[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinder mounting frame structure, and in particular, to a simplified and convenient bracket structure for mounting CNG cylinder in passenger vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Frames are used to mount CNG cylinders in a rear portion of a vehicle. Also, in passenger vehicles, a spare tire is placed at a rear portion of the vehicle. In cases where a spare tire is removed/inserted from the vehicle rear, height of a rear pipe of the frame is more than that of a front pipe. Owing to the spare tire removal dynamics and overall vehicle layout, it becomes important to position CNG cylinders at a considerable height from the vehicle floor. As a result, due to weight of the CNG cylinder, the height of the cylinder from the floor as well as the vehicle inertia, moments are generated in the mounting frame under braking and cornering conditions.
[0003] The conventional CNG cylinder mounting frames in state-of-the-art employs complex structure, in the form of using multiple parts i.e., combination of various pipes and brackets for providing longitudinal and lateral support which results into a number of disadvantages, for example, but not limited to, complex and complicated structure, substantial weight and cost addition, additional tooling and development cost requirements, etc., thereby adversely affecting the overall structural configuration of the mounting frame, and the related operational and performance parameters of the passenger vehicle.
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a conventional CNG cylinder mounting frame including multiple support parts, in the form of complex structure of pipes and brackets.
[0005] Accordingly, it is a desirable need in the art for providing a simplified structure with increased strength for CNG cylinder mounting frame and overcoming the above mentioned structural deformities and deficiencies in the existing designs.
SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a mounting frame to mount CNG cylinder at a considerable height from the vehicle floor, enabling use of simple brackets for countering longitudinal and lateral forces, less space, and facilitating space availability for other surrounding parts, such as, jack layout, spare tire access, etc. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0007] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a mounting frame that includes two pipes connected to form a closed structure, and each of the two pipes having two vertical portions, first horizontal portions, and a second horizontal portion. The mounting frame also includes two H-shaped brackets that connect the vertical portions of the pipes, where flanges of each of the two H-shaped brackets are arc welded on upper and lower ends of the vertical portions of the two pipes.
[0008] In an aspect, each of the two H-shaped brackets form a C-shaped cross-section.
[0009] In an aspect, each of the two H-shaped brackets includes a triangular bead.
[00010] In an aspect, the vertical portions of the pipes are of same height.
[00011] In an aspect, the vertical portions of the pipes have different heights.
[00012] In an aspect, lengths of the flanges vary with the heights of the vertical portions of the pipes.
[00013] In an aspect, the flanges are coupled with brackets at bend portion of the pipes.
[00014] In an aspect, width of the C-shaped cross-section vary with the heights of the vertical portions of the pipes.
[00015] In an aspect, the first horizontal portions on each side of the pipes are welded with each other.
[00016] In an aspect, the mounting frame is coupled with vehicle floor using a plurality of coupling brackets placed at four ends of the mounting frame.
[00017] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[00018] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[00019] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[00020] FIG. 1 illustrates a CNG cylinder mounting frame in accordance with state-of-the-art.
[00021] FIG. 2 illustrates a CNG cylinder mounting frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00022] FIG. 3 illustrates an inside view of the CNG cylinder mounting frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00023] FIG. 4 illustrates an H-shaped bracket of the CNG cylinder mounting frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00024] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00025] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00026] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00027] The terminology used herein is to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[00028] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[00029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[00030] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[00031] Hereinafter, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00032] Fig. 2 represents a CNG cylinder mounting frame 200 placed in a rear area of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The mounting frame 200 includes two pipes (202, 204), two H-shaped brackets 206, semicircular straps 208a-b, and coupling brackets 212a-d (212c and 212d are not shown in Fig. 2). The two pipes 202, 204 are connected to form a closed structure. Further, each of the two pipes 202, 204 has two vertical portions 202a, 204a (two of the four vertical portions are illustrated in Fig. 2), first horizontal portions 202b, 204b (two of the four first horizontal portions are illustrated in Fig. 2), and a second horizontal portion 202c, 204c.
[00033] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the H-shaped brackets 206 connect the vertical portions 202a and 204a and the opposite corresponding vertical portions of the two pipes (202, 204), as illustrated in Fig. 2. The H-shaped brackets 206 have flanges 308a-d as shown in Fig. 3. The flanges 308a-d of each of the two H-shaped brackets 206 are arc welded on upper and lower ends of the vertical portions 202a, 204a of the pipes 202, 204 of the mounting frame 200. Further, the frame 200 has two semicircular straps 208a-b that connects the horizontal portions 202c and 204c of the pipes 202, 204 of the mounting frame 200, and are used for mounting the CNG cylinder. There are also provided coupling brackets 212a-d (212c-d are not shown in Fig. 2) that couple the frame 200 with the floor of the vehicle.
