Description:GAS CYLINDER MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR VEHICLE
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to gas cylinder mounting structure for vehicle, and, in particularly, to gas cylinder mounting structure made of tubes mounted on the vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a gas cylinder mounting structure for holding gas cylinder, such as CNG, LPG, PNG on the vehicle chassis at rear side.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] Now days vehicle are coming with dual fuel capacity. The dual fuel vehicles are efficient to reduce air pollution. Government is also supporting dual fuel vehicle to reduce burden of petrol and diesel along with environment pollution. The dual fuel vehicles run on gasoline, i.e., petrol or diesel and on alternate fuel, such as natural gas, i.e., CNG, LPG. The dual fuel vehicles have single internal combustion engine which runs on both type of fuels. Further, the two fuels are stored in separate tanks in the vehicle. Accordingly there is separate fuel tank for gas and for petrol. Generally, the internal combustion engine runs on one fuel at a time. The vehicle has capability to switch back and forth from gasoline or diesel to the other fuel, such as CNG or LPG, manually or automatically.
[003] Generally, CNG cylinder or gas cylinder are mounted at rear side, i.e., in boot space area of the vehicle. The gas cylinder is kept on a frame which is mounted on the vehicle chassis. To keep the gas cylinder at its location, mounting stability of the gas cylinder frame is necessary.
[004] Fig. 1 illustrates structure of existing gas cylinder frames, such as CNG gas cylinder frames. The existing gas cylinder frame has a plurality of pipes 101, 102, 103, 104 which are connected with each other to form a rectangular receiving space to receive gas cylinder. The plurality of pipes 101-104 are mounted on mounting brackets 107 at two ends. The mounting brackets 107 are mounted on the vehicle chassis with a plurality of mounting brackets 108 at several locations. The mounting bracket 107 is a box type structure to hold the gas cylinder on the rectangular frame. Further, height of the gas cylinder frame 100 depends on the height of the mounting bracket.
[005] There are numerous technical problems existed with existing gas cylinder frames. The conventional gas cylinder frame requires box type mounting structure which is heavy in weight and complex in structure. The mounting bracket requires a plurality of mounting brackets to mount the gas cylinder frame on the vehicle chassis which increases the cost and assembly time of the gas cylinder frame. With new design of the vehicle, a new design of the gas cylinder frame is required as per dimensions of the vehicle. Therefore, new tooling and more development time is required for any new layout. The existing gas cylinder frame is made of heavy pipe or metal rods which increase the weight of the frame which ultimately increases the weight of the vehicle. Further, a plurality of mounting brackets, for example, six or eight bolts are required for securing gas cylinder frame to vehicle body in White (BIW) floor.
[006] In Current vehicle, the packaging of CNG Cylinder for a given specification on Rear floor is governed by space availability along the width of vehicle. If the packaging space along the vehicle width is adequate, the CNG cylinder can be layout very close to the Rear floor (as shown in the figure 1), thus the Centre of Gravity (C.G.) of CNG cylinder lies very close to the mounting points on rear floor and the structure requires lesser rigidity, however in case where the packaging space along the vehicle width is insufficient due to vehicle construction, the packaging of CNG cylinder for given specification needs to be lifted to a height where its packaging is possible. As a result there is increase in the C.G. measured from mounting points on Rear Floor. To counter the moment generated from increased C.G. the mounting structure is made more rigid which can be achieved by increasing the thickness of the pipes and increasing the height of the supporting mounting structures. By increasing the thickness and height of the supporting mounting structures, the weight of the gas mounting structure and ultimately weight of the vehicle increases.
[007] Another disadvantage associated with existing mounting structure is that brackets has burrs due to manufacturing operation which creates quality issues, such as peeling off paint on rear floor surface which further creates rusting of the surface.
[008] Another major technical disadvantage associated with gas cylinder mounting structures fitted at rear end of the vehicle where a spare tyre is mounted, tyre removal from boot space of the vehicle is very tedious due to gas cylinder frame. A driver has to pull down the passenger seats and to apply manual efforts to pull out the spare tyre. The gas cylinder frame restricts movement of the spare tyre. With the implementation of the existing gas cylinder mounting structure on vehicles having less width dimensions, pulling out of spare tyre from the boot space will become impossible because the centre of gravity is very low.
