Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AN APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE POWER SOURCE BULWARKING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure is generally related to vehicle power sources. Particularly, the present disclosure is related to bulwarking of vehicle power sources. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to an apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Apparatuses for the bulwarking of vehicle power sources are known in the art. However, such apparatuses suffer from at least the following drawbacks: are complex in construction; require components, with intricate features; and/or are expensive.
There is, therefore, a need in the art, for: an apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A retrofittable apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source is disclosed. Said apparatus broadly comprises: an at least an enfolding member; an at least a fluid flow facilitating member; a plurality of hasping members; an at least a sanctuary facilitating member; and an at least a sealing member.
Said least one enfolding member is configured to enfold said apparatus. Said at least one enfolding member broadly comprises: a first plurality of mechanisms; and an at least an overhanging member.
Said first plurality of mechanisms facilitates disposing of (or mounting of) said at least one enfolding member, on (or at) said at least one sanctuary facilitating member. Alternatively, said first plurality of mechanisms facilitates associating of said at least one enfolding member with said at least one sanctuary facilitating member.
Said at least one overhanging member protects said apparatus, against debris and other external agents.
Said plurality of hasping members facilitates disposing of (or mounting of) said at least one sanctuary facilitating member, on (or at) an at least a case. Alternatively, said plurality of hasping members facilitates associating of said at least one sanctuary facilitating member with said at least one case.
Said at least one sanctuary facilitating member broadly comprises: an at least a central orifice; a plurality of ancillary orifices; an at least a seating member; a plurality of mounting orifices; an at least a sealing member accommodating member; and a second plurality of mechanisms.
Said at least one central orifice is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) said at least one seating member. A top face of said at least one central orifice is slightly offset, from a top face of said plurality of ancillary orifices.
Said plurality of ancillary orifices is also disposed on (or is also disposed at, or is also associated with) said at least one seating member. Said plurality of ancillary orifices facilitates fluid flow.
Said at least one seating member facilitates disposing of said at least one fluid flow facilitating member, while said plurality of mounting orifices facilitates disposing (or mounting, or retrofitting) of said apparatus.
Said at least one sealing member accommodating member is configured to accommodate said at least one sealing member.
Said second plurality of mechanisms facilitates disposing of (or mounting of) said at least one sanctuary facilitating member, on (or at) said apparatus. Alternatively, said second plurality of mechanisms facilitates associating of said at least one sanctuary facilitating member with said apparatus.
Said plurality of ancillary orifices is covered, by said at least one fluid flow facilitating member, in a closed position. Said at least one fluid flow facilitating member is configured to open, when pressure exceeds a pre-defined pressure, to allow release of excess pressure, to the atmosphere.
The disclosed apparatus offers at least the following advantages: protects, against ingress of external agents (IP67); facilitates release of hot gases and excess pressure, to the atmosphere; increases safety; prevents fire hazards and explosions; is simple in construction; and is cost-effective. Thus, with the disclosed apparatus, vehicles can be washed with water, in a safe manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view, of an apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an at least an enfolding member, of an apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5 illustrate an at least a sanctuary facilitating member, of an apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates a closed position, of an apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates an open position, of an apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 illustrates a water jet hitting an apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 illustrates dimensions, of an apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 10 illustrates a prototype, of an apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, and “including”, may imply the inclusion of an element (or elements) not specifically recited. Further, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied, in various other forms, as well.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “apparatus” is to be construed as: “a set of technical components (also referred to as “members”) that are communicatively and/or operably associated with each other, and function together as part of a mechanism, to achieve a desired technical result”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “communication”, “couple”, and their variations (such as communicatively), is to be construed as being inclusive of: one-way communication (or coupling); and two-way communication (or coupling), as the case may be, irrespective of the directions of arrows in the drawings.
