Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter is a fuel tank assembly of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Over the past few years, the investment and market viability of the fuel-efficient vehicle are growing in a wide range because of high costs of fossils-based fuel. To this end, much attention has also been paid to the design and development of an induction system. At the same time, there exists a continuous challenge for automotive manufacturers to improve the durability of the induction system within minimum space / size of the vehicle as well as at a reduced cost and weight impact.
[0003] Typically, hydrocarbon-based fuels are primarily used for transportation. The fuel being stored in a fuel tank. When the fuel being withdrawn from the fuel tank, a negative pressure being created which can result in the collapsing of the fuel tank. Therefore, air has to come in order to create a pressure balance. To this end, typically, a vent being provided in a fuel tank cap or on the top surface of the fuel tank body.
[0004] However, it is observed that, when the vent being left open to the atmosphere water or dust ingresses into the fuel tank through the vent. More specifically, water or dust ingression happens due to suction force being created when fuel is withdrawn from the fuel tank through a fuel feed pump and air occupies the space in the fuel tank. Further, the water or dust ingression in the fuel tank reduces the flow of fuel through a fuel filter. This deteriorates engine performance, and requires frequent service or even replacement of the fuel filter. Further, the water and dust ingression can lead to clogging of the fuel filter. The clogging of the fuel filter is a critical safety risk as it can switch off the engine, which can lead to an accident.
[0005] Further, in order to address said issue, a fuel cap being provided with the vent as the fuel cap being positioned at a height with respect to the fuel tank body. However, it is observed that, in vehicle running conditions, fuel spillage happens from the vent provided in the fuel cap. This happens due to sloshing of the fuel inside the fuel tank. More specifically, the fuel spillage is more when the vehicle takes a turn and the fuel tank being provided on the left or right side of the vehicle. This phenomenon leads to loss of fuel through the fuel cap and may lead to fire accidents. In order to address said issue, the fuel tank being positioned at a height in order to minimize water or dust ingression. However, the increased height of the fuel tank poses a challenge in the cargo vehicles as a load deck height need to be increased accordingly. The increased load deck height affects the vehicle performance and leads to discomfort for the user while loading or unloading the goods.
[0006] To this end, there is a need to provide a breathing assembly for a fuel tank that will meet the common requirements of the vehicle including compact size, low weight, low cost, high durability and reliability, while overcoming all the above problems & other problems of the known art. The aforementioned disadvantages of the prior arts are solved by the present invention which provides an improved breathing assembly. The breathing assembly is advantageously used striving to meet customer expectations by providing a low cost and safe vehicle.
[0007] According to the present subject matter to attain the above-mentioned requirements, in one aspect of the invention an improved breathing assembly for a fuel tank assembly of a two or three or four wheeled vehicle is disclosed.
[0008] The above information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to a vehicle comprising a chassis frame structure a fuel tank assembly, and a breather assembly. The breather assembly includes an air filter assembly, and a breather hose assembly. The air filter assembly being connected to said fuel tank assembly through said breather hose assembly.
[00010] As per above embodiment, the breather assembly prevents dust and water ingression in the fuel tank assembly during venting process. This improves the overall durability and performance of the vehicle.
[00011] As per an embodiment, said breather hose assembly includes a first breather hose, and a second breather hose. An upstream end portion of said second breather hose being connected to said air filter assembly and a downstream end portion open to the atmosphere.
[00012] As per another embodiment, said first breather hose being configured to have a bend at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle ranging from 10 degree to 120 degree.
[00013] As per another embodiment, said downstream end portion being substantially perpendicular to the ground, when viewed in a vehicle longitudinal direction (F-R).
[00014] As per above embodiment, the debris or water entry is prevented from entering the fuel tank as the L shaped downstream end portion is exposed to the atmosphere.
[00015] As per an embodiment, said second breather hose being configured to connect said air filter assembly to said fuel tank assembly.
[00016] As per above embodiment, the second breather hose connecting the air filter assembly to the fuel tank assembly. The air filter assembly eliminates the fine dust particles entering in the fuel tank assembly.
[00017] As per an embodiment, said air filter assembly includes an air filter, an air filter holder, a mounting bracket. The air filter holder being configured to have a slot. The slot being configured to receive a portion of said mounting bracket to attach said air filter to said chassis frame structure.
[00018] As per above embodiment, the air filter being reliability connected to the chassis frame structure through the mounting bracket. Further, the air filter holder provides sufficient gripping force to hold the air filter in vehicle operating conditions.
