Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

A VENTILATION ASSEMBLY AND A DUCT THEREOF

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian Company at: “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a ventilation assembly and a duct member for a vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a ventilation assembly and a duct member for a three wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventionally, passenger variant or cargo variant of three or four wheeled vehicles are semi-open type which are less comfortable than ideal design for a vehicle as they may expose the occupants to unnecessary pollutants, noises, environmental elements such as rains and excessive cold or heat. Thus, several modern three wheelers and even four wheelers are focusing on designs that prevent such discomforts to the users by providing a closed cabin design with user operated windows or half doors at the least. Such conventional vehicles do not have an effective provision for ventilation, either in cabin compartment or in passenger compartment. Requirement of ventilation becomes more essential when the cabin compartment or the passenger compartment is provided with doors, half-doors or windows. When these doors, half-doors or windows are completely closed, due to bad weather or other disturbances, there is no scope for natural ventilation in the closed cabin design. Further, the provision of air conditioning systems in three-wheeler or four wheeled cargo vehicles would be economically unfeasible owing to the segment of customers involved in purchasing of three wheelers and four wheeled cargo vehicles.
[0003] However, the need of economic, compact and effective ventilation system is not only limited to three wheelers but also in four wheelers and multi-axle vehicles such as trucks, mini-vans, buses, etc.
[0004] Also, conventional vehicles introduce air inside cabin through a limited window opening area, only when windows are opened. This may also allow dust and water into the cabin. When the vehicle is moving at slower speed, this opening area is insufficient to provide comfort to the user.
[0005] Particularly during the rainy season, conventional vehicles owing to their economic feasibility design are not equipped with complex and expensive air conditioning system. Further, owing to external harsh conditions, the users are forced to draw their windows which creates suffocation and/or humid condition inside the cabin space of the vehicle.
[0006] Additionally, during normal operative environments of vehicles used in public transport, there exists a persistent feeling of suffocation owing to crowding in the cabin space. In this scenario, the ventilation provided is limited to the area or space opened to the environment.
[0007] In conventional vehicle layouts relating to four wheeled passenger vehicles, the four wheeled passenger vehicles have bonnet in front of cabin compartment which offers lot of space to package multiple units of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system such as air duct, air blower, condenser/radiator, evaporator, cooling hoses, etc. But for three wheeled vehicles or some types of four wheeled cargo vehicles there are inherent space constraints and it is a challenge to package ventilation system in a constrained space.
[0008] Apart from this, HVAC system in four wheeled vehicles not only increases the cost and weight of the vehicle but also consumes energy from the prime mover of the vehicle which reduces the mileage of the vehicle. But in vehicles such as three-wheeled vehicles involved in public transport, mileage is very important and hence we cannot increase load on engine.
[0009] Therefore, there is a need of an improved ventilation system which overcomes the above cited problems of the prior art and which is simple, light-weight, economical, cost-effective, offers ease of serviceability and provide an effective packaging efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a ventilation assembly and a duct member for a vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a front portion of a vehicle in one embodiment of the invention.
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the vehicle along a plane A-A in one embodiment of the invention.
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged sectional view of a ventilation assembly along a plane A-A in one embodiment of the invention.
[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a ventilation assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[0015] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of a ventilation assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a side perspective view of a duct member of a ventilation assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a side perspective view of an inlet member of a ventilation assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a top perspective view of a ventilation assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] Figure 9 illustrates a sectional view of a ventilation assembly along an axis line G-G in one embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present subject matter relates generally to a ventilation assembly for a vehicle which comprises an inlet member, a duct member and an adjuster member. The inlet member receives air from an exterior of the vehicle through the one or more first inlet openings. The duct member receives the air from the one or more second inlet openings of the inlet member through the one or more first duct openings. The duct member transmits the air to an interior of the vehicle through the one or more second duct openings. The adjuster member is interfacing with the one or more second duct openings and adjusts a direction of the air received by the inlet member into the interior of the vehicle.
[0021] The present subject matter also relates to a vehicle comprising a vehicle body and a ventilation assembly. The vehicle body comprises a front portion, a rear portion, a side portion, a bottom portion and a top portion of the vehicle. The vehicle body, depending on the vehicular design and configuration can include a frame assembly over an outer shell or body is mounted. Alternatively, the vehicle can also comprise a unibody construction without a frame or chassis. In case of three wheelers or even some type of four wheelers, a certain portion of the vehicle body may be covered by a cowl member for design or other utility objective like covering installation of accessories, wiring and/or general aesthetics reasons. The ventilation assembly comprises an inlet member, a duct member and an adjuster member. The inlet member is provided with one or more first inlet openings and one or more second inlet openings. The inlet member is configured to receive an air from an exterior of the vehicle through the one or more first inlet openings. The duct member is provided with one or more first duct openings and one or more second duct openings. The duct member is configured to receive the air from the one or more second inlet openings of the inlet member through the one or more first duct openings. The duct member is configured to transmit the air to an interior of the vehicle through the one or more second duct openings. The one or more first inlet openings are disposed in at least one portion of the vehicle. The at least one portion is the front portion, the side portion, the bottom portion, the rear portion or the top portion of the vehicle. The adjuster member is disposed on the one or more second duct openings. The adjuster member is configured adjust a direction of the air in the interior of the vehicle.
