Description:AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OF A VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The present invention, in particular, relates to an exhaust manifold for internal combustion engine of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Multi-cylinder engines are capable of generating power that is utilized for various purposes, such as for accelerating automobiles. A multi-cylinder engine includes multiple cylinders, such as four cylinders, six cylinders and eight cylinders. Each cylinder of the multiple cylinders includes intake ports and exhaust ports. The intake ports are adapted to intake fresh air, fuel or a combination thereof into the multiple cylinders for enabling a combustion process inside the multiple cylinders in order to generate the power. After combustion process, residual gas is produced, which is released out through the exhaust ports of the multiple cylinders. More particularly, each of the exhaust ports is connected to an exhaust pipe of the multi-cylinder engine via an exhaust manifold for guiding the residual gas out of the multi-cylinder engines.
[0003] The exhaust manifold collects the residual gas from the exhaust ports and delivers it to the exhaust pipe of the multi-cylinder engine. Generally, the exhaust manifold includes multiple ports and an outlet. The multiple ports are coupled to the outlet to configure the exhaust manifold. Coupling between the multiple ports and the outlet is in such a manner that the multiple ports are perpendicular with respect to the outlet.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an exhaust manifold in accordance with the existing art. The structure of exhaust manifold 100 has a top member 101 and a bottom member 102. The top member 101 has a first end 101a defining outlet top portion and a second end 101b defining a first port 103 top portion, a second port 104 top portion, a third port 105 top portion and a fourth port 106 top portion. The first port 103 top portion, the second port 104 top portion, the third port 105 top portion and the fourth port 106 top portion are spaced apart. The first end 101a of the top member 101 has a first extended portion 101c. Similarly, the second end 101b of the top member 101 has a second extended portion 101d.
[0005] The bottom member 102 has a first end 102a defining outlet bottom portion and a second end 102b defining a first port 103 bottom portion, a second port 104 bottom portion, a third port 105 bottom portion and a fourth port 106 bottom portion. The first port 103 bottom portion, the second port 104 bottom portion, the third port 105 bottom portion and the fourth port 106 bottom portion are spaced apart. The first end 102a of the bottom member 102 has a first extended portion 102c. Similarly, the second end 102b of the bottom member 102 has a second extended portion 102d. In an aspect, the top member 101 of the exhaust manifold 100 is complementary to the bottom member 102 of the exhaust manifold 100.
[0006] The top member 101 of the exhaust manifold 100 is attached with the bottom member 102 of the exhaust manifold 100 to define the structure of the exhaust manifold 100. To attach the top member 101 with the bottom member 102 of the exhaust manifold, the first extended portion 101c of the top member 101 is attached with the first extended portion 102c of the bottom member 102 forming a lap joint. Similarly, the second extended portion 101d of the top member 101 is attached with the second extended portion 102d of the bottom member 102 forming a lap joint.
[0007] While in operation, the exhaust manifold 100 is subjected to intense heat. In addition, the exhaust manifold 100 is subjected to considerable expansion and contraction due to due to frequent heating up and cooling down of the exhaust manifold 100. This may result in development of cracks on the exhaust manifold 100.
[0008] Region between the second port 104 and the third port 105 is a potential vulnerable region as cracks are often developed in this region. The vulnerable region is mainly in the vicinity of lap joint formed between the second extended portion 101d of the top member 101 and the second extended portion 102d of the bottom member 102.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for a solution to provide an exhaust manifold for internal combustion engine of a vehicle which can prevent development of cracks.

SUMMARY
[0010] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an exhaust manifold for internal combustion engine of a vehicle which can prevent development of cracks. 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.
[0011] The present subject matter relates to an exhaust manifold for internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The exhaust manifold comprises a top member and a bottom member. The top member has a first end defining outlet top portion and a second end defining a first port top portion, a second port top portion, a third port top portion, and a fourth port top portion spaced apart. The first end of the top member has a first extended portion along its length and the second end of the top member has a second extended portion in between the adjacent ports. The bottom member has a first end defining outlet bottom portion and a second end defining a first port bottom portion, a second port bottom portion, a third port bottom portion, and a fourth port bottom portion spaced apart. The first end of the bottom member has a first extended portion along its length and the second end of the bottom member has a second extended portion in between the adjacent ports. The top member is attached with the bottom member to define the structure of the exhaust manifold. The first extended portion of the top member is attached with the first extended portion of the bottom member forming a lap joint and the second extended portion provided in between the adjacent port portions of the top member is attached with the second extended portion provided in between the adjacent port portions of the bottom member forming an edge joint resulting in web shaped outline.
[0012] In an aspect, the top member and the bottom member are complementary to each other.
[0013] In an aspect, the second extended portion of the bottom member is greater than the second extended portion of the top member.
[0014] In an aspect, overlapping area between the second extended portion of the top member and the second extended portion of the bottom member is minimum in vertex region of the web shaped outline between the second port and the third port.
