TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The subject matter disclosed in general relates to the accommodation of
an exhaust gas purification container in a vehicle. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to the structural shape and positioning of an exhaust gas purification container in an underbody of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Vehicular mode of transportation has indeed made travelling a
convenient, affordable and time saving affair. However, as with everything, vehicles have brought along harmful effects to the environment. Air pollution is a major among them and only increases with the increase in the number of vehicles populating the roads year after year. With the ever increasing needs and lifestyle, governments have no control over the buying power of the consumers. Nevertheless, governments are authorised to implement major changes to the way the exhaust gases are let out into the environment using stricter emission control norms.
[003] One such norm proposed is, the use of additives that purify the exhaust
gases. The additives need to be stored in a separate container from where the additives can be pumped off to be mixed with the exhaust gases. The existing vehicle underbody defines provisions to accommodate various parts (existing) of a vehicle, thereby limiting the addition of fresh parts to the already packed vehicle underbody. Therefore, room must be made, to accommodate the container, either by moving the parts (existing) out of position or reshaping the existing vehicle underbody, which are expensive and time consuming.
[004] Conventionally, the container is located towards the rear part of the
vehicle where the container is positioned between the spare tyre holder and the rear bumper. Since the container is closer towards the rear bumper, the container is more prone to the ensuing damages in the unlikely event of a crash. Other than the bumper, there is nothing in between the container and the crashing object that is

able to mitigate or absorb the damage to the container. In addition to this, the movement of the container, as a result of the crash, is transferred to the filler neck junction of the container. The filler neckjunction being the weaker area, the damage incurred by the container adversely affects the filler neck that is connected to the container at the filler neckjunction.
[005] Furthermore, the structural design of the existing containers have makes
the narrower section of the container weaker, thereby contributing to the rupture of the container in the event of a rear collision. Thus, to mitigate the damage to the container, conventional systems make use of a shielding unit around the container to crash protect the container. However, the addition of any such shielding unit around the container not only increases the overall weight of the vehicle, but also adversely affects the performance of the vehicle. Needless to say, the shielding unit will increase the manufacturing cost of the vehicle.
[006] Also, since the container is positioned towards the rearmost part of the
vehicle, the length of the pipe that facilitates the connection between the container and the engine assembly has to be long. This too adds to the overall cost of the vehicle.
[007] In light of the foregoing, it has been established that the structural
design and the positioning of the container plays an important role in mitigating the damage to the container in the unlikely event of a crash.
[008] Therefore, there is a need for an improved container that can solve the
aforementioned technical problems.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
[009] 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.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to optimise positioning of an

exhaust gas purification container.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an optimised structural configuration of the exhaust gas purification container.
[0012] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to reduce the damage to the exhaust gas purification container in an event of a crash.
[0013] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to minimise damage to filler neck of the exhaust gas purification container in the event of the crash.
[0014] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
[0015] It is still yet another obj ect of the present disclosure to reduce the overall cost of the vehicle.
[0016] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to ensure the protection of the exhaust gas purification container from all sides in the event of a crash.
[0017] 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
[0018] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a vehicle body structure for accommodating an exhaust gas purification container. 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.
[0019] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle body structure for

accommodating an exhaust gas purification container. The vehicle body structure comprises a vehicle underbody, a rear axle for interconnecting rear wheels of the vehicle, a spare tyre structure and an exhaust gas purification container defining a front side and a rear side. The exhaust gas purification container is disposed between the rear axle and the spare tyre structure. The rear side faces the spare tyre structure and is configured to be in shape of an arc, wherein the arc resembles an outer profile of the spare tyre structure.
[0020] 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
[0021] 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:
[0022] FIG. 1 discloses a bottom side view of a vehicle underbody including an exhaust gas purification container, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 2 discloses the exhaust gas purification container along with a spare tyre structure, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a section view of the vehicle underbody cut along an axis as shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment.

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 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] 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.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, an arrow 10 denotes a forward direction of a vehicle body structure 100 and an arrow 12 denotes a rearward direction of the vehicle body structure 100. An arrow 14 denotes a rightward direction of the vehicle body structure 100 as seen from being seated within the vehicle body structure 100 and an arrow 16 denotes a leftward direction of the vehicle body structure 100 as seen from being seated within the vehicle body structure 100.
[0031] In an embodiment, the vehicle body structure 100 comprises a vehicle underbody 102, a fuel tank 120, a rear axle 104, a spare tyre structure 108, an exhaust gas purification container 110 and a muffler 112.
[0032] The vehicle underbody 102 is configured to accommodate the fuel tank 120, the rear axle 104, the spare tyre structure 108, the exhaust gas purification container 110 and the muffler 112 among other components that are generally used in a vehicle (not shown).
[0033] In an embodiment, the rear axle 104 is positioned towards rear part of the vehicle. The rear axle 104 is configured to interconnect rear wheels 106 of the vehicle.
[0034] In an embodiment, the spare tyre structure 108 too is positioned towards the rear part of the vehicle. The spare tyre structure 108 is located behind the rear axle 104 along the rearward direction 12 of the vehicle and before bumper 114 of the vehicle.
[0035] In an embodiment, the fuel tank 120 is located before the rear axle 104

