CLIAMS:1. An air intake system (100) for a vehicle (1), comprising:
a chassis (9) of the vehicle (1) configured as a primary air intake duct (2) to channelize air from first opening of the chassis (9) up to a second opening of the chassis (9), and
an auxiliary intake port (6) removably connected to the second opening of the chassis (9) wherein, an intake duct (3) of an air filter (4) is removably connected to the auxiliary intake port (6) for channelizing the air to the engine (7).

2. The air intake duct (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of gusset plates (5) are provided at predetermined locations in the primary air intake duct (2) for filtering the air.

3. The air intake system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the auxiliary intake port (6) comprises a flap (10) which opens to channelize air into the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4) when the primary air intake duct (2) is blocked.

4. The flap (10) as claimed in claim 3 wherein, the auxiliary intake port (6) comprises the flap (10) which opens due to the suction force generated from the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4).

5. The flap (10) as claimed in claim 3 wherein, air from the primary intake duct (2) retains the flap (10) in closed position due to the flow of air from the first opening to the second opening of the primary air intake duct (2).

6. The air intake system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first opening receives the ram air from front end of the vehicle (1).

7. The air intake system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the primary air intake duct (2) is configured as an air reservoir for the air intake system (100).
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to an air intake system for a vehicle. The disclosure relates to an air intake duct configured in the vehicle for the air intake system.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Air intake system of an internal combustion engine is a crucial part of all the internal combustion engines. Internal combustion engines require a continuous supply of air for efficient functioning and power generation. The supply of air to the internal combustion engine takes place through proper channelling and tunnelling of the air from the atmosphere into the combustion chambers of the engine for combustion.
The amount of air entering into the engine is also metered and adequately tuned to extract maximum power and efficiency from the engine. If the air intake system is not tuned to its peak efficiency there would be inefficient combustion in the internal combustion engine. Also, if the air intake system of the vehicle is placed at a location where there is no air or rams air, the internal combustion engine output will be reduced.
Air intake systems of vehicles play an important role in delivering good quality air which is clean, dry, filtered, fresh and relatively cool. During the installation of an air intake system with a vehicle, the air intake system should be positioned or placed in such a manner that the air intake system is provided in the ram air path.
One way of the air intake system is a snorkel type duct which is placed behind cabin of the vehicle. The snorkel suction opening is close to ear level of the occupants in the cabin of the vehicle and during the sudden acceleration or during load conditions of the vehicle, the snorkel unit creates a boom noise which becomes predominant in the cabin of the vehicle. This boom noise causes an unpleasant environment within the cabin of the vehicle causing discomfort to the passengers. This increases the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) parameters of the vehicle. Figure 1 of the present disclosure illustrates prior art of the existing air intake system (100’) of a vehicle (1’) using snorkel (2’) for channelling the air to the engine (3’). The engine (3’) of the vehicle (1’) is mounted to the chassis (7’). The intake duct (6’) of the engine (3’) is connected to the air filter (5’) and an intake duct (6’) of the air filter (5’) is connected to a snorkel (2’). The snorkel (2’) has an intake port provided at the top of the snorkel behind the cabin (4’) of the vehicle (1’). When the user of the vehicle (1’) operates the throttle, the snorkel (2’) sucks the air and air passes through the air filter (5’) for filtering before it is fed into the intake duct (6’) of the engine. The snorkel (2’) is provided at the ear level of the user in the cabin (4’) of the vehicle (1’). When there is sudden acceleration or throttle response, the snorkel (2’) sucks the air into the air filter (5’) generating a boom noise to the user in the cabin (4’) of the vehicle (1’).
Hence, there is a need to develop an air intake system which reduces boom noise to improve NVH parameters of the vehicle.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
One objective of the present disclosure is to provide low-cost air intake system that utilizes the chassis long member as a pre-cleaner before allowing the ram air into the air filter.