[00019] As per an embodiment, said chassis frame structure includes a B-pillar The said B-pillar being configured to have an opening. The opening being configured to receive a portion of said first breather hose.
[00020] As per above embodiment, the downstream end portion of the first breather hose is exposed to the atmosphere in the B-pillar. Importantly, the downstream end portion of the first breather hose is exposed to lesser dust, water or mud splash as the four walls of B-pillar surrounds the downstream end portion of the first breather hose. This reduces the frequent servicing operation.
[00021] As per an embodiment, an inner circumferential surface of said opening being provided with a seal or grommet.
[00022] As per above embodiment, the presence grommet covers the sharp edges of the opening to prevent any damage in the breather hose assembly.
[00023] As per an embodiment, wherein said grommet or said seal being configured to receive a portion of said first breather hose.
[00024] As per above embodiment, the grommet or said seal improves the durability of the first breather hose as it eliminates the cutting or rubbing around the interface of the first breather hose and the B-pillar of the chassis frame structure.
[00025] As per an embodiment, wherein said first breather hose being configured to have a predetermined length (L1). The predetermined length (L1) ranging from 150 milli meters to 300 milli meters.
[00026] As per above embodiment, the first breather hose is having optimum length as the downstream portion of the said first breather hose is exposed to the B-pillar and upstream end portion is connected to the air filter with minimum modification in the layout of the vehicle.
[00027] As per an embodiment, said second breather hose being configured to have a predetermined length (L2). The said predetermined length (L2) ranging from 250 milli meters to 350 milli meters.
[00028] As per above embodiment, the second breather hose is having optimum length as the downstream portion of the said second breather hose is connected to the fuel tank assembly and upstream end portion is connected to the air filter with minimum modification in the layout of the vehicle.
[00029] As per an embodiment, said air filter being positioned at a predetermined height from a top surface of said spout. The predetermined height ranging from 90 milli meters to 120 milli meters.
[00030] As per another embodiment, wherein said air filter being configured to have a predetermined mesh size and predetermined filtration area. The predetermined mesh size ranging from 10u to 30u, and predetermined filtration area ranging from 6000mm2 to 1000mm2.
[00031] As per above embodiment, the predetermined mesh size and filtration area of the air filter having required efficacy in capturing particles and preventing smaller particles even smaller particles in few microns to improve the efficiency of the vehicle,
[00032] As per another embodiment, said air filter being attached to a partition wall of said chassis frame structure such that said air filter being positioned above said fuel tank assembly in proximity to said B pillar, when viewed in said vehicle lateral direction (R-L).
[00033] As per above embodiment, the air filter is reliably mounted on a partition wall wherein the partition wall is preventing the damage to the air filter in case of any collision.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00034] The present invention is described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle. Such a vehicle can be a two- or three- or multi wheeled vehicle. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[00035] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. It should be appreciated that the following figures may not be drawn to scale.
[00036] Descriptions of certain details and implementations follow, including a description of the figures, which may depict some or all of the embodiments described below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts presented herein. An overview of embodiments of the invention is provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.
[00037] Figure 1a illustrates a partial top view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00038] Figure 1b illustrates a partial side view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00039] Figure 2a illustrates a partial side cut section view of the vehicle across A-A’ axis along with a magnified localized view of the breather assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00040] Figure 2b illustrates a rear side cut section view of the vehicle across B-B’ axis along with a magnified localized view of the breather assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00041] Figure 2c illustrates a rear side cut section view of the vehicle across C-C’ axis.
[00042] Figures 3a-3c illustrate the graphical representation comparing conventional fuel tank assembly and the proposed fuel tank assembly.
[00043] Figure 3d illustrates the graphical representation comparing the frequency of the service of the fuel tank.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00044] In the following description specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[00045] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00046] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[00047] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
[00048] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[00049] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[00050] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal hatches in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically specified.
[00051] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention will be described taking a five speed transmission assembly as an example through the specification.
