FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 of 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10 and Rule 13]
TITLE: "A GEAR KNOB UNIT AND A SYSTEM FOR VENTILATING THE GEAR
KNOB UNIT"
Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS PASSENGER VEHICLES LIMITED, Floor 3, 4, Plot 18, Nanavati Mahalaya, Mudhana Shetty Marg, BSE, Fort, Mumbai, Mumbai City, Maharashtra, 400001
Nationality: INDIAN
The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Present disclosure in general relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning unit for regulating temperature components of a vehicle. Further embodiments of the disclosure disclose a gear knob unit for a gearbox assembly of a vehicle and a system for ventilating the gear knob unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] Gearbox of a vehicle generally includes a plurality of gears that are arranged in the defined sequence, a shifting mechanism configured to selectively shift/engage one or more gears amongst the plurality of gears, a shift lever configured to actuate or regulate operation of the shifting mechanism, and among other elements or components. The shift lever maybe equipped with a gear knob unit which may be accessible to a driver for selectively displacing the shift lever and in turn control the shifting mechanism for controlling operation of the gearbox.
[003] Conventionally, the gear knob unit maybe located at an end of the shift lever and maybe positioned in a driver cabin of the vehicle, allowing such gear knob unit to be exposed to temperature of the driver cabin. Due to such exposure of the get knob unit to the driver cabin, temperature of the gear knob unit may in turn be at an elevated temperature in comparison to ambient temperature surrounding the vehicle. With that, when a user or driver of the vehicle grips or clasps or holds the gear knob unit, such action of the driver may result in an uncomfortable sensation due to difference in the ambient temperature surrounding the vehicle relative to that of the gear knob unit. Also, such sensation of the driver maybe a resultant of prolonged gripping or holding of the gear knob unit due to requirement of frequent operation for shifting of gears of the vehicle. Moreso, due to prolonged gripping of the gear knob unit, the driver may experience sweaty palms which may cause irritation to the driver during travel.
[004] With the advent of technology, efforts have been made in order to reduce such sensation to the driver by selectively operating a heating ventilation air conditioning unit (HVAC unit) of the vehicle prior entry of the driver into the driver cabin, to compensate or complement temperature of the driver cabin in comparison to the ambient temperature surrounding the

vehicle. However, such efforts may have minimal to no impact when the gear knob unit is considered, as some of the gear knob unit which are conventionally available, are made from material having low thermal conductivity (i.e., operation of the HVAC unit to cool the cabin may have little to no effect on the gear knob unit). In some scenarios, the gear knob unit have been defined with one or more external configurations such as dimples, pores, cavity, projections, protuberances, protrusions, and the like, that are defined along an external surface whereby allowing temperature of the gear knob unit to be conditioned based on operation of the HVAC unit. Such conditioning of the gear knob unit due to said profiles may have its own limitations such as uneven cooling or heating of the gear knob unit, uneasiness in gripping of such gear knob unit having said profiles, requirement for cleaning of said gear knob unit in view of said profiles being prone to accumulation of dust, dirt, and among other debris of foreign particles thereon.
[005] The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques/systems 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
[006] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by gear knob unit and a system as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the description in the present disclosure.
[007] Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[008] In one non-limiting embodiment, a gear knob unit of a gearbox assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The gear knob unit includes a body which is connectable to a shift lever of the gearbox. The body being defined with one or more ridges. Further, the gear knob unit includes a panel that is configured to laterally enclose at least a portion of the body. The panel being defined with a projection section, extending away from the body and including a flow portion.

The projection section being fluidly connectable to a HVAC unit of the vehicle, to channelize a coolant about the body and the panel. The gear knob unit includes a wrap that is configured to enclose at least a portion of the body and the panel. The wrap is adapted to define a flow circuit in response to enclosing the body and the panel, to selectively channelize the fluid from the projection section of the panel along at least portion of the flow circuit, to cool the gear knob unit.
