Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The subject matter in general relates to the air intake opening provided in the cowl panel of an automobile. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to a duct cover configured to cover the air intake opening to allow free air intake and prevent entry of foreign elements such as rodents and leaves.
BACKGROUND
[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] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, during external environment condition like rain or during the wiping of windshield water is accumulated and that is drained out through the drain hole 202 provided generally at cowl box area of the cowl panel 100. However, there is a probability that a foreign element such as small reptile or rodent or rat shall enter into the drain hole 202 by which it will enter into the cabin area generally through the fresh air intake opening 102 provided for HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) which shall ultimately lead to market issues and passenger discomfort.
[004] Referring to FIGs. 3a and 3b, a lower cover structure 302 along with a conventional upper cover is used to cover the air intake opening 102. The conventional upper cover provides a large opening though which fresh air enters into the HVAC unit. However, since the opening is large, it also allows entry of foreign elements like rodent etc.
[005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a novel and inventive upper cover structure that allows for sufficient air intake through the air intake opening 102 and at the same time restricting the entry of foregoing elements into the air intake opening 102.
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 provide a duct cover to cover an air intake opening defined in a cowl panel of an automobile.
[008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an upper cover structure that allows for sufficient air intake into the HVAC unit.
[009] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an upper cover structure that prevents the entry of foreign elements such as rodents into the HVAC unit.
[0010] 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
[0011] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a duct cover to cover an air intake opening defined in a cowl panel. 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.
[0012] The present disclosure relates to a duct cover configured to cover an air intake opening defined in a cowl panel of an automobile. The duct cover comprises an upper cover structure. The upper cover structure comprises a top plate, flanges, a front extension and a side extension. The top plate is configured to extend transverse to the plane of the air intake opening. The flanges extend transversely from edges of the top plate. The front extension is configured to extend downward from front facing flange towards base of the cowl panel and towards the air intake opening. The side extension extends downward from side facing flange towards the base of the cowl panel.
[0013] 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
[0014] 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:
[0015] FIGs. 1 and 2 disclose isometric view of a cowl panel of an automobile;
[0016] FIG. 3a disclose an isometric view of a lower cover structure of duct cover;
[0017] FIG. 3b discloses an isometric view of upper cover mounted on the lower cover structure of the duct cover;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a duct cover, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a sectional isometric view of the duct cover, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a line drawing of the duct cover, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an upper cover structure of the duct cover, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a front view of the upper cover structure of the duct cover, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top view line drawing of the upper cover structure along with the lower cover structure of the duct cover, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0024] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of 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
[0025] 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 spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0030] 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.
STRUCTURAL CONFIGURATION OF THE DUCT COVER
[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, disclosed is an isometric view of a duct cover, in accordance with an embodiment. The duct cover is configured to cover an air intake opening 102 (shown in FIG. 1) defined in a cowl panel 100 (shown in FIG. 1) of an automobile. The duct cover is configured to be affixed to the cowl panel 100 so as to cover the air intake opening 102. The duct cover comprises an upper cover structure 400 and a lower cover structure 302 (shown in FIGs. 3a and 3b).
[0032] Referring to FIG. 5, disclosed is a sectional view of the duct cover structure taken along the section plane AA as shown in FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment. The lower cover structure 302 covers the air intake opening 102 starting adjacent to a base 402 (shown in FIG. 4) of the cowl panel 100 such that the air intake opening 102 faces the upper cover structure 400.
[0033] In an embodiment, the lower cover structure 302 is configured to be enclosed by the upper cover structure 400.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a line drawing of the duct cover, in accordance with an embodiment. This shows the arrangement of the upper cover structure 400 and the lower cover structure 302 with respect to the cowl panel 100.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, disclosed is an isometric view of the upper cover structure 400 of the duct cover, in accordance with an embodiment. The upper cover structure 400 comprises a top plate 702, flanges 704, a front extension 706 and a side extension 708.
[0036] The top plate 702 is configured to extend transverse to the plane of the air intake opening 102. The flanges 704 extend transversely from edges of the top plate 702 towards base 402 of the cowl panel 100. The flanges may be divided into front facing flange 704 and side facing flange 704. The front facing flange 704 is the part of the flange 704 that is parallel to the plane of the air intake opening 102 and the side facing flange 704 is the part of the flange 704 that is transverse to the plane of the air intake opening 102.
[0037] The front extension 706 is configured to extend downward from the front facing flange 704 towards base 402 of the cowl panel 100 and towards the air intake opening 102. Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the front extension 706 is at an inclination to the front facing flange 704.
[0038] The side extension 708 extends downward from the side facing flange 704 towards the base 402 of the cowl panel 100.
[0039] In an embodiment, there are two side extensions 708 opposite to each other, such that the two side extensions 708 are separated by the front extension 706.
[0040] In an embodiment, the upper cover structure 400 comprises outer flange 710, wherein the outer flange 710 encompasses the portion of the upper cover structure 400 that comes in contact with the cowl panel 100. The outer flange 710 allows the fitment of the upper cover structure 400 to the cowl panel 100.
[0041] Referring to FIGs. 8 and 9, the front extension 706 diverges from the front facing flange 704 such that distal end 812 of the front extension 706 is wider than the front facing flange 704.
[0042] In an embodiment, the front extension 706 defines a plurality of vertical slits 802. The front extension 706 comprises a plurality of vertical fins 804. One of the plurality of vertical fins 804 is configured to be formed at one end of each vertical slit 802, such that the vertical fin 804 extends away from the air intake opening 102.
[0043] In an embodiment, the distance between distal end of the vertical fin 804 and the front extension 706 is in the range of 4-10 mm.
[0044] In a specific embodiment, the distance between distal end of the vertical fin 804 and the front extension 706 is 6 mm.
[0045] In an embodiment, the vertical fin 804 is inclined away from the front extension 706 by 30-60 degrees.
[0046] In a specific embodiment, the vertical fin 804 is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees from the front extension 706.
[0047] In an embodiment, the side extension 708 is triangular in shape such that a gap 810 is defined between the front extension 706 and the side extension 708. The gap 810 is in the range of 4-10 mm. More specifically, the gap 810 between the front extension 706 and the side extension 708 is 6mm.
[0048] In an embodiment, each of the side extensions 708 defines a plurality of horizontal slits 806. The side extension 708 comprises a plurality of horizontal fins 808. One of the plurality of horizontal fins 808 is formed at one end of each horizontal slit 806, such that the horizontal fin 808 extends away from the air intake opening 102 and downward towards the base 402 of the cowl panel 100.
[0049] In an embodiment, the distance between distal end of the horizontal fin 808 and the side extension 708 is in the range of 4-10 mm.
[0050] In a specific embodiment, the distance between distal end of the horizontal fin 808 and the side extension 708 is 6 mm.
[0051] In an embodiment, the horizontal fin 808 is inclined away from the side extension 708 by 30-60 degrees.
[0052] In a specific embodiment, the horizontal fin 808 is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees from the side extension 708.
WORKING OF THE DUCT COVER
[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, when a foreign element such as rodent enters the cowl panel 100 through the drain hole 202, in the absence of the upper cover structure 400, the rodent shall easily pass through the air intake opening 102 and into the vehicle cabin. However, the upper cover structure 400 prevents the rodent entry into the air intake opening 102 as the air intake opening 102 is covered on all sides using the top plate 702, the front extension 706 and the side extension 708. However, the surrounding of the air intake opening 102 by the top plate 702, the front extension 706 and the side extension 708 does not hinder the air intake capacity of the air intake opening 102. This is facilitated by the presence of the vertical slits 802 in the front extension 706; and the presence of the horizontal slits 806 in the side extension 708.
[0054] The presence of the vertical fins 804 and the horizontal fins 808 avoid the accumulation of dust, leaves, among others at the surface of the front extension 706 and the side extension 708 respectively.
[0055] When the water is accumulated at the base 402 of the cowl panel 100, during the wiping of windshield water, the structural configuration of the lower cover structure 302 and the top plate 702 prevents the entry of water into the air intake opening 102.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[0056] The present disclosure proposes a duct cover to cover an air intake opening defined in a cowl panel of an automobile.
[0057] The present disclosure proposes an upper cover structure that allows for sufficient air intake into the HVAC unit.
[0058] The present disclosure proposes an upper cover structure that prevents the entry of foreign elements such as rodents into the HVAC unit.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] The term “automobile” and “vehicle” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants and is powered by any form of energy. The term “automobile” and “vehicle” is a motor vehicle which includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, hatchback, sedan, MUVs, and SUVs.

