Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

A FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian Company at: “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

 
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a frame assembly for a vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a frame assembly of a cargo vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Ordinarily, multi-wheeled load carrier vehicles such as cargo vehicles are transported in a large cargo container which has specific limit to accommodate a certain number of vehicles. Most load carrier vehicles have a long rear portion with greater load carrying capacity. However, this makes it difficult to pack and transport the multi-wheeled load carrier vehicles as a larger space is occupied in the cargo container during transport. Also, the dimensions of the cargo container are fixed which cannot be changed leading to offering a limited space for accommodating the load carrying vehicles. Accordingly, in order to increase the profits, manufacturing industries for multi-wheeled load carrier vehicles rely on exporting maximum number of vehicles in a single cargo container.
[0003] Also, for multi-wheeled load carrier vehicles, a strong frame assembly is required to carry the load body with payload that can withstand load vibration caused by uneven road while ensuring packing of the functional components. Usually, the frame assembly of some of these known vehicles comprises a central long member connected to front wheel with a headtube and two supporting long members that extend in the rear direction of the vehicle to connect with rear wheels with the help of suspension. In this way, the frame assembly ends up covering almost entire length of the load carrier vehicle till the end of the load body which automatically makes the frame assembly as the main component of the load carrier vehicle that governs the dimensions and size of the packaging structure for multi-wheeled load carrying vehicles. Therefore, the coverage over the entire length of the load carrier vehicle in the packaging structure produces lesser yield when loaded in a cargo container.
[0004] Various alternate attempts have been made to overcome the above-mentioned problem by diminishing the size of the load body of the carrier vehicles in order to increase packaging in the cargo container. However, this solution is unsuccessful as it will reduce the length of the load body and therefore reduces the ability of the load carrier vehicle to carry more load. This drastically impacts the customer’s choices and preferences for choosing the load carrier vehicles with diminished size of the load body. This further impacts the manufacturing units which will incur huge losses due to loss of customers. Accordingly, this solution cannot be preferred.
[0005] An alternative to above-mentioned solution is increasing the load volume of the load carrier vehicle by increasing the length of the load body which might seem attractive to the potential customer because this might reduce the overall cost of the vehicle. But this results favorably only to a certain extent as giving higher length for the load body in the load carrier vehicles will reduce the packaging efficiency. The packaging efficiency in this context can be defined as the number of vehicles that can be carried in a single cargo container. Thus, in case of poor packaging efficiency, greater number of cargo containers will be required to carry a certain number of vehicles compared to a case of higher packaging efficiency. Hence, while larger load body is desirable for enhancing customer’s interest and profit but this leads to lower packaging efficiency thereby increasing vehicle cost which hampers profits of the manufacturer and customer interest as well. Therefore, it is desirable to have a solution which provides a bigger load body of the load carrier vehicle but also has higher packaging efficiency which would be the ideal requirement for long distance transport including but not limited to exporting the load carrier vehicle. Also, for a bigger load body with higher packaging efficiency, the frame assembly should be redesigned. Usually, the front portion and the rear portion of the frame assembly are integrated together as a single frame assembly in most multi-wheeled load carrier vehicles. In these types of vehicles, the rear portion is treated as a separate unit which gets assembled with front portion. Additionally, in existing cargo vehicles, it is not possible to replace the front cabin with a new cabin if the old cabin gets damaged or worn away. Similarly, the life of load body of these load carrier vehicles is often less due to frequent carrying of higher loads for longer durations. But for such load carrying vehicles it is conventionally not known to merely replace old load body with new load body as these vehicles are conventionally not built in that manner. Therefore, in the existing vehicles, the front cabin or the rear cabin are not easily replaceable. Furthermore, using any of the known prior art it may not be feasible or practically possible to replace the rear or front cabin with their respective new alternatives.
