FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]
TITLE: "AN UNDERBELLY ASSEMBLY 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 an underbelly assembly of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the constructional configuration of a cover for enclosing the underbelly assembly of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Generally, an underbody of vehicles includes multiple critical components such as a crankcase of an engine, a transmission, and a differential. Due to the proximity of these components to the ground surface, vehicles are generally provided with an underbody shield. The underbody shield may be in the form of a skid plate, a lower engine cover/splash guard, or a panel positioned to enclose the underbody of the vehicle. The underbody shield is located below the engine and is configured to protect the components in the underbody of the vehicle from debris on the ground. The underbody shield prevents rocks, nails, water, or dust from directly reaching the components in the underbody of the vehicle and protects the underbody of the vehicle from the harsh conditions of the path being traversed by the vehicle.
Generally, the dimensions of the underbody shield vary for different vehicles with different specifications. The orientation of the components in the underbody also varies for different vehicles. For a few vehicles, the engine and the crankcase may be oriented to lie at one height from the ground whereas, the engine and the crankcase may be oriented to lie at a different height from the ground for other vehicles. Further, the dimensions and positioning of the underbody shield varies for gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles and electric vehicles as the dimensions of the components mounted in the underbody of the above vehicles also vary. Consequently, different underbody shields are to be manufactured for different vehicles. Conventionally, underbody shields are generally custom manufactured for each vehicle such that the manufactured underbody shield completely encompasses the components in the underbody of the given vehicle. Such custom manufacturing processes of underbody shields are often limited to one particular vehicle and manufacturing of under body shields is often limited to smaller numbers. Consequently, the overall cost of manufacturing conventional underbody shields often increases drastically which further results in the increase of the vehicle cost. Furthermore, conventional underbody shields are box-shaped structures that are structured to merely cover/encompass the components in the underbody of the vehicle. Such

conventional structures of the underbody shield result in increased drag due to restrictive airflow in the underbody of the vehicle. Increased drag further contributes to increased consumption of fuel and reduced milage of the vehicle.
The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purpose and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.
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, an underbelly assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The underbelly assembly includes a powertrain component mounted on a portion of a frame of the vehicle and extends about a portion of an underbelly of the vehicle. A cover enclosing the underbelly assembly is provided and the cover includes a first member connectable to a portion of the frame and adapted to enclose a portion of the underbelly assembly. The first member is defined with a cut out to receive at least a portion of the powertrain component, where a first connector is defined in the first member and located about the cut out. A second member is receivable in the cut out of the first member, where a second connector is defined along a peripheral region of the second member. The first connector and the second connector are connectable across dimension of the second connector, to selectively vary proportion of the power train component being receivable and accommodated by the second member and the first member.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first connector is defined along the peripheral region of the cut out of the first member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first connector is defined by a first surface and the first surface is defined by a hole.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second connector is defined by a second surface including a slot, where the second surface is configured to engage with the first surface, on aligning the slot of the second connector with the hole of the first connector.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the hole of the first connector is positionable at a plurality of positions along the slot of the second connector for varying the height of the second connector with respect to the first connector.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, a first inclined surface is defined along the periphery of the cutout in the first member, where the first connector is defined on the first inclined surface.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, a second inclined surface extending from a base of the second member, where the second connector is defined to protrude outwardly from the second inclined surface.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the assembly is one of a transmission, an oil sump, an internal combustion engine, and a motor.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first connector and the second connector are triangular shaped structures.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first surface of the first connector and the second surface of the second connector are oriented to extend vertically along the cover.
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 an underbelly assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a cover for the underbelly assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the cover for the underbelly assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a first member of the cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second member of the cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a first connector in the first member of the cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second connector in the second member of the cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 illustrates a side view of the first connector with the second connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 illustrates a front view of the cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 and Figure 11 illustrate a side view of the cover, 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 cover for the underbelly assembly of the vehicle 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 1-11. 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 perspective view of an underbelly assembly (200) of a vehicle. The vehicle may include a frame that accommodates various components of the vehicle including but not limited to an engine/power unit, a transmission unit, a suspension unit, fuel tank, and passenger cabin. The component of the vehicle such as the transmission, the oil sump, the engine/power unit/motor may be positioned on the frame and these components may protrude downwardly from the frame and towards to the ground or the path begin traversed by the vehicle. These components that lie proximal to the path being traversed by the vehicle may form the underbelly assembly (200) of the vehicle. The underbelly assembly (200) may further include a cover (200) to enclose the components in the underbelly of the vehicle and to protect the components in the underbelly of the vehicle.
Reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 which are illustrative of a perspective view and a side view of the cover (100) enclosing the underbelly assembly (200), respectively. The cover (100) may include a first member (1) and a second member (2). The second member (2) may be moveably connected with the first member (1) and the second member (2) may be connected to a substantially bottom end of the first member (1). The second member (2) may be connected to the first member (1) such that the distance between a topmost end of the first member (1) and a bottom most end of the second member (2) is variable by connecting the second member (2) at various dimensions across the first member (1). In an embodiment, the cover (100) may be manufactured by an injection molding process. In an embodiment, the first member (1) and the second member (2) may be manufactured in a single mold and a trim section (as seen from Figure 3) may be defined between the first member (1) and the second member (2). The trim section may be defined as a joining section between the first member (1) and the second member (2) where the connection between the first member (1) and the second member (2) is intermittent. The trim section between the first member (1) and the second member (2) is further used to separate the first member (1) and the second member (2). Thus, injection molding the complete cover (100) with the first member (1) and the second member (2) ensures

