FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]
TITLE: “A NOISE DAMPENING ELEMENT FOR A FAN ASSOCIATED WITH A
COOLING SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE”
Name and address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay
House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.
Nationality: INDIAN
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a cooling system of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a noise dampening element for dampening noise generated by a fan associated with the cooling system of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Generally, vehicles include a number of components (also referred to as driving and driven components) such as motors, pumps, cooling systems, fans, and the like, which may generate noise during operation or during engagement with other components, where such noise may cause inconvenience to occupants of the vehicle and also to people outside the vehicle.
Further, the cooling systems, in convention, are used to cool the various components of the vehicle such that, temperature of such components are maintained below or at an operable range. Components such as fans or pumps are widely used as a part of the cooling system for cooling various components in the cooling system such as the compressor, and the condenser. Furthermore, the fans may also be used as independent cooling systems, where the fans may be configured to blow air towards various components in the vehicle such as a battery, and the motors, without circulation of liquid cooling media.
The fans are operable to draw or suck air from the surroundings such that the incoming air from the surroundings cools the components of the cooling system. The air being drawn by the fans is then vented or exhausted to the surroundings of the vehicle. The air that is vented into the surroundings is turbulent in nature and the flow of turbulent air generates noise. Conventionally, the turbulent air from the fans is exhausted or guided out of the vehicle and into the surroundings through a side body/panels of the vehicle. Venting the air through the side panels of the vehicle causes the noise generated by the outward flow of turbulent air to become more prevalent in the passenger cabin of the vehicle since, the passenger cabin lies adjacent to the side panels of the vehicle. Further, when the cooling system includes multiple fans, the noise generated by the fans becomes excessive. This noise is inconvenient to the user or the passengers within the cabin of the vehicle. The noise from the fan reduces the overall travelling comfort for the passengers in the vehicle and also the people outside the vehicle.

The present disclosure is directed at overcoming one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional arrangements.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the conventional system are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a mount and a vibration dampening system in the present disclosure.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a noise dampening element for a fan associated with a cooling system of a vehicle is disclosed. The noise dampening element includes a body defined by a first end that is fluidly coupled to the fan. Further, a plurality of serrations is defined on the body, where each of the plurality of serrations includes a crest region and a trough region. The plurality of serrations is shaped to change turbulent flow of a fluid to a laminar flow and to dampen noise from the fan of the cooling system.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least one coil is configured to surround a portion of at least one of the crest regions and the trough region, where the at least one coil is accommodated along an inner surface of the body.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one coil is positioned adjacent to the crest region on an upper end of the serration and adjacent to the trough region on a bottom end of the serration.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the body is defined as a tubular shaped structure.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, a predefined distance is defined between two consecutive crest regions and two consecutive trough regions of the serrations.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the predefined distance is substantially equal to a factor of a wavelength of the noise from the fan divided by four.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes at least one electrical component mounted on a frame of the vehicle. Further, a fan for cooling the electrical component is provided. A noise dampening element is further coupled to an exhaust side of the fan to collect air drawn by the fan. The noise dampening element includes a body defined by a first end that is fluidly coupled to the fan. Further, a plurality of serrations is defined on the body, where each of the plurality of serrations includes a crest region and a trough region. The plurality of serrations is shaped to change turbulent flow of a fluid to a laminar flow and to dampen noise from the fan of the cooling system.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, an acoustic sheet coupled to the exhaust side of the at least one fan, where the acoustic sheet is configured to direct exhaust air from the fan to the noise dampening element.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the body is configured to extend from the exhaust side of the fan through an underbody of the vehicle and is defined as a tubular shaped structure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a cooling system with a noise dampening element in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the noise dampening element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a central cut sectional view of the noise dampening element along the length of the noise dampening element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figure depicts embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the noise dampening element without departing from the principles of the disclosure described.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described after which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other arrangements for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
In the present document, the word “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an arrangement that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in the arrangement proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mount and the system.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1-3. In the figures, the same element or elements which have the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. One skilled in the art would appreciate the component disclosed in the claims, maybe any component which may be used in any given system but not limiting to vehicle and the like.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a cooling system (200) for the vehicle with a noise dampening element (100). The vehicle [not shown] may include a frame and at least one electrical component, such as one or more motors, batteries, the cooling system (200), that may be mounted on the frame of the vehicle .
Further, the cooling system (200) of the vehicle may include elements such as compressor [not shown], condenser (6), refrigerant flow line [not shown], a pump [not shown] and various other parts for cooling the electrical component [hereinafter referred to as the component] in the vehicle. For instance, the cooling system (200) is provided in electric vehicles and the cooling system (200) may be oriented proximally to the traction motor of the electric vehicle. The cooling system (200) may be configured to cool the motor of the electric vehicle for maintaining temperature of the motor within an operational range.
the cooling system (200) may include a fan (1). In an embodiment, a plurality of fans (1) with varying sizes and varying orientations may be coupled with the cooling system (200) of the vehicle. The fan (1) may be configured to draw air and direct such drawn air to cool the parts of the cooling system (200) or the motor. In an example, the fan (1) is positioned adjacent to the condenser (6) of the cooling system (200) and the fan (1) may be configured to cool the condenser (6) of the cooling system (200). In an embodiment, the fan (1) may itself be the cooling unit. In an embodiment, the fan (1) may be positioned adjacent to (i.e., in a direction being parallel or opposite to) the component that is to be cooled in the vehicle. For example, the fan (1) may be directly positioned proximally to the motor and/or the battery in the vehicle.