Claims:

We claim:
1. A duct cover configured to cover an air intake opening (102) defined in a cowl panel (100) of an automobile, the duct cover comprising:
an upper cover structure (400), the upper cover structure (400) comprising:
a top plate (702) configured to extend transverse to the plane of the air intake opening (102);
flanges (704) extending transversely from edges of the top plate (702);
a front extension (706) configured to extend downward from front facing flange (704) towards base (402) of the cowl panel (100) and towards the air intake opening (102); and
a side extension (708) extending downward from side facing flange (704) towards the base (402) of the cowl panel (100).

2. The duct cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front extension (706) diverges from the front facing flange (704) such that distal end (812) of the front extension (706) is wider than the front facing flange (704).

3. The duct cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front extension (706) defines a plurality of vertical slits (802).

4. The duct cover as claimed in claim 3, wherein the front extension (706) comprises a plurality of vertical fins (804), wherein one of the plurality of vertical fins (804) is formed at one end of each vertical slit (802), wherein the vertical fin (804) extends away from the air intake opening (102).

5. The duct cover as claimed in claim 4, wherein the distance between distal end of the vertical fin (804) and the front extension (706) is in the range of 4-10 mm.
6. The duct cover as claimed in claim 4, wherein the vertical fin (804) is inclined away from the front extension (706) by 30-60 degrees.

7. The duct cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side extension (708) is triangular in shape such that a gap (810) is defined between the front extension (706) and the side extension (708).

8. The duct cover as claimed in claim 7, wherein the gap (810) is in the range of 4-10 mm.

9. The duct cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side extension (708) defines a plurality of horizontal slits (806).

10. The duct cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the side extension (708) comprises a plurality of horizontal fins (808), wherein one of the plurality of horizontal fins (808) is formed at one end of each horizontal slit (806), wherein the horizontal fin (808) extends away from the air intake opening (102) and downward towards the base (402) of the cowl panel (100).

11. The duct cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein the distance between distal end of the horizontal fin (808) and the side extension (708) is in the range of 4-10 mm.

12. The duct cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein the horizontal fin (808) is inclined away from the side extension (708) by 30-60 degrees.

13. The duct cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the duct cover comprises a lower cover structure (302), wherein the lower cover structure (302) covers the air intake opening (102) from the base (402) of the cowl panel (100) such that the air intake opening (102) faces the top plate (702) of the upper cover structure (400).
14. The duct cover as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lower cover structure (302) is enclosed by the upper cover structure (400).