[001] The subject matter in general relates to a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to the mounting of the CNG pressure regulator bracket to reduce the cabin noise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] In a conventional way of attaching the CNG pressure regulator in an automobile. A CNG pressure regulator bracket is used to affix the pressure regulator to the body of the automobile. Conventionally, the CNG pressure regulator bracket is affixed to the dash panel of the automobile. During the running of the automobile, noise is generated from the CNG pressure regulator, and travels into the cabin of the automobile, thereby causing passenger discomfort. Since the CNG pressure regulator is attached to the dash panel, the intensity of the noise within the cabin is greater. Greater the noise, greater the passenger discomfort.
[004] Since the CNG pressure regulator is affixed to the dash panel of the automobile which is generally not a rigid structure in itself, the vibrations of the CNG pressure regulator get easily transferred to the dash panel which in turn adds to the passenger discomfort within the cabin. The conventional CNG pressure regulator bracket that is used to mount the CNG pressure regulator is complex in shape and has increased weight.
[005] Conventionally, the CNG pressure regulator also comprises the CNG filter which increases the footprint of the CNG pressure regulator in the frontward rearward direction of the automobile. During the event of a crash, the presence of the CNG pressure regulator between the cabin and the front end of the automobile may impact the crash performance of the automobile.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[006] In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the state of the art, some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[007] It is an object of the present disclosure to propose a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure for reducing cabin noise in an automobile.
[008] It is another object of the present disclosure to propose a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure for disintegrating the CNG filter from the CNG pressure regulator.
[009] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to propose a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure for reducing the vibration in the dash panel.
[0010] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to reduce the footprint of the CNG pressure regulator.
[0011] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to improve the crash performance of the automobile with implementation of the present CNG pressure regulator mounting structure.
[0012] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to reduce the weight and increase the stiffness of the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure.
[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a CNG regulator bracket. 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.
[0015] The present disclosure relates to a CNG pressure regulator mounting structurefor reducing cabin noise in an automobile. The CNG pressure regulator mounting structure comprises a CNG pressure regulator bracket and a filter bracket. The CNG pressure regulator bracket is configured to receive a CNG pressure regulator, wherein the CNG pressure regulator bracket is mounted to a strut tower of the automobile. The filter bracket configured to receive a CNG filter, wherein the filter bracket extends away from a plane surface of the CNG pressure regulator bracket.
[0016] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present subject matter, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural and other elements, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 300 and a CNG filter connected to the CNG regulator bracket 200, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a fender stiffer bracket 404 affixed to a fender apron 400, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of attaching the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200 to the strut tower, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200 in relation to the dash panel 100, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top view of the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200 in relation to the dash panel 100, in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] 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 clearly 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 scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0025] 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.
[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing 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 clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “consisting” 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.
[0027] 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, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0028] 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.
[0029] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, disclosed is an isometric view of a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200, in accordance with an embodiment. The CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200 comprises a CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 and a filter bracket 204. The CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 is configured to receive a CNG pressure regulator 300 and the filter bracket 204 is configured to receive a CNG filter 302, thereby disintegrating the CNG filter 302 from the CNG pressure regulator 300. This leads to a smaller footprint in engine room.
[0030] In an embodiment, the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 defines a protrusion 208 on its plane surface 206. The filter bracket 204 is affixed to the protrusion 208 such that the filter bracket 204 extends away from the plane surface 206 of the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202.
[0031] In an embodiment, the filter bracket 204 may be connected with the protrusion 208 by means of welding, spot welding, or fasteners, such as nut and bolt.
[0032] In another embodiment, the filter bracket 204 may be integrated with the protrusion 208 of the plane surface 206 the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202.
[0033] In an embodiment, the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 defines a plurality of CNG pressure regulator mounting holes 214 configured to mount the CNG pressure regulator 300 to the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202. The filter bracket 204 defines a plurality of filter mounting holes 212 for mounting the CNG filter 302 to the filter bracket 204.
[0034] In an embodiment, the filter mounting holes 212 are defined closer to the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 so that length of a connecting hose (not shown) that is configured to connect the CNG pressure regulator 300 to the CNG filter 302 is reduced.
[0035] In an embodiment, the plane surface 206 of the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 defines a bead structure 216 along and across its length. The bead structure 216 is configured to provide rigidity to the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200.
[0036] In an embodiment, the above structural configuration of the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200 has reduced weight and increased stiffness.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, disclosed is an isometric view of a fender stiffner bracket 404 affixed to a strut tower 400 of the automobile. The fender stiffner bracket 404 is configured to be affixed to the strut tower 400 of the automobile. The fender stiffner bracket 404 receives the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 202. The surface shape of the strut tower 400 and the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 are not same and therefore the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 cannot be directly mounted to the strut tower 400. The fender stiffner bracket 404 avoids the direct mounting of the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 to the strut tower 400 and provides a solid base for the mounting the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 to the strut tower 400.
[0038] In an embodiment, the fender stiffner bracket 404 is welded to the fender apron 400 of the automobile.
[0039] In an embodiment, the fender stiffner bracket 404 comprises mounting points 402 for receiving the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202. The CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 defines a plurality of mounting holes 210 configured to be able to receive the mounting points 402 of the fender stiffner bracket 404.
[0040] Referring to FIGs. 4 and 5, the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200 is attached to the strut tower 400 using the fender stiffner bracket 404. The CNG filter 302 is disintegrated form the CNG pressure regulator 300 and is attached to the filter bracket 204. The CNG pressure regulator 300 is attached to the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202. The attachment of the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200 to a rigid component like the strut tower 400 of the automobile, absorbs the vibrations of the CNG pressure regulator 300 caused during its running.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a top view of the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200 in relation to the dash panel 100, in accordance with an embodiment. The attachment of the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200 and with it the CNG pressure regulator bracket 202 and the filter bracket 204 to the fender apron of the automobile, there is no stiff component or obstruction between the front end of the automobile and the dash panel 100. This helps significantly in absorbing the energy during the event of a crash.
[0042] In an embodiment, the CNG regulator bracket 200 is made of steel material.
[0043] Referring to FIGs. 3-6 a method for primarily reducing cabin noise in an automobile using the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure 200 can also be deduced.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[0044] The present disclosure proposes a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure for reducing cabin noise in an automobile.
[0045] The present disclosure proposes a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure for disintegrating the CNG filter from the CNG pressure regulator.
[0046] The present disclosure proposes a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure for reducing the vibration in the dash panel.
[0047] The present disclosure proposes a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure to reduce the footprint of the CNG pressure regulator.
[0048] The present disclosure proposes a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure to improve the crash performance of the automobile.
[0049] The present disclosure proposes a CNG pressure regulator mounting structure to reduce the weight and increase the stiffness of the CNG regulator bracket.
[0050] Furthermore, each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0051] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0052] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0053] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0054] 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 present disclosure 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 invention 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) pressure regulator mounting structure (200) in an automobile, the CNG pressure regulator mounting structure (200) comprising:
a CNG pressure regulator bracket (202) configured to receive a CNG pressure regulator (300); and
a filter bracket (204) configured to receive a CNG filter (302), the filter bracket (204) extends away from a plane surface (206) of the CNG pressure regulator bracket (202).

