DESC:SEMI-INTEGRATED AIR INTAKE SNORKEL FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Field of the invention
The present invention relates to vehicle snorkel and more particularly relates to closely integrating snorkel body with vehicle cabin rear wall without any additional mountings and isolators.

Background of the invention
In motor vehicles, the internal combustion engine needs a constant supply of fresh air for the combustion process. Therefore, air intake snorkels are provided within a motor vehicle along with an air intake system, to assist an internal combustion engine in intake of outside air. The air intake snorkel enables to elevate air inlet point of the air intake system installed within the vehicle throughout the vehicle operations. Further, the air intake snorkels also help to reduce dust and water entry in the air intake system thereby helping in increasing useful life of a filter element present within the air intake system.

Conventionally, the air intake snorkels in motor vehicles are separately mounted on the vehicle cabin rear wall using rubber isolator and fasteners. Still further, all of the conventional air intake snorkels on current commercial vehicles are made up of plastic material wherein the air inlet direction is decided by the snorkel opening, like rain cap type opening or side inlet type opening etc. Further, the conventionally used air intake snorkels are expensive to manufacture and require a mounting structure for their mounting within a motor vehicle.

Prior art patent US20110201263 discloses a natural air ventilation system consisting of a snorkel for a vehicle cab wherein, the snorkel outlet is connected to the air intake manifold of the engine. Further, louvers are also provided to the exit vent of the vehicle cabin to control the air circulation inside the vehicle cabin. The snorkel prevents direct entry of water into the air ducts. The prior art further discloses that the snorkel can be made from metal, fiber, or reinforced plastic or a combination thereof, and is in square, rectangular, or pentagonal shape.

Prior art patent US8485153B2 discloses an air intake duct for an internal combustion engine that is capable of reducing the noise associated with the induction of air. It comprises of a grid having a plurality of similarly angled louvers.

All of the existing prior arts disclose conventional snorkel (using duct) mounted on vehicle cabin and further connected with vehicle cabin for ventilation inside the cabin and for reducing noise associated with the induction of air. Thus, in conventional air intake system, a separate snorkel is used thereby requiring separate mounting provision and a mounting bracket on the vehicle cabin and snorkel, separate isolators to reduce vibrations, more space between the vehicle cabin and load body, complicated tooling, a separate heavier snorkel calling for stronger vehicle cabin rear wall and assemblies issues of alignment between the vehicle cabin mounted snorkel and the chassis mounted ducts.

Therefore, there exists a need to provide a semi-integrated snorkel addressing the aforementioned drawbacks of prior arts. Further, there exists a need for a cheaper snorkel having optimized weight and easy manufacturing and assembly while providing improved dust and water separation at the air inlet stage only with overall less vibration to the vehicle cabin and reduce noise, thereby addressing all the deficiencies of the prior arts.

Objects of the invention
The primary object of present invention is to eliminate the need of any additional mountings and isolators for mounting a snorkel within a vehicle cabin.
Another object of present invention is to improve space utilization between the vehicle cabin and load body by providing a semi-integrated snorkel having simple construction and optimized weight.
Yet another object of present invention is to provide a mechanism that ensures removal of dust from the air and ensures pre-cleaning of dust along with restricting entry of water within the air intake system.

