[0001] The present disclosure described herein, in general, belongs to the
5 technical field of cooling and ventilation systems of an engine bay of a vehicle. In
particular, the present disclosure relates to a guide structure mounted behind a
front bumper lower grill to minimize direct rain water entry into the engine bay
whereas allowing redirected airflow in the engine bay.
BACKGROUND
10 [0002] Vehicles include a number of engine components inside an engine bay.
These components are required to be air-cooled and ventilated to maintain their
temperature within a specified range of operating temperatures. For maintaining
the operating temperatures of these engine components, upper and lower grills are
provided in the front bumper of vehicles. However, the lower grill in the front
15 bumper exposes engine components such as air conditioner compressor unit,
compressor belt, radiator, harness unit, and the like. Because of the openings in
the lower grill, these engine components are exposed to rain water splash.
[0003] Due to the continuous exposure of the engine components through the
lower grill of the front bumper, there is a chance of rusting in compressor pulley
20 which may further damage the compressor belt mounted on it.
[0004] Accordingly, there was a need in the state of the art to restrict the entry
of the rain water from the lower grill of the front bumper.
[0005] One approach to resolve this issue was to introduce a cover on a
portion, of the lower grill, behind which the compressor or its parts are exposed to
25 rain water. However, due to the addition of the cover, the engine bay temperature
increases beyond the operating temperature of engine components. Excess heat in
3
the engine bay and/or in the surrounding structure can negatively impact the
operation of a vehicle.
[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to include a cooling system that not only
restricts the reach of the rain water to the engine components from the lower grill
5 of the front bumper but also reduces engine bay temperature.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfy, are listed hereinbelow.
[0008] It is a general or primary object of the present disclosure to provide a
10 guide structure mounted behind a front bumper lower grill to protect the
compressor unit from rain water splash.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a guide
structure mounted behind a front bumper lower grill to guide the fresh air towards
engine components such as engine air intake and radiator.
15 [0010] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a guide
structure which performs a dual function of guiding air to heated engine
components and of diverting the rain water from the engine components.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent
when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
20 SUMMARY
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a guide
structure mounted behind a front bumper lower grill to minimize direct rain water
entry towards air conditioner compressor unit whereas allowing redirected airflow
in the engine bay. The concepts are further described below in the detailed
25 description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential
4
features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the
scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a guide structure
mounted behind a front bumper lower grill. The guide structure includes a frame
5 having a first end, a second end, and two vertical sidewalls that extend between
the first end and the second end. The structure further includes an upper portion
including two upper horizontal walls which are being blend connected to form an
acute angle therebetween, where the blend connected upper horizontal walls
extending from a middle portion of the first end to a top portion of the second end
10 so as to form a vertically upward outlet at the second end. Further, the structure
includes a lower portion including two lower horizontal walls which are being
blend connected to form an obtuse angle therebetween, the blend connected lower
horizontal walls extending from the middle portion of the first end to a bottom
portion of the second end so as to form a vertically downward outlet at the second
15 end. Further, a horizontal flange extending from a bottom portion of the first end
of walls and curves towards the blend connected lower horizontal walls.
[0014] In an aspect, the lower portion comprising a horizontal flange
extending from a bottom portion of the first end and curves towards the blend
connected lower horizontal walls between two vertical side walls.
20 [0015] In an aspect, the upper portion comprising an inner curved shape at the
end of the blend connected upper horizontal walls formed between vertical walls.
[0016] In an aspect, the frame is of U-shape. In said aspect, the first end of the
frame is formed with connecting faces, wherein the connecting faces include a
number of recesses to receive snap-fit locks formed on rear side of the front
25 bumper lower grill, and wherein the connecting faces include a number of slots
for allowing positive locking of the guide structure with the front bumper lower
grill.
5
[0017] In an aspect, the lower portion and the middle portion of the guide
structure include a number of protrusions for alignment of the guide structure with
the front bumper lower grill during mounting of the guide structure.
[0018] In an aspect, the guide structure is mounted behind the front bumper
5 lower grill in the region of a compressor unit.
[0019] 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 the scope of the present subject matter.