[00034] Fig. 2 further illustrates four brackets 210a-d such that the length of the flanges are such that they connect with the nearby brackets 210a-d for reducing the stress concentration in the vicinity.
[00035] It is further in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, wherein Fig. 3 illustrates an inside view of the CNG cylinder mounting frame 200. The H-shaped bracket 306 is arc welded between the vertical portions of the two steel pipes and helps to redistribute the load among the two pipes to prevent stress concentration in the mounting frame 200. The entire vertical portion of each of the two pipes is reinforced to prevent discontinuity in the structure and avoid stress concentration at arc weld locations. Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, the type of mounting frame 200 integrated with the H-shaped bracket 306 having C-shaped cross-section as employed herein and forming subject of the present disclosure offers structural advantages and flexibilities, in the form of containing stress concentration in key structural positions/joints of the mounting frame 200, thereby helping sustain different moments acting upon the frame and provide adequate longitudinal and lateral support during vehicle maneuvers. Fig. 4 illustrates the H-shaped bracket 206, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The H-shaped brackets 206 as employed herein in the present subject matter have a C-shaped cross-section that increases the section modulus of the brackets 206, resulting into higher bending strength without significant additional weight impact. The H-shaped brackets 206 are further provided with a triangular shaped bead 302 to increase the stiffness of the brackets 206.
[00036] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, the vertical portions 202a and 204a of the two pipes 202, 204 of the mounting frame 200 can either be of same height or different heights, as per the ergonomics of the structural configuration of the mounting frame 200 with the vehicle floor and other surroundings in the vicinity, and the requirements thereto, as can be well comprehended by a person skilled in the art.
[00037] Moreover, it is in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter that the length of the flanges of the H-shaped brackets and the width of the C-shaped cross-section of the H-shaped brackets vary with the height of the pipes of the mounting frame. In an aspect, the height of both the pipes is same and corresponding lengths of the flanges of the brackets is also same. Further, the brackets are provided with a rectangular shaped bead to increase the stiffness of the brackets in case of equal length of the flanges of the H-shaped brackets.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[00038] The present disclosure aims to provide a new, improved, and simplified bracket structure for CNG cylinder mounting frame that provides better support against loading forces in longitudinal and lateral directions, especially in vehicles where the CNG cylinder is mounted at a considerable distance above the floor.
[00039] The present disclosure provides a CNG cylinder mounting frame, making use of a bracket on each side of the frame for countering both the longitudinal and lateral forces, thereby resulting in simple and less complicated structure.
[00040] The CNG cylinder mounting frame of the type as illustrated herein in the context of the present disclosure makes use of significantly less space, thereby facilitating space availability for other surrounding parts/components, such as, jack layout, spare tire access, etc., adding to the overall space capacity at the rear of the vehicle and increasing the boot space.
[00041] Furthermore, the kind of structure of the CNG cylinder mounting frame as employed in the present subject matter results in substantial weight and cost benefits owing to the simple part cross-section and using lesser number of parts, along with additional savings in the form of tooling and development costs, etc.
Equivalents
[00042] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
Claims:We Claim:
1. A compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinder mounting frame (200) comprising:
two pipes (202, 204) connected to form a closed structure, wherein each of the two pipes (202, 204) consists of two vertical portions (202a, 204a), first horizontal portions (202b, 204b), and a second horizontal portion (202c, 204c); and
two H-shaped brackets (206, 306) connecting the vertical portions (202a, 204a) of the pipes (202, 204), wherein flanges (308a-d) of each of the two H-shaped brackets (206, 306) are arc welded on upper and lower ends of the vertical portions (202a, 204a) of the pipes (202, 204).

2. The mounting frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the two H-shaped brackets (206, 306) form a C-shaped cross-section.

3. The mounting frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the two H-shaped brackets (206, 306) comprises a triangular bead (302).

4. The mounting frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical portions (202a, 204a) of the pipes (202, 204) are of same height.

5. The mounting frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical portions (202a, 204a) of the pipes (202, 204) are of different heights.

6. The mounting frame (200) as claimed in claims 1 and 5, wherein lengths of the flanges (308) of the H-shaped brackets (206, 306) vary with the heights of the vertical portions (202a, 204a) of the pipes (202, 204).

7. The mounting frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flanges (308) of the H-shaped brackets (206, 306) are coupled with brackets (210a-d) at bend portion of the pipes (202, 204).

8. The mounting frame (200) as claimed in claims 2 and 5, wherein width of the C-shaped cross- section of the H-shaped brackets (206, 306) vary with the heights of the vertical portions (202a, 204a) of the pipes (202, 204).
9. The mounting frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first horizontal portions (202b, 204b) on each side of the pipes (202, 204) are welded with each other.

10. The mounting frame (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting frame (200) is coupled with vehicle floor using a plurality of coupling brackets (212a-d) placed at four ends of the mounting frame (200).