Further, the fan (1) may be defined by an intake side (1a) and an exhaust side (1b). The fan (1) may be positioned such that the intake side (1a) of the fan (1) is aligned proximally to the cooling system (200) or adjacent to the component in the vehicle which is to be cooled. The fan (1) may be configured to draw in air from the surroundings to cool the condenser (6) in the cooling system (200). The air that is drawn or sucked by the fan (1) may be vented or exhausted at the exhaust side (1b) of the fan (1).
The vehicle may further include an acoustic sheet (5) positioned on the exhaust side (1b) of the fan (1). The acoustic sheet (5) may be positioned at a predetermined distance away from the fan (1) and acoustic sheet (5) may be oriented to lie in a direction that is substantially parallel to orientation of the fan (1). The acoustic sheet (5) may be defined as a solid sheet without any pores or air flowing channels. Further, the acoustic sheet (5) may be configured to receive the exhaust air being directed from the exhaust side (1b) of the fan (1) and the acoustic sheet (5) may direct such exhaust air downwardly. In an embodiment, the acoustic sheet (5) may be made of material which converts a turbulent flow of the exhaust air from the fan (1) into a laminar flow. The acoustic sheet (5) may be made of noise dampening material including but not limited to acoustic membrane, fiberglass, drywall, dense board, and among other materials capable of absorbing and/or suppressing noise.
In an embodiment, the acoustic sheet (5) may be inclined at a predefined angle which may define a guiding flow path for the exhaust air to flow into the noise dampening element (100) after the exhaust air from the fan (1) collides with the acoustic sheet (5). In an embodiment, the acoustic sheet (5) may be oriented at the predefined angle such that a nozzle shaped structure is defined for the flow of the exhaust air from the fan (1) into the noise dampening element (100). In an embodiment, the acoustic sheet (5) is configured to reduce or dampen high frequency noise generated by the fan (1).
Reference is made to Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 which illustrate the noise dampening element (100). The vehicle may include the noise dampening element (100) [hereinafter referred to as the element] and the element (100) may be fluidly coupled to the exhaust side (1b) of the fan (1) such that the exhaust air from the fan (1) flows into the element (100). The element (100) may include a body (2) which may be made of the noise dampening material. In an embodiment, the body (2) may be defined as a tubular shaped structure including a first end (2a) and a second end (2b). The first end (2a) of the body (2) may be fluidly coupled to the exhaust side (1b) of the fan (1) such that the exhaust air that collides with the acoustic sheet (5)