[009] In an embodiment, the wrap includes a wrap member which is connectable to and enclose one of the body or the panel. The wrap member being defined with one or more grooves, structured to define the flow circuit on enclosing the body and the panel. The wrap further includes a sleeve configured to enclose portion of the wrap member, wherein the sleeve is configured to selectively discharge coolant channelized through the flow circuit.
[0010] In an embodiment, the flow circuit formed between one of the body, the panel and the wrap, includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit is configured to channelize the coolant to surround at least portion of perimeter of the body and the panel, and discharge about a lateral direction relative to the wrap. Further the flow circuit includes a second circuit, which is configured to channelize the coolant through at least one of the body and the panel, and discharge about a transverse direction relative to the wrap.
[0011] In an embodiment, the one or more ridges of the body includes a first ridge portion, adaptably defined along the perimeter of the body. The first ridge portion, on being enclosed by the panel, is configured to channelize the coolant around the body and under the wrap member to define the first circuit of the flow circuit. The one or more ridges of the body further includes a second ridge portion, adaptably defined along the perimeter of the body. The second ridge portion, on being enclosed by each of the panel and the wrap, is configured to channelize the coolant around the body to pass over the wrap member and under the sleeve, to define the second circuit of the flow circuit.
[0012] In an embodiment, the gear knob unit comprises a flow regulating device disposable in the body, or between the body and the panel, wherein the flow regulating device is configured to selectively regulate flow of the coolant between the first circuit and the second circuit of the flow circuit. The flow regulating device is displaceable relative to the body between a first locking position, a second locking position and a third locking position, to selectively

channelize the coolant between the first circuit, the second circuit and a combination of the first circuit and the second circuit.
[0013] In an other non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for ventilating a gear knob unit of a gearbox is disclosed. The system includes a Heating Ventilation Air conditioning (HVAC) unit of the vehicle, configured to cool at least one of a passenger cabin, a glove box, a dash compartment, and a chiller compartment. The system further includes a gear knob unit fluidly connectable to the HVAC unit. The gear knob unit includes a body which is connectable to a shift lever of the gearbox. The body being defined with one or more ridges. Further, the gear knob unit includes a panel that is configured to laterally enclose at least a portion of the body. The panel being defined with a projection section, extending away from the body and including a flow portion. The projection section being fluidly connectable to a HVAC unit of the vehicle, to channelize a coolant about the body and the panel. The gear knob unit includes a wrap that is configured to enclose at least a portion of the body and the panel. The wrap is adapted to define a flow circuit in response to enclosing the body and the panel, to selectively channelize the fluid from the projection section of the panel along at least portion of the flow circuit, to cool the gear knob unit. The system also includes an actuator, connectable to the gear knob unit and the HVAC unit, wherein the actuator is configured to regulate channelizing of the coolant from the HVAC unit to the gear knob unit.
[0014] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0015] 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.
[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
[0017] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. 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:
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a system for ventilating a gear knob unit of a gearbox, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the gear knob unit of Figure 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the gear knob of Figure 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate magnified views of a body, a panel, a wrap of the gear knob unit, in accordance to the present disclosure.
[0022] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate sectional and perspective view of the gear knob unit with a flow circuit in each of a first circuit and a second circuit, in accordance to the present disclosure.
[0023] Figures 7a and 7b illustrate sectional and perspective view of the gear knob unit with a flow circuit in the first circuit, in accordance to the present disclosure.
[0024] Figures 8a and 8b illustrate sectional and perspective view of the gear knob unit with a flow circuit in the second circuit, in accordance to the present disclosure.
[0025] The figures depict 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 methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods/assemblies do not depart from the scope of the

disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to assembly and method of production and operation, 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.
[0027] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0028] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail 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 spirit and the scope of the disclosure.
[0029] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such method. In other words, one or more acts in a method proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other acts or additional acts in the method.
