Claims:We claim:
1. A cowlbox (200) in an automobile provided at front end for drainage and preventing entry of foreign elements, the cowlbox (200) is disposed at right hand side and left hand side below windshield at the front end, the cowlbox (200) comprising:
a horizontal surface (300) disposed along length of the automobile; and
a plurality of vertical surfaces (302) disposed along height of the automobile, at least one of the vertical surfaces (302) from the plurality of vertical surfaces (302) is disposed adjacent to longitudinal support member of the automobile, wherein the horizontal surface (300) and the plurality of vertical surfaces (302) combine to form a well to guide liquid to be drained,
characterized in that,
the cowlbox (200) defines a plurality of slits (202, 206), wherein
at least one of the plurality of slits (206) is defined along the horizontal surface (300) of the cowlbox (200).

2. The cowlbox (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of slits (202) is defined along the horizontal surface (300) and the vertical surface (302) of the cowlbox (200).

3. The cowlbox (200) as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein number of the plurality of slits (206) along the horizontal surface (300) are more than number of the plurality of slits (202) defined along the horizontal surface (300) and the vertical surface (302) of the cowlbox (200).

4. The cowlbox (200) as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein number of the plurality of slits (206) along the horizontal surface (300) are equal to number of the plurality of slits (202) defined along the horizontal surface (300) and the vertical surface (302) of the cowlbox (200).

5. The cowlbox (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of vertical surfaces (302) of the cowlbox (200) defines a step (308).

6. The cowlbox (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of the slits (202) defined along the plurality of vertical surfaces (302) of the cowlbox (200) extends along the length of the step (308).

7. The cowlbox (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of vertical surfaces (302) at an angle with the horizontal surface (300).

