Description:FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2005

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
“Engine Oil Pan”

VE Commercial Vehicle Ltd.
of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd, 102, Industrial Area
No. 1 Pithampur-454775, Dist. Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, India

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
Field of Invention
[001] The invention relates to oil pan provided in internal combustion engines. It more particularly relates to oil pans that include features for reducing noise generated in the oil pans during the operation of the vehicle.
Background of the Invention
[002] In a conventional internal combustion engine, the oil sump is a major source of noise as it is ordinarily made up of sheet metal and positioned and attached very close to the major vibration source i.e. the prime mover. Sheet metal being comparably less stiff than other materials is offers very little resistance to transmission of noise. Its interaction with other surfaces is also a source of additional noise in the vehicle.
[003] The noise being emitted from the oil sump/pan of the conventional motor vehicle is source of great discomfort for the vehicle occupants. In worst cases the vibration and noise may also render the motor vehicle unfit for use by human passengers. There have been multiple attempts to resolve this problem. These attempts have added layers of damping materials, which even though reasonably effective have ended up making the resulting oil sumps/pans comparably costlier than conventional oil sumps/pans. The Indian customer base, being cost conscious, typically ends up not wanting to pay the extra cost for getting rid of this inconvenience. Additionally, such a solution for noise reduction cannot be implemented without carrying out other additional changes in the motor vehicle.
[004] Alternatively, making a conventional oil sump/pan less noisy by adding partitioning plates makes the resulting construction heavier and more complicated to manufacture. This conventional solution also adds to the material and manufacturing cost of the oil sumps/pans. This again creates a pricing problem for the customer base opting for these improved oil sump/pan. Therefore, it is an objective of the current invention to improve the NVH characteristics of the engine oil pan without adding to the costs.
[005] It is another objective of the present invention to provide an engine oil pan that reduces noise that can be implemented in existing vehicles without any major changes.
[006] It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a noise reduction solution for engine oil pans that is also economical to implement.
[007] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a noise reduction solution for engine oil pans that does not need to utilize any costly damping materials in its construction.
[008] It is another objective of the present invention to provide an engine oil pan with better NVH characteristics that does not utilise any partitioning plates in its construction.
Summary of the Invention
[009] An embodiment of the invention achieving the stated objective, that are the engine oil pans (100), comprises of an oil pan body (5), a rim (15), Metallic straps (10, 20, 30). In the engine oil pan (100), the oil pan body (5) has three sections (5A, 5B, 5C). The first section (5A) is shallow and proceeding towards the middle of the oil pan body (5) transitions into the intermediate section (5B) along a plane A-A. The intermediate section (5B) has a slope that gradually increases till the intermediate section (5B) has transitioned into the third section (5C) along a plane B-B. The rim (15) with openings (15F) is provided along the top edge of sides of the oil pan body (5) to facilitate the assembly of the oil pan body (5) onto the motor vehicle. The metallic strap (10) provided on the side outer surface of the third section (5C) of the oil pan body (5) begins below the rim (15) proceeds along the bottom to then terminate below the rim (15) at the opposite side outer surface. One end of the metallic strap (20) is positioned in one side outer surface of the intermediate section (5B). The metallic strap (20) crosses the metallic strap (10), and then proceeds along the outer side surfaces of the third section (5C) of the oil pan body (5) to then terminate in the intermediate section (5B) on the opposite side outer surface opposite. The metallic strap (30) begins below the rim (15) on the front end of the third section (5C) of the oil pan body (5), first crosses the metallic strap (20) on the front side outer surface and then the metallic strap (10) on the bottom side outer surface, and then terminates at the edge of the bottom side outer of the first section (5A) of the oil pan body (5).
Brief Description of Drawings
[0010] The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings that contain references numerals for indicating its various parts. The description of the present invention would therefore be better understood with reference to accompanying diagrams, wherein
[0011] Figure 1 discloses the isometric view of the oil pan as per the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 2 discloses a side view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 3 discloses another isometric view, focused on disclosing the positioning of the metallic straps on the oil pan, as per the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 4 discloses an isometric view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d discloses a side, top, front and back views of the second preferred embodiments of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0016] Referring to the set of figures 1 to 3, the Engine Oil Pan (100), in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprises of.
[0017] .Referring to figures 1, 2 and 3, an engine oil pan (100) in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises of an oil pan body (5), a rim (15), Metallic straps (10, 20, 30).