when view from rear to front side of the vehicle. The fuel tank is positioned on other side, i.e., before the rear axle 104 facing vehicle front. The rear axle 104 is disposed in between the fuel tank and the exhaust gas purification container 110.
[0036] In an embodiment, the spare tyre structure 108 is a spare wheel 108 that is used when one of the wheels of the vehicle are not functional. In general, the spare wheel 108 is a combination of tyre and rim or is a standalone tyre that is affixed to the rim at a later point in time.
[0037] In another embodiment, the spare tyre structure 108 is a spare tyre well 108 that is defined by the vehicle underbody 102 to accommodate the spare tyre 108
[0038] In an embodiment, outer profile of the spare tyre structure 108 is circular in shape or shape of at least a portion of the spare tyre structure 108 is curved.
[0039] In an embodiment, the exhaust gas purification container 110 is configured to contain additives that are used to purify exhaust gases.
[0040] In an embodiment, the additive used is urea, among other additives that are configured to purify the exhaust gases.
[0041] In an embodiment, the exhaust gas purification container 110 is configured to be positioned between the rear axle 104 and the spare tyre structure 108.
[0042] The above described structural positioning of the exhaust gas purification container 110 eliminates the repositioning of already existing parts in order to accommodate the exhaust gas purification container 110. Furthermore, since the exhaust gas purification container 110 is positioned between the rear axle 104 and the spare tyre structure 108, the vehicle underbody 102 need not be resized in order to make room for the attachment of the exhaust gas purification container 110. This reduces the overall cost of the vehicle.

[0043] In an embodiment, the exhaust gas purification container 110 is attached to the vehicle underbody 102 by means of mechanical attachments that are commonly used in the manufacturing industry, such as nut bolt, rivet, welding, among others.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, the exhaust gas purification container 110 along with the spare tyre structure 108 is disclosed, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0045] The exhaust gas purification container 110 defines a front side 202 and a rear side 204. The front side 202 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 faces the forward direction 10 of the vehicle and the rear side 204 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 faces the rearward direction 12 of the vehicle.
[0046] In an embodiment, the front side 202 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 faces the rear axle 104. The shape of the front side 202 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 is in accordance with the shape of the rear axle 104. Thus, in one of the embodiment, the front side 202 resembles a flat surface.
[0047] In an embodiment, the front side 202 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 facing the rear axle 104 is at a predetermined distance from the rear axle 104. This predetermined distance provides the required distance for the rear axle 104 to displace in the event of crash from the forward direction 10 of the vehicle, thereby mitigating the damage to the exhaust gas purification container 110
[0048] In an embodiment, the rear side 204 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 faces the spare tyre structure 108. The shape of a portion of the rear side 204 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 facing the spare tyre structure 108 is configured to be in accordance with an outer profile of the spare tyre structure 108. Thus, the portion of the rear side 204 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 facing the spare tyre structure 108 is configured to be in shape of an arc.
[0049] In an embodiment, the portion of the rear side 204 of the exhaust gas

purification container 110 facing the spare tyre structure 108 is at a predetermined distance from the spare tyre structure 108. This predetermined distance provides the required distance for the spare tyre structure 108 to displace in the event of crash from the rearward direction 12 of the vehicle, thereby mitigating the damage to the exhaust gas purification container 110.
[0050] In an embodiment, the arc shape of the exhaust gas purification container 110 helps the rear side 204 in uniformly absorbing the impact from the spare tyre structure 108 in the event of a crash. This reduces the breakdown of the exhaust gas purification container 110.
[0051] In an embodiment, the exhaust gas purification container 110 defines a first side 208 and a second side 210. The first side 208 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 faces the rightward direction 14 of the vehicle and the second side 210 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 faces the leftward direction 12 of the vehicle.
[0052] The first side 208 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 faces the muffler 112 (shown in FIG. 1). The shape of the first side 208 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 is in accordance with the shape of the muffler 112. Thus, in one of the embodiment, the first side 208 resembles a flat surface.
[0053] In an embodiment, the first side 208 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 facing the muffler 112 (shown in FIG. 1) is at a predetermined distance from the muffler 112. This predetermined distance provides the required distance for the muffler 112 to displace in the event of crash from the rightward direction 14 of the vehicle, thereby mitigating the damage to the exhaust gas purification container 110.
[0054] In an embodiment, one of the first side 208 or the second side 210 is configured to be larger than the other side 208, 210.
[0055] In the instant embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first side 208 is

