Description:A FLUID TANK STRUCTURE WITH IN-CABIN MOUNTING STRUCTURE
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present subject matter relates to mounting of a fluid tank inside the vehicle cabin. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a positive mounting structure in order to mount a fluid tank, such as liquid-urea tank inside the vehicle cabin with additional restrictions to the fluid tank deformation, vibrations, and noise due to splashing of fluid inside the fluid tank.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a conventional vehicle or a passenger car, the fluid tank, such as liquid-urea tank is normally attached to outer chassis frame extending in the front-rear direction or width-wise direction of the vehicle by means of multiple mounting points on the tank periphery. The fluid tank is connected with the vehicle chassis atleast at four corner/peripheral points to mount the fluid tank on the vehicle body. But the conventional mounting assembly suffers from a lot of disadvantages.
There is a requirement arise to mount the fluid tank inside the vehicle cabin and at rear side of the vehicle.
In order to meet the requirement, the fluid tank mounted inside the vehicle cabin using conventional mounting points and structure of the fluid tank. With mounting of the fluid tank inside the vehicle cabin, several technical problems arise in terms of vibration, passenger safety, noise, and deformation of fluid tank.
Technical problems: With conventional four point mounting at peripheral corners may strengthen the fluid tank at four corner points, however due to weight of the fluid inside the fluid tank, lower shell of the fluid tank sag and touches the floor of the vehicle.
Another technical problem, with the weight of the fluid inside the urea tank, the lower shell touches the vehicle floor and may receive the vertical vibrations from the vehicle floor. This normally leads to deformation and more stress on the four mounting points at the tank periphery.
In case where the fluid pump is located at the fluid tank center that adds extra weight in the fluid tank and resultantly sagging in the fluid tank. Further, direct filling of the fluid tank using filling bottle or gun from the upper shell also transmits load on the fluid tank in downward direction which resultantly increase sagging in the fluid tank.
Another technical problem is generation of noise, i.e., splash noise by the fluid inside the fluid tank. Movement of fluid due to moment of inertia during braking may cause additional noise, load or stress in the fluid tank. As the fluid tank is placed inside the vehicle cabin, the splash noise creates discomfort to the passengers sitting inside the vehicle.
Yet another technical problem is safety of the passengers inside the vehicle cabin. Due to deformation of the fluid tank and stress generated by the fluid due to expansion, sagging, pressure on four mounting points due to sagging, forceful hitting of wall of the fluid tank by the fluid can create failure, such as leakage issue in the fluid tank and fluid can spill or leak inside the vehicle cabin and create threat for safety of the passengers sitting inside the vehicle.
Therefore, it is evident from the above discussions that there is a pressing need for a fluid tank structure that can be placed inside the vehicle cabin and capable to mitigate the technical problems as illustrated.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present subject matter to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in the prior art systems and methods.
It is a principal object of the present disclosure to provide a fluid tank structure with an additional mounting structure along with existing four peripheral mounting points to secure the fluid tank structure inside on vehicle floor.
It is another object of the present subject matter to reduce the stress on the peripheral mounting points caused due to sagging of the fluid tank structure.
It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a mounting structure in the fluid tank structure with positive mounting mechanism in order to restrict vibration.
It is yet another object of the present subject matter to provide additional rigidity and support to the fluid tank structure on the vehicle floor in order to restrict the deformation of the fluid tank.
It is still another object of the present subject matter to provide a mounting structure in the fluid tank which can act as a baffle to reduce splashing noise in the vehicle cabin.
It is even another object of the present subject matter to provide a mounting structure such that uniform stress distribution can be ensured.
These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taking into consideration with accompanied drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a mounting structure for a fluid tank to mount the fluid tank inside cabin of a vehicle on vehicle floor without causing inconvenience, discomfort, and enhanced safety of the passengers. 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.
The present subject matter relates to a fluid tank structure having a mounting structure to mount the fluid tank on the vehicle cabin floor. The fluid tank structure comprising an upper shell and a lower shell, where the upper shell is joined with the lower shell to define the fluid tank structure. The fluid tank structure further comprises a mounting structure in between four peripheral mounting points of the fluid tank structure to mount the fluid tank structure on a bottom panel/vehicle cabin floor of the vehicle cabin. The mounting structure comprising the upper shell extends toward the lower shell to define a stepped well shape structure having a step in between upper surface and bottom surface of the stepped well shape structure. Further, the lower shell extends toward the upper shell to define a corresponding structure to enclose the stepped well shape structure and joined with an outer surface of the step.
In an aspect, the lower shell is welded with the outer surface of the step to define leakage proof joinery.
In an aspect, the mounting structure is provided in proximity of a filling point.
In an aspect, the stepped well shape structure defines a first portion, a second portion, and the step where the step connects the first portion with the second portion, where diameter (D1) of the first portion is more than diameter (D2) of the second portion.
In an aspect, the lower shell defines an open ended cylindrical structure corresponding to the second portion of the stepped well shape structure of the upper shell. Where diameter (D3) of the open-ended cylindrical structure is more than diameter (D2) of a second portion of the stepped well shape structure, the open ended cylindrical structure encloses the second portion and joins with the outer surface of the step.