[0018] The oil pan body (5) (refer to Fig. 2) has three sections (5A, 5B, 5C). The first section (5A) is shallow and proceeding towards the middle of the oil pan body (5) transitions into the intermediate section (5B) along a plane A-A. The intermediate section (5B) has a slope that gradually increases till the intermediate section (5B) has transitioned into the third section (5C) along a plane B-B. The slope so provided allows the oil filled in the engine oil pan (100) to be easily drained via an opening (35).
[0019] The rim (15) with openings (15F) (refer to Figs 1 and 3) is provided along the top edge of sides of the oil pan body (5) to facilitate the assembly of the oil pan body (5) onto the motor vehicle. The metallic strap (10) (refer to Figures 2 and 3) provided on the side outer surface of the third section (5C) of the oil pan body (5) begins below the rim (15) proceeds along the bottom to then terminate below the rim (15) at the opposite side outer surface.
One end of the metallic strap (20) (refer to Figs 2 and 3) is positioned in one side outer surface of the intermediate section (5B). The metallic strap (20) crosses the metallic strap (10), and then proceeds along the outer side surfaces of the third section (5C) of the oil pan body (5) to then terminate in the intermediate section (5B) on the opposite side outer surface opposite. The third section (5C) is the deepest section of the oil pan body (5). Furthermore, the bottom of the oil pan body (5) in the third section (5C) has a gradual slope leading toward an opening (35) provided in at the bottom of the third section (5C) of the oil pan body (5). This opening (35) is ordinarily closed with a sealing means selected from conventional polymeric seals, nuts and bolts. This opening (35) allows oil to be drained from the engine oil pan (100).
[0020] The metallic strap (30) begins below the rim (15) on the front end of the third section (5C) of the oil pan body (5), first crosses the metallic strap (20) on the front side outer surface and then the metallic strap (10) on the bottom side outer surface, and then terminates at the edge of the bottom side outer of the first section (5A) of the oil pan body (5). The metallic straps (10, 20, 30) are typically attached onto the outer side surfaces of the oil pan body (5) by welding. Though they may also be integrally linked to the body (5) of the engine oil pan (100) using any other known attachment process. The metallic straps (10, 20, 30) so provided on the oil pan body (5) increase the stiffness of the engine oil pan (100) thereby enabling a reduction in noise from the said engine oil pan (100).
[0021] Referring to the set of figures 4, and 5a to 5d, the Engine Oil Pan (200), in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprises of. an oil pan body (105), a rim (115), beadings (110, 120, 125).
[0022] The oil pan body (105) has three sections (105A, 105B, 105C) (refer to Figs 5a and 5b). The first section (105A) is the shallowest section of the oil pan body (105) with a small bottom surface slope which transitions into the intermediate section (105B) along a plane A-A. The intermediate section (105B) (refer to Fig. 5a) has a bottom surface slope that gradually increases until the intermediate section (105B) has transitioned into the third section (105C). the third section (105C) is the deepest section of the oil pan boy (105) and has a bottom surface, which from all sides, slopes towards an opening (135) provide at the centre of the bottom surface of said third section (105C). The rim (115) (refer to Figs 4 and 5b) provided on the top edge of the oil pan body (105) in all the section (105A, 105B, and 105C) has openings (115F) that facilitate attachment of said oil pan body (105) on the vehicle.
[0023] The beading (110) is provided on the side surfaces in the third section (105C) of the oil pan body (105). The beading (110) has vertical beading sections (110V) and horizontal beading sections (110H) (refer to Figs 4, 5a and 5b). The horizontal beading sections (110H) are provided on the side walls between the vertical beading sections (110V). The vertical beading sections (110V) provided on the side walls of the third section (105C) of the oil pan body (105) begin below the rim (115) and terminate above the bottom surface of the third section (105C) of the oil pan body (105). On one side of the third section (105C) an opening (110P) (refer to Figs 4 and 5a) is provided below the rim (115) but above one vertical beading section (110V).
[0024] The beadings (120) (refer to Figs 4 and 5b) are provided on the bottom surface of the oil pan body (105) in the first and second sections (105A, 105B). The horizontal beading section (120H) begin along the back side lower edge in the first section (105A) of the oil pan body (105) and end in the intermediate section (105B) of the oil pan body (105), the central beading sections (120C) are provided in alignment with the plane A-A and between two of the horizontal beading sections (120H) each. The side beading sections (120S) are provided between the side edges of the oil pan body (105) and the first and the last horizontal beading sections (120H).
[0025] The beadings (125) are given on the front and back face of the oil pan body (105). The beading (125C) given on the front face of the oil pan body (105) in its third section (105C) begins below the rim (115) and ends before the bottom edge of the front face of said oil pan body (105), and the beading (125A) given on the back face of the oil pan body (105) in its first section (105A) begins below the rim (115) and ends below the bottom edge of the back face of said oil pan body (105). The beadings (110, 120, 125), so provided on the oil pan body (105), are evenly spaced on the respective surfaces on which they have been provided. The beadings (110, 120, 125) shape can be selected from arc shaped inward protrusion, arc shaped outward protrusion, flat shaped inward protrusion and flat shaped outward protrusion.
[0026] Technical advantages offered by the invention i.e., the engine oil pans (100, 200) are-
- They improve the NVH characteristics over wide frequency ranges.
- They can be implemented in existing vehicles without any major changes.
- They are cost effective.
- They do not utilise any costly damping materials.
- They do not need any additional partitioning plates for achieving better NVH characteristics.