10 [0020] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive
subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description
of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which
like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
15 [0021] 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. The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be
20 best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by
like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of
example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems,
and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein,
wherein:
25 [0022] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a lower portion of an engine
bay lying behind a front bumper lower grill in accordance with state of the art;
6
[0023] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the
engine bay lying behind the front bumper lower grill in accordance with the state
of the art;
[0024] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the lower portion of the
5 engine bay lying behind a cover mounted on the front bumper lower grill in
accordance with state of the art;
[0025] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the
engine bay lying behind the cover mounted on the front bumper lower grill in
accordance with state of the art;
10 [0026] FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of the guide structure in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the guide structure in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the guide structure in accordance
15 with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 4A illustrates the guide structure 300 mounted behind the front
bumper lower grill in the region of a compressor unit in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 4B illustrates a front side of the lower grill with the guide
20 structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,
[0031] FIG. 4C illustrates a rear side of the lower grill with the guide structure
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate different views of the guide structure
mounted on the front bumper lower grill during a rain water diversion mode in
25 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
7
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates an operation of a flange extending from a bottom
portion of the guide structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure; and
[0034] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate different views of the guide structure
5 mounted on the front bumper lower grill during a fresh air circulation mode in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] 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
10 methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles
of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the
disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It
15 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
20 appended claims.
[0037] 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
25 intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As
8
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” and/or
“including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
5 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.
[0039] 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,
10 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.
[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific
terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
15 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.
20 [0041] As shown in FIG. 1A, front bumpers are generally provided with upper
grill and lower grill 102 to maintain an engine bay temperature within the defined
operating temperature of engine components. However, openings 102-1, 102-2 in
the lower grill 102 allows the rain water to reach the components, including a
compressor unit 104, a compressor belt 106, a radiator unit 108, harness
25 connectors 110, and the like, which are mounted behind the lower grill 102.
[0042] FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view along a line A-A shown in FIG.
1A to illustrate an exemplary situation in which rain water splash reaches the
compressor unit 104. Because of such continuous exposure of the compressor unit
9
104 to the rain water splash, there is a chance of rusting in parts of the compressor
unit 104 over a period of time.
[0043] Accordingly, there was a need in the state of the art to restrict the rain
water splash from reaching the compressor unit 104 and its parts including
5 compressor belt 106.
[0044] One approach adopted in the state of the art to resolve this issue was to
introduce a cover 202 on the lower grill 102, as shown in FIG. 2A. However, as
shown in cross-sectional view in FIG. 2B, due to the addition of the cover 202, the
entry of fresh air required for the cooling of engine components is blocked in
10 addition to the entry of the rain water splash inside the engine bay. Such blockage
of the fresh air entry inside the engine bay may increase an engine bay
temperature beyond the operating temperature of engine components. Excess heat
in the engine bay and/or in the surrounding structure can negatively impact the
operation of the vehicle.
15 [0045] To resolve this issue, various embodiments and/or implementations of
the present disclosure provide a guide structure 300 (FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C) for
mounting behind the lower grill 102 of a front bumper. FIG. 3A illustrates a front
view of the guide structure 300. FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the
guide structure 300, and FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the guide structure 300.
20 [0046] The guide structure 300 includes a U-shaped frame 302 having a first
end 302-1, a second end 302-2, and two vertical sidewalls 304-1, 304-2 that
extend between the first end 302-1 and the second end 302-2.
[0047] In an aspect, in between the two vertical side walls 304-1, 304-2, two
upper horizontal walls 306-1, 306-2 forms an upper portion of the guide structure
25 300. The upper horizontal walls 306-1, 306-2 are supported in between the two
vertical sidewalls 304-1, 304-2 in such a way that a front longitudinal side of a
first upper horizontal wall 306-1 is connected to middle portions at first ends 302-
1 of the two vertical sidewalls 304-1, 304-2, a rear longitudinal side of a second
10
upper horizontal wall 306-2 is connected to top portions of the second ends 302-2
of the two vertical sidewalls 304-1, 304-2, and a rear longitudinal side of the first
upper horizontal wall 306-1 and a front longitudinal side of the second upper
horizontal wall 306-2 are blend-connected 306-4 to form an acute angle
5 therebetween. In an aspect, the blend 306-4 connected first and second upper
horizontal walls 306-1, 306-2 extending from the middle portions of the first ends
302-1 to the top portions of the second ends 302-2 so as to form a vertically
upward outlet at the second ends.