In an aspect, a plurality of protrusions is provided on outer surface of the lower shell on circular edge of the open-ended cylindrical structure to guide the fluid tank structure for mounting on a mounting bracket provided on the bottom panel of the vehicle cabin.
In an aspect, the stepped well shape structure defines one close end having a mounting surface to receive a fastener, the mounting surface includes a mounting hole with collar cushion to receive the fastener.
In an aspect, the mounting surface is connected with extended inner flange of the close end by a plurality of ribs, where the plurality of ribs is provided at an equal angular distance.
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.
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 THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING(S)
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. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which
Fig. 1 is an illustrative top view of the fluid tank structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
Fig. 2 illustrates top view of upper shell of the fluid tank structure of Fig. 1 from upward direction of the vehicle of;
Fig. 3 illustrates bottom view of bottom shell of the fluid tank structure of Fig. 1 from downward direction of the vehicle of;
Fig. 4 illustrates a cross section view of mounting structure the fluid tank structure with vehicle panel as shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 illustrates bottom view of the mounting structure from downward direction of the vehicle; and
Fig. 6 illustrates mounting of the fluid tank with bracket mounted on the vehicle floor;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered 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.
While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
The present disclosure relates to the design of a central mounting point for mounting of the urea tank in order to circumvent the limitations caused due to the deformation, tank vibrations, sagging, noise, and stress in the current mounting arrangement with four peripheral mounting points. These limitations are mainly due to the fact because, the length of the urea tank is more compared to its depth. The proposed mounting arrangement described in the present subject matter includes positive mounting of the upper shell of the tank with the bottom panel of the body with a step present in the centre. In the proposed arrangement, the lower shell is also welded, controlling both the positive and negative pressure, while maintaining proper strength and controlled vibrations from body panel simultaneously.
The present subject matter discloses a structure of fluid tank that can be mounted inside the vehicle cabin on the vehicle floor. The fluid tank can be used for liquid urea, or any liquid fuel. The present specification discloses usage of the fluid tank for liquid urea, however, the application of the present fluid tank is not only restricted to liquid urea.
Figure 1 depicts an illustrative view of a fluid tank structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The fluid tank structure 100 defines a rectangular shape. As shown, the fluid tank structure is positioned in vehicle width-wise or vehicle transverse direction, however, the fluid tank structure can be positioned in vehicle length direction depends on shape and dimensions of the fluid tank structure. The fluid tank structure 100 comprises an upper shell 101 and a lower shell 102. The upper shell 101 joined with the lower shell 102 to define the fluid tank structure 100. The fluid tank structure 100 defines four peripheral mounting points 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d at four corners. The fluid tank structure 100 mounted on the vehicle floor, i.e., bottom panel 200 at four mounting points by positive mounting provision, such as nut and bolt. The fluid tank structure 100 further comprises a mounting structure 104. The mounting structure 104 is positioned at proximity of a fluid filling point 103. As shown in the fig. 1, the fluid filling point 103 is provided at approximately centre location of the fluid tank structure 100, however, the fluid filling point 103 can be provided at any other location depends on the structure of the vehicle and accessibility for easily refilling.
In another embodiment, the mounting structure 104 is provided at approximate centre location of the fluid tank structure 100 to avoid sagging and deformation of the fluid tank structure 100 from the centre.
Fig. 2 illustrates top view, from top side of the vehicle, of the upper shell 101 of the fluid tank structure 100 having the fluid filling point 103 and the mounting structure 104.
Fig. 3 illustrates bottom view, from bottom side of the vehicle, of the bottom shell 102 of the fluid tank structure.
Fig. 4 illustrates cross section view of the mounting structure 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The mounting structure 104 is provided in the fluid tank structure 100 to mount the fluid tank structure 100 on the bottom panel 200 of the vehicle cabin. The mounting structure 104 comprising the upper shell 101 that extends toward the lower shell 102 to define a stepped well shape structure 105 having a step 108 in between upper surface 105a and bottom surface 105b of the stepped well shape structure 105. On the other hand, to complement the stepped well shape structure 105, the lower shell 102 extends toward the upper shell 101 to enclose the stepped well shape structure 105 and joined with an outer surface of the step 108.
The stepped well shape structure 105 defines a first portion 109, a second portion 110 and the step (108) where the step 108 connects the first portion 109 with the second portion 110. The step 108 is provided as a flange extending outward from the second portion 110. In other view, the step 108 is provided as a flange extending inward from the first portion 109. The first portion 109 defines diameter ‘D1’ that is more than diameter ‘D2’ of the second portion 110. The difference, i.e., D1 minus D2 (D1-D2) of the diameter of the first portion 109 and the second portion 110 defines width of the step 108. The step 108 can be provided at any distance along the vertical height of the stepped well shape structure 105.