[0027] The disclosed invention i.e. the engine oil pans (100, 200) achieve all the set-out objectives.
[0028] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the present invention has been herein described in terms of its preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the preferred embodiment herein disclosed, can be practiced with modifications within the scope of the invention herein described.
, Claims:We Claim,
1. An engine oil pan (100) comprising,
• an oil pan body (5),
• a rim (15)
• Metallic straps (10, 20, 30),
wherein,
- the oil pan body (5) has three sections (5A, 5B, 5C), the first section (5A) is shallow and proceeding towards the middle of the oil pan body (5) transitions into the intermediate section (5B) along a plane A-A, the intermediate section (5B) has a slope that gradually increases till the intermediate section (5B) has transitioned into the third section (5C) along a plane B-B;
- the rim (15) with openings (15F) is provided along the top edge of sides of the oil pan body (5) to facilitate the assembly of the oil pan body (5) onto the motor vehicle;
- the metallic strap (10) provided on the side outer surface of the third section (5C) of the oil pan body (5) begins below the rim (15) proceeds along the bottom to then terminate below the rim (15) at the opposite side outer surface;
- one end of the metallic strap (20) is positioned in one side outer surface of the intermediate section (5B), said metallic strap (20) crosses the metallic strap (10), and then proceeds along the outer side surfaces of the third section (5C) of the oil pan body (5) to then terminate in the intermediate section (5B) on the opposite side outer surface opposite; and
- the metallic strap (30) begins below the rim (15) on the front end of the third section (5C) of the oil pan body (5), first crosses the metallic strap (20) on the front side outer surface and then the metallic strap (10) on the bottom side outer surface, and then terminates at the edge of the bottom side outer of the first section (5A) of the oil pan body (5).
2. The engine oil pan (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
- the third section (5C) is the deepest section of the oil pan body (5); and
- the metallic straps (10, 20, 30) are attached onto the outer side surfaces of the oil pan body (5) by welding.
3. The engine oil pan (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the bottom of the oil pan body (5) in the third section (5C) has a gradual slope leading toward an opening (35) provided in at the bottom of the third section (5C) of the oil pan body (5).
4. The engine oil pan (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the opening (35) is closed with a sealing means selected from conventional polymeric seals, nuts and bolts.
5. The engine oil pan (200) comprising
• an oil pan body (105),
• a rim (115),
• beadings (110, 120, 125),
wherein,
- the oil pan body (105) has three sections (105A, 105B, 105C), the first section (105A) is the shallowest section of the oil pan body (105) with a small bottom surface slope which transitions into the intermediate section (105B) along a plane A-A, the intermediate section (105B) has a bottom surface slope that gradually increases until the intermediate section (105B) has transitioned into the third section (105C), the third section (105C) is the deepest section of the oil pan boy (105) and has a bottom surface, which from all sides, slopes towards an opening (135) provide at the centre of the bottom surface of said third section (105C);
- the beading (110) is provided on the side surface in the third section (105C) of the oil pan body (105), the beading (110) has vertical beading sections (110V) and horizontal beading sections (110H), the horizontal beading sections (110H) are provided on the side walls between the vertical beading sections (110V), the vertical beading sections (110V) provided on the side walls of the third section (105C) of the oil pan body (105) begin below the rim (115) and terminate above the bottom surface of the third section (105C) of the oil pan body (105), on one side of the third section (105C) an opening (110P) is provided below the rim (115) but above one vertical beading section (110V);
- .the beadings (120) are provided on the bottom surface of the oil pan body (105) in the first and second sections (105A, 105B), the horizontal beading section (120H) begin along the back side lower edge in the first section (105A) of the oil pan body (105) and end in the intermediate section (105B) of the oil pan body (105), the central beading sections (120C) are provided in alignment with the plane A-A and between two of the horizontal beading sections (120H) each, side beading sections (120S) are provided between the side edges of the oil pan body (105) and the first and the last horizontal beading sections (120H); and
- the beadings (125) are given on the front and back face of the oil pan body (105), the beading (125C) given on the front face of the oil pan body (105) in its third section (105C) begins below the rim (115) and ends before the bottom edge of the front face of said oil pan body (105), and the beading (125A) given on the back face of the oil pan body (105) in its first section (105A) begins below the rim (115) and ends below the bottom edge of the back face of said oil pan body (105).
6. The engine oil pan (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein,
- the rim (115) provided on the top edge of the oil pan body (105) in all the section (105A, 105B, and 105C) has openings (115F) that facilitate attachment of said oil pan body (105) on the vehicle; and
- . the beadings (110, 120, 125) are evenly spaced on the respective surfaces on which they have been provided.
7. The engine oil pan (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein, the beadings (110, 120, 125) shape can be selected from arc shaped inward protrusion, arc shaped outward protrusion, flat shaped inward protrusion and flat shaped outward protrusion.

Dated 27th day of January 2025

VIDIT CHOUBEY
(IN P/A 5566)
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT(S)

To,
The Controller of Patents,
The Patent Office, at Mumbai