WO2016024174A2

WO2016024174A2 - Kit for operation of two wheeler on gaseous fuel

Info

Publication number: WO2016024174A2
Application number: PCT/IB2015/054681
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael ANGADJI
Original assignee: Angadji Michael
Priority date: 2014-08-12
Filing date: 2015-06-23
Publication date: 2016-02-18
Also published as: WO2016024174A3

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an efficient, cost effective and easy to install CNG kit for two wheeler that provides impact proof, concealed installation for gas cylinders having adequate storage capacity.

Description

KIT FOR OPERATION OF TWO WHEELER ON GASEOUS FUEL

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of transport vehicles. More specifically it pertains to two wheeler configured to run on two fuels, one being gaseous and the other being a liquid fuel.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] A large number of people especially in places where public transport is not well developed, are dependent on personal vehicles for their transportation needs. Almost all these vehicles use internal combustion engines(IC engines) as prime mover and fossil fuels like petrol and diesel to run them. These prime movers using petrol or diesel cause pollution both at local level by emitting harmful gases such as nitrogenous oxides and particulates and also at global level by adding to greenhouse gases. However, efforts to develop alternatives such as electrically driven personal transport depending on renewable sources of energy for driving personal transport have so far failed to cross bar of commercial viability.

[0004] Till such time newer technologies bring about radical change in the way transport vehicles are fueled, environmental challenges are being met by laying down pollution control requirements for fossil fuel driven vehicles which require these vehicles to restrict their emissions within the prescribed limits. Engine/vehicle designers and manufacturers are continuously improving the engine designs and exhaust systems to reduce emission levels and meet the statutory requirements. [0005] One area which can have considerable effect on pollution from internal combustion engines is choice of fossil fuel. It is known that natural gas(in compressed state to reduce space it would otherwise occupy and therefore Compressed Natural Gas(CNG)) whose main constituent is methane, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) produce significantly fewer pollutants such as carbon dioxide, unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and particulate matter than petrol or diesel. Besides being less polluting they also have other advantages such as increased life of lubricating oils, no fouling of spark plugs(in case of spark ignition engines), lower maintenance costs etc. CNG specifically is also safer than other fuels in the event of a spill because natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly when released. For aforementioned reasons natural gas in particular is now being extensively used on public transport vehicles in many cities.

[0006] In view of lower cost of CNG and overall economy in operation, it is turning out to be quite popular among individuals for personal transport vehicles also. For this reason many car manufactures are manufacturing models that incorporate CNG as an optional fuel. However requirement of those in lower income segment in developing countries and operating cheaper mode of personal transport such as two wheelers remains unmet. The segment requires low cost solution suitable for fitment on two wheelers both as OE and conversion kit to meet requirement of new as well as already operational two wheelers.

[0007] One of the technical problems faced in providing a system to enable a two wheeler to run on gaseous fuel is storage of adequate quantity of gaseous fuel for vehicle to cover adequate distance in each filling to make it viable. Four wheelers generally have adequate space either in boot or undercarriage to provide for large enough storage capacity. Unfortunately, on account of inherent nature and configuration of two wheelers, they do not provide such flexibility.

[0008] In addition to capacity of storage installation of storage tanks/cylinder for gaseous fuel should be inconspicuous and impact proof. Here again the inherent nature and configuration of two wheelers do not allow easy solutions.

[0009] Some of the earlier solutions call for modifications to fuel tank or chassis to create space for gas cylinders. However these can either be implemented in production lines for two wheelers and/or are expensive to implement. Few other propose installation of gas storage cylinders in locations that leaves them exposed to hazards of impact or cause inconvenience to user or are too conspicuous for user to feel comfortable.

[0010] There is therefore a need for providing efficient, low cost, and easy to install system for enabling two wheeled personal transport vehicles to run on gaseous fuel in addition to its existing liquid fuel that overcomes above mentioned technical problems and meets user expectations.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of present disclosure is to provide an efficient and cost effective conversion kit for two wheelers to enable its operation on gaseous as well as liquid fuel.

[0012] An object of present disclosure is to provide cost efficiency in terms of lower fuel cost for running a two wheeler.

[0013] Another object of present disclosure is to provide adequate storage capacity for gaseous fuel that ensures an adequate and viable range for two wheeler after each filling.