[0022] Another aspect of invention relates to a duct member. The duct member is provided with one or more first duct openings and one or more second duct openings. The duct member is configured to receive an air from one or more second inlet openings of the inlet member through the one or more first duct openings. The duct member is configured to transmit the air to an interior of the vehicle through the one or more second duct openings. The one or more first duct openings are disposed in at least one portion of the vehicle so as to allow an ingress of moving air into the duct member during a movement of the vehicle. The one or more second duct openings are disposed in at least one interior portion of the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] In order to achieve one or more of the above-mentioned objectives and overcome the related problems, the present invention provides a ventilation assembly and a duct member of ventilation assembly for a vehicle.
[0024] As per one embodiment of the invention, the ventilation assembly comprises an inlet member, a duct member and an adjuster member. The inlet member comprises one or more first inlet openings and one or more second inlet openings. The inlet member is configured to receive air from an exterior of the vehicle through the one or more first inlet openings. The duct member is provided with one or more first duct openings and one or more second duct openings. The duct member is configured to receive the air from the one or more second inlet openings of the inlet member through the one or more first duct openings. The duct member is configured to transmit the air to an interior of the vehicle through the one or more second duct openings. The adjuster member is interfacing with the one or more second duct openings. The adjuster member is configured to adjust a direction of the air received by the inlet member into the interior of the vehicle.
[0025] As per one embodiment of the invention, a cross section (A1) of the one or more first inlet openings is wider than a cross section (A2) of the one or more second inlet openings.
[0026] As per one embodiment of the invention, a cross section (A3) of the one or more first duct openings is wider than a cross section (A4) of the one or more second duct openings.
[0027] As per one embodiment of the invention, the inlet member is disposed at a first predefined angle (a) with respect to a ground level, the first predefined angle (a) is in a range of 80°-95°.
[0028] As per one embodiment of the invention, the duct member is disposed at a second predefined angle (b) with respect to the ground level, the second predefined angle (b) is in the range of 108°-128°.
[0029] As per one embodiment of the invention, the one or more second duct openings are provided in a downstream portion of the duct member. The downstream portion is bent at a third predefined angle (c) with respect to the ground level. The third predefined angle (c) is in the range of 140°-160°.
[0030] As per one embodiment of the invention, the one or more first inlet openings are disposed in at least one portion of the vehicle. The at least one portion is one or more of a front portion, a bottom portion, a side portion, a rear portion or a top portion of the vehicle to receive the air during a movement of the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one portion is one or more of a front portion of the vehicle. The one or more first inlet openings of the inlet member are configured to be covered by a main grill from the exterior of the vehicle. The main grill is configured to receive the air inside the inlet member while hiding the inlet member from direct appearance.
[0031] As per one embodiment of the invention, the adjuster member adjusts the direction of the air based upon an input received from a user through a rotating member. The rotating member is coupled to the adjuster member to change an orientation of the adjuster member.
[0032] As per one embodiment of the invention, the adjuster member is coupled with a motor. The motor is configured to automatically change an orientation of the adjuster member thereby adjusting the direction of the air in a swing mode.
[0033] As per one embodiment of the invention, a profile of the one or more second inlet openings of the inlet member are conforming to a profile of the one or more first duct openings of the duct member. The one or more second inlet openings of the inlet member are snap fitted with the one or more first duct openings of the duct member.
[0034] The inlet member and the duct member are made up of material selected from a group consisting of metal, alloys, natural polymer, artificial polymer, resin, composite or a combination thereof.
[0035] As per one embodiment of the invention, the one or more first inlet openings are provided with a filter. The filter is configured to prevent an ingress of a particulate matter and water in the ventilation assembly.
[0036] The cross sections of the inlet member and the cross sections of the duct member are polygonal in shape.
[0037] As per one embodiment of the invention, the one or more first inlet openings of the inlet member are disposed in a front portion of the vehicle at a predefined elevation from a ground level. The predefined elevation from a ground level is in a range of 870mm-980 millimetres.
[0038] As per one embodiment of the invention, the one or more first inlet openings of the inlet member are disposed in a front portion of the vehicle at a predefined elevation from a floor of the vehicle. The floor is configured to enable a resting of a foot of user of the vehicle. The predefined elevation from the floor of the vehicle is in a range of 560 millimetres - 600 millimetres.
[0039] As per one embodiment of the invention, the one or more second duct openings of the duct member are disposed on predefined portion in the interior of the vehicle. The predefined portion in the interior of the vehicle is one or more of a dashboard, between a plurality of side panels, a door frame, a window frame, a leg resting portion, rear window portion of a user compartment, a ceiling of the user compartment and a bottom of the user compartment.
[0040] As per one embodiment of the invention, the one or more second duct openings of the duct member are disposed on the dashboard of the vehicle at a predefined elevation from the ground level. The predefined elevation from the ground level is in a range of 1180 millimetres to 1220 millimetres.