The lower shell 102 defines an open ended cylindrical structure 115 corresponding to the second portion 110 of the stepped well shape structure 105 of the upper shell 201. The open ended cylindrical structure 115 encloses the second portion 110 and joins with the outer surface of the step 108. The open ended cylindrical structure 115 may define a bent edge toward inside to define more surface area so that joining surface between the outer surface of the step 108 and the open ended cylindrical structure 115 is more for efficient joining. The inner diameter ‘D3’ of the open-ended cylindrical structure 115 is more than diameter ‘D2’ of the second portion 110 of the stepped well shape structure 105. The open ended cylindrical structure 115 encloses the second portion 110 and joins with the outer surface of the step 108. The open ended cylindrical structure 115 may be joined with the outer surface of the step 108 by means of known joining means such as welding. The joint between the open ended cylindrical structure 115 and the outer surface of the step 108 is leakage proof joint to avoid any leakage of fluid. With the joining of the upper shell 101 with the lower shell 102 at the step 108 where the upper shell 101 receive counter force in upward direction from the lower shell 102 to avoid sagging. Further, joining of the upper shell 101 with the lower shell 102 act as a baffle which helps in reducing the splashing noise.
Referring to fig. 3 and Fig. 4 together, a plurality of protrusions 107 are provided on outer surface of the lower shell 102 on circular edge of the open-ended cylindrical structure 115 to guide the fluid tank structure 100 for mounting on a mounting bracket 300 provided on the bottom panel 200 of the vehicle cabin. The plurality of protrusions 107 is provided with the mounting structure 104 to guide the fluid tank structure 100 on the bottom panel 200 of the vehicle body. The plurality of protrusions 107 provides easy assembly of the fluid tank structure 100 on the bottom panel 200.
Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the stepped well shape structure 105 defines one close end having a mounting surface 111, the mounting surface 111 includes a mounting hole 112 with collar cushion 113 to receive a fastener 114 (as shown 4 and 6). The collar cushion 113 is combination of rubber and metal.
Referring to fig. 5, the mounting surface 111 is connected with extended inner flange 117 of the close end by means a plurality of ribs 116. The plurality of ribs 116 are provided at an equal angular distance from each other, the ribs provides strength and equal load distribution around the collar cushion 113.
The mounting hole 112 receives the fastener 114 through the collar cushion 113 to mount the stepped well shape structure 105 with the bracket 300 mounted/welded on the bottom panel 200 of the vehicle cabin. With the present mounting of the upper shell 101 on the bracket 300, the upper shell 101 is supported directly by the vehicle floor and restrict sagging of the fluid tank structure 100.
Advantages of the invention
a) Upper shell 101 of the fluid tank is mounted with the bottom panel of the vehicle cabin in order to provide strength for controlling the deformation of upper shell and lower shell and avoid sagging. It also protects deformation of the fluid tank during the expansion of fluid.
b) The mounting structure 104 act as baffle to avoid splashing noise.
c) Positive mounting at the panel with circular floating collar cushion (for reducing the vibrations coming from body panel.
d) The structures provided at the bottom of the panel, guides the tank during assembly to the mounting bracket welded on vehicle bottom panel.
a) Additional rigidity due to the presence of additional ribs on the mounting face.
b) Reduced tank deformation.
It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various systems that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to package features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/device of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.

Claims:

We Claim:
1. A fluid tank structure (100) for a vehicle comprising:
an upper shell (101) and a lower shell (102), the upper shell (101) joined with the lower shell (102) to define the fluid tank structure (101);
a mounting structure (104) provided in the fluid tank structure (100) to mount the fluid tank structure (100) on a bottom panel (200) of the vehicle cabin, the mounting structure (104) comprising:
the upper shell (101) extends toward the lower shell (102) to define a stepped well shape structure (105) having a step (108) in between upper surface (105a) and bottom surface (105b) of the stepped well shape structure (105); and
the lower shell (102) extends toward the upper shell (101) to enclose the stepped well shape structure (105) and joined with an outer surface of the step (108).
2. The fluid tank structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower shell (102) is welded with the outer surface of the step (108).
3. The fluid tank structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting structure (104) is provided in proximity of a filling point (103).
4. The fluid tank structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stepped well shape structure (105) defines a first portion (109) and second portion (110) and the step (108) where the step (108) connects the first portion (109) with the second portion (110), where diameter (D1) of the first portion (109) is more than diameter (D2) of the second portion (110).
5. The fluid tank structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower shell (102) defines an open ended cylindrical structure (115) complementary to the second portion (110) of the stepped well shape structure (105) of the upper shell (201), where diameter (D3) of the open-ended cylindrical structure (115) is more than diameter (D2) of a second portion (110) of the stepped well shape structure (105), the open ended cylindrical structure (115) encloses the second portion (110) and joins with the outer surface of the step (108).
6. The fluid tank structure (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a plurality of protrusions (107) are provided on outer surface of the lower shell (102) on circular edge of the open-ended cylindrical structure (115) to guide the fluid tank structure (100) for mounting on a mounting bracket (300) provided on the bottom panel (200) of the vehicle cabin.
7. The fluid tank structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stepped well shape structure (105) define one close end having a mounting surface (111), the mounting surface (111) includes a mounting hole (112) with collar cushion (113) to receive a fastener (114).
8. The fluid tank structure (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the mounting surface (111) connected with extended inner flange (117) of the close end by a plurality of ribs (116), where the plurality of ribs (116) are provided at an equal angular distance.