[0006] In the light of above problems, an innovative structural design for the frame assembly in the multi-wheeled load carrier vehicle is desired to improve the yield in the load carrying capacity of the cargo container that not only enhances export but also saves considerable cost without compromising on the size of the load body of the load carrier vehicle. In this way, the packaging and transportation of multi-wheeled load carrying vehicles such as cargo vehicles being a huge problem due to their size has been resolved by the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a frame assembly along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[0008] Figure 1a and Figure 1b illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view respectively of a frame assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[0009] Figure 2a and Figure 2b illustrate a perspective view and a side view respectively of a vehicle in one embodiment of the invention.
[00010] Figure 3a and Figure 3b illustrate a perspective and an exploded view of the frame assembly extending along a longitudinal axis YY’ in one embodiment of the invention.
[00011] Figure 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a lateral member of a second portion of the frame assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[00012] Figure 5a and Figure 5b illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of a torsion box of a first portion of the frame assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[00013] Figure 6 illustrates another exploded view of the torsion box in one embodiment of the invention.
[00014] Figure 7a and Figure 7b illustrate perspective and side view respectively of the alignment and mating of one or more first bracket members of the first portion of the frame assembly with one or more second bracket members of the second portion of the frame assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[00015] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the frame assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[00016] Figure 9a, Figure 9b and Figure 9c illustrate front, rear and side view of the one or more first bracket members of the first portion of the frame assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[00017] Figure 10 illustrates perspective view of the one or more second bracket members of the second portion of the frame assembly in one embodiment of the invention.
[00018] Figure 11 illustrates side view of the one or more second bracket members of the second portion of the frame assembly in one embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INEVENTION
[00019] The present invention relates to a frame assembly for a vehicle. The frame assembly comprises a first portion to mount a user cabin and a second portion to mount a load body. The first portion comprises one or more first bracket members having a plurality of first openings. The second portion comprises one or more second bracket members having a plurality of second openings. A plurality of attachment members is being configured to be received within the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings upon an alignment of the one or more first bracket members with the one or more second bracket members thereby enabling a detachable attachment between the first portion and the second portion.
[00020] The present invention also relates to a first bracket member for a frame assembly of a vehicle. The first bracket member comprises a front surface which is configured to be attached to a first portion of the frame assembly. The first bracket member also comprises a first upper portion and a first lower portion that extend away from the front surface. The first lower portion is being disposed below the first upper portion. The first bracket member comprises a cut-out portion which is carved between the first upper portion and the first lower portion. The first bracket member also comprises a plurality of first openings which are provided on the first upper portion and the first lower portion. The plurality of first openings is configured to receive a plurality of attachment members to enable the first bracket member to detachably attach the first portion of the frame assembly with a second portion of the frame assembly. Lastly the first bracket member comprises one or more protruding portions which are disposed on the front surface. The one or more protruding portions are also configured to facilitate easy receiving of the one or more second bracket members of a second portion of the frame assembly into the one or more first bracket members.
[00021] The present invention also relates to a second bracket member for a frame assembly of a vehicle. The second bracket member comprises an upper surface, one or more curved portions, and a plurality of second openings. The upper surface portion is attached to a second portion of the frame assembly. The one or more curved portions extend from the upper surface. The one or more curved portions comprises a second upper portion and a second lower portion. The plurality of second openings is provided on the second upper portion and the second lower portion. The plurality of second openings is configured to receive a plurality of attachment members to enable the second bracket member detachably attach the second portion of the frame assembly with a first portion of the frame assembly.
[00022] The present invention also relates to a vehicle that comprises a user cabin to accommodate one or more users of the vehicle, a load body being configured to carry a load, and a frame assembly being configured to support the user cabin and the load body. The frame assembly comprises a first portion, a second portion and a plurality of attachment members. The first portion is configured to mount the user cabin. The first portion comprises one or more first bracket members which are attached to the first portion. The one or more first bracket members include a plurality of first openings. The second portion is configured to mount the load body of the vehicle. The second portion comprises one or more second bracket members that include a plurality of second openings. The attachment members are configured to be received within the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings upon an alignment of the one or more first bracket members with the one or more second bracket members thereby enabling a detachable attachment between the first portion and the second portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00023] The present invention therefore discloses a novel and inventive frame assembly with detachable first and second portions. Therefore, the frame assembly is designed to carry bigger size load while ensuring higher efficiency in export packaging, ease of manufacturability, ease of servicing and ease of assembling.