Another objective of the present disclosure is to eliminate the use of snorkel installed at the rear end of the cabin of the vehicle eliminating boom noise and reducing Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) parameters of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air intake system for a vehicle, comprising: a chassis of the vehicle is configured as a primary air intake duct which channelizes the air from first opening of the chassis up to a second opening of the chassis. An auxiliary intake port removably connected to the second opening of the chassis wherein, an intake duct of an air filter is removably connected to the auxiliary intake port for channelizing the air to the intake duct of the engine.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, plurality of gusset plates are provided at predetermined locations in the primary air intake duct for filtering the air.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the auxiliary intake port comprises a flap which opens to channelize air into the intake duct of the air filter when the primary air intake duct is blocked.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the auxiliary intake port comprises the flap which opens due to the suction force generated from the intake duct of the air filter.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, air from the primary intake duct retains the flap in closed position due to the flow of air from the first opening to the second opening of the primary air intake duct.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first opening receives the ram air from front end of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the primary air intake duct is configured as an air reservoir for the air intake system.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the invention described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the invention.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 shows air intake system of a vehicle which illustrates snorkel means for channelling the ram air to the engine according to prior art.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate perspective and side views of the vehicle chassis wherein long member is used as a primary air intake duct for channelizing air to the intake duct.
Figure 4 illustrates cut section view of the primary air intake duct and intake duct of the air filter.
Figures 5a to 5c illustrates auxiliary air intake port having a flap arrangement and also illustrates auxiliary air intake port in operation when the primary air intake duct is in clogged condition.
Figure 6 illustrates chassis of the vehicle comprising of a hollow primary air intake duct.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the 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 disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, 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. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrates sectional and side views of chassis (9) of the vehicle (1) used for channelizing air from front end of the vehicle to the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4). The chassis (9) has plurality of long members and cross members for mounting the vehicle cabin (8) and/or their load carrying members like flat beds or trailers. In the present disclosure, one of the long members of the chassis (9) is used as a primary air intake duct (2). The primary air intake duct (2) in the particular embodiment of the disclosure is a long member of the chassis (9). The long member of the chassis (9) is a hollow duct, which allows ram air to pass within the entire length of the primary air intake duct (2). The primary air intake duct (2) has a first opening and a second opening for providing air to the air intake duct (3). The first opening of the primary air intake duct (2) is provided at the front of the vehicle (1) and is facing path of the ram air. The second opening of the primary air intake duct (2) is provided in the vicinity of the engine mounts/engine bay. The engine (7) in the engine bay is connected to the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4). In one exemplary embodiment the primary air intake duct (2) is configured to extend along the length of the chassis (9). Air from the atmosphere fills in the hollow duct of the primary air intake duct (2) and is sucked-in by the suction force generated by the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4).The primary air intake duct (2) is equipped with plurality of gusset plates (5) which are fitted along the entire length of the primary air intake duct (2) at predetermined intervals/locations. The gusset plates (5) are a plate like structure which conforms to inside profile of the primary air intake duct (2). The plurality of gusset plates (5) is oriented perpendicular to flow path of the ram air, i.e. the plurality of gusset plates (5) faces the flow path of the ram air. The plurality of gusset plates (5) are configured with pores or perforations which prevent impurities or macro particles such as sand or dust particles from entering into the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4) and allows only air into the air filter (4). The plurality of gusset plates (5) acts as a pre-cleaner for the ram air, before the air enters into the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4). In one embodiment the plurality of gusset plates (5) are configured such that it could be removed from the primary air intake duct (2) for cleaning whenever required. The primary air intake duct (2) has an intake opening at the front end of the vehicle (1) which draws-in the ram air and channels it to the intake duct (3) of the air intake system (100). The plurality of gusset plates (5) is members which are used to connect two cross beams together by a method but not limited to welding, brazing, soldering or any other joining processes. The plurality of gusset plates (5) also provide structural support to the primary air intake duct (2) as well as a pre-cleaners for cleaning the ram air by removing impurities such as sand, dust particles, insects and other debris which mixes with the ram air. In one embodiment the plurality of gusset plates (5) are configured such that it could be accessed in the primary air intake duct (2) for cleaning whenever required. The plurality of gusset plates (5) also act as air diverters or deviators which direct the ram air into the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4) and thereby reducing the boom noise occurring in the vehicle due to air entry to the air intake system.