[0041] As per one embodiment of the invention, the one or more second duct openings of the duct member are disposed on the dashboard of the vehicle at a predefined elevation from the floor of the vehicle. The floor is configured to enable a resting of a foot of user of the vehicle. The predefined elevation from the floor of vehicle is in a range of 870 millimetres to 920 millimetres.
[0042] As per one embodiment of the invention, the downstream portion of the duct member is bent to align an orientation of the adjuster member towards a windshield of the vehicle thereby enabling removal of a moisture on the windshield.
[0043] As per one embodiment of the invention, the ventilation assembly is integrated with an existing ventilation system of the vehicle. The existing ventilation system is one or more of a heating system, and an air conditioning system and an air purification system of the vehicle.
[0044] A length of the ventilation assembly in an installed condition is in a range of 180-200 millimetres. A height of the ventilation assembly in an installed condition is in a range of 360-380 millimetres. A breadth of the ventilation assembly in an installed condition is in a range of 170 – 200 millimetres.
[0045] As per another embodiment of the invention, a vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a ventilation assembly. The vehicle body includes a front portion, a rear portion, a side portion, a bottom portion and a top portion of the vehicle. The ventilation assembly comprises an inlet member, a duct member and an adjuster member. The inlet member is provided with one or more first inlet openings and one or more second inlet openings. The inlet member is configured to receive an air from an exterior of the vehicle through the one or more first inlet openings. The duct member is provided with one or more first duct openings and one or more second duct openings. The duct member is configured to receive the air from the one or more second inlet openings of the inlet member through the one or more first duct openings. The duct member is configured to transmit the air to an interior of the vehicle through the one or more second duct openings. The one or more first inlet openings are disposed in at least one portion of the vehicle. The at least one portion is one or more of the front portions, the rear portion, the side portion, the bottom portion or the top portion of the vehicle. The adjuster member is disposed on the one or more second duct openings. The adjuster member is configured adjust a direction of the air in the interior of the vehicle.
[0046] As per another embodiment of the invention, a cross section (A1) of the one or more first inlet openings is wider than a cross section (A2) of the one or more second inlet openings.
[0047] As per another embodiment of the invention, a cross section (A3) of the one or more first duct openings of the duct member is wider than a cross section (A4) of the one or more second duct openings of the duct member.
[0048] As per another embodiment of the invention, wherein the duct member is disposed at a second predefined angle (b) with respect to a ground level. The second predefined angle (b) is in a range of 108°-128°.
[0049] As per another embodiment of the invention, the one or more second duct openings are provided in a downstream portion of the duct member. The downstream portion is bent at a third predefined angle (c) with respect to the ground level. The third predefined angle (c) is in the range of 140°-160°.
[0050] As per yet another embodiment of the invention, the duct member is provided with one or more first duct openings and one or more second duct openings. The duct member is configured to receive an air from one or more second inlet openings of the inlet member through the one or more first duct openings. The duct member is configured to transmit the air to an interior of the vehicle through the one or more second duct openings. The one or more first duct openings is disposed in at least one portion of the vehicle so as to allow an ingress of a moving air into the duct member during a movement of the vehicle. The one or more second duct openings (202o) being disposed in at least one interior portion of the vehicle (100). The predefined portion can include any exterior portion on the front, top, bottom or other portion of the vehicle which receives the ram air when the vehicle is motion. For example, in case of three wheelers, the duct member can be installed in such a manner that the one or more first openings lie between the vehicle front body and the external cowl member. The inlet member can be attached to the one or more first openings of the duct member. Further, the one or more second duct openings are disposed in at least one interior portion of the vehicle. For example, the at least one interior portion can be a dashboard. Thus, while the vehicle is in motion the ram air that hits the vehicle can be directed from the first inlet member to the one or more first duct openings of the duct member to the interior of the vehicle via the one or more second duct openings. The adjuster member interfacing with the one or more second duct openings can adjust the direction of the air in the interior of the vehicle in a desired direction.
[0051] As per yet another embodiment of the invention, a cross section (A3) of the one or more first duct openings is wider than a cross section (A4) of the one or more second duct openings.
[0052] As per yet another embodiment of the invention, an adjuster member is disposed on the one or more second duct openings. The adjuster member is configured to adjust a direction of the air in the interior of the vehicle.
[0053] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment in ventilation assembly and duct member of a ventilation assembly for a vehicle, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0054] The embodiments shown in Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a front portion of a vehicle (100) in one embodiment of the invention. The vehicle (100) is provided with a dashboard (101), windshield (102) and a ventilation assembly (200). The ventilation assembly (200) is configured to receive air from an exterior of the vehicle (100) and transmit the air to an interior of the vehicle (100). The term ‘vehicle’ used in accordance with the present disclosure shall not be limited to vehicles comprising an internal combustion engine, but shall also be deemed applicable to hybrid and electric vehicles.