[00024] As per one embodiment of the invention, a frame assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The frame assembly comprises a first portion to mount a user cabin and a second portion to mount a load body of the vehicle. The first portion comprises one or more first bracket members which are attached to the first portion. The one or more first bracket members include a plurality of first openings. The second portion comprises one or more second bracket members that include a plurality of second openings. A plurality of attachment members is configured to be received within the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings upon an alignment of the one or more first bracket members with the one or more second bracket members thereby enabling a detachable attachment between the first portion and the second portion.
[00025] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly, the first portion comprises a head frame member, a central frame member, a torsion box, and a plurality of partition members. The head frame member is configured to support a steering assembly of the vehicle and the central frame member is connected to the head frame member. Further a torsion box is attached to the central frame member in the vehicle’s width direction. The plurality of partition members separates the first portion and the second portion of the frame assembly. The one or more first bracket members are being fixedly attached to the torsion box.
[00026] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly, the second portion comprises one or more lateral members and at least one cross member. The one or more lateral members extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Further, the at least one cross member is being attached to the one or more lateral members to reinforce the one or more lateral members. The one or more second bracket members are being attached to the one or more lateral members.
[00027] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly, the one or more first bracket members comprises a front surface, a first upper portion, a first lower portion, a cut out portion and one or more protruding portions. The front surface is configured to be attached to the first portion of the frame assembly. Further, the first upper portion and the first lower portion of the one or more first bracket members extend away from the front surface. The first lower portion is disposed below the first upper portion. The cut-out portion is carved between the first upper portion and the first lower portion. The plurality of first openings is being provided on the first upper portion and the first lower portion. Lastly the one or more first bracket members include one or more protruding portions which is disposed on the front surface. The one or more protruding portions are configured to facilitate an interfacing of the one or more second bracket members with the one or more first bracket members.
[00028] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly, the one or more second bracket members comprise an upper surface and one or more curved portions. The upper surface is configured to be attached to the second portion of the frame assembly. The one or more curved portions extend from the upper surface. The one or more curved portions comprises a second upper portion and a second lower portion. The plurality of second openings is provided on the second upper portion and the second lower portion.
[00029] As per one embodiment of the invention, the frame assembly includes a plurality of spacer members which is configured to be accommodated within the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings. The plurality of attachment members is configured to be fastened through the plurality of spacer members. In one aspect the plurality of attachment members can include but are not limited to nuts, bolts, and a plurality of rivets.
[00030] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly, at least one cover member is being configured to cover the plurality of attachment members.
[00031] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly, the first portion comprises at least two pairs of the one or more first bracket members. The at least two pairs of the one or more first bracket members include a first pair and a second pair of the one or more first bracket members wherein the first pair of the one or more first bracket members is disposed on a left-hand side portion of the first portion when viewed from a rear side of the vehicle. The second pair of the one or more first bracket members is disposed on a right-hand side portion of the first portion when viewed from a rear side of the vehicle.
[00032] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly, the second portion comprises at least two pairs of the one or more second bracket members. The at least two pairs include a first pair of the one or more second bracket members and a second pair of the one or more second bracket members wherein the first pair is disposed on a left-hand side portion of the second portion while the second pair of the one or more second bracket members is being disposed on a right-hand side portion of the second portion when viewed from a rear side of the vehicle.
[00033] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly, the one or more second bracket members are detachably attached to the one or more lateral members of the second portion.
[00034] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly, the one or more attachment members are oriented at a pre-defined angle to a longitudinal axis Y-Y’ of the vehicle.