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The subject matter in general relates to cowlbox in an automobile. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to improving drainage in the cowlbox and preventing entry of foreign elements into the cowlbox.
BACKGROUND
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter.
[003] In a vehicle, such as an automobile, conventionally a cowl box is provided in the engine compartment. The cowlbox is configured to accumulate water during external environment condition like rain or during the wiping of the windshield. The water accumulated in the cowlbox is drained out using a drain hole provided in the cowlbox.
[004] Referring to FIG. 1, disclosed is a conventional cowlbox 100 disposed behind a strut assembly 104. The conventional cowlbox 100 defines a hole 102 that is used to drain the water collected in the conventional cowlbox 100. The hole 102 in the conventional cowlbox 100 may get clogged due to foreign elements for example, like plant leaf, thereby preventing the draining of the accumulated water. The water thus accumulated in the conventional cowlbox 100 may damage the ECU and other electrical components that are located close to the conventional cowlbox 100.
[005] The hole 102 in the conventional cowlbox 100 is defined such that the hole 102 is wider along the width of the vehicle and narrower along the length of the vehicle. During frontal impact along direction 106, due to the strut assembly 104 being stiffer, the hole 102 may start to crumple at the position 108, thereby carrying the impact towards the cabin area, causing unwanted risk to the passengers within the cabin.
[006] The presence of the hole 102 as shown in the conventional cowlbox 100 may allow foreign elements, for example, like rat or rodent, into the conventional cowlbox 100 through which they may enter into the cabin, which may cause nuisance to the occupants. To prevent this, an additional component, for example, like strainer or net, needs to be fitted at later stages so that the foreign elements do not enter the cabin.
[007] The hole 102 as shown in the conventional cowlbox 100 may also allow the unwanted noise to reach the cabin, thereby causing discomfort to the occupants of the vehicle and deteriorating the NVH within the cabin.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[008] In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the state of the art, some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[009] It is an object of the present disclosure to propose a cowlbox in an automobile for improving drainage performance.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to propose a cowlbox in an automobile for preventing entry of foreign elements into the cowlbox.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to propose a cowlbox in an automobile for improving the NVH levels within the cabin.
[0012] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to propose a cowlbox in an automobile for improving the strength of the vehicle around the cowlbox region during frontal impact.
[0013] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to propose a cowlbox in an automobile for draining the water even when there is clogging.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY
[0015] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to cowlbox. 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.
[0016] The subject matter of the present invention discloses a cowlbox in an automobile provided at front end for drainage and preventing entry of foreign elements. The cowlbox comprises a horizontal surface disposed along the length of the automobile and a plurality of vertical surfaces disposed along the height of the automobile. The horizontal surface and the plurality of vertical surfaces combine to form a well to guide liquid to be drained. The cowlbox defines a plurality of slits. At least one of the plurality of slits is defined along the horizontal surface of the cowlbox.
[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present subject matter, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural and other elements, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 discloses an isometric view of a conventional cowlbox 100;
[0020] FIG. 2 discloses an orthographic projection of a cowlbox 200, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 3 discloses an enhanced isometric view of slits 202 defined by the cowlbox 200, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0022] FIGs. 4a and 4b disclose another embodiment of the cowlbox 400 with a plurality of slits, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0023] 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
[0024] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0025] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “consisting” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0027] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0028] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0030] Referring to FIGs. 2 and 3, disclosed is a cowlbox 200 that may be provided in an automobile for improving drainage and preventing entry of foreign elements.
[0031] In an embodiment, the cowlbox 200 may define a horizontal surface 300 and a plurality of vertical surfaces 302. The horizontal surface 300 may be disposed along the length of the automobile. The length of the automobile is indicated using the arrow 204. The plurality of vertical surfaces 302 may be disposed along the height of the automobile.
[0032] The horizontal surface 300 and the plurality of vertical surfaces 302 define a well to guide liquid to be drained. The liquid, as an example, may be the water accumulated during external environment condition like rain or during the wiping of the windshield.
[0033] In an embodiment, the vertical surface 302 may be inclined at an angle towards the horizontal surface 300.
[0034] In an embodiment, the inclination of the vertical surface 302 may be towards the horizontal surface 300.
[0035] In an embodiment, the inclination of the vertical surface 302 may be away from the horizontal surface 300.
[0036] In an embodiment, the vertical surface 302 may be inclined perpendicularly to the horizontal surface 300.
[0037] In an embodiment, the cowlbox 200 may be provided at front end of the automobile for the drainage and preventing entry of foreign elements. The cowlbox 200 may be disposed towards either the right side, middle, left side or any other alternate position at the front end of the automobile.
[0038] The cowlbox 200 may define a plurality of slits 202, 206. At least one of the plurality of slits 206 may be defined along the horizontal surface 300 of the cowlbox 200.
[0039] In an embodiment, the at least one of the plurality of slits 202 may be defined along the along the horizontal surface 300 and the vertical surface 302 of the cowlbox 200.
[0040] In an embodiment, the plurality of slits 202 may be defined along the vertical surface 302 of the cowlbox 200 up to a predetermined height.
[0041] In an embodiment, the number of the plurality of slits 206 defined along the horizontal surface 300 may be more than number of the plurality of slits 202 defined along the horizontal surface 300 and the vertical surface 302 of the cowlbox 200.
[0042] In an embodiment, the number of the plurality of slits 206 defined along the horizontal surface 300 may be equal to number of the plurality of slits 202 defined along the horizontal surface 300 and the vertical surface 302 of the cowlbox 200.
[0043] In an embodiment, the vertical surface 302 of the cowlbox 200 may define a step 304. The plurality of slits 202 defined along the vertical surface 302 of the cowlbox 200 may be configured to extend along the length of the step 304.
[0044] The presence of the plurality of slits 202 up to the predetermined height along the vertical surface 302 of the cowlbox 200 may allow easy drainage of water when the cowlbox 200 is clogged by foreign elements.
[0045] In an embodiment, the presence of the slits 202, 206, as opposed to the large hole 108 (refer FIG. 1) in the conventional cowlbox 100 (refer FIG. 1), prevents the entry of foreign elements into the conventional cowlbox 100. As an example, rodents may enter the conventional cowlbox 100 using the hole 108, which thereafter may enter the cabin space. However, with the presence of the slits 202, 206 in the cowlbox 200, there are less chances of rodents or other such foreign elements entering the cowlbox 200.
[0046] In an embodiment, the presence of the slits 202, 206 like structure, as opposed to one single hole 108 in the conventional cowlbox 100, significantly reduces the NVH levels within the cabin space. The slits 202, 206 like formation provides barricading effect to the NVH travelling through the cowlbox 200.
[0047] In an embodiment, the presence of the slits 202, 206 along the length 204 of the vehicle, increases the strength of the vehicle. As an example, in case of a frontal impact, the slits 202, 206 do not crumple of, thereby providing strength to the vehicle and preventing any excessive damage to the cabin space.
[0048] FIGs. 4a and 4b illustrates another embodiment of the present subject matter with different shape and structure of cowlbox 400 with a plurality of slits 402. As shown in the figures 4a and 4b, the plurality of slits 402 are arranged in ascending order with respect to size or length of the slits. In another embodiment, the plurality of slits 402 can be arranged in decending order with respect to size of length of the slits. In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, the plurality of slits 402 can be arranged in mixed order with respect to size or length of the slits as per the requirement.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[0049] The present disclosure proposes a cowlbox in an automobile for improving drainage performance.
[0050] The present disclosure proposes a cowlbox in an automobile for preventing entry of foreign elements into the cowlbox.
[0051] The present disclosure proposes a cowlbox in an automobile for reducing the NVH levels within the cabin.
[0052] The present disclosure proposes a cowlbox in an automobile for improving the strength of the vehicle around the cowlbox region.
[0053] The present disclosure proposes a cowlbox in an automobile for draining the water even when there is clogging.
[0054] Furthermore, each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0055] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0056] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0057] 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.
[0058] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.