Claims:What is claimed is:

1. A snorkel system, the snorkel system comprising:
a first part, the first part comprising:
an elongated casing, the elongated casing having a lateral entry for intake air near the top, and an open bottom, the elongated casing comprising:
a plurality of louvres provided at the lateral entry, the plurality of louvres formed in a manner to separate moisture from the intake air;
a plurality of path deflectors formed on inner walls of the elongated casing at a predetermined angle, the plurality of path deflectors guiding separated moisture towards the open bottom of the elongated casing; and
a water outlet pipe positioned just before the bottom of the elongated casing and at the predetermined angle, the water outlet pipe providing outlet to the separated moisture guided by the plurality of path deflectors; and
a second part, the second part comprising:
a top end configured to be received at the open bottom of the elongated casing for providing a way forward to the intake air free of the separated moisture; and
a bottom end configured as an outlet for the intake air free of the separated moisture;
characterized in that:
the top end having a flange structure such that a clearance area exists between inner walls of the elongated casing and walls of the flange structure, and the intake air free of the moisture travels forward through the flange structure and the separated moisture is collected in the clearance area for being ousted via the water outlet pipe.

2. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the elongated casing is wider near the open bottom than at the top.

3. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the open bottom of the elongated casing and the top end of the second part are slanted at less than the predetermined angle such that their coupling forms a leak-proof arrangement.

4. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the open bottom of the elongated casing and the top end of the second part are coupled using rivets.

5. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle is in the range of
60-140 degrees.

6. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the elongated casing has a mounting point
placed at the top.

7. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the second part has a plurality of mounting
brackets formed near the bottom end.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an air intake system for a vehicle, and more specifically to an improved snorkel system for the air intake system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Air intake systems are used to input air into the internal combustion engines of vehicles. Further, snorkels have been used in the air intake systems to provide a path for dirty air into air filters. The dirty air sucked-in through the snorkels contains moisture or air droplets which needs to be removed. A constant challenge lies in separating moisture or air droplets from the dirty air sucked-in through the air intake systems despite several designs being proposed and used by the industry for the same. The problem of separating moisture from the dirty air intensifies when the automobiles work in wet weather conditions. It is highly desirable to remove moisture or water droplets as it corrodes inner parts of the air intake systems, damages the filter media and leads to its inefficient operation, and leads to poor performance of the internal combustion engine.

[0003] Typically, a variety of designs and methods have been proposed and used to regularly remove the moisture from the air intake systems. Conventionally, a water separator is included in air intake systems for removing water droplets/moisture from the sucked dirty air. In multiple cases, the designs have used a separate in-line pre-cleaner downstream the snorkel for removing the unwarranted moisture/water droplets from the intake dirty air. However, including a separate in-line water separator built in the air intake systems increases overall manufacturing costs of the air filter systems. Moreover, additional in-line water separators bring complexity to the designs of the air intake systems and thus increases the operational and maintenance complexity. Further, additional components increase the air-path restrictions in the air intake systems, leading to inefficient filter systems.

[0004] In light of the above shortcomings and drawbacks of the existing air intake systems, it is desirable to have an air intake system or a snorkel with in-built moisture/water droplets removal function without any additional parts added for achieving this function.

[0005] The present invention deals with a design of an improved snorkel system providing an improved and alternative embodiment ensuring simple and efficient design, ease of removing moisture/water droplets and disposing-off the collected moisture/water droplets, and ease of assembly and maintenance. The present invention further provides an efficient and compact snorkel system.

SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems recognized by the inventor(s) in conventional systems.

[0007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a snorkel system is provided. The snorkel system comprises a first part and a second part. The first part of the snorkel system comprises an elongated casing having a lateral entry for intake air near the top and an open bottom. The elongated casing comprises a plurality of louvres, a plurality of path deflectors, and a water outlet pipe. The plurality of louvres are provided at the lateral entry and are formed in a manner to separate moisture from the intake air. The plurality of path deflectors are formed on inner walls of the elongated casing at a predetermined angle. The plurality of path deflectors guide separated moisture towards the open bottom of the elongated casing. The water outlet pipe is positioned just before the bottom of the elongated casing at the predetermined angle. The water outlet pipe provides outlet to the separated moisture guided by the plurality of path deflectors.