[00035] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a first bracket member for a frame assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The first bracket member comprises a front surface which is configured to be attached to a first portion of the frame assembly. The first bracket member also comprises a first upper portion and a first lower portion that extend away from the front surface. The first lower portion is disposed below the first upper portion. A cut-out portion is carved between the first upper portion and the first lower portion. A plurality of first openings is provided on the first upper portion and the first lower portion. The plurality of first openings is being configured to receive a plurality of attachment members to enable the first bracket member to detachably attach the first portion of the frame assembly with a second portion of the frame assembly. Lastly the first bracket member includes a one or more protruding portion which is disposed on the front surface. The one or more protruding portion is configured to facilitate an interfacing of the second bracket member of a second portion of the frame assembly with first bracket member.
[00036] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a second bracket member for a frame assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The second bracket member comprises an upper surface which is configured to be attached to a second portion of the frame assembly. The second bracket member comprises one or more curved portions that extend from the upper surface. The one or more curved portions comprises a second upper portion and a second lower portion. The second bracket member also comprises a plurality of second openings which are provided on the second upper portion and the second lower portion. The plurality of second openings is configured to receive a plurality of attachment members to enable the second bracket member detachably attach the second portion of the frame assembly with a first portion of the frame assembly.
[00037] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a user cabin which is configured to accommodate one or more user of the vehicle and a load body being configured to carry a load. Vehicle further comprises a frame assembly configured to support the user cabin and the load body. The frame assembly comprises a first portion configured to mount the user cabin. The first portion comprises one or more first bracket members being attached to the first portion. The one or more first bracket members includes a plurality of first openings. The second portion of the frame assembly is configured to mount the load body of the vehicle. The second portion comprises one or more second bracket members that include a plurality of second openings. The frame assembly also comprises a plurality of attachment members which are configured to be received within the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings upon an alignment of the one or more first bracket members with the one or more second bracket members thereby enabling a detachable attachment between the first portion and the second portion.
[00038] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment in a frame assembly along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[00039] The embodiments shown in Fig 1a and Fig 1b illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view respectively of a frame assembly 200 of a vehicle 100 (shown in Fig. 2a). The frame assembly 200 is made up of two portions i.e., a first portion 300 and a second portion 400. The number of portions of the frame assembly 200 can increase depending upon the complexity or configuration of the vehicular design. The first portion 300 is configured to mount a user cabin which is ordinarily used for accommodating the passenger, driver and small types of loads. The first portion 300 comprises one or more first bracket members 303. The one or more first bracket members 303 are attached to the first portion 300 and have a plurality of first openings 301O (shown in Fig. 9b). The first portion 300 also comprises a head frame member 300H, a central frame member 300C and a torsion box 300TB (shown in Fig. 3a). The head frame member 300H supports a steering assembly of the vehicle 100. The central frame member 300C is connected to the head frame member 300H. The torsion box 300TB is attached to the central frame member 300C in the vehicle’s 100 width direction. The first portion 300 also includes a plurality of partition members 201, 202, 302 (shown in Figure 2a). The plurality of partition members 201, 202, 302 can include two B-pillars 201, 202 and at least one partition plate 302 (shown in Figure 2a) the at least one partition plate 302 connecting the two B-pillars 201, 202. The one or more first bracket member 303 is fixedly connected to the torsion box 300TB. The second portion 400 is configured to mount a load body of the vehicle 100. The second portion 400 comprises of one or more second bracket members 403. The one or more second bracket members 403 include a plurality of second openings 401O (shown in Fig. 10). A plurality of attachment members 600 are configured to be received within the plurality of first openings 301O of the first portion 300 and the plurality of second openings 401O upon an alignment of the one or more first bracket members 303 with the one or more second bracket members 403 thereby enabling a detachable attachment between the first portion 300 and the second portion 400 of the vehicle 100. In one aspect of the invention the plurality of attachment members 600 belongs to a group consisting of rivets, nuts, bolts, screws, rings and other fasteners. The plurality of attachment members 600 ensure higher clamp load in the vehicle 100.
