Description:FUEL FILTER MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This invention generally relates to a field of automotive technology, and in particular, relates to a fuel filter mounting apparatus for a vehicle, to provide flexible and reliable installation options for fuel filters in both LHD vehicles and RHD vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
[0003] A fuel filter is a critical component in a fuel system of commercial vehicles, responsible for removing impurities from the fuel before it reaches the engine. However, due to varying customer demands and the need for different configurations based on vehicle type such as Right-Hand Drive (RHD) and Left-Hand Drive (LHD) variants, managing the installation and mounting of the fuel filter has become significant challenging. In addition, when mounting the fuel filter in the existing orientation proves difficult, it leads to further complications in elements. This results in the production of multiple mounting solutions for different vehicle variants, causing confusion, delays, and inefficiencies on the elements line. The lack of standardization in the mounting system of the fuel filter creates chaos, hindering smooth operations and ultimately affecting the vehicle's overall production timeline and quality.
[0004] According to a patent application “CN210483931U” titled as “Fuel filter support elements” relates to a fuel filter support elements that comprises a first connecting support and a second connecting support, the two ends of the first connecting support are fixedly connected with the middle of a frame and the middle of the second connecting support respectively, and the two ends of the second connecting support are correspondingly connected with two filters through a first filter mounting hole set and a second filter mounting hole set which are formed in the second connecting support respectively. According to the design, the arrangement space is saved, and the universality is high.
[0005] According to another patent application “CN214698132U” titled as “Double-diesel-filter support” relates to a utility model. The utility model belongs to the technical field of automobile engines and finished automobile supply, and relates to a double-diesel-filter support which comprises a tubular beam, a first support and a second support, the first support and the second support are arranged on the tubular beam, and a fixed connecting piece is arranged between the tubular beam and a longitudinal beam of an automobile frame. The first support and the second support are detachably and fixedly connected with a fuel oil fine filter and a fuel oil coarse filter respectively, a distance is reserved between the first support and the second support, and the fuel oil filter elements has the advantages of being small in occupied space and convenient to maintain.
[0006] However, the present disclosure does not disclose specific positioning of the fuel filter and structural design of fuel filter support assemblies. Specifically, the precise positioning of the fuel filter support assemblies on either side of the frame or the use of an alternative flange support formed by a forging process. The present disclosures further do not disclose use of hollow pipe supports. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a solution that simplifies and standardizes the mounting of fuel filters, reducing the complexity and improving efficiency.
 
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An objective of present invention is to develop a universal fuel filter mounting bracket that allows same fuel filter mounting for both Right-Hand Drive (RHD) and Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles, reducing the need for multiple designs.
[0009] Further, the objective of present invention is to enable mounting of the fuel filters in any orientation and on either side of the vehicle frame, ensuring adaptability to different vehicle layouts.
[0010] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to minimize confusion and errors on the elements line by offering a single, modular solution, streamlining production and reducing elements time.
[0011] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to ensure that the mounting bracket can withstand structural loads, vibrations, and road stresses, improving vehicle reliability.
[0012] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to prevent pinching or damage to fuel lines by incorporating design features such as a welded L bracket for secure routing.
[0013] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to improve overall vehicle reliability and performance, ensuring a hassle-free experience for customers.
[0014] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to seamlessly integrate the fuel filter into the vehicle's existing design without requiring modifications to other components of the vehicle.