[0008] The second part of the snorkel system comprises a top end and a bottom end. The top end is configured to be received at the open bottom of the elongated casing for providing a way forward to the intake air free of the separated moisture. The bottom end is configured as an outlet for the intake air free of the separated moisture. The snorkel system is characterized in that the top end has a flange structure such that a clearance area exists between inner walls of the elongated casing and walls of the flange structure. The intake air free of the moisture travels forward through the flange structure and the separated moisture is collected in the clearance area for being ousted via the water outlet pipe.

[0009] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments.

[0010] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the below mentioned detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, example constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

Fig. 1A is an isometric view depicting a snorkel system from the front, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 1B is an isometric view depicting the snorkel system from the back, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 illustrates a front sectional view showing the snorkel system of Fig. 1A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 3 is a side sectional view depicting the snorkel system of Fig. 1A & 1B, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure has been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible. The person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and the like, described herein and as such may vary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

[0015] Unless stated otherwise, or implicit from context, the following terms and phrases include the meanings provided below. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, or apparent from context, the terms and phrases below do not exclude the meaning that the term or phrase has acquired in the art to which it pertains. The definitions are provided to aid in describing particular embodiments of the aspects described herein, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention, because the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms
shall include the singular.

[0016] As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is used in reference to
compositions, methods, and respective component(s) thereof, that are essential to the invention, yet open to the inclusion of unspecified elements, whether essential or not.

[0017] The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, references to the “method” includes one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein, and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and so forth.

[0018] Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes”. The abbreviation, “e.g.” is derived from the Latin exempli gratia and is used herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, the abbreviation “e.g.” is synonymous with the term “for example”.

[0019] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a snorkel system is provided. The snorkel system comprises a first part and a second part. The first part of the snorkel system comprises an elongated casing having a lateral entry for intake air near the top and an open bottom. The elongated casing comprises a plurality of louvres, a plurality of path deflectors, and a water outlet pipe. The plurality of louvres are provided at the lateral entry and are formed in a manner to separate moisture from the intake air. The plurality of path deflectors are formed on inner walls of the elongated casing at a predetermined angle. The plurality of path deflectors guide separated moisture towards the open bottom of the elongated casing. The water outlet pipe is positioned just before the bottom of the elongated casing at the predetermined angle. The water outlet pipe provides outlet to the separated moisture guided by the plurality of path deflectors.

[0020] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the second part of the snorkel system comprises a top end and a bottom end. The top end is configured to be received at the open bottom of the elongated casing for providing a way forward to the intake air free of the separated moisture. The bottom end is configured as an outlet for the intake air free of the separated moisture. The snorkel system is characterized in that the top end has a flange structure such that a clearance area exists between inner walls of the elongated casing and walls of the flange structure. The intake air free of the moisture travels forward through the flange structure and the separated moisture is collected in the clearance area for being ousted
via the water outlet pipe.

[0021] The elongated casing of the snorkel system is wider near the open bottom than at the top. The open bottom of the elongated casing and the top end of the second part are slanted at less than the predetermined angle such that their coupling forms a leak-proof arrangement. The open bottom of the elongated casing and the top end of the second part are coupled using rivets. The predetermined angle is in the range of 60-140 degrees. The elongated casing of the snorkel system has a mounting point placed at the top. The second part of the snorkel system has a plurality of mounting brackets formed near the bottom end.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, and assist the air filter manufacturers, consumers, and suppliers.