[00040] The embodiments shown in Fig 2a and Fig 2b illustrate perspective and side view respectively of the vehicle 100. At least two of the plurality of partition members 201, 202, 302 include the two B-Pillars 201, 202 are placed at either side of the vehicle 100. The two B-pillars 201, 202 impart structural strength to the vehicular structure particularly the frame assembly 200 and the user cabin. In addition, in one aspect of the invention, the plurality of partition members 201, 202, 302 include the at least one partition plate 302 that connects the two B-pillars 201, 202. The plurality of partition members 201, 202, 302 effectively separate the user cabin from the load body of the vehicle 100. The one or more first bracket members 303 is fixedly connected to the torsion box 300TB. Thus, the conjunction of the one or more first brackets 303 and the one or more second bracket members 403 is supported by the plurality of partition members 201, 202, 302 while maintaining the overall strength and rigidity of the vehicle 100. This helps in side-impact protection and roof stability of the vehicle 100 as the plurality of partition members 201, 202, 302 distribute the forces during a collision and contributes to the structural integrity of the vehicle 100 particularly the user cabin.
[00041] The embodiments shown in Fig 3a and Fig 3b illustrate perspective and exploded view of the frame assembly 200. In the frame assembly 200, the second portion 400 comprises one or more lateral members 400A that extend parallel to a longitudinal axis Y-Y’ of the vehicle 100. The second portion 400 also comprises at least one cross member 400B which is attached to the one or more lateral members 400A thereby reinforcing the one or more lateral members 400A. In this exemplary embodiment, two lateral members 400A are shown that are substantially parallel to each other. This embodiment also shows one cross member 400B that is substantially perpendicular to both the lateral members 400A. In other aspects, depending on vehicular size and configuration, the number of lateral members 400A can be more than two and the cross members 400B can be more than one. Also, the one or more second bracket members 403 are connected to the one or more lateral members 400A. The plurality of attachment members 600 are used upon the alignment of the one or more first bracket members 303 and the one or more second bracket members 403 with their respective plurality of first openings 301O and plurality of second openings 401O (shown in Figure 10). Further, to ensure effective load transfer, the functionality of the plurality of attachment members 600 have been made operational on consideration of the parameters like the directional orientation of the plurality of attachment members 600, the number and size of each of the bolt, the clamp load and torque for ensuring the co-efficient of friction, bolt grading and the accessibility to the assembling of the bolt. Since the load transfer is important for an integrated/assembled frame assembly 200, finalizing the parameters as above has been done for a metal-to-metal contact to avoid loosening of the bolts in the frame assembly 200. For e.g., perpendicular directional orientation of the bolt can be given to reduce the external load; number of attachment members 600 can be varied based on area of insertion available or load carrying capability of the vehicle 100; bolts being bigger in size such as M10 having bigger diameter can be used considering higher force acting; 10.9 or higher grading for bolt can be used to ensure higher clamp load. It is also important to note that though the co-efficient of friction is often greater than 0.12, it is to be noted that the co-efficient of friction varies with change in material and finish according to customizable preferences. Some of these consideration for the above-mentioned parameters along with input-torque calculation, it is ensured that the force acting on the frame assembly 200 does not exceed the limiting co-efficient of friction thereby guaranteeing a strong and effective joinery of the first portion 300 and the second portion 400. In a preferred embodiment, the position of joinery required for retaining the alignment of the one or more first bracket members 300 and the one or more second bracket members 400 can be shifted anywhere along the x-axis of the ground plane.
[00042] The embodiments shown in Fig 4, Fig 5a, 5b and Figure 6 are taken together for discussion and illustrate a perspective view of the second portion 400, a perspective view of the torsion box 300TB, partially exploded and fully exploded view of the torsion box 300TB along with the one or more first bracket members 303. The one of or more second bracket members 403 is connected to the one or more lateral members 400A. The one or more lateral members 400A can also be fixedly attached or integrated to the one of or more second bracket members 403 by means of welding or joining or the same can be detachably attached in another embodiment. The one or more first bracket members 303 is fixedly attached to the first portion 300 in this embodiment through the torsion box 300TB. The fixed connection between the one or more first bracket members 303 and the torsion box 300TB can be done using joining or welding. In another aspect, the one or more first bracket members 303 integrated with the plurality of partition members 201, 202, 302 and the torsion box 300TB.