Summary of the invention
The present invention provides semi-integrated air intake snorkel for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The semi-integrated air intake snorkel is used in conjunction with an air intake system of the vehicle for elevating air entry point of the air intake system along with silencing of the air intake noise. According to the present invention, the semi-integrated air intake snorkel comprises of a snorkel body, a sealing O-ring and a snap fit grill opening assembly.
The snorkel body includes a plurality of flanges configured around an edge surface thereof. The plurality of flanges is provided with grooves configured along the edge surface of the snorkel body. Furthermore, an opening with outward projections is further provided at a first face of the snorkel body.
The sealing O-ring is mounted within the grooves of the plurality of flanges of the snorkel body to form a tight seal there around. Particularly, the sealing O-ring prevents entry of water and dust particles within the snorkel body by forming a tight seal there around.
The snap fit grill opening assembly is removably inserted within the opening of the snorkel body to form a secure seal therebetween. Particularly, the snap fit grill opening assembly establishes a snap-fit engagement with the opening of the snorkel body. The snap fit grill opening assembly (80) further comprises of a grill body and a frame removably mounted within the grill body using rivets facilitating easy replacement. The frame comprises of a plurality of louvers, each louver configured with a lateral and an outwards transverse angle for restricting entry of rain water and dust particles. The frame thus helps in increasing shelf life of an air filter element of the air intake system of the vehicle.
The semi-integrated air intake snorkel is integrated within a cabin rear wall of the vehicle using fasteners. Particularly, the semi-integrated air intake snorkel is integrated within the cabin rear wall such that the sealing O-ring seats between the cabin rear wall and a curved surface engraved within the snorkel body.
More specifically, in one type of mounting of the semi-integrated air intake snorkel on the cabin rear wall, the sealing O-ring seats in between a flat surface of the cabin rear wall and the curved surface engraved within the snorkel body to form a tight seal. Furthermore, in another type of mounting of the semi-integrated air intake snorkel on the cabin rear wall, the sealing O-ring seats in between a curved surface engraved within the cabin rear wall and the snorkel body thereby forming a close integral seal between the semi-integrated air intake snorkel and the cabin rear wall of the vehicle.

Brief description of the drawings
Figure 1 shows a variety of conventional snorkels currently used in commercial vehicles, wherein:
Figure 1A shows rear and side views of truck showing different mounting locations of a snorkel within a vehicle cabin and the vehicle opening positions- side and bottom up;
Figure 1B shows the conventional snorkel (duct used) and mounted on vehicle cabin and further connected with the vehicle cabin for ventilation inside the vehicle cabin;
Figure 1C shows a perspective view of the conventional snorkel configured with both side openings for reducing noise;
Figure 2 shows the conventional snorkel separately mounted on a vehicle with side inlet opening;
Figure 3 is a rear view showing a semi-integrated air intake snorkel integrated within the cabin rear wall of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 4A is an exploded view of the semi-integrated air intake snorkel showing a snap fit grill opening assembly and a sealing O-ring, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 4B shows an exploded view of a snap fit grill opening assembly of figure 4A, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 5 shows construction of the frame of the snap fit grill opening assembly of figure 4B, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 6 is a side view of a vehicle showing a vehicle cabin and a vehicle cargo body;
Figures 7A- 7D shows sectional views of the semi-integrated air intake snorkel and the cabin rear wall of the vehicle, showing different ways of integration and mounting of the semi-integrated snorkel on the cabin rear wall of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention.
Detailed description of the invention
The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.
The present invention provides a semi-integrated air intake snorkel for internal combustion engine. The semi-integrated air intake snorkel is capable of integrating with variety of vehicle designs and arrangements. The semi-integrated air intake snorkel prevents ingestion of solid and liquid contaminants along with outside air while still reducing noise thereby reducing maintenance requirements. Further, the semi-integrated air intake snorkel elevates air entry point of a conventional air intake system of a vehicle along with silencing the air intake noise.
This present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.
Referring to figure 1 and 2, the air intake system of the commercial vehicles currently being used conventionally consists of a separate snorkel to increase the air intake capacity of the air intake system. The conventional snorkels, as shown in figure 1B and 1C, currently being used in commercial vehicles, comprises of a duct and openings at both the ends particularly provided for reducing the air intake noise. In commercial vehicles, these snorkels are mounted at different mounting locations on a vehicle, as can be seen in figure 1A, using different mountings and isolators. In conventional snorkels, the air inlet direction is decided by the snorkel opening, like a rain cap opening (a) or a side inlet type opening (b) as shown in figure 1A and figure 2. Conventionally, the conventional snorkel (c) of motor vehicles is separately mounted on cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle as shown in figure 2. Specifically, the conventional snorkels are usually mounted on a vehicle cabin and are further connected with the vehicle cabin for providing ventilation therein. Thus, the conventional snorkel thereby requires a separate mounting provision and a separate mounting bracket on the vehicle cabin to mount the snorkel therein.
Referring to figures 3 to 5, a semi-integrated air intake snorkel (100), (hereinafter referred to as “the air intake snorkel (100)”) for internal combustion engine, in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The air intake snorkel (100) is integrated within a cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle, as shown in figure 3. The air intake snorkel (100) is used in conjunction with the conventional air intake system of the vehicle and helps in elevating air entry point of the air intake system along with silencing of the air intake noise.
According to the present invention, and referring to figure 4A, the air intake snorkel (100) comprises of a snorkel body (20), a sealing O-ring (50), and a snap fit grill opening assembly (80).
The snorkel body (20) includes a plurality of flanges (5) configured around edge surfaces thereof. The plurality of flanges (5) is provided with grooves (not shown) configured around the edge surfaces of the snorkel body (20). Further, the snorkel body (20) includes an opening (10) configured at a first face thereof. The opening (10) is further provided with outward projections. In an embodiment, the snorkel body (20) is made up of, not limiting thereto, metallic or plastic material.
The sealing O-ring (50) is mounted within the grooves of the plurality of flanges (5) of the snorkel body (20) to form a tight seal there around for preventing entry of water and dust particles therein. Particularly, the snorkel body (20) is provided with the plurality of flanges (5) at the edges with grooves to fit with the sealing O-ring (50). In an embodiment, the sealing O-ring (50) is a rubber sealing O-ring.