[009] In view of the above, it is beneficial to have a gas cylinder mounting structure or gas cylinder frame that provides light weight for vehicle performance. Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a structure of the gas cylinder frame that is more simple and inexpensive, and which can be placed in the existing vehicle to eliminate the existing above mentioned problems.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0010] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a gas cylinder mounting structure which is light in weight.
[0011] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder mounting structure that does not have mounting bracket box.
[0012] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder mounting structure with less number of mounting locations.
[0013] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder mounting structure with differential height in pipes.
[0014] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder mounting structure that allows easy access to spare tire.
[0015] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder mounting structure made of steel tubes and steel sheets.
[0016] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a gas cylinder mounting structure to bear high pressure CNG or gas cylinder under normal vehicle use and vehicle crash condition.
[0017] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a uniform gas cylinder mounting structure for any type of vehicle to mount gas cylinder without changing layout of the structure.
[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a gas cylinder mounting structure that is simple and inexpensive, and easy to mount on the vehicle chassis.
[0019] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a gas cylinder mounting structure which efficiently distributes induced load and pressure all across the bracket.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0020] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a gas cylinder mounting structure for fuel gas cylinder of vehicle. The gas cylinder mounting structure mounts at rear side of the vehicle on the chassis of the vehicle. The gas cylinder mounting structure includes a gas cylinder mounting base and a gas cylinder receiving structure. The gas cylinder mounting base has two L shape mounting brackets positioned, i.e., right hand side and left hand side at a distance (W) facing vertical portions. Each of the L shape mounting bracket has two oblong mounting holes on the vertical wall portion at a distance (D) along vehicle length in transverse direction (Z). The gas cylinder mounting base further has a first longitudinal pipe which is bent in Z shape at both ends to define an arcuate profile. Where both ends extend in longitudinal direction (X) towards the L shape mounting brackets. Both ends of the first longitudinal pipe are configured to mount in the oblong mounting holes of the two L shape mounting brackets on the right hand side and left hand side. Further, two Z shape bent pipes are configured to mount in the oblong mounting holes of each of the two L shape mounting brackets at one end. The gas cylinder mounting base has two U shape pipes having arcuate profile ends which extend towards the L shape mounting brackets. Each of U shape pipe from the two U shape pipes is positioned in between the first longitudinal pipe and Z shape bent pipes (403) on each of the two L shape mounting brackets along transverse direction. Further, a plurality of reinforcements are provided to join the first longitudinal pipe and each of the two Z shape bent pipes with each of the U shape pipe at four corners to form the gas cylinder mounting base to hold a gas cylinder receiving structure. The gas cylinder receiving structure defines a rectangular structure with U shape curved sides along transverse direction (Z). The gas cylinder receiving structure includes a first longitudinal pipe and second longitudinal pipe which are connected with each other to form a rectangular receive structure. The first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe has atleast two fastening belts at a distance (fd) along longitudinal direction (X) for supporting and receiving the gas cylinder. The gas cylinder receiving structure is configured to mount on the gas cylinder base structure via a plurality of fastening bolts.
[0021] In another embodiment, the Z shape bent pipes have more height as compare to the first longitudinal pipe to allow easy removal of spare tire from rear seat side of the vehicle.
[0022] In yet another embodiment, the pipes are bent using 3D CNC bending machine therefore, no tool is required. In order to vary the dimensions of the gas cylinder frame, dimensions of the pipes are changed without any change in the layout and structure. Further, dimension of the gas cylinder depends upon capacity of the gas cylinder. All pipes of the gas cylinder base are welded on the two horizontal L shape mounting brackets to form a rectangular frame to receive the gas cylinder receiving structure.