[0030] Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures for a system and a gear knob unit. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure, since the system and the gear knob unit may be employed any type of vehicle including passenger vehicle, light load capacity vehicles, heavy load capacity vehicles, and among others where such need arises. Further, the vehicle is not depicted for sake of simplicity and that the system and the gear knob unit of the present disclosure is employable in any given vehicle. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates a system (100) for ventilating a gear knob unit (50) of a gearbox. The gearbox is not depicted in the figures for sake of simplicity, while it is noted that the gearbox includes a plurality of gears, a shifting mechanism configured to selectively engage and shift between the plurality of gears, a shift lever (102) configured to actuate the shifting mechanism for selective operation of the plurality of gears in the gearbox. The shift lever (102) maybe provisioned with the gear knob unit (50) at an end that may be accessible to a driver. The gear knob unit (50) may be configured to allow the driver to grip and actuate or displace the shift lever (102) for selectively controlling the shifting mechanism for changing meshing amongst the plurality of gears of the gearbox. In an embodiment, the gearbox may be a manual gearbox, an automatic gearbox, an automated manual transmission gearbox, a dual cutch transmission gearbox, a torque converter, a continuous variable transmission gearbox, and among others. Further, the shift lever (102) may be operable in along a unidirectional gate or in a multidirectional gate being defined in the gearbox for selectively meshing of the plurality of gears.
[0032] Further, as can be seen in Figure 1, the gear knob unit (50) of the present disclosure is defined or located within a cabin of the vehicle and is in fluid communication with a Heating Ventilation Air conditioning (HVAC) unit being included in the system (100) of the vehicle. The HVAC unit (103) may be configured to selectively cool a defined enclosed space in the vehicle. In the illustrative embodiment, the HVAC unit (103) may be at least one of the driver cabin, a passenger cabin, a glove box, a dash compartment, or a chiller compartment, and among other compartments available in the cabin of the vehicle. The HVAC unit (103) may include one or more components for being operable under a refrigeration cycle to channelize coolant (or interchangeably referred to as "refrigerant") to the defined enclosed space in the vehicle for cooling. In an embodiment, the coolant being channelized from the HVAC unit (103) may be maintained at temperature sufficient for regulating temperature of the gear knob unit (50). For such regulation of the temperature of the gear knob unit (50), the HVAC unit (103) and the gear knob unit (50) may be fluid connectable and selectively channelized with the coolant. Here, the term 'fluidly connectable' may refer to connection between the HVAC unit (103) and the gear knob unit (50) that may allow the coolant being in fluid state (i.e., gaseous or liquid state) to flow therebetween. Furthermore, flow are channelizing of the coolant from the HVAC unit (103) to the gear knob unit (50) maybe regulated based on a number of parameters. In an embodiment, some of the parameters may be including, the ambient temperature surrounding the vehicle, temperature of the cabin, load on the vehicle, profile of

the driver, and among other parameters associated with the driver or the vehicle. Referring again to Figure 1, the coolant from the HVAC unit (103) is channelized to the gear knob unit (50) via a duct associated with the HVAC unit (103) and through one or more hoses or tubes or pipes adapted to connect such duct to at least a portion of the gear knob unit (50). To regulate flow of such flow of the coolant from the HVAC unit (103), the system (100) also includes an actuator (104) which is connectable to the gear knob unit (50) and the HVAC unit (103). The actuator (104) is configured to regulate channelizing of the coolant from the HVAC unit (103) to the gear knob unit (50). In an embodiment, the actuator (104) may be a switch such as, but not limited to, a button, a toggle switch, a solenoid valve, relay, and among others, which may allow flow of the coolant from the HVAC unit (103) to the gear knob unit (50) upon receiving a signal or manual operation by the user.
[0033] The gear knob unit (50) of the present disclosure and as seen in Figures 2 and 3 includes a body (1) which is connectable to an end of the shift lever (102) of the gearbox. The body (1) of the gear knob unit (50) maybe connected to shift lever (102) by means such as, but not limited to, fastening, clamping, adhesive bonding, snap fitting, and among other means. The body (1) of the gear knob unit (50) is defined with one or more ridges (2) to selectively allow flow of the coolant upon channelizing from the HVAC unit (103). In the illustrative embodiment, the body (1) is defined by two half elements that are substantially symmetrical about a central vertical axis of the body (1). The two half elements maybe selectively engageable with each other while also being capable of connecting with and being secured at the end of the shift lever (102). The two half elements maybe connected to each other by at least one of snap fitting, fastening clamping, adhesive bonding or among others means. In an embodiment, the two half elements maybe asymmetrical about the central vertical axis, while being connectable to each other at the end of the shift lever (102). The two half elements may be defined with one or more ridges (2) that are defined on an external surface of the body (1) upon connection. The one or more ridges (2) may be defined with a suitable depth that may range from 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm based on requirement to allow channelizing of the coolant within or about the body (1) and in turn the gear knob unit (50).