The snap fit grill opening assembly (80) is capable of being removably inserted within the opening (10) of the snorkel body (20) to form a secure seal therebetween. The snap fit grill opening assembly (80), as shown in figure 4B, comprises of two separate parts- a grill body (70) and a frame (60). The frame (60) is removably secured within the grill body (70) using rivets thereby facilitating easy service/replacement. In an embodiment, the frame (60) is made up of, not limiting thereto, an injection molded plastic. In another embodiment, the grill body (70) is made up of, not limiting thereto, a blow molded plastic. The frame (60), as shown in figure 5, includes a plurality of louvers (55) (also referred to as “snap-fit covers (55)”) each configured with a lateral and an outwards transverse angle for restricting entry of rain water and dense dust particles to increase shelf life of an air filter element of the air intake system. Particularly, the snap fit grill opening assembly (80) consists of the plurality of louvers (55) on one side and a wide opening on the other side. Further, the snap fit grill opening assembly (80) is snap fitted within the opening (10) on the snorkel body (20). Particularly, the outward projections of the opening (10) helps in fitting the grill body (70) of the snap fit grill opening assembly (80) therein, thereby forming a secure seal, only allowing it to open/ disassemble by opening the grill body (70) outwards. This type of construction improves serviceability of the snap fit grill opening assembly (80) and the air intake snorkel (100), thereby reducing required fastener to secure the snap fit grill opening assembly (80) to the snorkel body (20) and any other associated issues, and further assists in using different opening cross section with single receiving end of the snorkel body (20).
Furthermore, the air intake snorkel (100) is mounted on a cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle using fasteners thereby forming a close integral seal. In an embodiment, the fasteners includes, not limiting thereto, studs/bolt (260) and nut (280). Specifically, the snorkel body (20) and the sealing O-ring (50) is fastened with the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle using fasteners forming a close integral body. This type of construction enables to reduce the overall material required to construct the snorkel body (20), thereby enabling better space management. Further, the same cross section air intake snorkel can be packaged in less space (250) between the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle and the vehicle cargo/load body, as can be seen in figure 6. Further, integrating the snorkel body (20) into the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle thereby eliminates the need of any additional mountings and isolators.
Now, referring to figures 7A- 7D, shown are the different ways of mounting the air intake snorkel (100) on the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle. The mounting is such that a close integral seal is formed between the air intake snorkel (100) and the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle. The air intake snorkel (100) is integrated within the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle using fasteners such that the sealing O-ring (50) seats between the cabin rear wall (200) and a curved surface/ deep engraved/formed within the snorkel body (20).
In an embodiment, as shown in figure 7A and 7B, the mounting is such that the sealing O-ring (50) seats in between a flat surface of the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle and the deep/ curved surface formed on the snorkel body (20).

In another embodiment, as shown in figure 7C and 7D, the mounting is such that the sealing O-ring (50) seats in between the deep/curved surfaces engraved on both- the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle and the snorkel body (20). Thereinafter, fastening of the air intake snorkel (100) onto the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle is done using the fasteners.