[0055] The embodiments shown in Figure 2, 3 and 4 are taken together for discussion. Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the vehicle (100) along a plane A-A in one embodiment of the invention. The plane A-A is illustrated in Figure 1. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged sectional view of a ventilation assembly (200) along the plane A-A. The embodiment shown in Figure 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a ventilation assembly (200). The ventilation assembly (200) comprises an inlet member (201), a duct member (202) and an adjuster member (203). The inlet member (201) is mounted on to vehicle body (300) with help of fastening units. The fastening units may comprise screws, nuts, rivets and bolts. In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet member (201) is connected to the vehicle body (300) using method such as welding. The inlet member (201) is configured to receive air from an exterior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more first inlet openings (201i) (also see Figure 5). The movement or flow of air is shown through arrows in the figures 2 and 3. The duct member (202) receives the air from the one or more second inlet openings (201o) of the inlet member (201) through the one or more first duct openings (202i), The duct member (202) is configured to transmit the air to an interior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more second duct openings (202o) (also See Figure 5). The inlet member (201) is preferably disposed at a first predefined angle (a), in a range of 80°-95°, with respect to a ground level. The duct member (202) is preferably disposed at a second predefined angle (b), in a range of 108°-128°, with respect to the ground level. The one or more first inlet openings (201i) (also See Figure 5) are disposed in front portion of the vehicle (100). In another aspect, the one or more first inlet openings (201i) can also be provided on a bottom portion, a side portion, a rear portion or a top portion of the vehicle (100) or a combination of plurality of first inlet openings (201i) in said portions to enhance the air-capture. The one or more first inlet openings (201i) are configured to be covered by a main grill (204) from the exterior of the vehicle (100). The main grill (204) allows the air inside the inlet member (201) while hiding the inlet member (201) from direct appearance. The main grill (204) is also protecting the inlet member (201) from external environmental factors and prevents the ingress of pollutants and particulate matter into the inlet member (201). The one or more first inlet openings (201i) are provided with a filter. The filter is configured to prevent an ingress of a particulate matter and water in the ventilation assembly (200).
[0056] The one or more second duct openings (202o) of the duct member (202) are disposed on the dashboard (101), in the interior of the vehicle (100). In another aspect of the invention, instead of the dashboard (101), the one or more second duct openings (202o) are disposed in at least one portion in the interior of the vehicle (100). Such portion can include but are not limited to a plurality of side panels, a door frame, a window frame, a leg resting portion, rear window portion of a user compartment, a ceiling of the user compartment and a bottom of the user compartment. Thus, the one or more second duct openings (202o) functioning as an outlet point for the ventilation assembly (200) can be located in various portions of the vehicle (100) depending on vehicle size, vehicle type, configuration and interior design.
[0057] In another aspect of the invention the one or more first inlet openings (201i) of the inlet member (201) are disposed in a front portion of the vehicle (100) at a predefined elevation from the ground level. The predefined elevation of the one or more first inlet openings (201i) from the ground level is in a range of 870mm-980 millimetres. As per another aspect of the same embodiment of the invention, the one or more first inlet openings (201i) of the inlet member (201) are disposed in a front portion of the vehicle (100) at a predefined elevation from a floor of the vehicle (100). The floor of the vehicle (100) is configured to enable a resting of a foot of user of the vehicle (100). The predefined elevation of the one or more first inlet openings (201i) from the floor of the vehicle (100) is in a range of 560 millimetres - 600 millimetres. The one or more first inlet openings (201i) of the inlet member (201) are disposed at an angle and elevation at a predefined portion of the vehicle (100) which enables the inlet member (201) to capture the incoming air when the vehicle (100) is moving. Similarly, the duct member (202) is also disposed such that the one or more first duct openings (202i) is disposed in the same portion of the vehicle (100) which enables the incoming air when the vehicle (100) is moving to be transmitted from the inlet member (201) to the one or second duct openings (202o) and thereafter to the interior of the vehicle (100). Further, the cross section and shape of the duct member (202) and the inlet member (201) modifies the flow characteristics of the transmitted air even when the vehicle (100) is moving with a slow speed. The flow characteristics modified in view of the duct member (202) comprises at least one of temperature, pressure and velocity of the air entering through the inlet member (201). The at least one portion can comprise any exterior portion on the front, top, rear, bottom or other portion of the vehicle (100) which receives the ram air when the vehicle (100) is motion. For example, in case of three wheelers, the duct member (202) can be installed in such a manner that the one or more first duct openings (202i) lie between the interior body panel of the vehicle (100) in the user cabin and an external cowl member (not shown) of the vehicle (100) facing the external environment. In case of three wheelers or even some type of four wheelers, the external cowl member is provided for design or other utility objective like covering installation of accessories, wiring and/or general aesthetics reasons. In this present aspect of the invention, the external cowl member can provide an opening for disposition of the inlet member (201) to receive the ram air received upon the movement of the vehicle (100). Thus, the external cowl member, in this embodiment, can easily hide the inlet member (201) and the portion of the duct member (202) that is interfacing with the inlet member (201) external to the body of the vehicle (100). Further, the one or more second duct openings (202o) are disposed in at least one interior portion of the vehicle (100). For example, the at least one interior portion can be a dashboard. Thus, while the vehicle (100) is in a motion, the ram air, that hits the vehicle (100), can be directed from the first inlet member (201) to the one or more first duct openings (202i) of the duct member (202) to the interior of the vehicle (100) via the one or more second duct openings (202o). Further the adjuster member (203) interfacing with the one or more duct openings (202o) adjusts the direction of air in the interior of the vehicle (100) in a desired path.
