Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

“AN EXTERNAL FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF SUPPLYING FUEL FROM THE SAME”

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and more particularly to an external fuel supply system and a method of supplying fuel from the external fuel supply system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Generally, most of the vehicles are checked before being delivered to the customer. A pre-delivery inspection (PDI) ensures that a newly bought vehicle is ready for the road and safe to drive before handing it over to the customer. One of the pre-delivery inspections involves starting the vehicle so as to test the working of the engine. To start the engine, fuel has to be supplied to the engine. In case fuel is filled in the fuel tank for supplying the fuel to the engine, some amount of fuel would be left in the fuel tank or in fuel pump of the vehicle. During storage, some classes of hydrocarbons in fuel, particularly olefins and diolefins, slowly react with oxygen and form oxidation products that are hazardous to the vehicle. Attempts to remove the fuel from the fuel tank after the pre-delivery inspection have been un-successful.

[003] Attempts to supply fuel to the vehicle from an external fuel supply system have faced problems in terms of fuel spillage around the various components of the vehicle, which requires thorough cleaning thereafter. Thus, there exists a need to address one or more disadvantages as mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[005] In one aspect of the invention, an external fuel supply system is provided, the external fuel supply system comprises: a container for storing fuel; a pump adapted to supply the fuel from the container to a predetermined part of a vehicle via a fuel forward path; an actuatable control mechanism adapted to selectively enable or disable flow of fuel through a fuel return path present between the fuel forward path and the container.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuatable control mechanism is at least one of a manually actuatable control mechanism, an electrically actuatable control mechanism, and a pneumatically actuatable control mechanism.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the pump is at least one of an immersible typeor a non-immersible type.

[008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the container and the actuatable control mechanism are integrated as a single element.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, the external fuel supply system comprises a fuel flow supporting mechanism connecting the pump to the predetermined part of the vehicle via a fuel forward path; the fuel flow supporting mechanism including a fuel return path connected between an intermediate portion of the fuel forward path and the container.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel flow supporting mechanism and the actuatable control mechanism are integrated as a single element.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the fuel flow supporting mechanism and the actuatable control mechanism are two separate elements and are coupled to one another.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the fuel flow supporting mechanism comprises a tubing set comprising a first tube connected to the pump, a second tube connected to the predetermined part of the vehicle, a third tube connected to the container, and an interconnection member interconnecting the first tube, the second tube and the third tube so as to form atleast one of a “T” junction and a “Y” junction. The first tube, the second tube and the interconnection member form the fuel forward path of the external fuel supply system whereas the third tube and interconnection member form the fuel return path of the external fuel supply system.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, a method of supplying fuel from an external fuel supply system to a vehicle during testing is provided. According to the method, an external fuel supply system is connected to a predetermined part of a vehicle, the external fuel supply system comprising: a container for storing fuel; a pump adapted to supply the fuel from the container to the predetermined part of a vehicle via a fuel forward path; and an actuatable control mechanism adapted to selectively enable or disable flow of fuel through a fuel return path is present between the fuel forward path and the container; after that, the pump is operated so as to supply the fuel from the container to the predetermined part of the vehicle; then the operation of the pump is stopped; the actuatable control mechanism is then operated so as to selectively enable or disable flow of fuel through a fuel return path present between the fuel forward path and the container; and subsequently, the external fuel supply system is disconnected from the predetermined part of the vehicle.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the predetermined part of the vehicle is a fuel injection system and/or a carburettor.

[0015] Advantages of invention are that the pre-delivery inspection can be performed without filling fuel in the fuel tank of the vehicle. Thus, the aspect of formation of oxidation products that are hazardous to the vehicle is totally avoided. Also, there is no need to remove the fuel from the fuel tank after the pre-delivery inspection.