[0014] Another object of present disclosure is to provide impact proof installation of gas cylinder(s) on a two wheeler.

[0015] Another object of present disclosure is to provide installation of gas cylinder(s) on a two wheeler so that user is not inconvenienced.

[0016] Another object of present disclosure is to provide installation of gas cylinders on two wheeler so that the gas cylinders are covered by a specially and well-contoured cover to make installation inconspicuous.

[0017] Another object of present disclosure is to provide a gaseous fuel conversion kit for two wheelers that provides option to use either of two fuels - liquid or gaseous.

[0018] Another object of present disclosure is to provide a gaseous fuel conversion kit for two wheelers that provides optimum air fuel ratio irrespective of fuel used by use of a optimally designed air/fuel mixer. [0019] Another object of present disclosure is to provide a gaseous fuel conversion kit for two wheelers with two stage gas pressure reduction and regulation without interstage heating of gas to overcome cooling effect.

[0020] Another object of present disclosure is to provide a gaseous fuel conversion kit for two wheelers that meets safety requirements.

[0021] Another object of present disclosure is to provide an easy to implement installation for gaseous fuel conversion kit by use of a specially designed cylinder frame integrated with some of the kit components and separately assembled as a one assembly.

[0022] Another object of present disclosure is to provide a gaseous fuel conversion kit for two wheelers that can be installed without any change/modification of existing assemblies/components of two wheeler and in reasonable time.

[0023] Another object of present disclosure is to provide a gaseous fuel conversion kit for two wheelers that doesn't affect centre of gravity of the two wheeler and doesn't effect its stability.

SUMMARY

[0024] Aspects of present disclosure relate to an efficient and cost effective gaseous fuel kit for two wheeler vehicles and lower fuel cost. In an aspect, the optimally designed gas cylinder provides adequate storage capacity for gaseous fuel so that vehicle has adequate range after refills. The disclosure provides for mounting more than one gas cylinder of optimum size to suit available space on a two wheeler.

[0025] In another aspect of the present disclosure, gas storage cylinders are mounted on chassis of two wheeler to make them impact proof wherein mounting is by means of specially designed frame that holds the two cylinder and is mounted on chassis of two wheeler.

[0026] In another aspect of the present disclosure, gas storage cylinders are installed in leg space of two wheeler without adversely affecting space for safe, comfortable and stable driving by user. In another aspect, size and location of storage cylinders is worked out to ensure comfortable,-safe and stable driving without compromising range of operation. [0027] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, gas storage cylinders after installation are covered by a cover to make installation inconspicuous.

[0028] In another aspect of the disclosure, gaseous fuel kit for two wheeler incorporates gas fuel mixer that is configured to control amount of air intake to engine depending on fuel used and ensure optimum air-fuel ratio irrespective of fuel in use.

[0029] In another aspect of the disclosure, gaseous fuel kit for two wheeler regulates and reduces gas pressure in two stages without interstage heating of gas to overcome cooling effect. In another aspect second stage also incorporates adjustments for engine functioning.

[0030] In another aspect of the disclosure, gaseous fuel kit for two wheeler incorporates safety devices to take precautionary actions under possibly hazardous situations such as high temperature and possible leakages.

[0031] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, gaseous fuel kit for two wheeler is configured for installation without any modification/change of existing parts/assemblies of two wheeler and is simple to install using common general purpose tools without major dismantling/disassembly of vehicle parts. In another aspect the installation uses common controls for choke (cold start function while operating on liquid fuel such as petrol) and change over from one fuel to other.

[0032] 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

[0033] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary gaseous fuel kit for two wheeler depicting different constituent assemblies/components in accordance with embodiments of present disclosure. [0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary installation of gas cylinders on a two wheeler in accordance with present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary installation of gas cylinders on a two wheeler after cover placed in position in accordance with present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary installation of gaseous fuel kit on a two wheeler in accordance with present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary installation of second stage pressure cum regulator and gas air mixer along with connecting pipe in accordance with embodiments of present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary installation of second stage pressure cum regulator as viewed from top of vehicle in accordance with embodiments of present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as "including, but not limited to."