that that the complete cover (100) is manufactured in a single process with reduced assembly steps. Therefore, the manufacturing costs of the cover (100) are reduced.
Referring to the Figure 4, a perspective view of the first member (1) is illustrated. The first member (1) may be defined as a structure that is connectable to a portion of the frame of the vehicle. The first member (1) may be defined by a cut out (7) that extends substantially throughout the length of the first member (1). In an embodiment, the length and width of the cut out (7) must not be considered as a limitation and the dimensions of the cut out (7) may be defined in accordance with the dimensions of the components in the underbelly assembly (200) of the vehicle. The first member (1) may further be defined with a first inclined surface (8). The first inclined surface (8) may extend from the topmost surface of the first member (1) and may be inclined downwardly towards the cut out (7) of the first member (1). Further, the first inclined surface (8) may be defined along the peripheral region of the cut out (7) of the first member (1). The first inclined surface (8) may be defined as a gradual downward slope that extends from either side of the first member (1) towards the cut out (7) of the first member (1). Further, the first member (1) may be defined with a plurality of holes and the first member (1) may be connectable with the frame of the vehicle by means of fasteners extending through the plurality of holes on the first member (1). The first member (1) may be adapted to enclose a portion of the underbelly assembly (200) and the first member (1) may be configured to receive at least a portion of the powertrain component (12) or other components in the underbelly of the vehicle.
The cover (100) further includes a first connector (4) that is defined on the first member (1). As seen from the Figure 2, the first connector (4) may be located about the cut out (7). The first connector (4) may be defined on the first member (1) and along the peripheral region of cut out (7). In an embodiment, multiple first connectors (4) may be equidistantly provided on the first inclined surface (8) of the first member (1). In an embodiment, the first connectors (4) may be defined on the first member (1) at a region where the first inclined surface (8) ends or merges into the cut out (7) of the first member (1). As seen from the Figure 6, the first connectors (4) may be defined with a right-angled triangular shape. The first connectors (4) may be defined by a first surface (4s) that extends vertically along the cover (100) and the first connectors (4) may also include another surface that extends horizontally to the cover (100) and extends perpendicularly from the first surface (4s) of the first connectors (4). In an embodiment, the first surface (4s) and the adjacent horizontal surface of the first connectors (4) may define the