[0048] Likewise, in between the two vertical side walls 304-1, 304-2, two
10 lower horizontal walls 308-1, 308-2 forms a lower portion of the guide structure
300. The lower horizontal walls 308-1, 308-2 are supported in between the two
vertical sidewalls 304-1, 304-2 in such a way that a front longitudinal side of a
first lower horizontal wall 308-1 is connected to middle portions at first ends 302-
1 of the two vertical sidewalls 304-1, 304-2, a rear longitudinal side of a second
15 lower horizontal wall 308-2 is connected to bottom portions of the second ends
302-2 of the two vertical sidewalls 304-1, 304-2, and a rear longitudinal side of
the first lower horizontal wall 308-1 and a front longitudinal side of the second
lower horizontal wall 308-2 are blend-connected 308-4 to form an obtuse angle
therebetween. In an aspect, the blend 308-4 connected first and second lower
20 horizontal walls 308-1, 308-2 extending from the middle portions of the first ends
302-1 to the bottom portions of the second ends 302-2 so as to form a vertically
downward outlet at the second ends 302-2.
[0049] Further, in an aspect, at the end of the upper portion, an inner curved
shape 306-5 is formed between vertical walls 304-1 and 304-2 so as to curtail the
25 entry of the rain water towards air conditioner compressor unit.
[0050] Yet further, in an aspect, the lower portion includes a horizontal flange
308-3 extending from a bottom portion of the first end 302-1 of walls 304-1, 304-
2 and curves towards the blend connected lower horizontal walls 308-1, 308-2, so
11
as to hide visibility of components or parts inside the engine bay and to re-direct
the rain water towards vehicle height direction.
[0051] Yet further, as can be seen from FIG. 3A, the first end 302-1 of the Ushaped frame 302 is formed with connecting faces 310-1, 310-2, 310-3. The
5 connecting faces 310-1, 310-2, 310-3 attached to a rear side of the lower grill 102
of a front bumper. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4A, the guide structure 300 is
mounted behind the front bumper lower grill 102 in the region of a compressor
unit.
[0052] FIG. 4B illustrates a front side of the lower grill 102 with the guide
10 structure 300, while FIG. 4C illustrates the rear side of the lower grill 102 with the
guide structure 300.
[0053] Returning to FIG. 3A, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the connecting faces 310-1, 310-2, 310-3 may not have a mating surface
establishing a complete contact with the rear side of the lower grill 102, the
15 connecting faces 310-1, 310-2, 310-3 may be provided with spacers 312-1, 312-2,
312-3, 312-4, 312-5, 312-6, so as to equally distribute the contact pressure on the
connecting faces 310-1, 310-2.
[0054] Further, for mounting the guide structure 300 on the lower grill 102,
the lower portion and the middle portion on the first side 302-1 of the guide
20 structure 300 include a number of protrusions 314-1, 314-2, 314-3, 314-4, 314-5,
314-6 (collectively referred to as 314) for alignment of the guide structure 300
with the lower grill 102 during mounting of the guide structure 300. In addition to
this, the connecting faces 310-1, 310-2 may include alignment holes 316-1, 316-2
for aligning with the protrusions (not shown in figures), formed on the rear side of
25 the lower grill 102, for mounting the guide structure 300.
[0055] Alongside the alignment holes 316-1, 316-2 or at any other location,
the connecting faces 310-1, 310-2, 310-3 may include connection holes 318-1,
318-2, 318-3 for establishing positive locking of the guide structure 300 with the
12
lower grill 102 using fasteners including, but not limited to, screws, nuts, rivets,
and the like.
[0056] In addition to connection holes 318-1, 318-2, 318-3, the connecting
faces 310-1, 310-2, 310-3 may include a number of recesses 320-1, 320-2, 320-3,
5 320-4, 320-5, 320-6 (collectively referred to as 320) to receive and lock snap-fit
assembly formed on the rear side of the lower grill 102 of the front bumper.
[0057] In operation, once the guide structure 300 is locked or mounted on the
rear side of the lower grill 102 of the front bumper as shown in FIG. 5A, the guide
structure 300 covers the components, including the compressor unit 104, the
10 compressor belt 106, the radiator unit 108, the harness connectors 110, and the
like, which are mounted behind the lower grill 102. On being mounted the guide
structure 300 operates in rain water diversion mode and in fresh air circulation
mode.
[0058] In rain water diversion mode where the vehicle is moving in the rain,
15 the upper portion formed of the upper horizontal walls 306-1, 306-2 and the lower
portion formed on the lower horizontal walls 308-1, 308-2 form a K-shape or Ktype barrier to the entry of the rain water splash. As can be seen from FIG. 5B,
due to the acute angle between the upper horizontal walls 306-1, 306-2, the rain
water flow towards a vehicle panel 502 and return towards gravity direction once
20 losses its inertia moment. Similarly, due to the obtuse angle between the lower
horizontal walls 308-1, 308-2 and between the horizontal flange 308-3 and a
bottom portion of the first end 302-1, the rain water is directed towards a vehicle
lower part 504 and return towards gravity direction once losses its inertia moment.