[0016] In an aspect of the invention, the predetermined part of the vehicle is a fuel injection system which requires a high pressure fuel supply system to operate. The external fuel supply system of the present invention does not face problems in terms of fuel spillage around the various components of the vehicle while removing or disconnecting the external fuel supply system. The external fuel supply system allows the pressurized fuel to return to the container using the actuatable control mechanism before being disconnected from the predetermined part after the testing of the vehicle has been completed. Thus, the need to cleaning the vehicular components is totally avoided. All the aforesaid aspects lead to a substantial reduction in the amount of time in performing the pre-delivery inspection. Also, the fuel loss is substantially reduced which leads to various economic advantages.

[0017] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0018] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a view of a first side of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the external fuel supply system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a view of the external fuel supply system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having an immersible type pump;

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a view of the external fuel supply system, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention having a non-immersible type pump;

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the frame structure of the vehicle wherein a tubing set for coupling the external fuel supply system to the predetermined part is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0025] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0026] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0027] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0029] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0030] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0032] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0033] 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 Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0034] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, external fuel supply system and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two-wheeled vehicle” and “scooter” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of a vehicle (10) constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle referred to herein, embodies a motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (10) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as scooters, three-wheeled vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0037] The vehicle (10) comprises a front end structure (12), a rear end structure (14), and a footboard (16). The front end structure (12) forms the front portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The footboard (16) lies between the front end structure (12) and the rear end structure (14). The footboard (16) provides footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (10).

[0038] Further, the front end structure (12) may further comprise additional components such as dash assembly (such as LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI), etc.), mirror/s, head lamp/s, front fender/s, etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0039] The vehicle (10) comprises a front ground engaging member (18), a rear ground engaging member (46) and a steering mechanism (20). The front ground engaging member (18) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (20) via front fork (24). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (18) and the rear ground engaging member (46) embodies a wheel.

[0040] The vehicle comprises a head pipe (22) supporting the front fork (24) in a steerable manner. A main frame (26) is connected to the head pipe (22) and the main frame (26) extends in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10).The vehicle (10) comprises a first seat frame (28) disposed on a first side of the main frame (26). The first seat frame (28) extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10).

[0041] The vehicle (10) further comprises a front cover (34) disposed to cover the head pipe (22) and at least a part of the front fork (24); and a leg shield (36) connected to the front cover (34), so as to cover feet of passenger from a front side. The vehicle (10) further comprises a first front side cover (38) extending in a rearward direction so as to cover a first side of the main frame (26). The vehicle (10) further comprises a first rear side cover (42) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle so as to at least partially cover the first seat frame (28).

[0042] It may be noted that the vehicle (10) is shown to have included above stated parts, however those ordinarily skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle (10) may include other parts such as, battery, torque rod etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0043] The main frame (26) supports the engine (not shown) in middle portion of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the engine (not shown) provides necessary power required to drive the rear ground engaging member (46) of the vehicle (10). Alternatively, the engine (not shown) may provide necessary power to the drive the front ground engaging member (18), or both the front ground engaging member (18) and the rear ground engaging member (46) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the invention. The rear ground engaging member (46) is linked to the engine (not shown) through a transmission mechanism (not numbered). The front ground engaging member (18) of the vehicle (10) is connected to the main frame (26) through a suspension system.

[0044] The main frame (26) supports a seat (32) which extends from middle portion towards a rear portion of the vehicle (10). The seat (32) provides seating for a rider and / or a passenger of the vehicle (10). A fuel tank (not shown) is provided which is necessary to transfer fuel to the engine (not shown) to generate power within the vehicle (10).

[0045] The front fork (24) rotatably enables free steering of the vehicle. The front fork (24) supports the front ground engaging member (18) at lower end thereof and the handlebar (not shown) at upper end thereof. The front ground engaging member (18) is covered from above by the front fender (48). The rear ground engaging member (46) is covered from above by the rear fender (50). The tail lamp (52) is mounted on the rear fender (50).

