The subject matter in general relates to a side body structure of a
vehicle. More particularly, the subject matter relates to a non-metallic fuel box structure of the vehicle to receive two type of fuel inlet (filling) nozzles also three combinations of multi-fuel filling arrangement.
BACKGROUND
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present subject matter.
[003] Generally, Fuel box structures are provided at side body structure of the
vehicle. The fuel box structures are either integrated with the side body or separately mounted on the side body of the vehicle. The fuel box structure can be made of metal or non-metal.
[004] Metallic fuel box structure has a general problem of corrosion and
weight. The metallic fuel box adds extra weight to the vehicle along with issues of non-uniform gap and flush with side body. Generally, when additional filling nozzle, such as, for filling AUS32 (aqueous urea solution or urea) through the fuel box is used, the metallic fuel box can corrode if there is spillage of urea on the metallic fuel box structure. Hence, decreases the life of the fuel box structure.
[005] Considering the existing issues with the metallic fuel box, it is preferred
to have non-metallic fuel box which is light-weight and easy to manufacture. Since, the non-metallic fuel box made of plastic or resin is provided to accommodate single fuel inlet receptacle. Mostly in dual fuel inlet case, the receptacles are mounted on metal reinforcements only and sealed by rubber portion of non-metallic fuelbox. As per regulation, a fuel box must work efficiently upto a force of 500 N applied onto it in case of CNG or SCR filling abuse instances. However, it has been observed that the non-metallic fuel box does not provide necessary strength to handle load or force applied by the fuel filling nozzle onto it during abuse. Resin

structure are amorphous in nature which further reduces the validity of design. With additional implementation of second fuel inlet receptacle, such as CNG inlet receptacle or Urea inlet receptacle, the non-metallic fuel box suffers strength issues.
[006] To provide necessary strength to non-metallic fuel box, a reinforcement
is provided at rear side which provide necessary strength to the non-metallic fuel box to handle the side forces or loads such as weight of the fuel filling nozzle, weight of the fuel inlet receptacle, loads or forces applied during insertion or removal of the fuel filling nozzle. The addition of the reinforcement, preferably of metal, adds extra weight and cost to the vehicle. Further, implementation of the reinforcement increases assembly time as well.
[007] Another disadvantage associated with the implementation of the
reinforcement is availability of space to mount the reinforcement on the side body of the vehicle. It is not possible that in all vehicle the provisions for mounting of the reinforcement on side body of the vehicle is available. Additionally, cables and wires assembly near fuelbox will be difficult with bracket structure behind receptacle mounting. Therefore, metallic fuel boxes are provided in such vehicles.
[008] Yet another technical disadvantage of the existing fuel box is non-
uniformity among various fuel inlet box, for example, single fuel inlet box for petrol or diesel, dual fuel inlet box for petrol and CNG, dual fuel inlet box for diesel and SCR/urea. Therefore, separate moldings are made for manufacturing each of three fuel box housing. Further, the non-metallic fuel box is made of plastic, the concern arises when a high load of approx. 500 N is applied while Urea filling or CNG filling, since there is no side body panel or reinforcement (in some arrangements in vehicle) behind the filling structure for supporting it. Also, the part of the reinforcement which welds with a wheel house outer panel depends on the structure of wheel house outer panel, hence any change in the panel will led to change the shape of the reinforcement. Therefore, the existing solution varies according to the structure of wheel house outer panel and there is no uniformity among the mold and the structure of the fuel box. Accordingly, manufacturing cost of the fuel box

structure is increased.
[009] Hence, there is a necessity to provide strength to the non-metallic fuel
box without increasing weight and manufacturing cost. Further, same mold can be used for three types of fuel box.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] 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.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a non-metallic fuel box structure to withstand with heavy loads as applied.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a non-metallic fuel box structure that can be provided without reinforcement bracket in the vehicle.
[0013] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a non-metallic fuel box structure that can accommodate two fuel inlet receptacle or three combinations of multi-fuel inlet receptacle and handle loads applied on them.
[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 a non-metallic fuel box structure of a vehicle. 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 present disclosure relates to a non-metallic fuel box structure for a vehicle. The non-metallic fuel box structure comprising a rear wall defining a base. The rear wall is connected with an upper wall at an upper side, a lower wall at lower side, a left side wall at left side, a right side wall at right side to define a cuboidal box structure with an opening. Where a flange extends outwardly away from perimeter of the opening to define a mounting surface. The rear wall comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion, where the second wall portion extends at an angle from an end of the first wall portion towards the opening along with vehicle length. The first wall portion is provided with a first through hole for a first fuel inlet and the second wall portion is provided with a second through hole for a second fuel inlet. Where rear surface of the second wall portion is reinforced by a plurality of cross ribs around the second through hole.
[0017] In an aspect, the non-metallic fuel box structure is made of material selected from combination of plastic, resin, and rubber.
[0018] In an aspect, the angle in between the first wall portion and the second wall portion is in range 0 to 50 degrees.
[0019] In an aspect, a set of positive mounting through holes is provided on the mounting surface, where one positive mounting through hole is provided with the mounting surface of the upper wall adjacent to the second wall portion and a second positive mounting through hole is provided with the mounting surface of the side wall adjacent to the second wall portion.
[0020] In an aspect, the non-metallic fuel box structure is mounted on outer panel of the vehicle through the first positive mounting through hole and the second positive mounting through hole generates a counter balance force for a force applied on the second fuel inlet.
[0021] In an aspect, density of the plurality of cross ribs on the rear surface of the second wall portion is variable.