[0041] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0042] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. [0043] The headings and abstract of the disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0045] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0046] Embodiments of present disclosure describe an efficient and cost effective gaseous fuel kit for two wheelers. It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained with reference to CNG as gaseous fuel, however, these after suitable alterations/modifications that shall be apparent to a person skilled in art can be equally applied to other gaseous fuels such as LPG also and all such applications are well within the scope of present disclosure. Likewise various embodiments have been explained with reference to scooter/scootee, however, these after suitable alterations/modifications that shall be apparent to a person skilled in art can be equally applied to other two wheelers and all such applications are well within the scope of present disclosure.

[0047] In an embodiment the disclosure provides for storage of adequate amount of gaseous fuel of CNG to ensure enough range e. g. more than 100 km so that operation of two wheeler on CNG can be viable. In an embodiment of application storage capacity for CNG can be created by installing more than one cylinder of suitable size within constraints of space and convenience.

[0048] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides installation of gas cylinder(s) on chassis of two wheeler by means of a specially designed frame that makes them an integral part of chassis making it impact proof. [0049] In another embodiment, gas cylinders are covered with a cover that makes installation concealed and inconspicuous.

[0050] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides for reduction of gas pressure from its storage pressure of about 200 bar to working pressure of less than 1 bar in two stages without interstage heating to overcome cooling effect. In another aspect of embodiment, two stages of pressure reduction are built into two assemblies and assembly incorporating second stage reduction also incorporate adjustments for idling speed and performance of engine of two wheeler.

[0051] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides CNG kit for two wheeler that does not require any modification or change of existing components/assemblies of two wheeler or any special tools or tackles for installation.

[0052] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides CNG kit for two wheeler as a unity by use of a specially designed cylinder frame integrated with some of the kit components and separately assembled in kit manufacturer site and easily assembled to chassis of the two wheeler by two U shape bolts.

[0053] In the following detailed description various embodiments have been explained with reference to exemplary figures that depict installation on a scooter. It should be understood that two wheeler vehicle depicted in these figures is only an exemplary embodiment and CNG kit of the present disclosure can be installed on any other two wheeler with suitable modifications that can be configured by a person skilled in art and all such installations are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary CNG kit 100 for two wheeler in accordance with embodiments of present disclosure. The exemplary CNG kit 100 can include a plurality of CNG cylinders 102, also referred to as storage tanks 102 hereinafter. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, two gas cylinders 102 of equal size say 140 mm in diameter and 3 lit. capacity, can be used to gainfully utilise leg space of scooter and can provide adequate storage capacity for CNG to be enough for a range of over 100 km without causing any discomfort to user in safe and stable driving of vehicle. [0055] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, gas cylinders 102 can be mounted on chassis to make them impact proof. In application gas cylinders 102 can be mounted on front member of chassis 130 of two wheeler which for example can be tubular in shape, by means of a cylinder frame 104 configured to hold two gas cylinders 102 in such a way that one gas cylinder 102 is placed on either side of tubular chassis. The cylinder frame 104 can be mounted on tubular chassis of two wheeler by means of "U" or "C" shaped bolt(s) 106 configured to fit around tubular chassis with its threaded end passing through holes in cylinder frame 104 and tightened with nuts thus holding the cylinder frame 104 firmly and rigidly to chassis. In an exemplary embodiment two such "U" or "C" shaped bolt(s) 106 have been used, gas cylinders 102 can be fixed to frame by means of strap 108. There can be plurality of straps 108 and in the exemplary embodiment two of them have been used for each of the gas cylinders 102.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the cylinder frame 104 can have two front mounting wings, with one mounting wing at each upper and lower part of the cylinder frame 104, wherein each mounting wing can have contour to match with chassis of the two wheeler. Each of the two mounting wings can have connecting means to fix the cylinder frame 104 against a front part of the chassis. Thus, each mounting wing can be provided with a "U" or "C" shaped cut to match and couple tubular front member of the chassis 130. It can also have holes to receive U shaped bolts 106. The cylinder frame 104 can also have two sets of cylinder mounting wings one set on either side - each configured to hold a gas cylinder 102. Each set of cylinder mounting wing can have plurality projections, each of these projections having curvature matching the outside diameter of gas cylinder 102 and having means to hold gas cylinders 102 against them. Each of these projections can also be provided with holes to receive ends of straps 108. These ends of the straps 108 can be threaded so as to receive nuts that can be tightened so that straps 108 hold gas cylinders 102 firmly. Thus cylinder frame 104 is configured to hold one gas cylinder 102 on either side of chassis of two wheeler.