[0023] In order 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 scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates structure of existing gas cylinder mounting structure;
[0026] Fig. 2 illustrates structure of gas cylinder mounting structure mounted over boot space area of vehicle at rear side, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates structure of gas cylinder mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0028] Fig. 4a and 4b illustrate exploded view of the gas cylinder mounting structure of figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0029] Fig. 5a, 5b, and 5c illustrate joint of bracket and pipes; and construction of bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0030] Fig. 6 illustrates exploded view of the gas cylinder mounting structure with gas cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0031] Fig. 7 illustrates assembly of the gas cylinder mounting structure with gas cylinder mounted on the rear floor of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0032] 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.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0033] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a gas cylinder mounting structure for fuel gas cylinder of vehicle. The gas cylinder mounting structure mounts at rear side of the vehicle on the chassis of the vehicle. The gas cylinder mounting structure includes a gas cylinder mounting base and a gas cylinder receiving structure. The gas cylinder mounting base has two L shape mounting brackets positioned, i.e., right hand side and left hand side at a distance (W) facing vertical portions. Each of the L shape mounting bracket has two oblong mounting holes on the vertical wall portion at a distance (D) along vehicle length in transverse direction (Z). The gas cylinder mounting base further has a first longitudinal pipe which is bent in Z shape at both ends to define an arcuate profile. Where both ends extend in longitudinal direction (X) towards the L shape mounting brackets. Both ends of the first longitudinal pipe are configured to mount in the oblong mounting holes of the two L shape mounting brackets on the right hand side and left hand side. Further, two Z shape bent pipes are configured to mount in the oblong mounting holes of each of the two L shape mounting brackets at one end. The gas cylinder mounting base has two U shape pipes having arcuate profile ends which extend towards the L shape mounting brackets. Each of U shape pipe from the two U shape pipes is positioned in between the first longitudinal pipe and Z shape bent pipes (403) on each of the two L shape mounting brackets along transverse direction. Further, a plurality of reinforcements are provided to join the first longitudinal pipe and each of the two Z shape bent pipes with each of the U shape pipe at four corners to form the gas cylinder mounting base to hold a gas cylinder receiving structure. The gas cylinder receiving structure defines a rectangular structure with U shape curved sides along transverse direction (Z). The gas cylinder receiving structure includes a first longitudinal pipe and a second longitudinal pipe which are connected with each other to form a rectangular receive structure. The first longitudinal pipe and the second longitudinal pipe has atleast two fastening belts at a distance (fd) along longitudinal direction (X) for supporting and receiving the gas cylinder. The gas cylinder receiving structure is configured to mount on the gas cylinder base structure via a plurality of fastening bolts.
[0034] In another embodiment, the Z shape bent pipes have more height as compare to the first longitudinal pipe to allow easy removal of spare tire from rear seat side of the vehicle.
[0035] In yet another embodiment, the pipes are bent using 3D CNC bending machine therefore, no tool is required. In order to vary the dimensions of the gas cylinder frame, dimensions of the pipes are changed without any change in the layout and structure. Further, dimension of the gas cylinder depends upon capacity of the gas cylinder. All pipes of the gas cylinder base are welded on the two horizontal L shape mounting brackets to form a rectangular frame to receive the gas cylinder receiving structure.
[0036] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0037] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0038] Fig. 2 illustrates gas cylinder mounting structure assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The present gas cylinder structure 200 is made of Steel tubes and Steel Sheets welded to reduce tooling cost and weight. Further, the gas cylinder can be CNG, LPG, and any other fluid fuel gas cylinder. The main function of gas cylinder frame is to secure high pressure gas cylinder under normal vehicle use, such as acceleration, deceleration, and cornering; and Crash conditions.
[0039] The gas cylinder mounting structure 200 has a gas cylinder receiving structure 201, a gas cylinder mounting base 202, and two L shape mounting brackets 203. Where one L shape mounting brackets 203 is provided at left hand side and other L shape mounting brackets 203 is provided at right hand side along vehicle width direction. The two L shape mounting brackets 203 are mounted on rear floor 204 of the vehicle. The two L shape mounting brackets 203 are positioned at a distance ‘W’ across width of the vehicle to mount the gas cylinder mounting base 202 on the rear floor 204. Referring to figure 3, the front face 301 which is facing vehicle engine has more height ‘H’ as compared to height ‘h’ of rear face 302 which is facing rear door of the vehicle. The height ‘H’ allows easy access to the spare tyre from rear seat.