[00052] Figure 1a illustrates a partial top view of a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 1b illustrates a partial side view of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter For sake of brevity, Figure 1a and Figure 1b will be discussed together. The vehicle (100) comprising a power train (103), and a chassis frame structure (102). The powertrain (103) includes a prime mover (103A). The powertrain (103) being supported by the chassis frame structure (102). The chassis frame structure (102) includes a left side long member (102A), a partition wall (102B), and a B type pillar (102C). The partition wall (102B) disposed between a passenger compartment (B), and a driver’s compartment (A). Further, as per an embodiment, the prime mover (103A) includes an IC engine. The fuel being supplied to a carburetor (103B) by a fuel tank assembly (101). The fuel tank assembly (101) includes a fuel tank (101A), a fuel feed pump (101B) and a breather assembly (101D). The fuel tank (101A) being connected to the carburetor (103B) through pipes (101C). As per an embodiment, the pipes are composed of material selected from a group of metals and nonmetals. As per an embodiment, the fuel feed pump (101B) being disposed between the fuel tank (101A) and the prime mover (103A). The fuel feed pump (101B) being mounted on a first cross member (102D) of the chassis frame structure (102). Further, the fuel tank (101A) being positioned adjacent to the partition wall (102B).
[00053] Figure 2a illustrates a partial side cut section view of the vehicle (100) across A-A’ axis along with a magnified localized view of the breather assembly (101D), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 2b illustrates a rear side cut section view of the vehicle (100) across B-B’ axis along with a magnified localized view of the breather assembly (101D), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 2c illustrates a rear side cut section view of the vehicle (100) across C-C’ axis. For sake of brevity, Figure 2a, Figure 2b and Figure 2c will be discussed together. The breather assembly (101D) includes a breather hose assembly (101DA), and an air filter assembly (101DB). The air filter assembly (101DB) includes an air filter (101DBA), a mounting bracket (101DBB), and a holding member (101DBC). The air filter (101DBA) being configured to have a predetermined mesh size and predetermined filtration area. The predetermined mesh size of the air filter (101DBA) ranging from 10u to 30u. The predetermined filtration area of the air filter (101DBA) ranging from 6000 millimeters square to 1000 millimeters square. The breather hose assembly (101DA) includes a first breather hose (101DAA), and a second breather hose (101DAB). The first breather hose (101DAA) being configured to have a predetermined length L1. The predetermined length L1 ranging from 200 millimeters to 300 millimeters in its unbent condition. The second breather hose (101DAB) being configured to have a predetermined length L2. The predetermined length L2 ranging from 200 millimeters to 450 millimeters in its unbent condition. Further, the air filter (101DBA) having a first end (101DBAA) and a second end (101DBAB). The first end (101DBAA) being operatively connected to the fuel tank (101A) through the second breather hose (101DAB). More specifically, the second breather hose (101DAB) being configured to have an upstream end (101DABA) and a downstream end (101DABB). More specifically, the upper stream end (101DABA) of the second breather hose (101DAB) being connected to the second end (101DBAB) of the air filter (101DBA). The downstream end (101DABB) of the second breather hose (101DAB) being connected to a spout (201). The spout (201) being provided on a top surface of the fuel tank (101A). The first end (101DBAA) of the air filter (101DBA) being connected to an upstream end (101DAAA) of the first breather hose (101DAA). The downstream end (101DAAB) of the first breather hose (101DAA) being exposed to the atmosphere in the B –type pillar (102C). More specifically, an opening (102CA) being provided in the B-type pillar (102C). As per an embodiment, the opening (102CA) being configured to receive a grommet (202). The grommet (202) being disposed on an outer surface of the first breather hose (202). As per alternative embodiment, an elastic member or seal is affixed to an inner circumferential surface of the opening (102CA). The first breather hose (101DAA) being configured to have a bend (101DAAC) at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle ranging from 10 degree to 120 degree from a vehicle sideward direction. As per an embodiment, the downstream end (101DAAB) of the first breather hose (101DAA) faces the ground. As per alternative embodiment, a L shape member being attached to the first breather hose (101DAA) using a coupler. The air filter (101DBA) being attached to the chassis frame structure (102) through the mounting bracket (101DBB) at a predetermined height from a top surface of the spout (201). The predetermined height (A) ranging from 50 millimeters to 150 millimeters. As per an embodiment, the air filter assembly (101DB) being mounted on a second cross member (102E) (as shown in figure 1a).
[00054] Figures 3a-3c illustrate the graphical representation comparing conventional fuel tank assembly and the proposed fuel tank assembly. Figure 3d illustrates the graphical representation comparing the frequency of the service of the fuel tank. For sake of brevity, figures 3a-3d will be discussed together. In figures 3a-3c, the Y – axis represents the kilometers being covered by the vehicle. It is evident from the figures 3a-3c, the durability of the fuel tank assembly being significantly improved under different road conditions. More specifically, the durability being improved when the vehicle is run on city, highway, and rural areas as shown figure 3a-3c respectively. Further, it is evident from the figure 3d, the service time gap for the proposed fuel tank assembly is significantly increased. In other words, the frequent service is not required.