Thus, the present invention provides the air intake snorkel (100) that assists the air intake system of the vehicle in intake of clean air and further restricts entry of water and other contaminants thereby improving life of the air filter equipped within the air intake system of the vehicle. The air intake snorkel (100) is further capable of being closely integrated within the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle in minimum space, and requiring the need of any mountings or isolators.

Advantages of the present invention
1. The air intake snorkel (100) saves almost 25% of the manufacturing material thereby making it cost effective as compared to the conventional snorkels.
2. The air intake snorkel (100) doesn’t require any mountings for the fitment on the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle thereby eliminating all of the other associated parts. This enables reduction in cost, and eliminates any mounting related failures and service requirements.
3. The air intake snorkel (100) is closely integrated with the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle and has the same colour as that of the vehicle cabin thereby making it aesthetically better as compared to the conventional snorkels.
4. The present invention offers better space management since no space is required for mountings, thereby enabling to reduce space between the vehicle cabin and the vehicle cargo body, which can be utilized for a bigger cargo body, giving up to 175 litres more cargo space.
5. The unique snap fit opening feature ensures modularity of the air intake system of the vehicle. Further, by changing only design of the snap fit cover (55) of the snap fit grill opening assembly (80), rest of the air intake snorkel (100) can be kept common for various numbers of engine or vehicle applications.
6. The unique snap fit covers (55) can be fitted with static fans, for pre cleaning of dust and water separation.
7. The present invention provides lesser air travel as compared to the conventional snorkels and hence reduced pressure drop along the flow.
8. Since most of the material proposed is standard automotive materials, and since the parts doesn’t require any special tools, the air intake snorkel (100) can be manufactured repetitively and in bulk quantities in less time.
9. The present invention saves total assembly weight as compared to the conventional snorkels.
10. The novel design of the present invention is better in isolation because of the integrated design with the vehicle cabin thereby improving overall vehicle (Noise, vibration, and harshness) NVH.

The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or matter. The embodiments of the invention as described above and the methods disclosed herein will suggest further modification and alterations to those skilled in the art. Such further modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. ,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A semi-integrated air intake snorkel (100) for an internal combustion engine, the semi-integrated air intake snorkel (100) capable of being used in conjunction with an air intake system of a vehicle for elevating air entry point of the air intake system along with silencing of the air intake noise, the semi-integrated air intake snorkel (100) comprising of:
a snorkel body (20) having a plurality of flanges (5) and an opening (10) configured thereon, the plurality of flanges (5) with grooves configured around an edge surface of the snorkel body (20) and the opening (10) with outward projections configured at a first face of the snorkel body (20);
a sealing O-ring (50) mounted within the grooves of the plurality of flanges (5) of the snorkel body (20) to form a tight seal there around for preventing entry of water and dust particles therein; and
a snap fit grill opening assembly (80) removably inserted within the opening (10) of the snorkel body (20) to form a secure seal therebetween, the snap fit grill opening assembly (80) capable of establishing a snap-fit engagement with the opening (10) of the snorkel body (20), the snap fit grill opening assembly (80) comprising of,
• a grill body (70); and
• a frame (60) removably mounted within the grill body (70) using rivets thereby facilitating easy replacement, the frame (60) having a plurality of louvers (55) each configured with a lateral and an outwards transverse angle for restricting entry of rain water and dust particles thereby increasing shelf life of an air filter element of the air intake system,
wherein the semi-integrated air intake snorkel (100) is integrated within a cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle using fasteners such that the sealing O-ring (50) seats between the cabin rear wall (200) and a curved surface engraved within the snorkel body (20), and
wherein further the cabin rear wall (200) has an engraved surface selected from a flat and a curved surface thereby forming a close integral seal between the semi-integrated air intake snorkel (100) and the cabin rear wall (200) of the vehicle.

2. The semi-integrated air intake snorkel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the snorkel body (20) is made up of anyone of a metallic and a plastic material.

3. The semi-integrated air intake snorkel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing O-ring (50) is a rubber sealing O-ring.

4. The semi-integrated air intake snorkel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (60) is made up of an injection molded plastic.

5. The semi-integrated air intake snorkel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grill body (70) is made up of a blow molded plastic.

Dated this 25th day of September 2017

Prafulla Wange
(Agent for Applicant)
IN-PA/2058