[0040] Figure 4a and figure 4b illustrate structure of the gas cylinder mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The gas cylinder mounting structure 600 comprises gas cylinder mounting base 400 and gas cylinder receiving structure 500. The gas cylinder mounting structure 600 is made of steel pipes bent by 3D CNC bending machine. The gas cylinder mounting base 400 has two L shape mounting brackets 406 which are positioned at right hand side and left hand side of the vehicle width direction at a distance ‘W’. Each of the L shape mounting bracket 406 from the two L shape mounting brackets 406 are configured to be positioned in transverse direction ‘Z’ along length of the vehicle on rear floor of the vehicle. Referring to figure 5b, each of the two L shape mounting brackets 406 has a horizontal portion 406x and a vertical portion 406y. The vertical portion 406y joined with the horizontal portion 406x perpendicularly to define L shape. Further, joining of the vertical portion 406y and the horizontal portion 406x defines a chamfered edge 406z. Referring back to figure 4a, the two L shape mounting brackets 406 are positioned at the distance ‘W’ facing vertical portions 406y. Each of the L shape mounting brackets 406 has two oblong mounting holes 407a, 407b on the vertical portion 406y at a distance ‘D’ along vehicle length in transverse direction (Z). The oblong mounting holes 407a, 407b with longer sides are positioned along vehicle length. Each of the L shape mounting brackets 406 has two mounting holes 406c on the horizontal portion 406x to mount the gas cylinder mounting structure 600 on the rear floor of the vehicle.
[0041] Referring to figure 4a, a first longitudinal pipe 401 having Z shape ends 401a, 401b along longitudinal direction ‘X’. The both Z shape ends 401a, 401b define an arcuate profile which extend in longitudinal direction ‘X’ towards the L shape mounting brackets 406. The arcuate profile end 401a is configured to mount in the oblong mounting hole 407a of one L shape mounting bracket 406 and another arcuate profile end 401b is configured to mount in the oblong mounting hole 407a of other L shape mounting bracket 406. The first longitudinal pipe 401 has two locking devices 402 positioned at a distance ‘fd’ along longitudinal direction ‘X’ to receive fastening bolts of the gas cylinder. The locking devices 402 extend perpendicularly away from the first longitudinal pipe 401. The locking devices 402 have mounting holes to receive the fastening bolts. The locking devices 402 may or may not have welded nuts.
[0042] Referring to figure 4a, two Z shape bent pipes 403 (singularly can be referred as Z shape bent pipe 403) are provided where each of two Z shape bent pipes 403 has one end 403a which is free and another end 403b which is attached with the two L shape mounting brackets (406) at right and left hand side. One end 403b of each of the two Z shape bent pipes 403 is configured to mount in the oblong mounting holes 407b of each of the two L shape mounting brackets 406. The other end 403a of each of the two Z shape bent pipes 403 has a locking device 405 which are welded on the other end 403a. The locking device 405 has a mounting hole to receive fastening bolts. The locking devices 405 are corresponding to the locking devices 402 of the first longitudinal pipe 401.
[0043] Referring to figure 4a, one U shape pipe 404 is provided in between the first longitudinal pipe 401 and the Z shape bent pipe 403 along transverse direction ‘Z’ on one L shape mounting brackets 406. Similarly, another U shape pipe 404 is provided in between the first longitudinal pipe 401 and the Z shape bent pipe 403 along transverse direction ‘Z’ on one L shape mounting brackets 406. Both the U shape pipes 404 have arcuate profile ends 404a, 404b which are extending towards corresponding the L shape mounting bracket 406. Each of U shape pipe 404 is positioned in between the first longitudinal pipe 401 and each of the two Z shape bent pipes 403 on each of the two L shape mounting brackets 406. The arcuate profile end 404a from each of the arcuate profile ends 404a, 404b is configured to mount in the oblong mounting hole 407a along with the arcuate profile end 401a of the first longitudinal pipe 401 and other arcuate profile end 404b is configured to mount in the oblong mounting hole 407b along with the end 403b of each of the two Z shape bent pipes 403 on the two L shape mounting brackets 406 at both side.