[00043] The torsion box 300TB is a dismantled component of the first portion 300 which is fabricated on the at least one plate base 300PB by the placement and alignment of one or more panels 300P that are arranged and connected vertically and horizontally over the at least one plate base 300PB so as to form an enclosed space. The at least one plate base 300PB extends laterally along the vehicle’s 100 width direction and is rigidly attached on one side to the central frame member 300C of the first portion 300 of the frame assembly 200 by known means in the art such as welding, joining etc. The torsion box 300TB has a torsional resistance about a transverse horizontal axis which is transferred to the longitudinal side components of the vehicle 100 (shown in Fig 2a) by direct connection to the central frame member 300C, and also by forwardly and rearwardly extending components, which accumulatively increases the torsional resistance. Further, the torsion box 300TB aims to improve handling, reduce body roll and enhance overall stability of the vehicle 100 by minimizing flex and torsional stresses within the frame assembly 200. The torsion box 300TB is an enclosed space which is configured to be formed by placing, aligning and connecting the one or more panels 300P and the at least one plate base 300PB. In one embodiment, the one or more first brackets 303 are fixedly connected to the torsion box 300TB whereby a portion of the one or more first bracket member 303 remains connected to the torsion box 300TB while another portion containing the plurality of first openings 301O project outwardly from the torsion box 300TB of the first portion to receive the one or more second bracket members 403 of the second portion 400 of the frame assembly 200. The first portion 300 can contain more than one torsion box 300TB depending on vehicular design and configuration. Figure 5a and Figure 5b show one torsion box 300TB on the left hand side of the vehicle 100 when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. In another aspect, each torsion box 300TB can be configured to accommodate a pair of one or more first bracket members 303 namely a first pair 303a, 303b and a second pair 303b, 303c each in one torsion box 300TB (shown in Fig 7a) of the one or more first bracket members 303 (shown in Fig 7a). Further, one or more support portions 300SP are configured to reinforce the torsion box 300TB and support the connection of the one or more first bracket members 303. A plurality of spacer members 500 are configured to be accommodated within the plurality of first openings 301O (shown in Fig 9b) and the plurality of second openings 401O (shown in Fig 10). A plurality of spacer members 500 belongs to a group of spacer bushes that take up the space between the plurality of first openings 301O and the plurality of second openings 401O. The plurality of spacer members 500 helps to reduce the motion or play between the one or more first bracket members 303 and the one or more second bracket members 403 while ensuring proper distancing and effective load transfer. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of spacer members 500 have an unthreaded profile so that the plurality of attachment members 600 can pass completely through them. The plurality of spacer members 500 create precise gaps between the one or more first bracket members 303 and the one or more second bracket members 403 that also prevents damage caused by vibration and dynamic loads in the frame assembly 200.
[00044] The embodiments shown in Fig 7a and Fig 7b illustrate perspective and side view of the alignment of the one or more first bracket members 303 with the one or more second bracket members 403. Fig 8 illustrates an exploded view of the frame assembly 200 (shown in Fig 1a). Fig 7a, Fig 7b and Fig 8 have been taken together for discussion. In this embodiment, the first portion 300 (shown in Fig. 1a) comprises at least two pairs 303a, 303b; 303c, 303d of the one or more first bracket members 303. The at least two pairs 303a, 303b; 303c, 303d include the first pair 303a, 303b and the second pair 303c, 303d of the one or more first bracket members 303. The first pair 303a, 303b is disposed on a left-hand side portion of the first portion 300 while the second pair 303c, 303d is disposed on a right-hand side portion of the first portion 300 when viewed from a rear side of the vehicle 100 (shown in Fig. 2a). Further, in this embodiment, the second portion 400 also comprises at least two pairs 403a, 403b; 403c, 403d. The at least two pairs 403a, 403b; 403c, 403d include a first pair 403a, 403b and a second pair 403c, 403d. The first pair 403a, 403b is disposed on a left-hand side portion of the second portion 400 while the second pair 403c, 403d is disposed on a right-hand side portion of the second portion 400 when viewed from a rear side of the vehicle 100. In one exemplary embodiment, the first pair 403a, 403b of the one or more second bracket members 403 is connected with first pair 303a, 303b of the one or more first bracket members 303 respectively. The alignment of the one or more first bracket members 303 with the one or more second bracket