[0015] In an aspect, overlapping area between the second extended portion of the top member and the second extended portion of the bottom member is maximum in middle region of the web shaped outline between the second port and the third port.
[0016] In an aspect, overlapping area in extremity region is less than the overlapping area in middle region of the web shaped outline.
[0017] In an aspect, overlapping area in extremity region is more than the overlapping area in vertex region of the web shaped outline.
[0018] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0019] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0020] The illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an exhaust manifold in accordance with the existing art;
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates exploded view of an exemplary exhaust manifold that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates section view of vulnerable region in the exhaust manifold that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates bottom view of vulnerable region in the exhaust manifold that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0025] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily 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
[0026] A few aspects of the present disclosure are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Example implementations are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows.
Definitions
[0027] In the disclosure hereinafter, one or more terms are used to describe various aspects of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, a few definitions are provided herein for better understating of the present disclosure.
[0028] “Vulnerable Region” may be defined, in context of the disclosure, as the region on the exhaust manifold which has more possibility to develop cracking. In the present disclose, the vulnerable region exists between the second port and the third port is considered.
[0029] “Lap Joint” may be defined, in context of the disclosure, as a joint formed by placing one edge over the other edge.
[0030] “Edge Joint” may be defined, in context of the disclosure, as a joint formed by placing the edges side by side.

EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS
[0031] While the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. Not all of the depicted components described in this disclosure may be required, however, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components from those expressly described in this disclosure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the claims as set forth herein.
[0032] Exhaust manifold of a vehicle has vulnerable regions wherein cracks may develop because of considerable expansion and contraction due to frequent heating up and cooling down of the exhaust manifold.
[0033] The cracks developed in the exhaust manifold may create several problems including:
• Venting exhaust gases under the hood, rather than being sent downstream through an exhaust pipe. This may damage plastic components in the engine bay. This may also become a health hazard, as the exhaust fumes can enter the passenger cabin.
• Affecting engine performance.
[0034] In order to prevent development of cracks in the exhaust manifold, a robust exhaust manifold may be utilized. The exhaust manifold is described in more detail below.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates exploded view of an exemplary exhaust manifold that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The exhaust manifold 200 comprises a top member 201 and a bottom member 202. The top member 201 has a first end 201a defining outlet top portion and a second end 201b defining a first port 203 top portion, a second port 204 top portion, a third port 205 top portion and a fourth port 206 top portion. The first port 203 top portion, the second top 204 port portion, the third port 205 top portion and the fourth port 206 top portion are spaced apart. The first end 201a of the top member 201 has a first extended portion 201c. Similarly, the second end 201b of the top member 201 has a second extended portion 201d in between the adjacent ports.
[0036] The bottom member 202 has a first end 202a defining outlet bottom portion and a second end 202b defining a first port 203 bottom portion, a second port 204 bottom portion, a third port 205 bottom portion and a fourth port 206 bottom portion. The first port 203 bottom portion, the second port 204 bottom portion, the third port 205 bottom portion and the fourth port 206 bottom portion are spaced apart. The first end 202a of the bottom member 202 has a first extended portion 202c. Similarly, the second end 202b of the bottom member 202 has a second extended portion 202d in between the adjacent ports. In an aspect, the top member 201 of the exhaust manifold 200 is complementary to the bottom member 202 of the exhaust manifold 200.
[0037] The top member 201 of the exhaust manifold 200 is attached with the bottom member 202 of the exhaust manifold 200 to define the structure of the exhaust manifold and creating an exhaust gases passage. To attach the top member 201 with the bottom member 202 of the exhaust manifold 200, the first extended portion 201a of the top member 201 is attached with the first extended portion 202a of the bottom member 202 forming a lap joint.
[0038] Since the vulnerable region is mainly in the vicinity of lap joint formed between the second extended portion 201d of the top member 201 and the second extended portion 202d of the bottom member 202, the second extended portion 201d of the top member 201 is attached with the second extended portion 202d of the bottom member 202 forming an edge joint.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates section view of vulnerable region in the exhaust manifold that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The top member 201 of the exhaust manifold 200 attached to the bottom member 202 of the exhaust manifold 200 is shown. The first extended portion 201c of the top member 201 is forming a lap joint with the first extended portion 202c of the bottom member 202. The second extended portion 201d of the top member 201 is forming the edge joint with the second extended portion 202d of the bottom member 202. The lap joint is formed by placing the first extended portions 201c, 202c of the top member 201 and the bottom member 202, one above the other. The edge joint is formed by placing the second extended portions 201d, 202d of the top member 201 and the bottom member 202 side by side. The second extended portion 201d of the top member 201 is greater than the second extended portion 202d of the bottom member 202. Thus, the edge joint in the vulnerable region form web shaped outline. The web shaped outline is shown in FIG. 4.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates bottom view of vulnerable region in the exhaust manifold that can be utilized to implement one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The web shaped outline 400 has a parabolic profile. The parabolic profile of the web shaped outline 400 ensures tool access easily. The second extended portion 202d of the bottom member 202 is greater than the second extended portion 201d of the top member 201. This result in variable overlapping area among different portions of the web shaped outline.