[0034] The gear knob unit (50) further includes a panel (3) which is configured to laterally enclose at least a portion of the body (1). Here, the portion of the body (1) being enclosed by the panel (3) may extend substantially to about a front portion, rear portion, and sides of the body (1), while at least a top portion along with some area of the side portion of the body (1)

may not be covered by the panel (3). Here, the term 'substantially' may refer to a minimum of about 20% by surface area of the two half elements in the body (1) being covered by the panel (3). Further, the panel (3) being defined with a projection section (3a) which extends away from the body (1). The projection section (3a) of the panel (3) may allow the panel (3) to be fluidly connectable to the HVAC unit (103) of the vehicle for channelizing the coolant into all about the gear knob unit (50). Also, the projection section (3a) of the panel (3) may be defined with a flow portion, with which the coolant from the HVAC unit (103) enter and be channelized into or about the gear knob unit (50). In the illustrative embodiment, the plan includes a first panel member (3b) and a second panel member (3c) that are collectively joined or externally connected to the two half elements of the body (1). The first panel member (3b) and the second panel member (3c) maybe connected to the body (1) such that the coolant being channelized from the projection section (3a) of the panel (3) may be circulated into and/or around a perimeter of the body (1), as seen in Figure 4. i.e., upon connecting the first panel member (3b) and the second panel member (3c) with the two half elements of the body (1) may induce negligible to no loss in flow of the coolant being channelized from the HVAC unit (103) through the projection section (3a) of the panel (3).
[0035] In an embodiment, the first panel member (3b) and the second panel member (3c) are depicted to enclose at least a portion of the body (1) from the side (as seen in figure 3), while the first panel member (3b) and the second panel member (3c) may also enclose the body (1) from other directions such as front and rear portions of the body (1), or combination of the front portion, the rear portion, and the side portions of the body (1). Also, the panel (3) may be structured to include more than two members for enclosing the body (1), and that the embodiment illustrated in the figures of the present disclosure is not to be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the body (1) and the panel (3) may be made from similar or dissimilar material, where such material may be selected from at least one of rubber, synthetic resin, natural resin, polymers, carbon fiber, glass, silica, and among other material.
[0036] The gear knob unit (50) also includes a wrap (4) which is configured to enclose at least a portion of the body (1) and the panel (3). The wrap (4) includes a wrap member (4a) that is connectable to and structured to enclose one of the body (1) or the panel (3). In the illustrative embodiment, the wrap (4) number is configured to enclose at least a portion of each of the body (1) and the panel (3), as can be seen in figures 3 and 5. Here, the wrap (4) number is positioned

adjacent to and/or above the body (1) and the panel (3), indicating that the wrap (4) number is either in direct contact or positioned proximal to the body (1) or the panel (3). Further referring to Figures 3 and 5, the wrap (4) is adapted to define a flow circuit in response to enclosing the body (1) and the panel (3) by said wrap (4). For such configuration, the wrap member (4a) is defined with one or more grooves, where the one or more grooves are structured to be defined along an inner surface or outer surface of said wrap (4) such that, upon connecting and enclosing the body (1) or the panel (3) by the wrap (4), the one or more grooves in the body may flush with the one or more grooves of the wrap (4) to form the flow circuit within the gear knob unit (50). The wrap (4) further includes a sleeve (4b) that is configured to enclose portion of the wrap member (4a). In the illustrative embodiment, the sleeve (4b) is configured to enclose at least a portion of the wrap member (4a) from a side, top, front, rear, or combination thereof, to selectively allow flow of the coolant being channelized or discharged through the flow circuit defined between the wrap member (4a), the body (1), and the panel (3). Here, the sleeve (4b) and the wrap member (4a) maybe initially connected to each other to form the wrap (4), and thereafter may be connected to one of the body (1) or the panel (3) or combination thereof. Alternatively, the wrap member (4a) may first be connected to one of the body (1) or the panel (3) or combination thereof, followed by the sleeve (4b) being connectable to the wrap member (4a) or the body (1) or the panel (3) or combination thereof. Due to such configuration of the wrap (4) including the wrap member (4a) and the sleeve (4b), flow of the coolant through and about the body (1) and the panel (3) maybe selectively dischargeable about the sleeve (4b) whereby providing different configurations off the flow circuit for cooling of the gear knob unit (50). Such difference in configuration of the flow circuit enables the driver to selectively opt for cooling of the gear knob unit (50) as per convenience and also may regulate load on the vehicle.