is directed into the body (2) of the element (100). Further, the second end (2b) of the body (2) may be exposed/open to the surroundings of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the noise dampening element (100) is configured to extend from the exhaust side (1b) of the fan (1) to the surroundings of the vehicle along an underbody [not shown] of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the underbody of the vehicle may be equipped with one or more mounts for accommodating the body (2) of the element (100). It is to be noted that, positioning of the body (2) may not be considered as a limitation, as the body (2) may be considered to extend from the exhaust end (1b) of the fan (1) to the surrounding of the vehicle which may be about a roof portion, a side portion, a bottom portion, and a rear portion, of the vehicle which may assist in venting of air being drawn by the fan (1). In an embodiment, the length of the body (2) may be directly proportional to dampening of noise from the exhaust air of the fan (1). In an embodiment, greater length of the body (2) may translate to larger reduction in noise from the exhaust air of the fan (1).
Further, the body (1) of the element (100) may also be defined with a plurality of serrations (3) [hereinafter referred to as the serrations]. The serrations (3) may be defined as periodic and uniform undulations defined on the body (2). Each of the plurality of serrations (3) may be defined with a plurality of crest regions (3c) [hereinafter referred to as the crest region] and a plurality of trough regions (3t) [hereinafter referred to as the trough region]. Further, a predefined distance (d) may be defined between each of the two consecutive crest regions (3c) and each of the two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3). The predefined distance (d) defined between the two consecutive crest regions (3c) and the two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3) is based on the below described equation number (1). From the below equation number (1), the predefined distance (d) defined between the two consecutive crest regions (3c) and the two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3) may be substantially equal to a factor of the wavelength (λ) of the noise from the fan (1) divided by four.
Predefined distance (d) = ± ……. (1).
λ = Wavelength of the of the noise from the fan (1).
In an embodiment, the predefined distance (d) between the two consecutive crest regions (3c) and the two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3) may be equal throughout the length of the body (1). In an embodiment, the above configuration, and the dimensions of the

serrations (3) on the body (2), cause the turbulent flow of the exhaust air from the fan (1) to be converted into laminar flow. As seen from the Figure 1 and the Figure 3, the flow of air in the body (2) of the element (100) is turbulent proximal to the first end (2a) of the body (2) and the flow of exhaust air becomes laminar proximal to the second end (2b) of the body (2). In an embodiment, the flow of exhaust air in the body (2) progressively changes from turbulent flow to laminar flow as the exhaust air flows from the first end (2a) of the body (2) to the second end (2b) of the body (2). Consequently, the noise from the fan (1) is dampened by the above-described configuration of the element (100). In an embodiment, the element (100) reduces or dampens the noise induced by the flow of the exhaust air from the fan (1).
In an example, the distance between the two consecutive crest regions (3c) and the two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3) in the body (1) for the cooling system (200) including 9 fans where each of the fans rotate at 4000 rpm is determined. Firstly, the wavelength (λ) of the noise generated by the 9 fans rotating at 4000 rpm is determined and the same may be approximately equal to 200 mm i.e., wavelength (λ) = 200 mm (approximately).
Further, the predefined distance (d) between the two consecutive crest regions (3c) and the two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3) is determined based on the below-described equation number (1).
i.e., Predefined distance (d) =± ……. (1).
Predefined distance (d) = 200(approximatevalue) = 50 mm (approximate value).
Thus, the predefined distance (d) between the two consecutive crest regions (3c) and the two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3) is approximately 50 mm for the above example where the cooling system (200) includes 9 fans (1) that rotate at 4000 rpm. In the above-described manner, the predefined distance (d) between the two consecutive crest regions (3c) and the two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3) may be determined for any given number of fans (1) rotating at any given speed.
Referring to the Figure 2 and Figure 3, the element (100) further includes at least one coil (4) [hereinafter referred to as the coil] housed inside the body (1). The coil (4) may be made of material including but not limited to copper, brass, and other soft metals. The coil (4) may be configured to impart structural integrity to the body (1) of the element (100). In an embodiment,