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the air intake system (100). The primary air intake duct (2) has two openings; the first opening is exposed to receive the ram air from the front end of the vehicle (1). The second opening is provided at the vicinity of the engine (7). The second opening of the primary air intake duct (2) is removably connected to the auxiliary intake port (6). The intake duct (3) of the air filter (4) is removably connected and hermetically sealed to the auxiliary intake port (6).
Figures 5a to 5c illustrates an auxiliary air intake port (6) provided with a flap (10) for channelling the air into the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4) when the primary air intake duct (2) is blocked/clogged due to flooding of water or dust particles in the primary air intake duct (2). The auxiliary air intake port (6) is provided with a flap (10) which remains closed when the air is channelled through the primary air intake duct (2). The suction force generated from the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4) sucks in the air from the auxiliary air intake port (6) as an auxiliary means of air supply to the engine (7) when the primary air intake duct (2) is blocked/clogged or sufficient air is not supplied from the primary air intake duct (2). Figures 5b and 5c illustrates auxiliary air intake port (6) in operation at a normal condition and in a clogged condition respectively. Then normal operation condition of the air intake system (100) is when the primary air intake duct (2) allows the passage of ram air into the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4). Figure 5b illustrates ram air entering into the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4) through the primary air intake duct (2). Figure 5c illustrates auxiliary air intake port (6) in operation for example when the primary air intake duct (2) is clogged. The flap (10) of the auxiliary air intake port (6) opens due to the suction force generated through the intake duct (3) of the engine (7). The flap (10) provided on the auxiliary air intake port (6) is removably connected such that, it is pivotally fixed to the inner wall of the auxiliary air intake port (6). When the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4) generates suction, the flap (10) automatically opens when the supply of air from the primary air intake duct (2) is blocked/clogged. The arrangement in the auxiliary intake ort (6) is such that, if the air from the primary air intake duct (2) is sufficient, the flap (10) remains closed due the force of the air. However, if the air from the primary air intake duct (2) is reduced in volume, the suction force from the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4) opens the flap (10) to allow air to pass into the auxiliary intake port (6). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flap (10) is placed above the intake duct (3) removably connected to the auxiliary intake port (6).
Figure 6 illustrates chassis (9) of the vehicle (1) wherein, first opening of the chassis (9) receives the air and channelizes across the entire length of the primary air intake duct (2). The long member of the chassis (9) is a hollow duct, which allows ram air to pass within the entire length of the primary air intake duct (2). The primary air intake duct (2) extends from the first opening from the front of the chassis (9) up to a second opening provided at the vicinity of the engine (7) bay. The second opening of the primary air intake duct (2) is removably connected to the auxiliary intake port (6) which channelizes the air into the intake duct (3) of the air filter (4) (not shown in figure).
ADVANTAGES:

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) of the vehicle cabin is improved with elimination of boom noise. since, there is no use of a snorkel member for suction of air. Also, the already existing chassis long member is used as a primary air intake member, which provides clean and dry air to the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, plurality of gusset plates acts as pre-cleaners and diverts relatively clean and dry air into the intake duct.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of components in the air intake system is reduced which cuts down on costs.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the auxiliary air intake port provides air from a location where air can be sucked into the intake duct of the air filter through the auxiliary intake port when the primary air intake duct is blocked/clogged.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

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.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERAL

Referral Numeral Description
100 Air intake system
1 Vehicle
2 Primary air intake duct
3 Intake duct
4 Air filter
5 Gusset plates
6 Auxiliary intake port
7 Engine
8 Cabin
9 Chassis
10 Flap
100’ Air Intake system – prior art
1’ Vehicle – prior art
2’ Snorkel – prior art
3’ Engine – prior art
4’ Cabin – prior art
5’ Air filter – prior art
6’ Intake duct – prior art
7’ Chassis – prior art