[0057] In an aspect, mounting of a gas cylinder 102 on either side of chassis preserves the centre of gravity, weight balance and symmetry of the motor vehicle to provide a safe and unaltered riding experience.

[0058] In another embodiment, On/off Valve(s) 110 can be mounted on each of the gas cylinders 102. It can have atleast two ports each of them in continuity with cylinder, and two ends of interconnect pipe 112 that connects two gas cylinders 102 can be connected to one of these ports of each of the on/off valve 110 mounted on the two gas cylinders 102. Interconnect pipe 112 can permit free flow of CNG from one gas cylinder 102 to other, both at time of filling and consumption.

[0059] On/off valve 110 can be configured to control flow of CNG from gas cylinders 102. User, when he wishes to run vehicle on CNG, can put the valve on On' position, permitting flow of CNG to output port connected to engine, whereas switching valve 110 can be put to 'off position in order to stop flow of CNG to engine. In addition to on/off function on/off valve 110 can also have means to control rate of flow of gas from gas cylinder 102 to downstream installation. On/off Valve 110 can additionally comprise of over pressure valve configured to release CNG from gas cylinders 102 to atmosphere when pressure in gas cylinder(s) 102 goes beyond pre-set maximum permissible limit. It can also incorporate device to block flow of CNG to output port whenever output flow rate of CNG goes beyond a predetermined limit. In an embodiment flow rate of CNG through output port of on/off valve 110 beyond a predetermined rate can be due to leakage at some place downstream and can be a potential hazard. Therefore on/off valve 110 can be configured to block flow of CNG in such an eventuality irrespective of on/off position as a safety measure.

[0060] In another embodiment, filling valve 114 can be connected to spare port (one of the two to which Interconnect pipe 112 is not connected ) of on/off valve 110 of any one of the two gas cylinders 102 through a pipe 116 to facilitate filling of CNG in gas cylinders 102. Filling valve 114 can be a one way valve that permits gas entering from filling port to travel to its output port and thereafter to gas cylinders 102 through connecting pipe 116, but not the other way round. Cylinder bracket 104 can also have the provision for mounting filling valve 114.

[0061] In an embodiment, a cover 118 can be fixed after installation of gas cylinders 102 on chassis and can be configured to totally cover them to make installation inconspicuous and also to avoid any unintended mishandling of valves and other fittings. Cover 118 can be provided with a means to fix it on front leg guard of scooter and may give an appearance of helmet box generally fitted by users on scooters. Additionally, cover 118 can have an appropriate opening for access to filling valve 114 that can be optionally provided with a lockable cover (not shown). [0062] In another embodiment, a first stage reducer/regulator 120 can be installed within the cover 118 and on the cylinder bracket 104, such that its input port can be connected to last of the four ports of the on/off valve 110 through pipe-1 122. First stage regulator 120 can be configured to reduce gas pressure from its storage pressure of 200 bar in gas cylinders 102 to an intermediate stage of say 4 bar. From first stage reducer/regulator 120, the gas can move through pipe-2 124 to second stage reducer/regulator 126.

[0063] In another embodment, the second stage reducer/regulator 126 can reduce gas pressure from intermediate stage pressure to a pressure of about 1 bar at which it can be fed to air gas mixer 132 through pipe-3 132. In an embodiment of present disclosure, the second stage reducer/regulator 126 can also incorporate adjustments in CNG supply for idling speed and overall performance of engine. Combination of these functions on second stage reducer/regulator 126 reduce number of assemblies and corresponding connecting and mounting parts making CNG kit 100 compact, cost effective and easy to install.

[0064] Second stage reducer/regulator 126 can be mounted inside engine compartment by means of bracket (not shown) which can be fixed to any suitable member within engine compartment of two wheeler. Mounting can be so configured that idle and function adjustment means are easily accessible for adjustment as and when required.