[0022] In an aspect, the non-metallic fuel box structure accommodates three combinations of multi-fuel inlet for dual fuel.
[0023] In an aspect, the non-metallic fuel box structure is single mold structure for the two fuel inlets.
[0024] 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
[0025] 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:
[0026] FIG la discloses front view of fuel box structure, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0027] Fig. lb discloses cross section view along line AA when a CNG receptacle is provided in the fuel box structure of Fig. la, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0028] Fig. lc discloses cross section view along line AA when an Aqueous Liquid Urea (SCR) receptacle is provided in the fuel box structure of Fig. la, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 2 discloses rear perspective view of the fuel box structure of Fig.

la, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 3 discloses rear view of the fuel box structure of Fig. la, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0031] 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
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] Referring to FIG. la, disclosed is a fuel box structure 100 for side body of a vehicle (not shown) to accommodate two fuel inlet receptacles, such as petrol and CNG or diesel and urea. The present fuel box structure 100 is non-metallic fuel box, hereinafter the fuel box structure 100 may be referred as non-metallic fuel box structure 100. The non-metallic fuel box structure 100 is made of combination of plastic or resin and rubber material.
[0039] The non-metallic fuel box structure 100 defines a cuboidal box structure

with one end open to receive fuel filling nozzles. The open end of the non-metallic fuel box structure 100 is closed by a lid 111 which is connected with the non-metallic fuel box structure 100 by means of hinge mechanism. The lid 111 may provide a water proof sealing with the opening 112 of the non-metallic fuel box structure 100. Accordingly, rubber seals may be provided on inner surface of the lid 111 and outer surface of the opening 112 of the non-metallic fuel box structure 100.
[0040] The non-metallic fuel box structure 100 comprises a rear wall 101 defining a base which extend parallel with the vehicle length. The rear wall 101 is connected with an upper wall 105 (shown in fig. lb and 2) at an upper side and a lower wall 104 (shown in fig. la) at lower side. The rear wall 101 further connected with a left side wall 102 at left side and a right side wall 103 at right side to define the cuboidal box structure with an opening 112. Sides are defined with while referring the figures. Sides can be provided interchangeably. A flange 106 extends outwardly away from perimeter of the opening 112 to define a mounting surface.
[0041] The rear wall 101 comprises a first wall portion 101a and a second wall portion 101b. The second wall portion 101b extends at an angle from an end of the first wall portion 101a towards the opening 112 along with vehicle length. The angle in between the first wall portion 101a and the second wall portion 101b is in range 0 to 50 degrees
[0042] The first wall portion 101a is provided with a first through hole 109 for a first fuel inlet receptacle and the second wall portion 101b is provided with a second through hole 110 for a second fuel inlet receptacle. Referring to fig. 1 b and lc illustrating the second fuel inlet receptacle can be for CNG or for aqueous liquid urea. Fig. lb shows cross sectioned view of fig. la having the CNG fuel receptacle 200 at the second through hole 110 which is provided on the second wall portion 101b. The CNG fuel filling nozzle 201 couples with the CNG receptacle 200 for filling the CNG fuel inside the CNG cylinder placed in the vehicle. While coupling or de-coupling the CNG fuel filling nozzle 201, a force is applied on the CNG

