intermediate body portion 116 confirm to an S-shaped profile. Such a construction aids in compact mounting of the mounting bracket 100. In another embodiment, the second body portion 110 comprises the second arm member 128 (shown in Figures 2 and 3) extending upwardly from the top portion 110b (shown in Figure 2) of the rectangular region 110c. As such, the first arm member 114 and the second arm member 128 are extending away from the slot 120. Such a construction, aids in compact mounting of the mounting bracket 100, while also preventing rotation of the TPMS 102. In an embodiment, the dimensions pertaining to the first arm member 114 and the second arm member 128 are selected to ensure compact mounting of the TPMS 102.
[029] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 100 is a monolithic structure having the first body portion 104, the second body portion 110 and the intermediate body portion 116. In another embodiment, the first body portion 104, the second body portion 110 and the intermediate body portion 116 are attached to one another strategically in order to form the mounting bracket 100.
[030] In an embodiment, the first body portion 104, the second body portion 110 and the intermediate body portion 116 are made of a metallic material or a non-metallic material or a composite material, as per design feasibility and requirement.
[031] Referring to Figures 6-8, the attachment of the mounting bracket 100 with the filling valve 112 is depicted. As illustrated, during the rest condition of the wheel 108, the mounting bracket 100 maintains a clearance X with the wheel well 106. However, during dynamic condition or rotation of the wheel 108, the second body portion 110 of the mounting bracket 100 tends to rotate towards the wheel well 106. At this juncture, the first arm member 114 contacts the wheel well 106, thereby preventing rotation and slippage of the mounting bracket 100 and consequently the TPMS 102.
[032] The claimed invention as discussed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of the mounting bracket 100 including the first body portion 102, the second body portion 110 and the first arm member 114 secures the TPMS 102 in place in the wheel well 106, thereby preventing misalignment of the TPMS 102 during dynamic condition of the wheel 108, consequently leading to accurate monitoring of the tyre pressure. Also, the second body portion 110 mitigates requirement of alterations to the mounting bracket 100, for mounting the mounting bracket 100 onto the wheel 108, thereby ensuring simple and easy installation of the TPMS 102 onto the wheel 108. Further, due to mounting of the second body portion 110 to the filling valve 112, the vibrations received by the TPMS 102 during dynamic condition of the wheel 108 are transferred to the filling valve 112, thereby reducing impact of vibrations on the TPMS 102. Moreover, due to easy and simple mounting of the mounting bracket 100, the serviceability of the TPMS unit 102 is also easy and simple.
[033] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Reference numerals
100 - Mounting bracket
102 - Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
104 - First body portion
104a - Peripheral portion
104b - Hollow portion
106 - Wheel well
108 - Wheel
110 - Second body portion
110a - Bottom portion of the second body portion
110b - Top portion of the second body portion
110c - Rectangular region on the second body portion
112 - Filling valve
114 - First arm member
116 - Intermediate body portion
116a - Horizontal portion
116b - Bent portion
118 - One or more snap fit members
120 - Slot in second body portion
122 - Threaded bolt
124 - Wheel hub
126 - Tyre
128 - Second arm member
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A mounting bracket (100) for a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (102) of a vehicle, the mounting bracket (100) comprising:
a first body portion (104) disposed in a wheel well (106) of a wheel (108) of the vehicle, the first body portion (104) adapted to receive and support the TPMS (102) for monitoring tire pressure of a tyre (126); and
a second body portion (110) mounted to the first body portion (104) and adapted to engage with a filling valve (112) of the tyre (126),
the second body portion (110) comprising a first arm member (114);
the first arm member (114) being configured to be disposed with a clearance (X) from the wheel well (106) when the mounting bracket (100) being mounted to the wheel well (106) and the wheel (108) being in a rest condition, and
the first arm member (114) being adapted to engage with the wheel well (106) during a dynamic condition of the wheel (108) for preventing rotation of the mounting bracket (100) about the filling valve (112).

2. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising one or more snap fit members (118) provided on a peripheral portion (104a) of the first body portion (104), the one or more snap fit members (118) being adapted to engage and support the TPMS (102).

3. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second body portion (110) comprises a slot (120) adapted to engage with the filling valve (112) of the tyre (108), wherein the slot (120) being adapted to receive a threaded bolt (122) for engagement between the second body portion (110) and the filling valve (112).

4. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second body portion (110) extends from the first body portion (104) through an intermediate body portion (116).

5. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second body portion (110) and the intermediate body portion (116) conform to an S-shaped profile.

6. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second body portion (110) comprises a rectangular region (110c) with a top portion (110b) and bottom portion (110a), wherein said first arm member 114 extends from the bottom portion (110a) and a second arm member (128) extends from the top portion (110b).

7. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the intermediate body portion (116) comprises a horizontal portion (116a) extending from the first body portion (104) and a bent portion (116b) extending into the second body portion (110).

8. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first body portion (104) being provided with a hollow portion (104b) for receiving the TPMS (102).

9. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first body portion (104) being oriented perpendicularly to the second body portion (110) when the mounting bracket (100) being mounted onto the wheel well (106).

10. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein dimensions of the first body portion (104) matches with a width of the wheel well (106).

11. The mounting bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1 being located proximal to the filling valve (112).

Dated this 24th day of June 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471