the coil (4) may be ring-shaped structure or a rigid spring like structure that is accommodated along an inner surface of the body (1). The coil (4) may be positioned within the body (1) such that the coil (4) lies adjacent to the crest region (3c) on an upper end of the serration (3) and adjacent to the trough region (3t) on a bottom end of the serration (3). The coil (4) may be configured to surround a portion of the crest regions (3c) and the trough regions (3t) of the body (1). In an embodiment, the coil (4) may be structured with predefined tension such that the coil (4) exerts force outwardly onto the body (1) and the coil (1) is therefore firmly accommodated inside the body (2) without the need for use of any external securing means. In an embodiment, the coil (4) may dampen or absorb vibrations in the exhaust air from the fan (1). In an embodiment, the usage of soft metal for the coil (4) may absorb vibration from the exhaust air of the fan (1). In an embodiment, the coil (4) may be configured to maintain the predefined distance (d) between the two consecutive crest regions (3c) and the two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3) by absorbing the vibrations from the flow of the exhaust air and by preventing the deformation of the body (2) and the serrations (3) of the body (2).
In an embodiment, the above configuration of the body (1) with the predefined distance (d) between the two consecutive crest regions (3c) and the two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3) ensures that the turbulent flow of the exhaust air from the fan (1) is converted to laminar flow and the noise from the flow of exhaust air is dampened. In an embodiment, the configuration and positioning of the acoustic sheet (5) dampens the higher frequency noise from the fan (1). In an embodiment, the positioning of the acoustic sheet (5) directs the exhaust air from the fan (1) into the body (2) of the element (100). In an embodiment, the coil (4) dampens and absorbs vibrations from the flow of exhaust air of the fan (1).
Equivalents
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used, 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" 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 description 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 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. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral numeral:

Description Referral numeral
Fan 1
Intake side 1a
Exhaust side 1b
Body 2
First end 2a
Second end 2b
Serrations 3
Crest 3c
Trough 3t
Copper winding 4
Acoustic sheet 5
Condenser 6
Tube 100
Cooling system 200

We Claim:
1. A noise dampening element (100) for a fan (1) associated with a cooling system (200)
of a vehicle, the noise dampening element (100) comprising:
a body (2) comprising:
a first end (2a) being fluidly coupled to the fan (1), and a plurality of serrations (3) defined on the body (2), wherein each of the plurality of serrations (3) includes a crest region (3c) and a trough region (3t), wherein the plurality of serrations (3) are shaped to change turbulent flow of a fluid to a laminar flow and to dampen noise from the fan of the cooling system (200).
2. The noise dampening element (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one coil (4) configured to surround a portion of at least one of the crest region (3c) and the trough region (3t), wherein the at least one coil (4) is accommodated along an inner surface of the body (2).
3. The noise dampening element (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one coil (4) is positioned adjacent to the crest region (3c) on an upper end of the serration (3) and adjacent to the trough region (3t) on a bottom end of the serration (3).
4. The noise dampening element (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (3) is defined as a tubular shaped structure.
5. The noise dampening element (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a predefined distance (d) is defined between two consecutive crest regions (3c) and two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3).
6. The noise dampening element (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the predefined distance (d) is substantially equal to a factor of a wavelength of the noise from the fan (1) divided by four.
7. A vehicle, comprising:
at least one electrical component mounted on a frame of the vehicle; a fan (1) for cooling the electrical component;

a noise dampening element (100) coupled to an exhaust side (1b) of the fan (1) to collect air drawn by the fan (1), wherein the noise dampening element (100) comprises:
a body (2) comprising:
a first end (2a) being fluidly coupled to the fan (1), and a plurality of serrations (3) defined on the body (2), wherein each of the plurality of serrations (3) includes a crest region (3c) and a trough region (3t), wherein the plurality of serrations (3) is shaped to change turbulent flow of a fluid to a laminar flow and to dampen noise from the fan of the cooling system (200).
8. The vehicle as claimed in claim 7, comprising an acoustic sheet (5) positioned at a predefined distance (d) away from the exhaust side (1b) of the at least one fan (1), wherein, the acoustic sheet (5) is configured to direct exhaust air from the fan (1) to the noise dampening element (100).
9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 7, comprising at least one coil (4) configured to surround a portion of at least one of the crest region (3c) and the trough region (3t), wherein the at least one coil (4) is accommodated along an inner surface of the body (2).
10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the body (2) is configured to extend from the exhaust side (1b) of the fan (1) through an underbody of the vehicle and is defined as a tubular shaped structure.
11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein a predefined distance (d) is defined between two consecutive crest regions (3c) and two consecutive trough regions (3t) of the serrations (3).
12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the predefined distance (d) is substantially equal to a factor of a wavelength of the noise from the fan (1) divided by four.