members 403 is achieved when the plurality of first openings 301O (shown in Fig. 9b) and the plurality of second openings 401O (shown in Fig. 10) face each other leaving a clear space for the plurality of attachment members 600 to be received therein. Also, the plurality of spacer members 500 are configured to be accommodated within the plurality of first openings 301O and the plurality of second openings 401O before the plurality of attachment members 600 are inserted therein. The plurality of attachment members 600 can be nut-bolts, rivets and other detachable fasteners. Upon fastening of the plurality of attachment members 600, the first pair 403a, 403b of the one or more second bracket members 403 is said to be connected with first pair 303a, 303b of the one or more first bracket members 303 on the left hand side of the frame assembly 200. Similarly, the second pair 403c, 403d (shown in Figure 8) of the one or more second bracket members 403 are connected with the second pair 303c, 303d (shown in Fig 7a). In another exemplary embodiment, from an assembled condition of the frame assembly 200, if the user has to disassemble the frame assembly 200, the plurality of fasteners 600 are unfastened and the plurality of spacers 500 are removed from the plurality of first openings 301O and the plurality of second openings 401O. Thereafter the first pair 403a, 403b of the one or more second bracket members 403 can be disconnected from the first pair 303a, 303b of the one or more first bracket members 303. Similarly, the second pair 403c, 403d (shown in Figure 8) of the one or more second bracket members 403 can be disconnected from the second pair 303c, 303d (shown in Fig 7a). This explains the detachable attachment between the first portion 300 and the second portion 400 (shown in Fig 1a) which is further strengthened by the plurality of partition members 201, 202, 302. The plurality of partition members 201, 202, 302 include the two B-pillars 201 and 202. The two B-pillars 201, 202 can be made using two B-pillar portions (201a, 201b) each (shown in Figure 8). This allows for the sandwich configuration of the torsion box 300TB, the one or more first brackets 303 and each of the two B-pillars 201, 202 thereby further reinforcing the joinery between the one or more first brackets 303 and the one or more second brackets 403.
[00045] Fig 9a, Fig 9b and Fig 9c have been taken together for discussion. The embodiments shown in Fig 9a, Fig 9b and Fig 9c illustrate front, rear and side view respectively of the one or more first bracket members 303 of the first portion 300 (shown in Fig 1a) of the frame assembly 200 (shown in Fig 1a). The one or more first bracket members 303 comprises a front surface 303F which is configured to be attached to the first portion 300 of the frame assembly 200. In one embodiment, the front surface 303F is configured to be received and be connected into the torsion box 300TB. The one or more first bracket members 303 further comprises a first upper portion 303U and a first lower portion 303L both extending away from the front surface 303F. The first lower portion 303L is disposed below the first upper portion 303U. Further, a cut-out portion 303CP is carved between the first upper portion 303U and the first lower portion 303L. The plurality of first openings 301O are provided on the first upper portion 303U and the first lower portion 303L. A one or more protruding portions 303P is disposed on surface of the one or more first bracket members 303. The one or more protruding portions 303P are protruding in a flange like manner. The one or more second bracket members 403 are then received into the one or more first bracket members 303 which facilitates the alignment and interfacing between the one or more first bracket members 303 and the one or more second bracket members 403. During assembly of the vehicle 100 (shown in Figure 2a), the frame assembly 200 is assembled. The first portion 300 and the second portion 400 are to be aligned with each other in general. In particular, the one or more second bracket members 403 is to be aligned with the one or more first bracket members 303. The one or more protruding portions 303P, on the top portion as well as the bottom portion of the one or more first bracket members 303 (shown in Fig 7a read with Figures 9a) act as flanges to slidably allow the one or more second bracket member 403 to be received into the one or more first bracket members 303 and easily aligned without hindrances or complications. The one or more second portions 403 also have similar one or more protruding members 403P (shown in Figure 10) which act as flanges and interface with the one or more protrusions 303P of the one or more first bracket members 303. This interfacing enables the ease in slidable alignment between the one or more first bracket members 303 and the one or more second bracket members 403. The alignment between the one or more first bracket members 303 and the one or more second bracket 403 is considered complete when the respective plurality of first openings 301O and the plurality of second openings 401O are aligned for receiving the fastening members.