[0058] In another aspect of the invention, the one or more second duct openings (202o) of the duct member (202) are disposed on the dashboard (101) of the vehicle (100) but at a predefined elevation from a ground level. The predefined elevation of the one or more second duct openings (202o) from the ground level is in a range of 1180 millimetres to 1220 millimetres. Alternatively, the one or more second duct openings (202o) of the duct member (202) can be disposed on the dashboard (101) of the vehicle (100) at a predefined elevation from the floor of the vehicle (100). The floor of the vehicle (100) is configured to enable a resting of a foot of user of the vehicle (100) whereby the predefined elevation of the one or more second duct openings (202o) from floor of the vehicle (100) is preferably in a range of 870 millimetres to 920 millimetres.
[0059] The one or more second duct openings (202o) are provided in a downstream portion (202d) of the duct member (202). The downstream portion (202d) is having a bent at a third predefined angle (c) with respect to the ground level. The third predefined angle (c) can be preferably in the range of 140°-160°. In one aspect of the invention, the one or more second duct openings (202o) of the duct member (202) are disposed on the dashboard (101). The adjuster member (203) is interfacing with the one or more second duct openings (202o). The adjuster member (203) is configured to adjust a direction of the air received by the inlet member (201) into the interior of the vehicle (100). As per one embodiment of the invention, the downstream portion (202d) of the duct member (202) is bent to align an orientation of the adjuster member (203) towards a windshield (102) of the vehicle (100) thereby enabling removal of a moisture on the windshield (102).
[0060] The ventilation assembly (200) comprises an inlet member (201), a duct member (202) and an adjuster member (203). The inlet member (201) is configured to be covered by a main grill (204) from the exterior of the vehicle (100). The main grill (204) allows the air inside the inlet member (201) while hiding the inlet member (201) from direct appearance. The duct member (202) is configured to receive the air from the inlet member (201). In one aspect of the invention, the duct member (202) is snap-fitted on the inlet member (201). In other aspects of the invention, the duct member (202) can also be attached using fasteners or other attachment members in the realm of common general knowledge known to a person skilled in the art. The cross sections of the inlet member (201) and the cross sections of the duct member (202) are substantially polygonal in shape in this embodiment. However, a skilled person would appreciate that the advantages of the invention can be realized with different profiles of the cross sections of the duct member (202) and the inlet member (201). The adjuster member (203) is configured to adjust a direction of the air received by the inlet member (201) into the interior of the vehicle (100). The adjuster member (203) adjusts the direction of the air based upon an input received from a user through a rotating member (205). The rotating member (205) is coupled to the adjuster member (203) to change an orientation of the adjuster member (203). In this embodiment, the adjuster member (203) is snap fitted on the duct member (202). However, the adjuster member (203) can also be detachably attached using known type of fastening units. Further, instead of rotating member (205) in this embodiment, which is configured like a rotatable knob, a plurality of rotatable grills or fins capable of being rotated in vertical and horizontal direction can be provided in the adjuster member (203). Alternatively, the adjuster member (203) can be coupled with a motor, which upon a user input or otherwise, can automatically change the orientation of the adjuster member (203) to enhance the air penetration or outreach in the interior of the vehicle (100).
[0061] In another aspect of the invention, the ventilation assembly (200) can also be integrated with an existing ventilation system of the vehicle (100), such as, but not limited to one or more of a heating system, an air conditioning system of the vehicle (100) and/or an air purification system. Heating systems are known to make travel comfortable for the user of the vehicle (100) in cold regions and conversely, the same is applicable for air conditioning systems for hot regions. It is well known that metro cities face a lot of air pollution and air purification systems are being installed in newer designs of vehicles. The present ventilation assembly (200) can thus be integrated with such air purification systems. Alternatively, the air filters including, heap filters, carbon filters or mesh type filters can also be configured in the ventilation assembly (200) for passive or active filtration of air in the interior of the vehicle (100).
[0062] Another aspect of invention relates to a vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) comprises a vehicle body (300), a dashboard (101), windshield (102) and a ventilation assembly (200). The vehicle body (300) comprises a front portion, a rear portion, a side portion, a bottom portion and a top portion of the vehicle (100). The ventilation assembly (200) comprises an inlet member (201), a duct member (202), and an adjuster member (203). The inlet member (201) is provided with one or more first inlet openings (201i) and one or more second inlet openings (201o). The inlet member (201) receives an air from an exterior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more first inlet openings (201i). The duct member (202) is provided with one or more first duct openings (202i) and one or more second duct openings (202o). The duct member (202) receives the air from the one or more second inlet openings (201o) of the inlet member (201) through the one or more first duct openings (202i). The duct member (202) transmits the air to an interior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more second duct openings (202o). The one or more first inlet openings (201i) is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle (100). However, the one or more first inlet openings (201i) can be disposed in the side portion, the bottom portion, a rear portion and the top portion of the vehicle (100). The adjuster member (203) is disposed on the one or more second duct openings (202o). The adjuster member (203) is configured to adjust a direction of the air in the interior of the vehicle (100).