right angular shape of the right-angled triangle. Further, the first surface of the first connectors (4) may be defined with a first hole (4a). The first hole (4a) of the first connectors (4) may be used for coupling the first connectors (4) with the second connectors (5).
Reference is further made to the Figure 5 illustrating a perspective view of the second member (2). The second member (2) is defined by a base member (10) and the base member (10) may define the bottom most surface of the cover (100). The base member (10) may be an elongated structure with dimensions that is substantially equal to the cut out of the first member (1). Further, the base member (10) may be defined with an aerodynamic profile and may be configured to offer lower drag to external air flow. Furthermore, the cover (100) includes a second inclined surface (9) that extends from the base member (10) of the second member (2). As seen from the Figure 5, the second inclined surface (9) may extend from the base member (10) in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the base member (10) extends. The second inclined surface (9) may be configured to extend at a pre-determined angle from the base member (10) of the second member (2) and the pre-determined angular orientation of the second inclined surface (9) may contribute to the improved aerodynamic profile of the cover (100). In an embodiment, the second inclined surface (9) of the second member (2) may define a hollow section where the second member (2) may be configured to receive at least a portion of the powertrain component (12) or a portion of the components in the underbelly of the vehicle.
The cover (100) may also be defined with a second connector (5) that is defined to the second member (2). The second connector (5) may be defined along a topmost end or a free end of the second inclined surface (9) of the second member (2). In an embodiment, multiple second connectors (5) may be defined at the free end of the second inclined surface (9) of the second member (2) and the multiple second connectors (5) may be positioned equidistantly away from each other. Reference is made to the Figure 7 which illustrates a perspective view of the second connectors (5). The second connectors (5) may also be defined with a shape of a right-angled triangle. As seen from the Figure 7, the second connectors (5) may be defined as protrusions that extend from the second inclined surface (9). The second connectors (5) may be defined with a second surface (5s) that extends along the vertical direction with respect to the cover (100). Further, the second surface (5s) may extend vertically downwards from the topmost end of the second inclined surface (9). The second connectors (5) may also include another surface that extends perpendicularly from the second surface (5s) and extends along the horizontal

direction. Further, the second surface (5s) may be further defined with a slot (5a) that extends along the vertical direction of the cover (100).
Referring to the Figure 8, a side view of the first connector (4) being connected with the second connector (5) is depicted. As seen from the Figure 8, the first surface (4s) of the first connector (4) in the first member (1) is positioned adjacent to the second surface (5s) of the second connector (5) in the second member (2). The first surface (4s) of the first connector (4) may be aligned to lie adjacent to the second surface (5s) of the second connector (5) and the first surface (4s) may abut the second surface (5s). The first connector (4) and the second connector (5) may be aligned such that the first hole (4a) of the first connector (4) lies adjacent to the slot (5a) of the second connector (5) of the second member (2). Further, the fastener (6) may be configured to extend through the slot (5a) of the second connector (5) and the first hole (4a) of the first connector (4). The fastener (6) may be further secured by a bolt (11) for fixedly coupling the first member (1) and the second member (2) through the first connector (4) and the second connector (5), respectively. In an embodiment, the coupling between the first member (1) and the second member (2) must not be limited to the slot (5a), the first hole (4a), and the fasteners (6)
Referring to Figure 9, a schematic front view of the cover (100) is depicted. The above configuration of the cover (100) with the right-angled triangular shape of the first connector (4) in the first member (1) and the second connector (5a) in the second member (2) provides an aerodynamic profile to the cover (100). In an embodiment, the above configuration with the first inclined surface (8) of the first member (1) and second inclined surface (9) of the second member (2) ensures that the cover (100) is defined with the aerodynamic profile. Furthermore, the provision of the first connector (4) at the end of the first inclined surface (8) and the second connector (5) at the end of the second inclined surface (9) ensure that the region where the first member (1) is connected to the second member (2) is also defined with the aerodynamic profile. The above such configurations of the first member (1) and the second member (2) ensure that the overall drag experienced by the cover (100) is reduced when the vehicle is being traversed over a path. Therefore, the operational efficiency and the fuel efficiency of the vehicle is improved.
Reference is made to Figure 10 and Figure 11whcih illustrate side views of the cover (100). The above configuration of the first connector (4) of the first member (1) and the second connector (5) of the second member (2) enables the first connector (4) to be connectable across