 
SUMMARY
[0016] According to an aspect, the present embodiments discloses a fuel filter mounting apparatus for a vehicle. The fuel filter mounting apparatus comprises a first connecting support configured to detachably mount the fuel filter mounting apparatus at one or more positions of the vehicle. A first plurality of slots is fabricated on the first connecting support. The fuel filter mounting apparatus further comprises a elongated rod mechanically coupled to the first connecting support. The elongated rod corresponds to a hollow pipe having an optimized torsional rigidity. The fuel filter mounting apparatus further comprises a second connecting support mechanically coupled to the elongated rod, and is configured to detachably couple a fuel filter to the fuel filter mounting apparatus via a second set of fastening elements.
[0017] In some embodiments, a first through hole is fabricated on the first connecting support, a second through hole is fabricated at a proximal end of the second connecting support, and a third through hole is fabricated at a distal end of the second connecting support.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole are configured to receive the elongated rod. The elongated rod is configured to connect the first connecting support and the second connecting support. The elongated rod is further configured to provide an optimal spacing between the first connecting support and the second connecting support.
[0019] In some embodiments, the fuel filter mounting apparatus is mounted at the one or more positions of the vehicle using a first set of fastening elements. The first set of fastening elements comprises a first plurality of bolts protruding from the one or more positions of the vehicle, and is configured to extend through the corresponding first plurality of slots. The first set of fastening elements further comprises a first plurality of nut threaded onto the corresponding first plurality of bolts.
[0020] In some embodiments, the second set of fastening elements comprises a second plurality of bolts configured to extend through a corresponding second plurality of slots fabricated on the second connecting support and a fuel filter. The second set of fastening elements further comprises a second plurality of nut threaded onto the corresponding second plurality of bolts. The second plurality of nut are pre-installed and are positioned around the second plurality of slots.
[0021] In some embodiments, the first connecting support corresponds to a flat, and a flange mounting plate, and the second connecting support corresponds to a housing bracket of the fuel filter elements.
[0022] In some embodiments, the one or more positions of the vehicle comprises at least a chassis frame, a firewall, an engine bay, a fuel tank mounting area, or a wheel well.
[0023] In some embodiments, the second connecting support comprises a welded L-bracket. The welded L-bracket is configured to hold one or more fuel lines. The welded L-bracket is further configured to prevent pinching, obstruction or displacement of the held one or more fuel lines.
[0024] According to an aspect, the present embodiments discloses a method. The method comprising steps of detachably mounting, via a first connecting support, a fuel filter mounting apparatus at one or more positions of the vehicle. A first plurality of slots is fabricated on the first connecting support. The method further comprising steps of coupling an elongated rod to the first connecting. The elongated rod corresponds to a hollow pipe having an optimized torsional rigidity. The method further comprising steps of detachably coupling, via a second connecting support, a fuel filter to the fuel filter mounting apparatus via a second set of fastening elements.
 