[0041] Regions of the web shaped profile can be categorized in three categories, i.e., vertex region 400a, middle region 400b and extremity region 400c. The vertex region 400a is converging region of the web shaped outline 400 between the second port 204 and the third port 205. The extremity region 400c is the diverging region of the web shaped outline 400 between the second port 204 and the third port 205. The middle region 400b is in between the vertex region 400a and the extremity region 400c.
[0042] The overlapping area between the second extended portion 201d of the top member 201 and the second extended portion 202d of the bottom member 202 is minimum in vertex region 400a of the web shaped outline 400.
[0043] The overlapping area between the second extended portion 201d of the top member 201 and the second extended portion 202d of the bottom member 202 is maximum in middle region 400b of the web shaped outline 400.
[0044] The overlapping area in extremity region 400c is less than the overlapping area in middle region 400b of the web shaped outline 400.
[0045] The overlapping area in extremity region 400c is more than the overlapping area in vertex region 400a of the web shaped outline 400.
[0046] The web shaped outline 400 formed between the second port 204 and the third port 205 is capable of efficiently distributing stress in the vulnerable region and preventing any stress concentration. Stress in the vertex region 400a is cater by keeping the overlapping area between the second extended portion 201d of the top member 201 and the second extended portion 202d of the bottom member 202 minimum. In the middle region 400b, stress concentration is prevented by maximizing the overlapping area between the second extended portion 201d of the top member 201 and the second extended portion 202d of the bottom member 202.
[0047] In the extremity region 400c, stress concentration is prevented by providing overlapping area less than the overlapping area in the middle region 400b of the web shaped outline 400. Also, in the extremity region 400c, stress concentration is prevented by providing overlapping area more than the overlapping area in the vertex region 400a of the web shaped outline 400.
ADVANTAGES
[0048] The proposed exhaust manifold prevents development of cracks in the vulnerable region between the second port and the third port by creating an edge joint between the second extended portion of the top member and the second extended portion of the bottom member. Further, stress concentration in the vulnerable region is prevented by varying overlapping area of the web shaped outline.
[0049] The above description does not provide specific details of the manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.
[0050] Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. An exhaust manifold (200) for internal combustion engine of a vehicle, the exhaust manifold (200) comprises:
a top member (201) having a first end (201a) defining outlet top portion and a second end (201b) defining a first port (203) top portion, a second port (204) top portion, a third port (205) top portion, and a fourth port (206) top portion spaced apart, wherein the first end (201a) of the top member (201) has a first extended portion (201c) along its length and the second end (201b) of the top member (201) has a second extended portion (201d) in between the adjacent ports; and
a bottom member (202) having a first end (202a) defining outlet bottom portion and a second end (202b) defining a first port (203) bottom portion, a second port (204) bottom portion, a third port (205) bottom portion, and a fourth port (206) bottom portion spaced apart, the first end (202a) of the bottom member (202) has a first extended portion (202c) along its length and the second end (202b) of the bottom member (202) has a second extended portion (202d) in between the adjacent ports,
wherein the top member (201) is attached with the bottom member (202) to define the structure of the exhaust manifold (200); and
wherein the first extended portion (201c) of the top member (201) is attached with the first extended portion (202a) of the bottom member (202) forming a lap joint and the second extended portion (201d) provided in between the adjacent port portions of the top member (201) is attached with the second extended portion (202d) provided in between the adjacent port portions of the bottom member (202) forming an edge joint resulting in web shaped outline (400).
2. The exhaust manifold (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top member (201) and the bottom member (202) are complementary to each other.
3. The exhaust manifold (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second extended portion (202d) of the bottom member (202) is greater than the second extended portion (201d) of the top member (201).
4. The exhaust manifold (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the web shaped outline (400) formed between adjacent ports have parabolic profile.
5. The exhaust manifold (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein overlapping area between the second extended portion (201d) of the top member (201) and the second extended portion (202d) of the bottom member (202) is minimum in vertex region (400a) of the web shaped outline (400) between the second port (204) and the third port (205).
6. The exhaust manifold (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein overlapping area between the second extended portion (201d) of the top member (201) and the second extended portion (202d) of the bottom member (202) is maximum in middle region (400b) of the web shaped outline (400) between the second port (204) and the third port (205).
7. The exhaust manifold (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein overlapping area in extremity region (400c) is less than the overlapping area in middle region (400b) of the web shaped outline (400).

8. The exhaust manifold (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the overlapping area in extremity region (400c) is more than the overlapping area in vertex region (400a) of the web shaped outline (400).