[0044] Referring to figure 4b, the gas cylinder receiving structure 500 is in rectangular structure with U shape curved sides along transverse direction ‘Z’. The gas cylinder receiving structure 500 has a first longitudinal pipe 501 and a second longitudinal pipe 502 connected with the first longitudinal pipe 501 to define a rectangular structure to receive the gas cylinder. The first longitudinal pipe 501 has an arcuate profile ends 501a, 501b which are bending is downward direction. Similarly, the second longitudinal pipe 502 has an arcuate profile ends 502a, 502b which are bending is downward direction. Both the arcuate profile ends of the first longitudinal pipe 501 and the second longitudinal pipe 502 are welded together at joint 505. The first longitudinal pipe 501 and the second longitudinal pipe 502 has atleast two fastening belts 503 at a distance ‘fd’ along longitudinal direction ‘X’ for supporting and receiving the gas cylinder 601. The atleast two fastening belts 503 define a semicircular shape to receive cylindrical surface of the gas cylinder. The first longitudinal pipe 501 and the second longitudinal pipe 502 have four mounting hole profiles 504 which are attached with the fastening belts to receive the fastening bolts.
[0045] The fastening belts 503 are connected transversely in between parallel positioned first longitudinal pipe 501 and the second longitudinal pipe 502 at the longitudinal distance ‘fd’ on the first longitudinal pipe 501 and the second longitudinal pipe 502. The fastening belts 503 define a semi cylindrical area to receive cylindrical surface of the gas cylinder 601 as shown in the figure 6.
[0046] Referring to figure 5a, 5b, and 5c, the first longitudinal pipe 401, U shape pipe 404, and the Z shape bent pipe 403 are joined to the oblong mounting hole 407a, 407b of the L shape mounting bracket 406. Referring to fig. 5c, each of the oblong mounting holes 407a, 407b has flanges 407c across oblong profile to increase contact zone of the first longitudinal pipe 401, each of the two U shape pipes 404, and each of the two Z shape pipes 403 to decrease the localize stress on each of the L shape mounting brackets 406. The flange 407c increases the effective contact zone of pipes to the bracket which decreases the stress localization onto brackets through pipes. The flange 407c also helps in distribution of stress on large area of bracket, thus preventing local failures in bracket. The first longitudinal pipe 401, the two Z shape bent pipes 403, and the two U shape pipes 404 are welded on the oblong mounting holes (406). Further, each of the two L shape mounting brackets 406 has curved profile 406a at center to increase strength against induced loads due to acceleration, decelerations of the vehicle.
[0047] In another embodiment, each of the two L shape mounting brackets 406 has all around flange 406b on horizontal portion 406x to increase stiffness. The all around flange 406b makes the L shape bracket 406 resistant to bending loads coming from any direction. Also it helps in countering quality issues aroused due to burrs generated in manufacturing process which has high tendency to damage the rear floor surface which may cause rusting.
[0048] In another embodiment, a plurality of bead structures 406d is provided proximal to the oblong mounting holes 407a, 407b along the chamfered edge 406z of each of the two L shape mounting brackets 406 to increase strength of the oblong mounting holes 407a, 407b.
[0049] Referring to figure 6, the gas cylinder mounting structure 600 with gas cylinder 601 is shown. The gas cylinder 601 has semicircular fastening belts 602 at corresponding to the fastening belts 503 of the gas cylinder receiving structure 500. The semicircular fastening belts 602 has fastening bolts receiving holes 602a to mount the gas cylinder 601 on the gas cylinder receiving structure 603. A plurality of reinforcements 408 are provided at a plurality of corners defined by the first longitudinal pipe 401, two Z shape bent pipes 403, and two U shape pipes 404. The plurality of reinforcements 408 joins the first longitudinal pipe 401 and each of the two Z shape bent pipes 403 with each of the U shape pipe 404 at four corners to form the gas cylinder mounting base 400 to hold the gas cylinder receiving structure 500. The plurality of reinforcements 408 forms strong triangular connecting structures at four corners of the rectangular structure. The plurality of reinforcements 408 connects the first longitudinal pipe 401 with the U shape pipe 404 (transversely positioned) to restrict movement of the first longitudinal pipe 401 with respect to the U shape pipe 404 at both ends. Similarly, the plurality of reinforcements 408 connects the Z shape bent pipe 403 with the U shape pipe 404 to restrict movement of the Z shape bent pipe 403 with respect to the U shape pipes 404 at both ends. The triangular connecting structures formed by the plurality of reinforcements 408 prevent torsional deformation. The plurality of reinforcements 408 are welded on upper surface of the longitudinal pipe 401, two U shape pipes 404, and two Z shape bent pipes 403 at four corners of the gas cylinder mounting structure 600.
