DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of mechanical engineering and more particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of baffles for fuel tanks.
BACKGROUND
Traditionally, metallic or plastic fuel tanks are used in vehicles to store fuel therewithin. As the vehicle moves, the fuel sloshes there within. The sloshing of the fuel imbalances the vehicle and increases the chances of accidents due to fuel leakage resulting from fuel tank damage due to sloshing force. Therefore, sloshing of the fuel is required to be controlled.
Conventionally, a baffle is disposed within the fuel tank to reduce the sloshing of the fuel within the fuel tank. The metallic fuel tanks are provided with metallic baffles due to their compatibility with each other. A conventional metallic baffle is connected to the metallic fuel tank by a welding process. However, such welded regions between the metallic baffle and the fuel tank are prone to a leakage and corrosion, which is not desired. Further, baffles can’t be provided within conventional plastic tanks due to manufacturing process constraints, as they are manufactured by blow moulding process.
Therefore, there is felt a need to develop a baffle for a fuel tank that alleviates abovementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a baffle that is connected with a fuel tank by a non-welded joint.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a baffle that is disposable within a plastic or metallic fuel tank.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a baffle that reduces leakages therethrough.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a baffle that maintains a constant position with respect to a fuel tank.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a baffle for a fuel tank. The baffle comprises at least one baffle plate and at least one supporting plate. The at least one baffle plate is disposed within the fuel tank and is configured with a plurality of holes or cut-outs of different size and shape to facilitate flow of fluid therethrough. The at least one supporting plate is assembled with the at least one baffle plate and is configured to reinforce the baffle. The at least one supporting plate is further configured to securely connect the baffle with an internal shell of the fuel tank.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of holes or cut outs configured on the baffle plate has either same or different diameters.
In another embodiment, the baffle further comprises connectors which are configured to couple the baffle plates with the supporting plate. The connectors of the baffles are selected from the group consisting of connecting rods, bars, and pipes. The connectors of the present disclosure are typically made of noncorrosive material and can be hollow or solid and any shape.
In yet another embodiment, the baffle further includes a spacer which is configured to connect the assembly of the baffle plate and the supporting plate with the internal shell of the fuel tank.
In yet another embodiment, surface of the supporting plate is configured with a plurality of holes. The surface of the supporting plate may have a hollow configuration as well.
In still another embodiment, each of the baffle plate and the supporting plate is defined by a shape selected from the group consisting of any geometric or non-geometric shape.
The concept of non-welded baffle is not limited to only circular fuel tank, it can be used for any shape of the fuel tank. Illustration of circular fuel tank is used to explain the concept of non-welded baffle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A baffle for a fuel tank, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1a illustrates an isometric view of the baffle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1b illustrates an isometric view of multiple baffles of Figure 1a assembled inside the fuel tank;
Figure 2a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle of Figure 2a assembled inside the fuel tank;
Figure 3a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle of Figure 3a assembled inside the fuel tank;
Figure 4a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle of Figure 4a assembled inside the fuel tank;
Figure 5a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle of Figure 5a assembled inside the fuel tank;
Figure 6a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle of Figure 6a assembled inside the fuel tank;
Figure 7a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle of Figure 7a assembled inside the fuel tank;
Figure 8a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 8b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle of Figure 8a assembled inside the fuel tank.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
Reference numeral References associated with reference numeral
100, 200 Baffle
102a Baffle Plate
102b Supporting Plate
104a, 104b, 104c, 104d Connectors or spacers
202a, 202b Supporting Plates
204a, 204b Baffle Plates
206a, 206b, 208a, 208b, 210a, 210b Connectors or spacers

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Traditionally, metallic or plastic fuel tanks are used in vehicles to store fuel therewithin. As the vehicle moves the fuel sloshes there within. The sloshing of the fuel imbalances the vehicle and increases the chances of accidents due to fuel leakage resulting from fuel tank damage due to sloshing force. Therefore, sloshing of the fuel is required to be controlled.
Conventionally, a baffle is disposed within the fuel tank to reduce the sloshing of the fuel within the fuel tank. The metallic fuel tanks are provided with metallic baffles due to their compatibility with each other. A conventional metallic baffle is connected to the metallic fuel tank by a welding process. However, such welded regions between the metallic baffle and the fuel tank are prone to a leakage and corrosion, which is not desired. Further, baffles can’t be provided within conventional plastic tanks due to manufacturing process constraints, as they are manufactured by blow moulding process.
The present disclosure envisages a baffle for a fuel tank that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks of conventional baffles. The baffle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiments, which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description of the baffle is provided purely by way of example and illustration.