configured to be larger than the second side 210, as the exhaust gas purification container 110 is offset by a predetermined distance from the centre of the spare tyre structure 108 towards the rightward direction 14 of the vehicle.
[0056] In an embodiment, the first side 208 of the exhaust gas purification container 110, which is larger of the two sides, houses an additive pump 212. The additive pump 212 is configured to pump an additive contained within the exhaust gas purification container 110 to the required destination.
[0057] In an embodiment, the second side 210 facing the filler neck 116 and fuel pipe has step shape profile and maintain a predetermined distance with the filler neck 116 and fuel pipe to absorb impact force during side collision and avoid dispositioning of the filler neck 116 and fuel pipe.
[0058] In an embodiment, the front side 202 and the second side 210 of the exhaust gas purification container 110 intersect to define a curvature 214. The curvature is defined to accommodate other parts.
[0059] Referring back to FIG. 1, also disclosed is a filler neck that is used to fill the additives into the exhaust gas purification container 110. The filler neck 116 is connected to the exhaust gas purification container 110 at filler neck junction point 118. In the event of a crash, if the exhaust gas purification container 110 is displaced, the filler neck junction point 118 being fragile will also be displaced, thereby causing damage to the filler neck 116. Thus, the secure fitment of the exhaust gas purification container 110 as disclosed in the previous embodiments, also eliminates damages to the filler neck 116.
[0060] In an embodiment, a pipe (not shown) is configured to connect the exhaust gas purification container 110 and exhaust system (not shown) of the engine assembly (not shown). Since the exhaust gas purification container 110 is positioned between the rear axle 104 and the spare tyre structure 108, the length of the pipe to be used in less compared to when the exhaust gas purification container 110 is disposed closer to the bumper 114 of the vehicle.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, disclosed is a section view of the vehicle underbody 102 cut along an axis AA (shown in FIG. 1), in accordance with an embodiment. As seen from the instant embodiment, when the vehicle comprising the exhaust gas purification container 110 between the bumper 114 and the spare tyre structure 108 is involved in a rear end collision, the impact is first absorbed by the spare tyre structure 108 and thereafter passed onto the gas purification container 110. In an embodiment, the spare wheel 108 being made of rubber will minimise the impact of the spare tyre structure 108 on the exhaust gas purification container 110
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[0062] The present disclosure proposes to optimise the positioning of an exhaust gas purification container.
[0063] The present disclosure proposes to provide an optimised structural configuration of the exhaust gas purification container.
[0064] The present disclosure proposes to reduce the damage to the exhaust gas purification container in the event of a crash.
[0065] The present disclosure proposes to minimise damage to filler neck of the exhaust gas purification container in the event of a crash.
[0066] The present disclosure proposes to improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
[0067] The present disclosure proposes to reduce the overall cost of the vehicle.
[0068] The present disclosure proposes to ensure the protection of the exhaust gas purification container from all sides in the event of a crash.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure

is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1.A vehicle body structure (100) for accommodating an exhaust gas purification
container (110), the vehicle body structure (100) comprising:
a vehicle underbody (102);
a rear axle (104) interconnecting rear wheels (106); a spare tyre structure (108); and
an exhaust gas purification container (110) defining a front side (202) and a rear side (204),
characterized in that
the exhaust gas purification container (110) is disposed between the rear axle (104) and the spare tyre structure (108).
2. The vehicle body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a fuel tank is positioned on other side of the rear axle (104) facing vehicle front, where the rear axle (104) is disposed in between the fuel tank () and the exhaust gas purification container (110).
3. The vehicle body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear side (204) of the exhaust gas purification container (110) faces the spare tyre structure (108) and is configured to be in shape of an arc (206), wherein the arc (206) resembles an outer profile of the spare tyre structure (108).
4. The vehicle body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front side (202) of the exhaust gas purification container (110) faces the rear axle (104).
5. The vehicle body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front side (202) assumes the shape of the rear axle (104).
6. The vehicle body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front side (202) resembles a flat surface.
7. The vehicle body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exhaust gas purification container (110) defines a first side (208) and a second side (210).

8.The vehicle body structure (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein one of the first side (208) or the second side (210) is configured to be larger than the other side (208, 210).
9.The vehicle body structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the side (208, 210) that is larger is configured to accommodate an additive pump (212), wherein the additive pump (212) is configured to pump an additive contained within the exhaust gas purification container (110).
10.The vehicle body structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the side (208, 210) that is larger is configured to be disposed closer towards muffler (112) and other side has step shape profile.