Those skilled in the art can appreciate that as the water is influenced by earth
25 gravity, the rain water will flow towards the gravity direction and fails to reach the
compressor unit 104 mounted behind the lower grill 102. This, in turn, prevents
the compressor unit 104 from undue damages associated with dirty water.
[0059] Also, as mentioned above and as shown in FIG. 6, the horizontal
flange 308-3 extending from the bottom portion of the first end 302-1, so as to
13
hide the visibility of vehicle lower parts or components 504 inside the engine bay
apart from re-directing the rain water towards vehicle height direction. Thus, the
horizontal flange 308-3 improves the aesthetic appeal of a vehicle from the front
side.
5 [0060] In fresh air circulation mode when there is no rain around, the fresh air
is allowed to enter in the engine bay through the upper portion and lower portion
of the guide structure 300. As the incoming air is not influenced by gravity, it will
flow around the engine bay. Also, as can be seen from FIGS. 7A and 7B, the fresh
air received from the guide structure 300 is mixed with the air entering from an
10 upper grill of the front bumper and is being received by an engine air intake 602.
Thus, the guide structure 300 not only minimizes direct rain water entry into the
engine bay but also allows redirected airflow in the engine bay for maintaining the
operating temperature of the engine components.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
15 [0061] The present disclosure provides a guide structure mounted behind a
front bumper lower grill to minimize direct rain water entry towards air
conditioner compressor unit whereas allowing redirected airflow in the engine
bay.
[0062] The present disclosure provides a guide structure for increasing air
20 inflow from outside into the engine bay for cooling of engine components.
[0063] The present disclosure provides a guide structure that hides the
visibility of unwanted exposure of engine components and enhances the aesthetic
appeal of a vehicle.
[0064] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present
25 disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be
devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the
invention is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not
14
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 present
disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the
person having ordinary skill in the art.

WE CLAIM:

1. A guide structure (300) mounted behind a front bumper lower grill (102),
the guide structure (300) comprising:
a frame (302) having a first end (302-1), a second end (302-2), and two
5 vertical sidewalls (304-1, 304-2) that extend between the first end (302-1) and the
second end (302-2);
an upper portion including two upper horizontal walls (306-1, 306-2)
which are being blend connected (306-4) to form an acute angle therebetween, the
blend connected upper horizontal walls (306-1, 306-2) extending from a middle
10 portion of the first end (302-1) to a top portion of the second end (302-2) so as to
form a vertically upward outlet at the second end (302-2); and
a lower portion including two lower horizontal walls (308-1, 308-2) which
are being blend connected (308-4) to form an obtuse angle therebetween, the
blend connected lower horizontal walls (308-1, 308-2) extending from the middle
15 portion of the first end (302-1) to a bottom portion of the second end (302-2) so as
to form a vertically downward outlet at the second end (302-2).
2. The guide structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower portion
comprising a horizontal flange (308-3) extending from a bottom portion of the
first end (302-1) and curves towards the blend connected lower horizontal walls
20 (308-1, 308-2) between two vertical side walls (304-1, 304-2).
3. The guide structures (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper
portion comprising an inner curved shape (306-5) formed between vertical walls
(304-1, 304-2).
4. The guide structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (302) is
25 of U-shape.
16
5. The guide structure (300) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first end
(302-1) of the frame (300) is formed with connecting faces (310-1, 310-2, 310-3),
wherein the connecting faces (310-1, 310-2, 310-3) include a number of recesses
(320-1, 320-2, 320-3, 320-4, 320-5, 320-6) to receive snap-fit locks formed on a
5 rear side of the front bumper lower grill (102), and wherein the connecting faces
(310-1, 310-2, 310-3) include a number of connection holes (318-1, 318-2, 318-3)
for allowing positive locking of the guide structure (300) with the front bumper
lower grill (102).
6. The guide structure (300) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lower portion
10 and the middle portion of the guide structure (300) include a number of
protrusions (314-1, 314-2, 314-3, 314-4, 314-5, 314-6) for alignment of the guide
structure (300) with the front bumper lower grill (102) during mounting of the
guide structure (300).
7. The guide structure (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide
15 structure (300) is mounted behind the front bumper lower grill (102) in the region
of a compressor unit (104).