dimension of the second connector (5), to selectively vary proportion of the power train component being receivable and accommodated by the second member (2) and the first member (1). In an embodiment, as seen from Figure 10, the cover (100) may be provided to enclose the underbelly of the vehicle of a gasoline vehicle. The cover (100) may enclose the power train components that protrude from the frame and into the underbelly of the vehicle for a pre-determined distance for the given vehicle. In an embodiment, the same cover (100) may be adapted to enclose the underbelly of a diesel vehicle or an electric vehicle. Referring to the Figure 8, the user may loosen the bolt (11) and the user may remove the fastener (6) from the slot (5a) of the second connector (5) and the first hole (4a) of the first connector (4). Subsequently, the user may slide the second connector (5) with respect to the first connector (4) to the required heights. In an embodiment, the user may slide the second connector (5) downwardly such that the first hole (4a) of the first connector (4) remains aligned with the slot (5a) of the second connector (5). The use may slide the second connector (5) such that the topmost end of the slot (5a) is aligned with the first hole (4a) of the first connector (4) in the first member (1). Further, the fastener (6) is inserted through the slot (5a) and the first hole (4a). Susnequently, the bolt (11) is used to secure the fastener (6) and the fixedly couple the first member (1) with the second member (2). The above configuration of the cover (100) enables the second member (2) to be lowered in height with respect to the first member (1) for providing increased volume and for accommodating the power train components in the underbelly of the vehicle which protrude excessively towards the path being traversed by the vehicle. Thus, the height of the second member (2) is variable with respect to the first member (1) for increasing or decreasing the volume offered by the cover (100) to accommodate the power train components in the underbelly of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the above configuration of the cover (100) reduces the manufacturing costs for the cover (100) to enclose the underbelly assembly (200) of vehicles. The above configuration of the cover (100) where the height of the second member (2) is variable with respect to the first member (1) enables the cover (100) to be adaptable to various vehicles with varying dimensions of powertrain components that protrude into the underbelly of the vehicle. The adaptability of the cover (100) ensures that a single type of cover (100) is used to various vehicles with varying dimensions of the powertrain (12) components. Thus, manufacturing costs of cover (100) is reduced and the overall manufacturing costs of the vehicle is also reduced.
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
First member 1
Second member 2
Trim 3
First connector 4
First hole 4a
First surface 4s
Second connector 5
Slot 5a
Second surface 5s
Fastener 6
Cut out 7
First inclined surface 8
Second inclined surface 9
Base member 10
Bolt 11
Powertrain component 12
Cover 100
Underbelly assembly 200

We Claim:
1. An underbelly assembly (200) of a vehicle, the underbelly assembly (200) comprising:
a powertrain component (12) mounted on a portion of a frame of the vehicle
and extending about a portion of an underbelly of the vehicle;
a cover (100) enclosing the underbelly assembly (200), the cover (100)
comprising:
a first member (1) connectable to a portion of the frame and adapted to enclose a portion of the underbelly assembly (200), the first member (1) being defined with a cut out (7) to receive at least a portion of the powertrain component (12), wherein a first connector (4) is defined in the first member (1) and located about the cut out (4);
a second member (2) receivable in the cut out (7) of the first member (1), wherein a second connector (5) is defined along a peripheral region of the second member (2); and
wherein, the first connector (4) and the second connector (5) being connectable across dimension of the second connector (5), to selectively vary proportion of the power train component being receivable and accommodated by the second member (2) and the first member (1).
2. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connector (4) is defined along the peripheral region of the cut out (7) of the first member (1).
3. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connector (4) is defined by a first surface (4s) and the first surface (4s) is defined by a first hole (4a).
4. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second connector (5) is defined by a second surface (5s) including a slot (5a), wherein the second surface (5s) is configured to engage with the first surface (4s), on aligning the slot (5a) of the second connector (5) with the hole of the first connector (4).
5. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first hole (4a) of the first connector (4) is positionable at a plurality of positions along the slot (5a) of the second connector (5) for varying the height of the second connector (5) with respect to the first connector (4).

6. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first inclined surface (8) defined along the periphery of the cutout (7) in the first member (1), wherein the first connector (4) is defined on the first inclined surface (8).
7. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a second inclined surface (9) extending from a base (10) of the second member (2), wherein the second connector (5) is defined to protrude outwardly from the second inclined surface (9).
8. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (200) is one of a transmission, an oil sump, an internal combustion engine, and a motor.
9. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connector (4) and the second connector (5) are triangular shaped structures.
10. The assembly (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first surface (4s) of the first connector (4) and the second surface (5s) of the second connector (5) are oriented to extend vertically along the cover (100).