receptacle 200 resultantly which transferred applied force on the second wall portion 101b. Similarly, Fig. lc shows cross sectioned view of fig.la having the aqueous liquid urea receptacle 300 at the second through hole 110 which is provided on the second wall portion 101b. The aqueous liquid urea filling nozzle 301 couples with the aqueous liquid urea receptacle 300 for filling the aqueous liquid urea inside the aqueous liquid urea cylinder placed inside or outside the vehicle. While coupling or de-coupling the aqueous liquid urea filling nozzle 301, a force is applied on the aqueous liquid urea receptacle 300 resultantly the applied force is transferred on the second wall portion 101b. Referring to figs. 2 and 3, rear surface of the second wall portion 101b is reinforced by a plurality of cross ribs 113 around the second through hole 110. Further, density of the plurality of cross ribs 113 on the rear surface of the second wall portion 101b is variable and depends on the required strength of fuel box structure 100.
[0043] The non-metallic fuel box structure 100 has separate insert with different locations of Dowell hole and Dowell pin which are used to prepare different fuel box housings in the same mold. The present non-metallic fuel box structure is made with a provision of uniform 113a and dense ribbing 113b as per strength requirement.
[0044] Further to reinforce the non-metallic fuel box structure 100 to handle approx... 500 N force during fuel filling, a set of positive mounting through holes 107, 108 is provided on the mounting surface 106. Where one positive mounting through hole 108 is provided with the mounting surface 106 of the upper wall 105 which is adjacent to the second wall portion 101b. A second positive mounting through hole 107 is provided with the mounting surface 106 of the side wall 103 which is adjacent to the second wall portion 101b.
[0045] When the non-metallic fuel box structure 100 is mounted on outer panel of the vehicle through the first positive mounting through hole 108 and the second positive mounting through hole 107, the positive mounting of the non-metallic fuel box structure 100 generates a counter balance force to handle a force applied on the

second fuel inlet receptacle (not shown) in the second fuel inlet hole 110.
[0046] In an embodiment, the non-metallic fuel box structure 100 is single mold structure for the two fuel inlets. As the present non-metallic fuel box structure 100 has separate insert with different locations of Dowell hole and Dowell pin which are used to prepare different fuel box housings in the same mold.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[0047] The present disclosure provides a non-metallic fuel box structure sufficiently reinforced to handle loads applied.
[0048] The present disclosure provides a uniform non-metallic fuel box structure for single fuel inlet receptacle, such as petrol or diesel, dual fuel inlet receptacle, such as petrol and CNG or diesel and urea.
[0049] The present disclosure provides a non-metallic fuel box structure which is light in weight and which can easily handle applied force of around or more of 500N during filling abuse.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] The term "vehicle" 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 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.

WE CLAIM:

A non-metallic fuel box structure (100) for a vehicle comprising:
a rear wall (101) defining a base, the rear wall (101) connected with:
an upper wall (105) at an upper side;
a lower wall (104) at lower side;
a left side wall (102) at left side;
a right side wall (103) at right side to define a cuboidal box structure with an opening (112), where a flange (106) extends outwardly away from perimeter of the opening (112) to define a mounting surface (106);
the rear wall (101) comprises:
a first wall portion (101a) and a second wall portion (101b), the second wall portion (101b) extends at an angle from an end of the first wall portion (101a) towards the opening (112) along with vehicle length;
the first wall portion (101a) is provided with a first through hole (109) for a first fuel inlet receptacle;
the second wall portion (101b) is provided with a second through hole (110) for a second fuel inlet receptacle, where rear surface of the second wall portion (101b) is reinforced by a plurality of cross ribs (113) around the second through hole (110).
The non-metallic fuel box structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-metallic fuel box structure (100) is made of material selected from combination of plastic, resin, and rubber.
The non-metallic fuel box structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the angle in between the first wall portion (101a) and the second wall portion (101b) is in range 0 to 50 degrees.

4. The non-metallic fuel box structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a set of positive mounting through holes (107, 108) provided on the mounting surface (106), where one positive mounting through hole (108) is provided with the mounting surface (106) of the upper wall (105) adjacent to the second wall portion (101b) and a second positive mounting through hole (107) is provided with the mounting surface (106) of the side wall (103) adjacent to the second wall portion (101b).
5. The non-metallic fuel box structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the non-metallic fuel box structure (100) mounted on outer panel of the vehicle through the first positive mounting through hole (108) and the second positive mounting through hole (107) generates a counter balance force for a force applied on the second fuel inlet receptacle.
6. The non-metallic fuel box structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein density of the plurality of cross ribs (113) on the rear surface of the second wall portion (101b) is variable.
7. The non-metallic fuel box structure (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein uniform ribbing (113a) is provided on the rear surface of the second wall portion (101b) between the second through hole (110) and the right side wall (103).
8. The non-metallic fuel box structure (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein dense ribbing (113b) is provided on the rear surface of the second wall portion (101b) between the second through hole (110) and the first through hole (109).
9. The non-metallic fuel box structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-metallic fuel box structure (100) accommodates two fuel inlet receptacles for dual fuel, wherein the two fuel inlet receptacles is combination of petrol and CNG, or combination of diesel and aqueous liquid urea or petrol only, or Diesel only.

10. The non-metallic fuel box structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-metallic fuel box structure (100) is single mold structure for the two fuel inlets.