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a fuel filter mounting apparatus for a vehicle, in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a fuel filter coupled to the fuel filter mounting apparatus, in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart showing a method for coupling the fuel filter to the vehicle, in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention.
 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0031] Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred, systems and methods are now described. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) for a vehicle, in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a fuel filter (200) coupled to the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100), in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] In some embodiments, a fuel filter (200) in a vehicle is configured to remove and filter out one or more impurities from the fuel before the fuel reaches an engine of the vehicle. The fuel is transferred from a fuel tank to the engine to run the vehicle. The one or more impurities comprises at least one of dirt, dust, debris, rust, corrosion particles, sludge, sentiments, and wax. The vehicle corresponds to a bus, a truck, and a car. The fuel filter (200) is further configured to supply the clean fuel to the engine for smooth combustion. The fuel filter (200) is further configured to prevent engine misfire caused by the dirty fuel.
[0034] In some embodiments, the fuel filter (200) may be positioned at one or more positions of the vehicle. The one or more positions of the vehicle comprises at least a chassis frame, a firewall, an engine bay, a fuel tank mounting area, or a wheel well. Further, the fuel filter (200) may be positioned along a fuel line. The fuel filter (200) may be positioned between the fuel tank and the engine. The fuel filter (200) may be positioned within the fuel tank. The fuel filter (200) corresponds to a twin head fuel filter. The fuel filter (200) may be of one or more sizes.
[0035] In some embodiments, a fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) is configured to hold the fuel filter (200). The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) is further configured to attach the fuel filter (200) to the vehicle. The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) is further configured to provide a stable and vibration resistant mounting for the fuel filter (200). The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) is configured to provide a quick assembly and disassembly of the fuel filter (200) from the vehicle. The fuel filter (200) is disassembled from the vehicle for replacement purpose.
[0036] In some embodiments, the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) corresponds to a universal fuel filter mounting apparatus. The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) is adaptable for one or more configurations of the vehicle. The one or more configurations comprises at least of a left hand drive (LHD) configuration and a right hand drive (RHD) configuration. The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) is configured to mount the fuel filter (200) to the vehicle in one or more orientations. The one or more orientations comprises a left orientation and a right orientation.
[0037] In some embodiments, the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) comprises a first connecting support (102), an elongated rod (104), and a second connecting rod (108).
[0038] In some embodiments, the first connecting support (102) is configured to detachably mount the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) at the one or more positions of the vehicle. The one or more positions of the vehicle comprises at least the chassis frame, the firewall, the engine bay, the fuel tank mounting area, or the wheel well. Further, a first plurality of slots (104) is fabricated on the first connecting support (102). The first plurality of slots (104) may comprise three slots. The first connecting support (102) corresponds to a flat, and a flange mounting plate. The first connecting support (102) further corresponds to a pipe mounting bracket. Further, the first connecting support (102) is of one or more shapes. The one or more shapes comprises at least one of a rectangular shape, a circular shape, a semi-circular shape, a L-shape, or a U-shape.
[0039] In some embodiments, the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) is mounted at the one or more positions of the vehicle using a first set of fastening elements. The first set of fastening elements comprises a first plurality of bolts (202) protruding from the one or more positions of the vehicle. The first plurality of bolts (202) is configured to extend through the corresponding first plurality of slots (104). The first set of fastening elements further comprises a first plurality of nut (204) threaded onto the corresponding first plurality of bolts (202). Each of the first plurality of bolts (202) corresponds to a M10 bolt and each of the first plurality of nut (204) corresponds to a M10 nut.
[0040] In some embodiments, the first connecting support (102) is configured to provide a freedom of assembly in the one or more orientations. Further, the surface and thickness of the first connecting support (102) is selected to withstand one or more loads transmitted from the vehicle. The one or more loads comprises at least one of structural load and vibrational load. Further, a first through hole (114) is fabricated on the first connecting support (102).
[0041] In some embodiments, the elongated rod (106) is mechanically coupled to the first connecting support (102). The elongated rod (106) corresponds to a hollow pipe having an optimized torsional rigidity. The elongated rod (106) is configured to resist twisting forces. The elongated rod (106) corresponds to a light-weight pipe due to its hollow nature. The elongated rod (106) has a predefined length. The elongated rod (106) is configured to allow a user to manually pump the fuel when required.
[0042] In some embodiments, the second connecting support (108) is mechanically coupled to the elongated rod (106). A second through hole (116) is fabricated at a proximal end (110) of the second connecting support (108), and a third through hole (118) is fabricated at a distal end (112) of the second connecting support (108). The second connecting support (108) corresponds to a housing bracket of the fuel filter (200).
[0043] In some embodiments, the first through hole (114), the second through hole (116), and the third through hole (118) are configured to receive the elongated rod (106). The elongated rod (106) is configured to connect the first connecting support (102) and the second connecting support (108). Further, the elongated rod (106) is configured to provide an optimal spacing between the first connecting support (102) and the second connecting support (108).
[0044] In some embodiments, the second connecting support (108) is configured to detachably couple the fuel filter (200) to the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) via a second set of fastening elements. The second set of fastening elements comprises a second plurality of bolts (206) configured to extend through a corresponding second plurality of slots (120) fabricated on the second connecting support (108) and the fuel filter (200). The second set of fastening elements further comprises a second plurality of nut (122) threaded onto the corresponding second plurality of bolts (206). The second plurality of nut (122) are pre-installed on the second connecting support (108) and are positioned around the second plurality of slots (120). The second plurality of nut (122) are welded on the second connecting support (108).
[0045] In some embodiments, the fuel filter (200) may have a span of 20 millimeter (mm). The second connecting support (108) further corresponds to a fuel filter mounting bracket. The second connecting support (108) is configured to provide freedom of assembly to the fuel filter (200) in the one or more orientations. The one or more orientations comprises a left orientation and a right orientation.
[0046] In some embodiments, the second connecting support (108) comprises a welded L-bracket (124). The welded L-bracket (124) is configured to hold one or more fuel lines. The welded L-bracket (124) is further configured to prevent pinching, obstruction or displacement of the held one or more fuel lines.
[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart showing a method (300) for coupling the fuel filter (200) to the vehicle, in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] At operation 302, the first connecting support (102) is configured to detachably mount the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) at the one or more positions of the vehicle using the first set of fastening elements. The one or more positions of the vehicle comprises at least the chassis frame, the firewall, the engine bay, the fuel tank mounting area, or the wheel well. Further, the first plurality of slots (104) is fabricated on the first connecting support (102). The first plurality of slots (104) may comprise three slots.
[0049] In some embodiments, the first set of fastening elements comprises the first plurality of bolts (202) protruding from the one or more positions of the vehicle. The first plurality of bolts (202) is configured to extend through the corresponding first plurality of slots (104). The first set of fastening elements further comprises the first plurality of nut (204) threaded onto the corresponding first plurality of bolts (202). Each of the first plurality of bolts (202) corresponds to the M10 bolt and each of the first plurality of nut (204) corresponds to the M10 nut.
[0050] At operation 304, the elongated rod (106) is mechanically coupled to the first connecting support (102). The elongated rod (106) corresponds to the hollow pipe having the optimized torsional rigidity. The elongated rod (106) is configured to resist the twisting forces. The elongated rod (106) corresponds to the light-weight pipe due to its hollow nature. The elongated rod (106) has the predefined length. The elongated rod (106) is configured to allow the user to manually pump the fuel when required.
[0051] At operation 306, the second connecting support (108) is configured to detachably couple the fuel filter (200) to the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) via the second set of fastening elements. The second set of fastening elements comprises the second plurality of bolts (206) configured to extend through the corresponding second plurality of slots (120) fabricated on the second connecting support (108) and the fuel filter (200). The second set of fastening elements further comprises a second plurality of nut (122) threaded onto the corresponding second plurality of bolts (206). The second plurality of nut (122) are pre-installed on the second connecting support (108) and are positioned around the second plurality of slots (120).
[0052] In another embodiment, the second connecting support (108) is configured to detachably couple the fuel filter (200) to the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) via the second set of fastening elements. Further, the first connecting support (102) is configured to detachably mount the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) at the one or more positions of the vehicle using the first set of fastening elements.
[0053] It should be noted that the fuel filter mounting apparatus in any case could undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the same innovative concept; moreover, all of the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the components used, as well as the numbers, shapes, and sizes of the components can be of any kind according to the technical requirements. The scope of protection of the invention is therefore defined by the attached claims.