[0037] The gear knob unit (50) further includes an indication member (4c), which may be connectable to the sleeve (4b) or the body (1). As can be seen in Figures 6a and 6b, the indication member (4c) may be connected at the top portion of the sleeve (4b) and the body (1), while the indication member (4c) may also define a clearance therebetween for flow and/or discharge of the coolant from the gear knob unit (50). In an embodiment, the indication member (4c) may be made from material including, polymers, ceramic, metal, carbon fiber, and among others, where the indication member (4c) may be inscribed with letters, logos, numbers, and any other pattern. The indication member (4c) may be profiled such that the indication member

(4c) may be encompassed by the driver's palm region of the hand, and may assist in suitable gripping of the gear knob unit (50).
[0038] Turning now to figure 6a, the gear knob unit (50) further includes a flow regulating device (5) which is disposable in the body (1), or between the body (1) and the panel (3). In the illustrative embodiment, the flow regulating device (5) is movably disposed in the body (1) and may be displaceable relative to the shifter lever to which the gear knob unit (50) is connected. Further, the flow regulating device (5) is configured to selectively regulate flow of the coolant in the flow circuit to selectively cool the gear knob unit (50). In an embodiment, the flow regulating device (5) may be including, an electronic device, a mechanical device, an electro-magnetic device, an electromechanical device, and among others, where such flow regulating device (5) may be actuated by on a signal from the HVAC unit (103) or may be manually operable by the driver of the vehicle. For example, the flow regulating device (5) may be a solenoid, a direction control valve (such as 3-way valve, 4-way valve, and others), a rotary member with flow paths defined therein, and among others. In an embodiment, the flow regulating device (5) is displaceable relative to the body (1) between a first locking position, a second locking position and a third locking position, i.e., the flow regulating device (5) upon being displaced relative to the body (1) may be held in such a position and may be further displaced only upon actuation by the signal from the HVAC unit (103) or manual operation by the driver. As can be seen in Figure 6b, based on operation of the flow regulating device (5), the coolant flowing through the gear knob unit (50) may be operably discharged about a lateral direction relative to the wrap (4), and a transverse direction relative to the wrap (4), and a combination thereof. Here, the term "lateral direction" may refer to clearance being defined about an interface between the sleeve (4b) and the panel (3) or the body (1), for discharging of the coolant thereabout, i.e., the lateral direction may refer to a sideward flow or discharge of the coolant about the gear knob unit (50), which is between a vertical axis and a horizontal axis of the gear knob unit (50), as referred in Figure 6a. The coolant laterally exiting the gear knob unit (50) may travel in directions including, upward and downward. Further, the term "transverse direction" may refer to clearance being defined about an interface between the sleeve (4b) and the indication member (4c), for discharging of the coolant thereabout, i.e., the transverse direction may refer to an upward flow or discharge of the coolant about the gear knob unit (50), which is substantially proximal to the vertical axis of the gear knob unit (50), as seen in Figure 6a.