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a perspective view of the external fuel supply system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The external fuel supply system (100) can be connected to a predetermined part (best seen in Figure 6) of the vehicle (10) while performing the pre-delivery inspection and more particularly for testing the working of the engine (not shown) during the pre-delivery inspection. The external fuel supply system (100) stores and supplies necessary fuel to the engine (not shown) to generate power within the vehicle (10).The external fuel supply system (100) comprises a container (102) for storing fuel. The container (102) is a hollow body configured to store fuel required by the engine (not shown) to power the vehicle (10).

[0047] Referring to Figure 3, there is illustrated a view of the external fuel supply system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The external fuel supply system further comprises a pump (104) adapted to supply the fuel from the container (102) to a predetermined part (103) (best seen in Figure 6) of a vehicle (10) via a fuel forward path (112). The pump (104) includes a motor member (not shown) which has a rotor which rotates relative to a stator when electrically energized by an external source, a pump member (not shown) which is rotatingly driven by the motor member to perform sucking and delivering of fuel.

[0048] The external fuel supply system further comprises an actuatable control mechanism (118) adapted to selectively enable or disable flow of fuel through a fuel return path (108) present between the fuel forward path (112) and the container (102).

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuatable control mechanism (118) is at least one of a manually actuatable control mechanism, an electrically actuatable control mechanism, and a pneumatically actuatable control mechanism (118). In an embodiment of the invention, the actuatable control mechanism (118) can be a flow control valve that is manually actuatable, an electrically actuatable or pneumatically actuatable to selectively allow flow of fuel through the fuel return path (108).

[0050] Referring to the Figure 3 and Figure 4, in an embodiment of the invention, the pump (104) is at least one of an immersible type or a non-immersible type. In an embodiment of the invention, the container (102) and the actuatable control mechanism (106) are integrated as a single element.

[0051] The external fuel supply system (100) further comprises a fuel flow supporting mechanism (106) connecting the pump (104) to the predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10) via a fuel forward path (112); the fuel flow supporting mechanism (106) including a fuel return path (108) connected between an intermediate portion (116) of the fuel forward path (112) and the container (102).

[0052] In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel flow supporting mechanism (106) and the actuatable control mechanism (118) are integrated as a single element. In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel flow supporting mechanism (106) and the actuatable control mechanism (118) are two separate elements and are coupled to one another.

[0053] Referring to Figure 5, there is illustrated a perspective view of the frame structure of the vehicle wherein a tubing set for coupling the external fuel supply system to the predetermined part is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The fuel flow supporting mechanism (106) comprises a tubing set (200) for coupling the external fuel supply system (100) to the predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10). The tubing set (200) comprises a first tube (202) connected to the pump (104), a second tube (204) connected to the predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10), a third tube (206) connected to the container (102) and an interconnection member (208) interconnecting the first tube (202), the second tube (204) and the third tube (206) so as to form atleast one of a “T” junction and a “Y” junction. The first tube (202), the second tube (204) and the interconnection member (208) form the fuel forward path (112) of the external fuel supply system (100) whereas the third tube (206) and the interconnection member (208) form the fuel return path (108) of the external fuel supply system (100).

[0054] The present disclosure further provides a method of supplying fuel from the external fuel supply system (100) to the vehicle (10) during testing. According to the method, an external fuel supply system (100) is connected to a predetermined part (103) of a vehicle (10), the external fuel supply system (100) comprising: a container (102) for storing fuel; a pump (104) adapted to supply the fuel from the container (102) to the predetermined part (103) of a vehicle (10) via a fuel forward path (112); and an actuatable control mechanism (118) adapted to selectively enable or disable flow of fuel through a fuel return path (108) is present between the fuel forward path (112) and the container (102); after that, the pump (104) is operated so as to supply the fuel from the container (102) to the predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10); then the operation of the pump (104) is stopped; the actuatable control mechanism (118) is then operated so as to selectively enable or disable flow of fuel through a fuel return path (108) present between the fuel forward path (112) and the container (102); and subsequently, the external fuel supply system (100) is disconnected from the predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10).

[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10) is selected from a group comprising a fuel injection system and/or a carburetor.