[00055] According to the above architecture, one of the primary efficacies of the present invention is the durability of the fuel tank assembly being increased as evident for the figure 3a-3c. The downstream end of the first breather hose is not directly exposed to the atmosphere as it is routed through the b-type pillar, thereby reduces dust or water ingression in the breather assembly. Further the presence of the air filter assembly eliminates the dust or water ingression inside the fuel tank. This improves the durability of carburetor, feed pump, fuel pump and other associated parts.
[00056] According to the above architecture, one of the primary efficacies of the present invention is the less maintenance cost as the user need to visit the service center not very frequently as compared to the conventional vehicles.
[00057] The above-described embodiments, and particularly any “preferred” embodiments, are possible examples of implementations and merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
List of Reference

B Passenger compartment
A Driver compartment
100 Vehicle
101 Fuel tank assembly
101A Fuel tank
101B Fuel feed pump
101C Pipes
101D breather assembly
101DA Breather hose assembly
101DAA First breather hose
101DAAA Upstream end of the first breather hose
101DAAB Downstream end of the first breather hose
101DAAC Bend
101DAB Second breather hose
101DABA Upstream end of the second breather hose
101DABB Downstream end of the second breather hose
101DB Air filter assembly
101DBA Air filter
101DBAA First end of the air filter
101DBAB Second end of the air filter
101DBB Mounting bracket
101DBC Air filter Holder
102 Chassis frame structure
102A A pair of long members
102B Partition wall
102C B pillar
102CA Opening in the B pillar
102D First cross member
102E Second cross member
103 Powertrain
103A Prime mover
103B Carburetor
201 Spout
202 Grommet/Seal

, Claims:We Claim:
1. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a chassis frame structure (102);
a fuel tank assembly (101); and
a breather assembly (101D), said breather assembly (101D) includes:
an air filter assembly (101DB), and
a breather hose assembly (101DA),
wherein said air filter assembly (101DB) being connected to said fuel tank assembly (101) through said breather hose assembly (101DA).
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said breather hose assembly (101DA) includes a first breather hose (101DAA), and a second breather hose (101DAB), wherein an upstream end portion (101DAAA) of said first breather hose (101DAA) being connected to said air filter assembly (101DB) and a downstream end portion (101DAAB) of said first breather hose (101DAA) being open to atmosphere.
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first breather hose (101DAA) being configured to have a bend (101DAAC) at a predetermined angle, said predetermined angle ranging from 10 degree to 120 degree.
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said downstream end portion (101DAAB) being substantially perpendicular to ground, when viewed in a vehicle longitudinal direction (F-R).
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second breather hose (101DAB) being configured to connect said air filter assembly (101DB) to said fuel tank assembly (101).
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air filter assembly (101DB) includes an air filter (101DBA), an air filter holder (101DBC) and a mounting bracket (101DBB), wherein said air filter holder (101DBC) being configured to have a slot, said slot being configured to receive a portion of said mounting bracket (101DBB) to attach said air filter (101DBA) to said chassis frame structure (102).
7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said chassis frame structure (102) includes a B-pillar (102C), said B-pillar (102C) being configured to have an opening (102CA), wherein said opening (102CA) being configured to receive a portion of a first breather hose (101DAA).
8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein an inner circumferential surface of said opening (102CA) being provided with a seal or a grommet (202).
9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said seal or said grommet (202) being configured to receive a portion of said first breather hose (101DAA).
10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first breather hose (101DAA) being configured to have a predetermined length (L1), said predetermined length (L1) ranging from 150 milli meters to 300 milli meters.
11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second breather hose (101DAB) being configured to have a predetermined length (L2), said predetermined length (L2) ranging from 250 milli meters to 350 milli meters.
12. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said air filter (101DBA) being positioned at a predetermined height (A) from a top surface of a spout (201), said predetermined height (A) ranging from 90 milli meters to 120 milli meters.
13. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said air filter (101DBA) being configured to have a predetermined mesh size and predetermined filtration area, said predetermined mesh size ranging from 10u to 30u, and predetermined filtration area ranging from 6000mm2 to 1000mm2.
14. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said air filter (101DBA) being attached to a partition wall (102B) of said chassis frame structure (102) and being positioned above said fuel tank assembly (101) in proximity to a B-pillar (102C), when viewed in a vehicle lateral direction (R-L).