[0039] In the illustrative embodiment, based on configuration and operation of the flow regulating device (5), the flow circuit of the coolant from the HVAC unit (103) may be operational in different configurations. As can be seen in 6a, 7b and 8b, the flow circuit formed between one of the body (1), the panel (3) and the wrap (4) may include the first circuit and the second circuit. Figures 6b depicts the flow circuit to be a combination of the first circuit and the second circuit, i.e., the coolant being channelized into the gear knob unit (50) may be discharged in each of the lateral direction and the transverse direction relative to the wrap (4) of the gear knob unit (50). Further, the gear knob unit (50) may be operable under the first circuit when the flow regulating device (5) is operable to a first locking position, where flow path of the coolant to discharge about the transverse direction of the gear knob unit (50) may be restricted. While in a second locking position of the flow regulating device (5), the gear knob unit (50) may be operable under the second circuit where the flow regulating device (5) is configured to restrict flow path of the coolant to discharge about the lateral direction of the gear knob unit (50). Additionally, when the flow regulating device (5) is operable to a third locking position, flow path of the coolant to flow and discharge about each of the first circuit and the second circuit may be allowed, i.e., in the third locking position, the flow regulating device (5) is configured to allow discharging of the coolant in each of the transverse direction and the lateral direction relative to the gear knob unit (50). With such configuration, the gear knob unit (50) may be selectively ventilated to discharge the coolant on suitable regions of the driver's hand, whereby preventing conditions including, sweating palm, uneasiness, and the like.
[0040] For flowability of the coolant in the first circuit, the one or more ridges (2) of the body (1) include a first ridge portion (2a), which may be adaptably defined along the perimeter of the body (1). The first ridge portion (2a), on being enclosed by the panel (3), is configured to define the first circuit of the flow circuit for channelizing the coolant. As the first ridge portion (2a) is defined along the perimeter of the body (1), as seen in Figure 7a, the coolant is adapted to flow around the body (1) and under the wrap member (4a) and in turn discharge the coolant along the interface between the panel (3) and the sleeve (4b) of the wrap (4) to flow about the lateral direction of the gear knob unit (50). Such discharge of the coolant may allow cooling of at least the palm region and finger regions of the driver's hand. Additionally, for flowability of the coolant in the second circuit, the one or more ridges (2) of the body (1) include a second ridge portion (2b), which may be adaptably defined along the perimeter of the body (1). The second ridge portion (2b), on being enclosed by each of the panel (3) and the wrap (4), is

configured to define the second circuit by channelizing the coolant around the body (1) and then to pass over the wrap member (4a), followed by passing the coolant under the sleeve (4b) of the flow circuit. As the second ridge portion (2b) is defined along the perimeter of the body (1), as seen in Figure 8a, the coolant is adapted to flow along said perimeter of the body (1) and under the sleeve (4b), to in turn discharge along the interface between the panel (3) and the sleeve (4b) of the wrap (4) to flow about the transverse direction of the gear knob unit (50).
Equivalents:
[0041] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, 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 herein for sake of clarity.
[0042] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) 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 following appended claims 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 (100) 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 (100) 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, claims, 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."
[0043] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We Claim:
1. A gear knob unit (50) of a gearbox assembly (101) for a vehicle, the gear knob unit (50)
comprising:
a body (1) connectable to a shift lever (102) of the gearbox, the body being defined with one or more ridges (2);
a panel (3), configured to laterally enclose at least a portion of the body, the panel (3) being defined with a projection section (3a), extending away from the body and including a flow portion, wherein the projection section (3a) being fluidly connectable to a HVAC unit (103) of the vehicle, to channelize a coolant about the body (1) and the panel (3); and
a wrap (4), configured to enclose at least a portion of the body (1) and the panel (3),
wherein the wrap (4) being adapted to define a flow circuit in response
to enclosing the body (1) and the panel (3), to selectively channelize the fluid
from the projection section (3a) of the panel (3) along at least portion of the
flow circuit, to cool the gear knob unit (50).