Throughout this specification, where applicable, the use of the phrase “at least” is to be construed in association with the suffix “one” i.e. it is to be read along with the suffix “one”, as “at least one”, which is used in the meaning of “one or more”. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the phrase “at least one” is a standard term that is used, in Patent Specifications, to denote any component of a disclosure, which may be present (or disposed) in a single quantity, or more than a single quantity.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “plurality” is to be construed as being inclusive of: “at least one”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “vehicle” is to be construed as being inclusive of: “Battery-Powered Electric Vehicles”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “power source” is to be construed as being inclusive of: “Battery (or Batteries)”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “bulwarking”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “shielding; guarding; protecting; safeguarding; and/or the like” (for example, against external agents and/or short circuiting).
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “external agents” is to be construed as being inclusive of: “dust, water, and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “enfolding”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “covering”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “hasping”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “Fastening”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “sanctuary” is to be construed as: “protection; safety; accommodation; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the words “the” and “said” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, the phrases “at least a”, “at least an”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably.
Also, it is to be noted that embodiments may be described as a method. Although the operations, in a method, are described as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A method may be terminated, when its operations are completed, but may also have additional steps.
An apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source (also referred to as “apparatus” or “retrofittable apparatus”) is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated, in Figure 1, said apparatus broadly comprises: an at least an enfolding member (1; for example, a cover); an at least a fluid flow facilitating member (2; for example, an umbrella valve); a plurality of hasping members (3; for example, fasteners); an at least a sanctuary facilitating member (4; for example, a housing); and an at least a sealing member (5; for example, a gasket). Said apparatus also comprises an at least a case (6; for example, a battery box case).
The at least one enfolding member (1) is configured to enfold the apparatus. As illustrated, in Figure 2, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one enfolding member (1) broadly comprises a first plurality of mechanisms (8; for example, snap fitting provisions).
The first plurality of mechanisms (8) facilitates disposing of (or mounting of) said at least one enfolding member (1), on (or at) said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4). Alternatively, the first plurality of mechanisms (8) facilitates associating of said at least one enfolding member (1) with said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4).
The at least one enfolding member (1) also comprises an at least an overhanging member (7). The at least one overhanging member (7) protects said apparatus, against debris and other external agents.
The plurality of hasping members (3) facilitates disposing of (or mounting of) said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4), on (or at) said at least one case (6). Alternatively, the plurality of hasping members (3) facilitates associating of said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) with said at least one case (6).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one enfolding member (1) is made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) is configured to be cylindrical. As illustrated, in Figure 3, the at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) broadly comprises: an at least a central orifice (10; for example, a central hole); a plurality of ancillary orifices (9; for example, ancillary holes); an at least a seating member (11); and a plurality of mounting orifices (12; for example, mounting holes).
The at least one central orifice (10) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) the at least one seating member (11). The at least one seating member (11) facilitates disposing of the at least one fluid flow facilitating member (2). A top face of the at least one central orifice (10) is slightly offset, from a top face of the plurality of ancillary orifices (9), to increase sealing force.
The plurality of ancillary orifices (9) is also disposed on (or is also disposed at, or is also associated with) the at least one seating member (11). The plurality of ancillary orifices (9) facilitates fluid flow. The top face of the plurality of ancillary orifices (9) comprises a smooth surface finish.
The plurality of mounting orifices (12) facilitates disposing (or mounting, or retrofitting) of said apparatus. The plurality of mounting orifices (12) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) the at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4), at an outer periphery of the at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one seating member (11) broadly comprises the at least one central orifice (10) and the plurality of ancillary orifices (9).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated, in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) also comprises: a second plurality of mechanisms (14; for example, snap fitting provisions); and an at least a sealing member accommodating member (13).
The at least one sealing member accommodating member (13) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) the at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4), at a bottom surface of the at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4). The at least one sealing member accommodating member (13) is configured to accommodate the at least one sealing member (5).
The second plurality of mechanisms (14) facilitates disposing of (or mounting of) said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4), on (or at) said apparatus. Alternatively, the second plurality of mechanisms (14) facilitates associating of said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) with said apparatus.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) is made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) is made of aluminium.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one fluid flow facilitating member (2) is made of silicone rubber, and may be of any suitable type known in the art. As illustrated, in Figure 6, in a closed position, the at least one fluid flow facilitating member (2) covers the plurality of ancillary orifices (9).