[0063] In yet another aspect of the invention which relates to a duct member (202) for a ventilation assembly (200) of a vehicle (100), the duct member (202) is provided with one or more first duct openings (202i) and one or more second duct openings (202o). The duct member (202) receives an air from one or more second inlet openings (201o) of an inlet member (201) through the one or more first duct openings (202i). The duct member (202) transmits the air to an interior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more second duct openings (202o). The one or more first duct openings (202i) is disposed in at least one portion of the vehicle (100). It allows an ingress of moving air into the duct member (202), when the vehicle (100) is moving. Further, the one or more second duct openings (202o) being disposed in at least one interior portion of the vehicle (100).
[0064] The embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 are taken together for discussion. Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of a ventilation assembly (200) in one embodiment of the invention. The embodiments shown in Figure 6 illustrates a side perspective view of only the duct member (202) of a ventilation assembly (200). The inlet member (201) is configured to be covered by a main grill (204) from the exterior of the vehicle (100). The inlet member (201) is configured to receive air from an exterior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more first inlet openings (201i). The main grill (204) is also preventing the inlet member (201) from external environmental factors and ingress of common disturbances such as stones, gravels, etc. The duct member (202) is provided with one or more first duct openings (202i) and one or more second duct openings (202o). The duct member (202) is configured to receive the air from the one or more second inlet openings (201o) of the inlet member (201) through the one or more first duct openings (202i). The duct member (202) is configured to transmit the air to an interior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more second duct openings (202o). The adjuster member (203) is interfacing with the one or more second duct openings (202o). A profile of one or more second inlet openings (201o) of the inlet member (201) is conforming to a profile of the one or more first duct openings (202i) of the duct member (202). The one or more second inlet openings (201o) of the inlet member (201) are snap fitted with the one or more first duct openings (202i) of the duct member (202). This reduces assembly time at manufacturing level and cost associated with incorporation of separate fasteners. Further, this ensures ease of repair, serviceability and maintenance.
[0065] The embodiments shown in Figure 7 illustrate a side perspective view of an inlet member (201) of a ventilation assembly (200) in one embodiment of the invention. The inlet member (201) is configured to receive air from an exterior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more first inlet openings (201i) and to transmit the air into duct member (202) through the one or more second inlet openings (201o).
[0066] The embodiments shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 are taken together for discussion. Figure 8 illustrates a top perspective view of a ventilation assembly (200) in one embodiment of the invention. The embodiments shown in Figure 9 illustrates a sectional view of a ventilation assembly (200) along an axis G-G shown in Figure 8. The ventilation assembly (200) comprises an inlet member (201), a duct member (202) and an adjuster member (203). The duct member (202) is snap-fitted on the inlet member (201). This reduces assembly time at manufacturing level and cost associated with incorporation of separate fasteners. This also ensures ease of repair, serviceability and maintenance while providing a scope to accustom the duct member (202) to a desired profile for an integration with the existent ventilation assembly (200).
[0067] The cross sections of the inlet member (201) and the cross sections of the duct member (202) are polygonal in shape. The adjuster member (203) is configured to adjust a direction of the air received by the inlet member (201) into the interior of the vehicle (100). The adjuster member (203) adjusts the direction of the air based upon an input received from a user through a rotating member (205). The rotating member (205) is coupled to the adjuster member (203) to change an orientation of the adjuster member (203). The adjuster member (203) is snap fitted on the duct member (202). The axis G-G is illustrated in figure 8. A cross section (A1) of the one or more first inlet openings (201i) is wider than a cross section (A2) of the one or more second inlet openings (201o).
[0068] A cross section (A3) of the one or more first duct openings (202i) is wider than a cross section (A4) of the one or more second duct openings (202o). The duct member (202) is snap-fitted on the inlet member (201). The adjuster member (203) is also snap-fitted on the duct member (202). The one or more second duct openings (202o) are provided in a downstream portion (202d) of the duct member (202). As can be seen the cross section (A1) of the one or more first inlet openings (201i) is much wider than the cross section (A2) of the one or more second inlet openings(201o). By virtue of Venturi principle and Bernoulli’s theorem this ensures that the air coming out of the one or more second inlet openings (201o) have a higher speed than the air that enters the one or more first inlet openings (201i). This helps in effective and speedy travel of the air through the duct member (202) and consequently to the interior of the vehicle (100). Similar differences in cross section (A3) of the one or more first duct openings (202i) and the one or more second duct openings (202o) also provide the further impetus to the speedy and effective flow of air from the inlet member (201) to the interior of the vehicle (100).