[0050] Referring to Fig. 7, the gas cylinder 601 is secured on the gas cylinder mounting structure 600 by two upper semi circular fastening belts 602 that are provided from upper side of the gas cylinder 601. The gas cylinder 601 is secured by the fastening belts having mounting holes. The L shape mounting brackets 406 are mounted on the rear floor 700 of the vehicle through the mounting holes 406c. Further, the transverse distance between the parallel positioned first longitudinal pipe 501 and the second longitudinal pipe 502 depends on the capacity and size or diameter of gas cylinder 601.
[0051] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the first longitudinal pipe 501 and the second longitudinal pipe 502 of the gas cylinder receiving structure 500 have welded buts inside to receive the fastening bolts from the fastening belts 602.
[0052] In another embodiment, the locking devices 402, 405, and 504 are corresponding to each other and receive the fastening bolts to fasten the gas cylinder receiving structure 500 on the gas cylinder mounting base 400. The locking devices 402, 405, and 504 may or may not have welded nuts to receive the fastening bolts.

[0053] In an embodiment, the first longitudinal pipe 401 and the Z shape bent pipes 403 have differential heights. The Z shape bent pipes 403 has more height ‘H’ as compared to the first longitudinal pipe 401 to allow easy removal of spare tyre from front side of the vehicle.
[0054] The present gas cylinder mounting structure is made of steel tubes which are bent through 3D CNC bending machine. Further, the bent steel tubes are welded on the L shape mounting plates with simple welding mechanism, such as MIG welding. Therefore, the present gas cylinder mounting structure is easy and fast to manufacture without high tooling cost. The present gas cylinder mounting structure is light in weight and more efficient in performance parameters. Therefore, the present gas cylinder mounting structure improves the vehicle performance due to weight reduction.
[0055] The term “vehicle” or “Automobile” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants or Goods and is powered by any form of energy. The term “vehicle” is a motor vehicle which includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, hatchback, sedan, MUVs, and SUVs.
[0056] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0057] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
[0058] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

Claims:We claim:
1.A gas cylinder mounting structure (600) for holding a gas cylinder (601) in vehicles, the gas cylinder mounting structure (600) comprising:
a gas cylinder mounting base (400) comprising:
two L shape mounting brackets (406) positioned at a distance (W) facing vertical portions (406y), each of the L shape mounting bracket (406) from the L shape two mounting brackets (406) has two oblong mounting holes (407a, 407b) on the vertical portion (406y) at a distance (D) along vehicle length in transverse direction (Z);
a first longitudinal pipe (401) bent in Z shape at both ends (401a, 401b), the both ends (401a, 401b) define an arcuate profile and extend in longitudinal direction (X) towards the L shape mounting brackets (406) and configured to mount in the oblong mounting holes (407a) of the two L shape mounting brackets (406);
two Z shape bent pipes (403) configured to mount in the oblong mounting holes (407b) of each of the two L shape mounting brackets (406) at one end (403b);
two U shape pipes (404) having arcuate profile ends (404a, 404b) extending towards the two L shape mounting brackets (406), each of U shape pipe (404) is positioned in between the first longitudinal pipe (401) and each of the two Z shape bent pipes (403) on each of the two L shape mounting brackets (406);
a plurality of reinforcements (408) joins the first longitudinal pipe (401) and each of the two Z shape bent pipes (403) with each of the U shape pipe (404) at four corners to form the gas cylinder mounting base (400) to hold a gas cylinder receiving structure (500, 603); and
the gas cylinder receiving structure (500, 603) defines a rectangular structure with U shape curved sides along transverse direction (Z), the gas cylinder receiving structure (500, 603) comprising:
a first longitudinal pipe (501) having arcuate profile end (501a, 501b);
a second longitudinal pipe (502) having arcuate profile end (502a, 502b), the second longitudinal pipe (502) connected with the first longitudinal pipe (501) to define a rectangular structure to receive the gas cylinder; and
wherein the first longitudinal pipe (501) and the second longitudinal pipe (502) has atleast two fastening belts (503) at a distance (fd) along longitudinal direction (X) for supporting and receiving the gas cylinder (601).