When pressure exceeds a pre-defined pressure (for example, about 4.5 mbar, for a power source comprising about 200 cells (of 21700 type)), the at least one fluid flow facilitating member (2) is configured to open (as illustrated, in Figure 7), to allow release of excess pressure, to the atmosphere. Once the excess pressure is released, to the atmosphere, the at least one fluid flow facilitating member (2) is configured to return, to the closed position, thereby, covering the plurality of ancillary orifices (9).
The disclosed apparatus was tested, through a water ingress test. There was no water ingress, during the test. Figure 8 illustrates a water jet hitting the apparatus.
Figure 9 illustrates dimensions of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, while Figure 10 illustrates a prototype of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the apparatus and its various components may be made of any suitable materials known in the art. Likewise, a person skilled in the art will also appreciate the fact that the configurations of the apparatus and its various components may be varied, based on requirements.
The disclosed apparatus offers at least the following advantages: protects, against ingress of external agents (IP67); facilitates release of hot gases and excess pressure, to the atmosphere; increases safety; prevents fire hazards and explosions; is simple in construction; and is cost-effective (costs about Rs. 350, which is about 70% less, when compared with commercially available products). Thus, with the disclosed apparatus, vehicles can be washed with water, in a safe manner.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements, without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure, may be made, by a person skilled in the art. Such modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements should be construed as being within the scope of this disclosure.  
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
1 - At Least One Enfolding Member
2 - At Least One Fluid Flow Facilitating Member
3 - Plurality of Hasping Members
4 - At Least One Sanctuary Facilitating Member
5 - At Least One Sealing Member
6 - At Least One Case
7 - At Least One Overhanging Member
8 - First Plurality of Mechanisms
9 - Plurality of Ancillary Orifices
10 - At Least One Central Orifice
11 - At Least One Seating Member
12 - Plurality of Mounting Orifices
13 - At Least One Sealing Member Accommodating Member
14 - Second Plurality of Mechanisms
, Claims:1. A retrofittable apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, said apparatus comprising:
an at least an enfolding member (1) that is configured to enfold said apparatus, said at least one enfolding member (1) comprising:
a first plurality of mechanisms (8) that facilitates associating of said at least one enfolding member (1) with an at least a sanctuary facilitating member (4); and
an at least an overhanging member (7) that protects said apparatus, against debris and other external agents;
a plurality of hasping members (3) that facilitates associating of said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) with an at least a case (6);
said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) that comprises:
an at least a central orifice (10) that is associated with an at least a seating member (11);
a plurality of ancillary orifices (9) that is associated with said at least one seating member (11), said plurality of ancillary orifices (9) facilitating fluid flow;
said at least one seating member (11) that facilitates disposing of an at least a fluid flow facilitating member (2);
a plurality of mounting orifices (12) that facilitates disposing of said apparatus;
an at least a sealing member accommodating member (13) that is configured to accommodate an at least a sealing member (5); and
a second plurality of mechanisms (14) that facilitates associating of said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) with said apparatus; and
said at least one fluid flow facilitating member (2), with:
said plurality of ancillary orifices (9) being covered, by said at least one fluid flow facilitating member (2), in a closed position; and
said at least one fluid flow facilitating member (2) being configured to open, when pressure exceeds a pre-defined pressure, to allow release of excess pressure, to the atmosphere.
2. The retrofittable apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said at least one enfolding member (1) is made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
3. The retrofittable apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) is made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.
4. The retrofittable apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) is made of aluminium.
5. The retrofittable apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein: said at least one sanctuary facilitating member (4) is configured to be cylindrical.
6. The retrofittable apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said at least one fluid flow facilitating member (2) is made of silicone rubber.
7. The retrofittable apparatus for bulwarking of a vehicle power source, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said pre-defined pressure is 4.5 mbar, for a power source comprising 200 cells, said cells being of 21700 type.