[0069] The various embodiments of disclosed invention provide a system for ventilation. Ventilation system, as disclosed, works on the principles of natural ventilation and does not run upon any power derived from energy source of vehicle. Therefore, vehicle mileage remains unaffected. The bent angle of the components, particularly the duct member (202) and the inlet member (201) ensures that external dust or water or other environmental impurities do not easily enter the ventilation system. The configuration and orientation of the ventilation assembly (200) ensures an effective packaging efficiency because it can be installed in multiple portions of the vehicle (100) without interfering with other parts. For example, the embodiment shown in the Figures shows the ventilation assembly (200) installed in the front portion of the vehicle (100) without interfering with the front fender assembly. The compact nature of the invention also ensures easy integration with known or pre-existing ventilation systems. It is also aesthetically appeasing as air inlet is not visible at exterior of vehicle. Components used are light weight, simple and their manufacturing is economical and cost-effective.
[0070] Further, if the HVAC system is used in a three or four-wheeler, then the ventilation assembly (200) can be used as air blower in the ‘blower mode’ of the HVAC system. Thus, the proposed invention can easily be integrated with existing HVAC systems and no additional HVAC systems like cooling fan, condenser, evaporator, etc would be required.
[0071] Proposed invention can also reduce the power load in an HVAC system for a three or four-wheeler. as forced air flow from the fan of the HVAC system can be assisted by natural air flow by this ventilation assembly (200). Components used in the ventilation assembly (200) are relatively less in number and light weight because use of materials such as polymer, resin etc. This leads to weight reduction and cost reduction in comparison to known HVAC systems which are bulkier and heavier. The interior of vehicle (100) becomes comfortable for the driver as well as for the passengers. Ease of serviceability is enhanced as the the inlet member (201) and the duct member (202) can be assembled, disassembled and replaced easily. The present the ventilation assembly (200) can also be easily configured to accommodate according to an accurate position of the user body at which air should be blown.
[0072] The embodiments of this invention are not limited to particularly three wheeled vehicle and can cover any type of vehicle involving ventilation system. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “they” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, when introducing elements/components/etc. of the assembly/system described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
[0073] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[0074] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100
101
102
200 Vehicle
Dashboard
Windshield
Ventilation Assembly
201
201i
201o
202
202d
202i
202o Inlet Member
One or more First Inlet Opening
One or more Second Inlet Opening
Duct Member
Downstream Portion of Duct Member
One or more First Duct Opening
One or more Second Duct Opening
203
A1
A2
A3
A4
204
205
300
a
b
c

Adjuster Member
Cross Section of the one or more First Inlet Opening
Cross Section of the one or more Second Inlet Opening
Cross Section of the one or more First Duct Opening
Cross Section of the one or more Second Duct Opening
Main Grill
Rotating Member
Vehicle Body
First predefined angle
Second predefined angle
Third predefined angle

, Claims:We Claim:
1. A ventilation assembly (200) for a vehicle (100), the ventilation assembly (200) comprising:
an inlet member (201), the inlet member (201) comprising one or more first inlet openings (201i) and one or more second inlet openings (201o),
the inlet member (201) being configured to receive an air from an exterior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more first inlet openings (201i);
a duct member (202), the duct member (202) being provided with one or more first duct openings (202i) and one or more second duct openings (202o),
the duct member (202) being configured to receive the air from the one or more second inlet openings (201o) of the inlet member (201) through the one or more first duct openings (202i),
the duct member (202) being configured to transmit the air to an interior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more second duct openings (202o); and
an adjuster member (203),
the adjuster member (203) being interfacing with the one or more second duct openings (202o), and
the adjuster member (203) being configured to adjust a direction of the air received by the inlet member (201) into the interior of the vehicle (100).
2. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cross section (A1) of the one or more first inlet openings (201i) being wider than a cross section (A2) of the one or more second inlet openings (201o).
3. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cross section (A3) of the one or more first duct openings (202i) being wider than a cross section (A4) of the one or more second duct openings (202o).
4. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet member (201) being disposed at a first predefined angle (a) with respect to a ground level, the first predefined angle (a) being in a range of 80°-95°.
5. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the duct member (202) being disposed at a second predefined angle (b) with respect to the ground level, the second predefined angle (b) being in the range of 108°-128°.
6. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more second duct openings (202o) being provided in a downstream portion (202d) of the duct member (202), the downstream portion (202d) being bent at a third predefined angle (c) with respect to the ground level, the third predefined angle (c) being in the range of 140°-160°.
7. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first inlet openings (201i) being disposed in at least one portion of the vehicle (100), the at least one portion being one or more of a front portion, a bottom portion, a rear portion, a side portion or a top portion of the vehicle (100) to receive the air during a movement of the vehicle (100), and the one or more first inlet openings (201i) being configured to be covered by a main grill (204) from the exterior of the vehicle (100), the main grill (204) being configured to receive the air inside the inlet member (201).
8. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjuster member (203) being configured to adjust the direction of the air based upon an input received from a user through a rotating member (205), the rotating member (205) being coupled to the adjuster member (203) to change an orientation of the adjuster member (203).
9. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjuster member (203) being coupled with a motor, the motor being configured to automatically change an orientation of the adjuster member (203) thereby adjusting the direction of the air in a swing mode.
10. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a profile of the one or more second inlet openings (201o) of the inlet member (201) being conforming to a profile of the one or more first duct openings (202i) of the duct member (202), and the one or more second inlet openings (201o) of the inlet member (201) being snap fitted with the one or more first duct openings (202i) of the duct member (202).
11. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ventilation assembly (200) being integrated with an existing ventilation system of the vehicle (100), the existing ventilation system being one or more of a heating system, an air conditioning system of the vehicle (100) and an air purification system.
12. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first inlet openings (201i) of the inlet member (201) being disposed in a front portion of the vehicle (100) at a predefined elevation from the ground level, the predefined elevation from the ground level being in a range of 870mm-980 millimetres.
13. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first inlet openings (201i) of the inlet member (201) being disposed in a front portion of the vehicle (100) at a predefined elevation from a floor of the vehicle (100), the floor being configured to enable a resting of a foot of the user of the vehicle (100), the predefined elevation from the floor of the vehicle (100) being in a range of 560 millimetres -600 millimetres.
14. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more second duct openings (202o) of the duct member (202) being disposed on predefined portion in the interior of the vehicle (100), the predefined portion in the interior of the vehicle (100) being one or more of a dashboard (101), between a plurality of side panels, a door frame, a window frame, a leg resting portion, a rear window portion of a user compartment, a ceiling of the user compartment and a bottom of the user compartment.
15. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the one or more second duct openings (202o) of the duct member (202) being disposed on the dashboard (101) of the vehicle (100) at a predefined elevation from the ground level, the predefined elevation from the ground level being in a range of 1180 millimetres to 1220 millimetres.
16. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the one or more second duct openings (202o) of the duct member (202) being disposed on the dashboard (101) of the vehicle (100) at a predefined elevation from the floor of the vehicle (100), the floor of the vehicle (100) being configured to enable a resting of a foot of driver of the vehicle (100), the predefined elevation from floor of the vehicle (100) being in a range of 870 millimetres to 920 millimetres.
17. The ventilation assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the downstream portion (202d) of the duct member (202) being bent to align an orientation of the adjuster member (203) towards a windshield (102) of the vehicle (100) thereby enabling removal of moisture on the windshield (102).
18. A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a vehicle body (300), the vehicle body (300) comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a side portion, a bottom portion and a top portion of the vehicle (100);
a ventilation assembly (200), the ventilation assembly (200) comprising
an inlet member (201), the inlet member (201) being provided with one or more first inlet openings (201i) and one or more second inlet openings (201o), the inlet member (201) being configured to receive an air from an exterior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more first inlet openings (201i);
a duct member (202), the duct member (202) being provided with one or more first duct openings (202i) and one or more second duct openings (202o), the duct member (202) being configured to receive the air from the one or more second inlet openings (201o) of the inlet member (201) through the one or more first duct openings (202i), the duct member (202) being configured to transmit the air to an interior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more second duct openings (202o),the one or more first inlet openings (201i) being disposed in at least one portion of the vehicle (100), the at least one portion being one or more of the front portion, the side portion, the rear portion, the bottom portion or the top portion of the vehicle (100); and
an adjuster member (203), the adjuster member (203) being disposed on the one or more second duct openings (202o) and the adjuster member (203) being configured to adjust a direction of the air in the interior of the vehicle (100).
19. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 18, wherein a cross section (A1) of the one or more first inlet openings (201i) being wider than a cross section (A2) of the one or more second inlet openings (201o); and a cross section (A3) of the one or more first duct openings (202i) being wider than a cross section (A4) of the one or more second duct openings (202o).
20. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the duct member (202) being disposed at a second predefined angle (b) with respect to a ground level, the second predefined angle (b) being in a range of 108°-128°.
21. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the one or more second duct openings (202o) being provided in a downstream portion (202d) of the duct member (202), the downstream portion (202d) being bent at a third predefined angle (c) with respect to the ground level, the third predefined angle (c) being in the range of 140°-160°.
22. A duct member (202) for a ventilation assembly (200) of a vehicle (100), the duct member (202) being provided with one or more first duct openings (202i) and one or more second duct openings (202o), the duct member (202) being configured to receive an air from one or more second inlet openings (201o) of an inlet member (201) through the one or more first duct openings (202i), the duct member (202) being configured to transmit the air to an interior of the vehicle (100) through the one or more second duct openings (202o), the one or more first duct openings (202i) being disposed in at least one portion of the vehicle (100) so as to allow an ingress of a moving air into the duct member (202) during a movement of the vehicle (100), and the one or more second duct openings (202o) being disposed in at least one interior portion of the vehicle (100).
23. The duct member (202) for the ventilation assembly (200) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein a cross section (A3) of the one or more first duct openings (202i) being wider than a cross section (A4) of the one or more second duct openings (202o).
24. The duct member (202) for the ventilation assembly (200) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 22, wherein an adjuster member (203) being disposed on the one or more second duct openings (202o) and the adjuster member (203) being configured to adjust a direction of the air.

Dated this 15th day of June, 2023

(Digitally Signed)
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA-1611
Agent for the Applicant