[0056] One advantage of providing an external fuel supply system is that it eliminates the need to fill fuel in the fuel tank (factory fitted) for pre-delivery inspection. Thus, there is no need to remove the fuel from the fuel tank after the pre-delivery inspection. Also, the internal fuel supply system is protected from problems such as fuel gumming, coagulation etc.

[0057] Also, by providing the external fuel supply system as disclosed in the present invention, the problem of spillage while removing or disconnecting the external fuel supply system is also addressed. Especially, it can be observed that actuatable control mechanism (118) that selectively provides the fuel return path (108) between the fuel forward path (112) and the container (102), any fuel which has been withdrawn by the pump (and not supplied to the predetermined part of the vehicle) is directed back to the container (102) and thus, chances of fuel spillage can be completely avoided.

[0058] Thus, the need to cleaning the vehicular components is totally avoided. All the aforesaid aspects lead to a substantial reduction in the amount of time in performing the pre-delivery inspection. Also, the fuel loss is substantially reduced which leads to various economic advantages.

[0059] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0060] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

[0061] Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. An external fuel supply system (100), comprising:
a container (102) for storing fuel;
a pump (104) adapted to supply the fuel from the container (102) to a predetermined part (103) of a vehicle (10) via a fuel forward path (112);
an actuatable control mechanism (118) adapted to selectively enable or disable flow of fuel through a fuel return path (108) present between the fuel forward path (112) and the container (102).

2. The external fuel supply system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuatable control mechanism (118) is at least one of a manually actuatable control mechanism, an electrically actuatable control mechanism, and a pneumatically actuatable control mechanism (118).

3. The external fuel supply system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pump (104) is at least one of an immersible type or a non-immersible type.

4. The external fuel supply system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container (102) and the actuatable control mechanism (118) are integrated as a single element.

5. The external fuel supply system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a fuel flow supporting mechanism (106) connecting the pump (104) to the predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10) via a fuel forward path (112); the fuel flow supporting mechanism (106) including a fuel return path (108) connected between an intermediate portion (116) of the fuel forward path (112) and the container (102).

6. The external fuel supply system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fuel flow supporting mechanism (106) and the actuatable control mechanism (118) are integrated as a single element.

7. The external fuel supply system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fuel flow supporting mechanism (106) and the actuatable control mechanism (118) are two separate elements and are coupled to one another.

8. The external fuel supply system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fuel flow supporting mechanism (106) comprises a tubing set (200) comprising a first tube (202) connected to the pump (104), a second tube (204) connected to the predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10), a third tube (206) connected to the container (102), and an interconnection member (208) interconnecting the first tube (202), the second tube (204) and the third tube (206) so as to form atleast one of a “T” junction and a “Y” junction;
and the first tube (202), the second tube (204) and at least a portion of the interconnection member (208) form the fuel forward path (112) of the external fuel supply system (100);
and the third tube (206) and at least a portion of the interconnection member (208) form the fuel return path (108) of the external fuel supply system (100).

9. A method of supplying fuel from an external fuel supply system (100) to a vehicle (10) during testing, said method comprises:
connecting an external fuel supply system (100) to a predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10), the external fuel supply system (100)comprising: a container (102) for storing fuel;a pump (104) adapted to supply the fuel from the container (102) to the predetermined part (103) of a vehicle (10) via a fuel forward path (112); and an actuatable control mechanism (118) adapted to selectively enable or disable flow of fuel through a fuel return path (108) present between the fuel forward path (112) and the container (102);
operating the pump (104) so as to supply the fuel from the container (102) to the predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10);
stopping operation of the pump (104);
operating the actuatable control mechanism (118) so as to selectively enable or disable flow of fuel through a fuel return path (108) present between the fuel forward path (112) and the container (102); and
disconnecting the external fuel supply system (100) from the predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10).

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the predetermined part (103) of the vehicle (10) is selected from a group comprising a fuel injection system and a carburettor.