2. The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein other end (403b) of each of the two Z shape bent pipes (403) have locking devices (405) corresponding to locking device (402) of the first longitudinal pipe (401).

3. The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal pipe (501) and the second longitudinal pipe (502) has mounting hole profiles (503, 504) attached with the fastening belts (503) to receive fastening bolts.

4. The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each U shape pipe (404) from the two U shape pipes (404) is provided in between the first longitudinal pipe (401) and the Z shape pipe (403) along transverse direction (Z) on the two L shape mounting brackets (406);

5. The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 4, wherein an arcuate profile end (404a) from each of the arcuate profile ends (404a, 404b) configured to mount in the oblong mounting hole (407a) along with the arcuate profile end (401a) the first longitudinal pipe (401) and other arcuate profile end (404b) is configured to mount in the oblong mounting hole (407b) along with the end (403b) of each of the two Z shape bent pipes (403) on the two L shape mounting brackets (406) at both side.
6.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal pipe (401) and each of the two Z shape bent pipes (403) positioned parallel on two L shape mounting brackets (406) at a transverse distance (D) away from each other to define a rectangular space between the first longitudinal pipe (401) and the two Z shape bent pipes (403) to receive the gas cylinder receiving structure (500, 603).
7.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas cylinder mounting base (400) and the gas cylinder receiving structure (500, 603) are joined by fastening bolts.
8.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the locking devices (405, 402) of the gas cylinder mounting base (400) have welded nuts to receive fastening bolts to secure the gas cylinder receiving structure (500, 603) with the gas cylinder (601) on the gas cylinder mounting base (400).

9.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the L shape mounting bracket (406) comprises an horizontal portion (406x) and the vertical portion (406y) defining the oblong mounting holes (407a, 407b), wherein the horizontal portion (406x) has at least two mounting holes (406c) to mount the L shape mounting bracket (406) on rear floor of the vehicle.
10.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the oblong mounting holes (407a, 407b) has flanges across oblong profile to increase contact zone of the first longitudinal pipe (401), each of the two U shape pipes (404), and each of the two Z shape pipes (403) to decrease the localize stress on each of the L shape mounting brackets (406).
11.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the two L shape mounting brackets (406) has curved profile (406a) at center to increase strength against induced loads.
12.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the two L shape mounting brackets (406) has all around flange (406b) on horizontal portion (406x) to increase stiffness.
13.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of bead structures (406d) provided proximal to the oblong mounting holes (407a, 407b) along chamfered edge of each of the two L shape mounting brackets (406).
14.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening belts (503) connected transversely in between parallel positioned first longitudinal pipe (501) and the second longitudinal pipe (502) at a longitudinal distance (fd) on the first longitudinal pipe (501) and the second longitudinal pipe (502), wherein the fastening belts (503) define a semi cylindrical area to receive cylindrical surface of the gas cylinder (601).
15.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal pipe (401), the two Z shape bent pipes (403), and the two U shape pipes (404) are welded on the oblong mounting holes (406).
16.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two Z shape bent pipes (403) have more height as compared to the first longitudinal pipe (401) for ease of spare tyre removal.
17.The gas cylinder mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the two U shape pipes (404) joined with the first longitudinal pipe (401) and each of the two Z shape bent pipes (403) with the plurality of reinforcement (605) at four corners in order to form a triangular connecting structure to bolster the gas cylinder mounting base (400).