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, particularly by their reference numbers, Fig. 1A illustrates an isometric view depicting a snorkel system 100 from the front, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the snorkel system 100 includes a first part 102 and a second part 104. As may be seen, the first part 102 includes an elongated casing 106 having a lateral entry 108 provided near the top 110. The elongated casing includes an open bottom 112, according to aspects of the present disclosure. As may be seen further, the elongated casing 106 comprises a plurality of louvres 114 provided at the lateral entry 108. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of louvres 114 are formed in a manner to separate moisture from the intake air. The elongated casing 106 has a mounting point 116 placed at the top 110, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 1A is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 1B depicts an isometric view depicting the snorkel system 100 of Fig. 1 from the back. As illustrated in the view, the open bottom 112 of the first part 102 and the second part 104 are coupled together. As may be further seen, the elongated casing 106 comprises a plurality of path deflectors 118 and a water outlet pipe 120. The plurality of path deflectors 118 are formed on walls of the elongated casing 106 at a predetermined angle 122, according to aspects of the present disclosure. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined angle 122 is in the range of 60-140 degrees.

[0026] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of path deflectors 118 guide the separated moisture from the top 110 towards the open bottom 112 of the elongated casing 106. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the water outlet pipe 120 is positioned just before the open bottom 112 of the elongated casing 106 and at the predetermined angle 122. The water outlet pipe 120 provides outlet to the separated moisture guided by the plurality of path deflectors 118. In combined reference to Fig. 1A and 1B, the second part 104 has a plurality of mounting brackets 124.

[0027] Fig. 1B is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Moving on to Fig. 2, the front cross-sectional view of the snorkel system 100 of Fig. 1A & 1B is illustrated. As shown, the second part 104 of the snorkel system 100 comprises a top end 200 and a bottom end 202. The top end 200 is configured to be received at the open bottom 112 of the elongated casing 106 for providing a way forward to the intake air free of the separated moisture, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The bottom end 202 is configured as an outlet for the intake air free of the separated moisture, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] In all embodiments of the present disclosure, the top end 200 includes a flange structure 204. The flange structure 204 is formed in such a manner that a clearance area 206 is created between inner walls 208 of the elongated casing 106 and walls 210 of the flange structure 204, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The clearance area 206 may be better visualised in the Fig. 3 of the present disclosure. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the intake air free of the moisture travels forward through the flange structure 204 and the separated moisture is collected in the clearance area 206. The separated moisture collected in the clearance area 206 can be ousted via the water outlet pipe 120, according to
all embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Again referring to Fig. 2, the open bottom 112 of the elongated casing 106 and the top end 200 of the second part 104 are coupled together. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the open bottom 112 of the elongated casing 106 and the top end 200 of the second part 104 are coupled together using rivets 212. As may be further seen, the open bottom 112 of the elongated casing 106 and the top end 200 of the second part 104 are slanted at an angle, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the open bottom 112 of the elongated casing 106 and the top end 200 of the second part 104 are slanted at less than the predetermined angle. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the open bottom 112 of the elongated casing 106 and the top end 200 of the second part 104 are slanted such that their coupling forms a leak-proof arrangement. In combined reference to Fig. 1A, 1B, and Fig. 2, the second part 104 has the plurality of mounting brackets 124 formed near the bottom end 202.

[0032] Fig. 2 is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Now referring to Fig. 3, the side sectional view depicting the snorkel system 100 of Fig. 1A & 1B is illustrated, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] As may be clearly seen and perceived, the clearance area 206 is created between the inner walls 208 of the elongated casing 106 and the walls 210 of the flange structure 204, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As described earlier and according to aspects of the present disclosure, the intake air free of the moisture travels forward through the flange structure 204 and the separated moisture is collected in the clearance area 206. As may be further seen, the open bottom 112 of the elongated casing 106 and the top end 200 of the second part 104 form the leak-proof arrangement such that the collected separated moisture in the form of water droplets is efficiently ousted from the snorkel system 100, According to all embodiments of the present disclosure. As may be clearly seen, the rivets 212 are used to couple the open bottom 112 of the elongated casing 106 and the top end 200 of the second part 104.

[0035] Fig. 3 is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for various purposes, including, though not limited to, manufacturing and servicing of snorkel systems or air intake systems.

[0037] Modifications to various embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”. “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.