2. The gear knob unit (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wrap (4) comprises:
a wrap member (4a), connectable to and enclose one of the body (1) or the panel (3), the wrap member (4a) being defined with one or more grooves, structured to define the flow circuit on enclosing the body (1) and the panel (3); and
a sleeve (4b) configured to enclose portion of the wrap member (4a), wherein the sleeve (4b) is configured to selectively discharge coolant channelized through the flow circuit.
3. The gear knob unit (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow circuit formed between
one of the body (1), the panel (3) and the wrap (4), includes:
a first circuit, configured to channelize the coolant to surround at least portion of perimeter of the body (1) and the panel (3), and discharge about a lateral direction relative to the wrap (4); and
a second circuit, configured to channelize the coolant through at least one of the body (1) and the panel (3), and discharge about a transverse direction relative to the wrap (4).
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4. The gear knob unit (50) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more ridges (2) of the body (1) includes a first ridge portion (2a), adaptably defined along the perimeter of the body (1), and wherein the first ridge portion (2a), on being enclosed by the panel (3), is configured to channelize the coolant around the body (1) and under the wrap member (4a) to define the first circuit of the flow circuit.
5. The gear knob unit (50) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more ridges (2) of the body (1) includes a second ridge portion (2b), adaptably defined along the perimeter of the body (1), and wherein the second ridge portion (2b), on being enclosed by each of the panel (3) and the wrap (4), is configured to channelize the coolant around the body (1) to pass over the wrap member (4a) and under the sleeve (4b), to define the second circuit of the flow circuit.
6. The gear knob unit (50) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a flow regulating device (5) disposable in the body (1), or between the body (1) and the panel (3), wherein the flow regulating device (5) is configured to selectively regulate flow of the coolant between the first circuit and the second circuit of the flow circuit.
7. The gear knob unit (50) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the flow regulating device (5) is displaceable relative to the body (1) between a first locking position, a second locking position and a third locking position, to selectively channelize the coolant between the first circuit, the second circuit and a combination of the first circuit and the second circuit.
8. A system (100) for ventilating a gear knob unit (50) of a gearbox, the system (100) comprising:
a Heating Ventilation Air conditioning (HVAC) unit of the vehicle, configured to cool at least one of a passenger cabin, a glove box, a dash compartment, and a chiller compartment;
a gear knob unit (50) fluidly connectable to the HVAC unit (103), the gear knob unit (50) comprising:
a body (1) connectable to a shift lever (102) of the gearbox, the body (1) being defined with one or more ridges (2);
a panel (3), configured to laterally enclose at least a portion of the body (1), the panel (3) being defined with a projection section (3a), extending away
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from the body (1) and including a flow portion, wherein the projection section (3a) being fluidly connectable to the HVAC unit (103), to channelize a coolant about the body (1) and the panel (3); and
a wrap (4), configured to enclose at least a portion of the body (1) and the panel (3), the wrap (4) being adapted to define a flow circuit in response to enclosing the body (1) and the panel (3),
wherein the wrap (4), the panel (3) and the body (1) are
configured to define a plurality of cooling path, to selectively channelize
the fluid from the projection section (3a) of the panel (3) along at least
portion of the flow circuit, to cool the gear knob unit (50); and
an actuator (104), connectable to the gear knob unit (50) and the HVAC unit
(103), wherein the actuator (104) is configured to regulate channelizing of the coolant
from the HVAC unit (103) to the gear knob unit (50).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the wrap (4) comprises:
a wrap member (4a), connectable to and enclose one of the body (1) or the panel (3), the wrap member (4a) being defined with one or more grooves, structured to define the flow circuit on enclosing the body (1) and the panel (3); and
a sleeve (4b) configured to enclose portion of the wrap member (4a), wherein the sleeve (4b) is configured to selectively discharge air channelized through the flow circuit.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flow circuit formed between one
of the body (1), the panel (3) and the wrap (4), includes:
a first circuit, configured to channelize the coolant to surround at least portion of perimeter of the body (1) and the panel (3), and discharge about a lateral direction relative to the wrap (4); and
a second circuit, configured to channelize the coolant through at least one of the
body (1) and the panel (3), and discharge about a transverse direction relative to the
wrap (4).