DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to mounting arrangements for fuel tanks of monocoque vehicle frames. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to mounting arrangements for longitudinal fuel tanks provided in monocoque vehicle frames.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Conventional mounting arrangements of fuel tanks of a monocoque construction vehicle frame usually employ straps and brackets for facilitating mounting of the fuel tank on the vehicle frame parallel to the length of the tank for a transverse design fuel tank or parallel to fuel tank width for a longitudinal design. The above described configuration pose challenge does not arrest the movement of the fuel tank during vehicle jerking (as the tank is spread across the length of the vehicle). It also poses challenges for crash norms (side impact or frontal offset) as the tank is longitudinal fuel tank design in a monocoque construction of vehicle. Hence, it is important to pack the fuel tank on the frame to meet all these parameters without compromising the desired capacity of the fuel tank.
There is therefore felt a need for a fuel tank mounting arrangement for a monocoque vehicle frame, that alleviates the aforementioned 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 fuel tank mounting arrangement for a monocoque vehicle frame.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel tank mounting arrangement for a monocoque vehicle frame, which facilitates secure mounting of the fuel tank thereon.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel tank mounting arrangement for a monocoque vehicle frame, which overcomes packaging challenges of the fuel tank by balancing the weight of the filled tank, without causing alterations to the shape, size and volume of the fuel tank by packaging along the length of the vehicle.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fuel tank mounting arrangement for a monocoque vehicle frame, which meets interface and crash requirements in vehicles having non-saddle/ longitudinal plastic tanks.
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 fuel tank mounting arrangement for a monocoque vehicle frame. The arrangement comprises a longitudinal fuel tank in monocoque construction and fuel tank is having at least one recess configured on an operative outer surface thereof, at an axis substantially oblique to an operative horizontal axis. The arrangement further comprises at least one fastening means configured to be accommodated in the recess. The fastening means is further configured to be attached to the monocoque frame to secure the fuel tank to the frame.
In an embodiment, the recess is configured as a niche on an operative bottom surface of the fuel tank, while moulding the fuel tank.
In another embodiment, the fastening means is a strap configured to fasten the fuel tank under the floor of the vehicle frame.
In one of the embodiment, the fastening means includes two straps provided to fasten the fuel tank to the vehicle frame.
In another embodiment, the straps are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance ranging from 395mm to 405mm.
In yet another embodiment, a plurality of fastening members is provided along the periphery of the fuel tank. The fastening members are configured to facilitate rigid fixation of the fuel tank on the frame.
In another embodiment, the recess is configured on the operative bottom surface of the fuel tank at a predetermined oblique angle ranging from 42° to 47°.
In yet another embodiment, the width of each recess ranges from 34mm to 38mm.
In one embodiment, the fuel tank is of steel, aluminum, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polymer composites.
In another embodiment, the straps are of a material selected from a group consisting of steel, aluminum, composites, polymers and composites.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A fuel tank mounting arrangement, of the present disclosure, for a monocoque vehicle frame will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a conventional fuel tank mounting arrangement;
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the fuel tank mounting arrangement, of the present disclosure, mounted on a vehicle frame;
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the fuel tank of Figure 2; and
Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the fastening means of the fuel tank of Figure 2.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
1 conventional fuel tank
6 fastening means for the conventional fuel tank
10 fuel tank
20 fastening means
30 vehicle frame
40 recess
60 fastening member
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being “attached to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element.
Terms such as ‘between’ and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
A conventional fuel tank (1), as depicted in Figure 1, is attached to the vehicle frame by means of fastening members (6). A plurality of recess (not shown in figure 1) is configured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the length of the fuel tank (1). However, the conventional arrangement of fastening the tank (1) leads to a reduced/compromised capacity of the tank, and the packaging of the tank to balance the fuel tank weight (1), and it also becomes challenging to meet passenger cabin space, interface, crash norms and SAM requirements in a monocoque vehicle construction. Further, conventionally since, the straps are provided perpendicular to the direction of the length of the fuel tank (1), the fuel tank (1) can be moved in any other direction when the vehicle is jerked. Hence, it is important to pack the fuel tank (1) on the frame to meet all these parameters without compromising the desired capacity of the fuel tank.
There is therefore felt a need for a fuel tank mounting arrangement for a monocoque vehicle frame, that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
A fuel tank mounting arrangement, of the present disclosure, for a monocoque vehicle frame will now described with reference to Figure 2 through Figure 4.
The fuel tank mounting arrangement (hereinafter referred to as ‘the arrangement’) comprises a fuel tank (10) having at least one recess (40) configured on an operative outer surface thereof. The recess (40) is configured on the fuel tank (10) at an axis substantially oblique to an operative horizontal axis. The arrangement further comprises at least one fastening means (20) configured to be accommodated in the recess (40). The fastening means (20) is laid in the recess (40) such that the free ends of the fastening means (20) extend out of the contours of the fuel tank (10) to facilitate attachment of the free ends of the fastening means (20) with the vehicle frame (30).