Dated this 19th day of February, 2025
Ishita Rustagi (IN-PA/4097)
Agent for Applicant
, Claims:CLAIMS
WE CLAIM:
1. A fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) for a vehicle comprising:
a first connecting support (102) configured to detachably mount the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) at one or more positions of the vehicle, wherein a first plurality of slots (104) is fabricated on the first connecting support (102);
an elongated rod (106) mechanically coupled to the first connecting support (102), wherein the elongated rod (106) corresponds to a hollow pipe having an optimized torsional rigidity; and
a second connecting support (108) mechanically coupled to the elongated rod (106), and is configured to detachably couple a fuel filter (200) to the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) via a second set of fastening elements.

2. The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first through hole (114) is fabricated on the first connecting support (102), a second through hole (116) is fabricated at a proximal end (110) of the second connecting support (108), and a third through hole (118) is fabricated at a distal end (112) of the second connecting support (108).

3. The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first through hole (114), the second through hole (116), and the third through hole (118) are configured to receive the elongated rod (106), and wherein the elongated rod (106) is configured to:
connect the first connecting support (102) and the second connecting support (108); and
provide an optimal spacing between the first connecting support (102) and the second connecting support (108).

4. The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) is mounted at the one or more positions of the vehicle using a first set of fastening elements comprising:
a first plurality of bolts (202) protruding from the one or more positions of the vehicle, and is configured to extend through the corresponding first plurality of slots (104); and
a first plurality of nut (204) threaded onto the corresponding first plurality of bolts (202).

5. The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second set of fastening elements comprises:
a second plurality of bolts (206) configured to extend through a corresponding second plurality of slots (120) fabricated on the second connecting support (108) and a fuel filter (200); and
a second plurality of nut (122) threaded onto the corresponding second plurality of bolts (206), wherein the second plurality of nut (122) are pre-installed and are positioned around the second plurality of slots (120).

6. The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connecting support (102) corresponds to a flat, and a flange mounting plate, and the second connecting support (108) corresponds to a housing bracket of the fuel filter (200).

7. The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more positions of the vehicle comprises at least a chassis frame, a firewall, an engine bay, a fuel tank mounting area, or a wheel well.

8. The fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second connecting support (108) comprises a welded L-bracket (124) configured to:
hold one or more fuel lines; and
prevent pinching, obstruction or displacement of the held one or more fuel lines.

9. A method comprising:
detachably mounting, via a first connecting support (102), a fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) at one or more positions of the vehicle, wherein a first plurality of slots (104) is fabricated on the first connecting support (102);
coupling an elongated rod (106) to the first connecting support (102), wherein the elongated rod (106) corresponds to a hollow pipe having an optimized torsional rigidity; and
detachably coupling, via a second connecting support (108), a fuel filter (200) to the fuel filter mounting apparatus (100) via a second set of fastening elements.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first through hole (114) is fabricated on the first connecting support (102), a second through hole (116) is fabricated at a proximal end (110) of the second connecting support (108), and a third through hole (118) is fabricated at a distal end (112) of the second connecting support (108).

Dated this 19th day of February, 2025
Ishita Rustagi (IN-PA/4097)
Agent for Applicant