[0065] Output port of second stage reducer/regulator 126 can be connected to input port of air-gas mixer 130 by means of pipe-3 132. In an embodiment, air-gas mixer 130 can be configured for mounting directly on air intake side of carburettor 136 of two wheeler and to receive existing air duct disconnected from air intake side of carburettor, on its air intake side. The embodiment can facilitate installation of CNG kit 100 without change and modification of existing parts/assemblies of two wheeler providing a cost effective installation.

[0066] In another embodiment air-gas mixture 130 can mix CNG with intake air in an efficient manner maintaining predetermined and desired CNG-air ratio and can additionally provide for change over from gaseous to liquid fuel or vice-versa maintaining corresponding air fuel ratios thus providing optimum performance of engine irrespective of fuel in use.

[0067] In another embodiment, fuel change over lever of air-gas mixture 130 can be connected to means for actuating choke for cold start of engine that can additionally function as means for changeover from one fuel to other. The embodiment can do away with requirement of separate fuel changeover actuating means reducing cost and improving economy of installing CNG conversion kit 100.

[0068] In the absence of availability of compressed natural gas and in order that the two wheeler is able to run on conventional gasoline based fuel, the fuel tank 142 of the vehicle is retained so as to facilitate storage of conventional gasoline fuel. Also incorporated are means to change over from from one fuel to other. The driver can simply switch the operation of the motor vehicle on gasoline based fuel as and when required using these means provided as part of the CNG conversion kit.

[0069] Gasoline solenoid valve 144 is configured in the gasoline fuel pipe connecting fuel tank 142 to carburettor 136 and can cut off or enable supply of gasoline fuel to carburettor. Likewise a CNG solenoid valve 148 is configured on second stage reducer/regulator 126 to cut off or enable supply of CNG gas. Also incorporated is a fuel switch 140 that can have two position each corresponding to one fuel wherein when the fuel switch 140 is placed in a particular position, supply of fuel corresponding to that position is enabled and supply of other fuel is cut off. The three devices i. e. Gasoline solenoid valve 144, CNG solenoid valve 148 and fuel switch 140 are in electrical communication with electrical control box 138 that is configured to actuate Gasoline solenoid valve 144 and CNG solenoid valve 148 in accordance with position of fuel switch 140. Wire harness 146 can be configured to establish electrical communication of Gasoline solenoid valve 144, CNG solenoid valve 148 and fuel switch 140 with electrical control box 138.

[0070] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view 200 depicting an exemplary installation of gas cylinders 102 on a two wheeler in accordance with embodiments of present disclosure. Depicted therein are two gas cylinders 102, strap 108, On/off Valve 110, and filling valve 114.

[0071] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view 300 depicting an exemplary installation of gas cylinders 102 on a two wheeler after cover 118 has been put in place. As depicted therein, gas cylinders 102 can be effectively hidden within cover 118 to make installation inconspicuous in accordance with embodiments of present disclosure. Also depicted therein is filling valve 114 projecting out from cover 118 for easy access.

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view 400 depicting an exemplary installation of CNG kit 100 on two wheeler in accordance with embodiments of present disclosure. Depicted therein are gas cylinder(s) 102, On/off Valve 110, connecting pipe 116, filling valve 114, first stage reducer/regulator 120, pipe-1 122, pipe-2 124, second stage reducer/regulator 126, bracket402, air-gas mixer 130, and pipe-3 132.

[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view 500 depicting an exemplary installation of second stage reducer/regulator 126 inside engine compartment of two wheeler in accordance with embodiments of present disclosure. Also depicted therein is bracket 128 which can be used for mounting second stage reducer/regulator 126.

[0074] FIG. 6 further illustrates a schematic view 600 depicting an exemplary installation of second stage reducer/regulator 126 and air-gas mixer 130 inside engine compartment of two wheeler in accordance with embodiments of present disclosure. Also depicted therein is bracket 402 which can be used for mounting second stage reducer/regulator 126 and pipe-3 132, which can connect second stage reducer/regulator 126 and air-gas mixer 130. In accordance with an embodiment air-gas mixer 130 can be mounted directly on air intake port of carburettor 136 and air duct can be connect to air intake port of air-gas mixer 130.

[0075] In an embodiment, after installation of CNG kit on a two wheeler, performance of engine in respect of its running on CNG can be adjusted to get optimum output. After starting the engine of the two wheeler and change over to CNG as fuel, with engine running in idle mode adjust the output of gas from reducer so as to achieve smooth running of engine without any vibration and without fluctuating RPM. Thereafter with the two wheeler placed on dynamo meter adjust the output of the regulator to set maximum traction and power by adjusting performance screw. Adjustment done in accordance with above procedure can enable two wheeler engine to give its optimum performance with CNG as fuel.