2. The CNG pressure regulator mounting structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the CNG pressure regulator bracket (202) is mounted to a strut tower (400) of the automobile.

3. The CNG pressure regulator mounting structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter bracket (204) is connected by means of welding or fastener.
4. The CNG pressure regulator mounting structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter bracket (204) is integrated with the CNG pressure regulator bracket (202).

5. The CNG pressure regulator mounting structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the CNG pressure regulator bracket (202) defines a protrusion (208) on the plane surface (206) to which the filter bracket (204) is affixed.

6. The CNG pressure regulator mounting structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the CNG pressure regulator bracket (202) defines a plurality of CNG pressure regulator mounting holes (214) configured to mount the CNG pressure regulator (300) to the CNG pressure regulator bracket (202).

7. The CNG pressure regulator mounting structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter bracket (204) defines a plurality of filter mounting holes (212) for mounting the CNG filter (302) to the filter bracket (204).

8. The CNG pressure regulator mounting structure (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the filter mounting holes (212) are defined closer to the CNG pressure regulator bracket (202).

9. The CNG pressure regulator mounting structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plane surface (206) of the CNG pressure regulator bracket (202) defines a bead structure (216) along and across the length of the CNG pressure regulator bracket (202), wherein the bead structure (216) is configured to provide rigidity to the CNG regulator bracket (200).

10. The CNG pressure regulator mounting structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the CNG regulator bracket (200) is made of high strength steel material.