A baffle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises at least one baffle plate and at least one supporting plate. The baffle plate is configured with a plurality of holes or cut-outs of different size and shape to facilitate the flow of fluid therethrough. The baffle plate is connected to the supporting plate via a plurality of connectors. In an embodiment, the connectors can be bars, rods, or pipes. In an embodiment, the baffle plate is connected to the supporting plate via the plurality of connectors made of noncorrosive material and can be hollow or solid and any shape. The at least one supporting plate is assembled with the at least one baffle plate and is configured to reinforce the baffle. The at least one supporting plate is further configured to securely connect the baffle with an internal shell of the fuel tank. In an embodiment, each of the baffle plate and the supporting plate is defined by a shape selected from the group consisting of any geometric or non-geometric shape.
The various embodiments of the baffle are described herein below with reference to Figure 1a to Figure 8b.
Figure 1a illustrates an isometric view of a baffle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1b illustrates an isometric view of multiple baffles of Figure 1a assembled inside the fuel tank. The baffle 100 comprises a baffle plate 102a and a supporting plate 102b. The baffle plate 102a is connected to the supporting plate 102b via a plurality of connectors 104a-104d. In an embodiment, a plurality of holes is configured on the surface of the supporting plate 102b. In an embodiment, two such assemblies of the baffle plate 102a and the supporting plate 102b are connected to an internal shell of the fuel via bracket, as shown in figure 1b. In another embodiment, a spacer is used to connect the assembly of the baffle plate 102a and the supporting plate 102b with the internal shell of the fuel tank. The connection between the baffle plate 102a and the internal shell of the fuel tank securely holds the baffle 100 at a constant position with respect to the fuel tank. The baffle plate 102a is defined by two semicircular edges, and two flat edges that are parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the baffle plate 102a and the supporting plate 102b have a circular shape. The baffle plate 102a and the supporting plate 102b have the diameter same as internal diameter of the fuel tank. In another embodiment, the diameter of each of the plurality of holes can be different.
Figure 2a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle 200, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle 200 of Figure 2a assembled inside the fuel tank. In this embodiment, the baffle 200 comprises two baffle plates 204a and 204b, and two supporting plates 202a and 202b. The supporting plates 202a, 202b as shown in this embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to have hollow configuration. The hollow configuration reduces the overall weight of the baffle 200. The hollow supporting plate 202a, 202b is connected to the baffle plates 204a, 204b using pipes made of connectors made of noncorrosive material. The first baffle plate 204a is connected to the first supporting plate 202a at an operative surface via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 206a and 206b. The first baffle plate 204a is connected to second baffle plate 204b at another operative surface via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 208a and 208b. The second baffle plate 204b is connected to the second supporting plate 202b via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 210a and 210b. The assembly of the two baffle plates 204a, 204b and the two supporting plates 202a, 202b is push fitted within the fuel tank.
Figure 3a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle 200, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle 200 of Figure 3a assembled inside the fuel tank. The baffle 200 comprises two baffle plates 204a and 204b, and two supporting plates 202a and 02b. The first baffle plate 204a is connected to the first supporting plate 202a at an operative surface via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 206a and 206b. The first baffle plate 204a is connected to the second baffle plate 204b at another operative surface via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 208a and 208b. The second baffle plate 204b is connected to the second supporting plate 202b via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 210a and 210b. The assembly of two baffle plates and two supporting plates is disposed within the fuel tank. The configuration of the supporting plates 202a and 202b and the baffle plates 204a and 204b as disclosed in Figures 3a and 3b are similar to that of Figures 2a and 2b.
Figure 4a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle 200, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle 200 of Figure 4a assembled inside the fuel tank. The baffle 200 comprises two baffle plates 204a and 204b, and two supporting plates 202a and 202b. The first baffle plate 204a is connected to the first supporting plate 202a at an operative surface via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 206a and 206b. The first baffle plate 204a is connected to the second baffle plate 204b at another operative surface via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 208a and 208b. The second baffle plate 204b is connected to another supporting plate 202b via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 210a and 210b. The assembly of the two baffle plates 204a and 204b and the two supporting plates 202a and 202b is disposed within the fuel tank. The configuration of the supporting plates 202a and 202b and the baffle plates 204a and 204b as disclosed in Figures 4a and 4b are similar to that of Figures 3a and 3b.