[0076] In an embodiment of application, user can start two wheeler on liquid fuel keeping fuel switch 140 in gasoline fuel position. When user is desirous of switching over to CNG as fuel, he/she can put fuel switch 140 in position corresponding to gas fuel whereby electrical control box 138 can actuate Gasoline solenoid valve 144 to cut off gasoline fuel supply. Electrical control box 138 can simultaneously or after some time gap (to allow for gasoline fuel in carburettor 136 to get exhausted) can enable supply of CNG fuel by actuating CNG solenoid valve 148. As engine gives indication of stalling on account of inadequate power, user can turn the choke control to which air-gas mixer 130 can be connected, to CNG position which can ensure optimum air-gas ratio for engine. For switching back to petrol, the user can reverse the drill.

[0077] Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a CNG kit 100 for two wheeler that is cost effective, efficient, and easy to install. Installation of CNG kit 100 does not require any modification or change of existing parts of or any special tools. CNG kit 100 can be installed on two wheeler keeping it concealed and inconspicuous. It gives option to operate two wheeler on either fuel CNG or petrol without sacrificing performance and economy. In addition it also incorporates all essential safety features to make its operation free from hazards.

[0078] The above description represents merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, without any intention to limit the scope of the present invention thereto. Various equivalent changes, alterations or modification based on the present invention are all consequently viewed as being embraced by the scope of the present invention.

[0079] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean "communicatively coupled with" over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.

[0080] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ... . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0081] The present disclosure provides an efficient and cost effective conversion kit for two wheelers to enable its operation on gaseous as well as liquid fuel.

[0082] The present disclosure provides adequate storage capacity for gaseous fuel that ensures an adequate and viable range for two wheeler after each filling.

[0083] The present disclosure provides impact proof installation of gas cylinder(s) on two wheeler.

[0084] The present disclosure provides installation of gas cylinder(s) on two wheeler so that user is not inconvenienced.

[0085] The present disclosure provides installation of gas cylinders on two wheeler so that they are not conspicuous.

[0086] The present disclosure provides a gaseous fuel conversion kit for two wheelers that provides option to use either of two fuels - liquid or gaseous.

[0087] The present disclosure provides a gaseous fuel conversion kit for two wheelers that provides optimum air fuel ratio irrespective of fuel used.

[0088] The present disclosure provides a gaseous fuel conversion kit for two wheelers with two stage gas pressure reduction and regulation without interstage heating of gas to overcome cooling effect.

[0089] The present disclosure provides a gaseous fuel conversion kit for two wheelers that meets safety requirements.

[0090] The present disclosure provides an easy to implement installation for gaseous fuel conversion kit. [0091] The present disclosure provides a gaseous fuel conversion kit for two wheelers that can be installed without any change/modification of existing assemblies/components of two wheeler.

Claims

I claim:

1. An apparatus for running a two-wheeler vehicle on CNG fuel, said apparatus comprising: at least one storage tank for storing CNG; and

a frame, wherein said at least one storage tank is installed in leg space and mounted on chassis of said two-wheeler vehicle by means of said frame such that said storage tank is configured to be impact proof.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said storage tank is a cylinder.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises at least two storage tanks.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a two-stage reducer for reducing CNG pressure from storage pressure to working pressure, wherein first stage reducer is configured on said frame to reduce pressure from storage pressure to an intermediate pressure, and second stage reducer is configured in engine compartment of said two-wheeler vehicle to reduce pressure from intermediate pressure to working pressure.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises an air gas mixer to efficiently mix CNG with air in order to maintain optimum air-fuel ratio, and wherein said mixer is configured on carburetor of said two-wheeler vehicle.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one storage tank is covered with a cover.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises an overpressure safety valve to release CNG from said storage tank in the event of detected pressure exceeding a preset maximum permissible limit limit.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a valve configured to stop flow of CNG when flow rate exceeds a predetermined value.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a means to change fuel supply to engine from petrol to CNG and from CNG to petrol.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is pre-assembled.