The fastening means (20) is further configured to be attached to the monocoque frame (30) to secure the fuel tank (10) to the frame (30). Attaching the fastening means (20) obliquely prevents movement of the fuel tank (10) in any direction.
In an embodiment, the location of the recess (40) is of importance so that the surrounding components are not affected by the arrangement of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the recess (40) is configured on an operative bottom surface of the fuel tank (10). In yet another embodiment, the recess (40) is a niche configured on an operative bottom surface of the fuel tank (10).
In an embodiment, the recess (40) is formed on the fuel tank (10) while the moulding the tank (10).
In another embodiment, the fastening means (20) is a strap.
In yet another embodiment, the fastening means (20) includes two straps provided to fasten the fuel tank (10) to the vehicle frame. In still another embodiment, the straps are configured to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance ranging between 395mm and 405mm.
In one embodiment, a plurality of fastening members (60) is provided along the periphery of the fuel tank (10). The fastening members (60) are configured to facilitate rigid fixation of the fuel tank (10) on the frame. In another embodiment, the fastening members (60) are brackets.
In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the fuel tank (10) is positioned on the left-hand side of the vehicle frame.
In an embodiment, the free ends of the fastening means (20) are fastened to the frame (30).
In another embodiment, the free ends of the fastening means (20) are welded to the frame (30).
In another embodiment, the recess (40) is configured on the operative bottom surface of the fuel tank (10) at a predetermined oblique angle ranging from 42° to 47°.
In yet another embodiment, the width of each recess (40) ranges from 34mm to 38mm.
In still another embodiment, the fuel tank (10) is located under the floor of the vehicle frame (30).
In an embodiment, the fuel tank (10) is of steel, aluminum, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polymer composites.
In another embodiment, the fastening means (20) is of a material selected from a group consisting of steel, aluminum, composites, polymers and composites.
In accordance to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for mounting a fuel tank (10) within a monocoque vehicle. The method includes the following steps of:
• configuring at least one recess (40) on an operative outer surface of the fuel tank, at an axis substantially oblique to an operative horizontal axis;
• locating the fuel tank (10) on the vehicle frame (30);
• housing at least one fastening means (20) in the recess; and
• attaching the free ends of the fastening means (20) on the vehicle frame (30).
In an embodiment, the fastening means (20) are disposed in the recess (40) such that the free ends of the fastening means (20) extend out of the recess (40) to facilitate attachment of the free ends of the fastening means (20) on the frame (30).
The present disclosure also envisages a vehicle having a monocoque frame (30) and a fuel tank mounting arrangement. The arrangement comprises a fuel tank (10) having at least one recess (40) configured on an operative outer surface thereof, at an axis substantially oblique to an operative horizontal axis. The arrangement further comprises at least one fastening means (20) configured to be accommodated in the recess (40). The fastening means (20) are further configured to be attached to the monocoque frame (30) to secure the fuel tank (10) to the frame (30).
The arrangement helps in maintain the capacity of the fuel without compromising on the cabin space comfort and higher ground clearance.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a fuel tank mounting arrangement for a monocoque vehicle frame, that:
• facilitates secure mounting of the fuel tank;
• overcomes packaging challenges of the fuel tank by balancing the weight of the filled tank, without causing alterations to the shape, size and volume of the fuel tank by packaging along the length of the vehicle; and
• meets interface and crash requirements in vehicles having non-saddle/longitudinal plastic tanks.
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 reveal 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.
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 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.
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 fuel tank mounting arrangement for a monocoque vehicle, said arrangement comprising:
• a fuel tank (10) having at least one recess (40) configured on an operative outer surface thereof, at an axis substantially oblique to an operative horizontal; and
• at least one fastening means (20) configured to be accommodated in said recess (40), said fastening means (20) further configured to be fastened to the monocoque frame (30) to secure said fuel tank (10) to the frame (30).
2. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said recess (40) is configured as a niche on an operative bottom surface of the fuel tank (10), while moulding the tank (10).
3. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fastening means (20) is a strap configured to fasten the fuel tank (10) under the floor of the vehicle frame (30).
4. The arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein said fastening means (20) includes two straps provided to fasten the fuel tank (10) to the vehicle frame.
5. The arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein said straps are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance ranging from 395mm to 405mm.
6. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of fastening members (60) are provided along the periphery of said fuel tank. (10), to facilitate rigid fixation of said fuel tank (10) on the frame.
7. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said recess (40) is configured on the operative bottom surface of said fuel tank (10) at a predetermined oblique angle ranging from 42° to 47°.
8. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the width of each recess (40) ranges from 34mm to 38mm.
9. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel tank (10) is of steel, aluminum, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polymer composites.
10. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fastening means (20) is of a material selected from a group consisting of steel, aluminum, composites, polymers and composites.

Dated this 28th day of July, 2022

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT CHENNAI