Figure 5a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle 200, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle 200 of Figure 5a assembled inside the fuel tank. The baffle 200 comprises two baffle plates 204a and 204b, and two supporting plates 202a and 202b. A plurality of holes is configured on each of the two baffle plates 204a and 204b, and the two supporting plates 202a and 202b to facilitate the flow of fluid therethrough. The first baffle plate 204a is connected to the first supporting plate 202a at an operative surface via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 206a and 206b. The first baffle plate 204a is connected to the second baffle plate 204b at another operative surface via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 208a and 208b. The second baffle plate 204b is connected to the second supporting plate 202b via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 210a and 210b. The assembly of the two baffle plates and the two supporting plates is disposed within the fuel tank, which is illustrated in Fig 5b.
Figure 6a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle 200, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle 200 of Figure 6a assembled inside the fuel tank. The baffle 200 comprises two baffle plates 204a and 204b, and two supporting plates 202a and 202b. The two baffle plates 204a and 204b have an oval like shape. Each of the two baffle plates 204a and 204b is defined by two hemispheres connected to each other. A plurality of holes is configured on each of the two baffle plates 204a and 204b, and the two supporting plates 202a and 202b, to facilitate the flow of fuel therethrough. The first baffle plate 204a is connected to the first supporting plate 202a at an operative surface via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 206a and 206b. The baffle plate 204a is connected to the second baffle plate 204b at another operative surface via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 208a and 208b. The second baffle plate 204b is connected to second supporting plate 202b via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 210a and 210b. The assembly of the two baffle plates and the two supporting plates is disposed within the fuel tank which is illustrated in Fig 6b.
Figure 7a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle 200, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle 200 of Figure 7a assembled inside the fuel tank. The baffle 200 has a hollow spherical configuration. A plurality of holes is configured on the outer surface of the baffle 200 to facilitate flow of fuel therethrough. In an embodiment, two such baffles 200 are connected to each other. In an embodiment, the diameter of the baffle 200 is same as the diameter of the internal shell of the fuel tank, thereby maintaining the baffle 200 at a constant position with respect to the fuel tank.
Figure 8a illustrates an isometric view of an arrangement of a baffle 200, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8b illustrates an isometric view of the baffle 200 of Figure 8a assembled inside the fuel tank. The baffle 200 comprises two baffle plates 204a and 804b, and two supporting plates 202a and 202b. Each of the baffle plates 204a and 204b has a semi-circular shaped configuration. A plurality of holes is configured on each of the two baffle plates 204a and 204b to facilitate the flow of fluid therethrough. The first baffle plate 204a is connected to the first supporting plate 202a from an operative surface via three connectors made of noncorrosive material 206a, 206b and 206c. The first baffle plate 204a is connected to the second baffle plate 204b from another operative surface via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 208a and 208b. The second baffle plate 204b is connected to another supporting plate 202b via two connectors made of noncorrosive material 210a and 210b. The assembly of the two baffle plates and the two supporting plates is disposed within the fuel tank.
The baffle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is connected to the internal shell of the fuel tank without using a welding process. A non-welded joint between the baffle and the internal shell of the fuel tank eliminates the possibility of corrosion. Further, the non-welded joint reduces leakages therethrough. The non-welded joint also reduces the overall weight of the fuel tank. Further, the baffle can also be used for the plastic fuel tanks.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a baffle that:
• is connected with a fuel tank by a non-welded joint;
• is disposable within a plastic or metallic fuel tank;
• reduces leakages therethrough;
• reduces overall weight of fuel tank; and
• maintains a constant position with respect to a fuel tank.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. 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 embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A baffle (100) for a fuel tank, wherein said baffle (100) comprising:
• at least one baffle plate (102a) disposed within said fuel tank and configured with a plurality of holes to facilitate flow of fluid therethrough;
• at least one supporting plate (102b) assembled with said at least one baffle plate (102a) and configured to reinforce said baffle (100), said at least one supporting plate (102b) further configured to securely connect said baffle (100) with an internal shell of said fuel tank.
2. The baffle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of holes of said baffle plate (102a) has either same or different diameters.
3. The baffle (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes connectors (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) configured to couple said baffle plates (102a) and said supporting plate (102b).
4. The baffle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said connectors (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) are selected from the group consisting of rods, bars, and pipes.
5. The baffle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said connectors (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) are made of noncorrosive material and can be hollow or solid and any shape.
6. The baffle (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a spacer configured to connect the assembly of said baffle plate (102a) and said supporting plate (102b) with said internal shell of said fuel tank.
7. The baffle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface of said supporting plate (102b) is configured with a plurality of holes.
8. The baffle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface of said supporting plate (102b) has a hollow configuration.
9. The baffle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said baffle plate (102a) and said supporting plate (102b) is defined by a shape selected from the group consisting of any geometric or non-geometric shape.