[00046] Fig 10 and Fig 11 have been taken together for discussion. The embodiments shown in Fig 10 and Fig 11 illustrate perspective and side view respectively of the one or more second bracket members 403 of the second portion 400 (shown in Fig 1a) of the frame assembly 200 (shown in Fig 1a). The one or more second bracket members 403 comprises an upper surface 403F which is configured to be attached to the second portion 400 of the frame assembly 200. In this embodiment, upper surface 403F is particularly connected to the one or more lateral members 400A of the second portion 400. The one or more second bracket members 403 further comprises one or more curved portions 403CP that extend from the upper surface 403F towards the front portion of the vehicle 100 (shown in Figure 2a) in general and the first portion 300 of the frame assembly 200 in particular. The one or more curved portions 403CP comprise the one or more protruding portions 403P which act as flanges and interface with the one or more protruding portions 303P of the one or more first bracket members 303. During assembly this interfacing enables the slidable receipt of the one or more second bracket members 403 into the one or more first bracket members 303 for the desired alignment. The one or more curved portions 403CP comprises a second upper portion 403U and a second lower portion 403L where the plurality of second openings 401O are provided. The plurality of second openings 401O are configured to receive the plurality of spacer members 500 (shown in Fig 6) to enable the one or more second bracket members 403 to detachably attach the second portion 400 of the frame assembly 200 with a first portion 300 of the frame assembly 200. At least one cover member 400C is disposed on the one or more second bracket members 400 to cover the plurality of spacer members 500 in order to prevent the entry of foreign particles like dust, dirt, mud and water thereby increasing the durability of the frame assembly 200.
[00047] Therefore, the present invention solved the above-mentioned problems by disclosing a detachable frame assembly 200. The present invention solution having a detachable frame assembly 200 instead of a fixed and permanent frame assembly 200 gives the manufacturer or exporter freedom to detach the second portion 400 and pack both the first portion 300 and the second portion 400 as separate units or together while taking much lesser space than when they are assembled or joined together. The first portion 300 and second portion 400 can be assembled at the dealer’s end with little bit of training from the manufacturer even with minimum skilled personnel. Thus, this detachable second portion 400 in the frame assembly 200 helps to increase transportation yield. The present frame assembly 200 also gives the ability to the manufacturer or exporter to pack higher number of load carrier vehicles 100 in a cargo container in comparison to the previous number of load carrier vehicles 100 packed earlier. Further, this detachable frame assembly 200 helps in improving the packaging efficiency by utilizing the maximum volume of the loading container. It further provides an advantage of having new load body using the same driver cabin or vice versa. The present invention thus holistically increases performance, durability, serviceability while improving cost, manufacturability and ease of assembly. All of the above is achieved without compromising on the strength of the frame assembly 200 or the vehicle 100 in general. This ultimately gives one various modularity with respect to structural design of the frame assembly 200 that can be customized for other variants of the vehicle 100.
[00048] The embodiments of this invention are not limited to particularly load carrier vehicle and can also cover other vehicles having frame assembly involving the first portion and the second portion. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and ““they”” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, when introducing elements/components/etc. of the assembly/system described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
[00049] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[00050] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. 
List of Reference numerals:
100 Vehicle
200
201, 202, 302 Frame assembly
Plurality of partition members
201, 202 Two B-pillars
201a, 201b Two B-pillar portions
300 First portion
300H Head frame member
300C
300PB Central frame member
At least one plate base
300TB Torsion box
300SP One or more Support portions
300P One or more panels
301O
302 Plurality of first openings
At least one partition plate
303 One or more first bracket members
303P One or more protruding portions of the one or more first bracket members
303F Front surface
303U First upper portion
303L First lower portion
303CP Cut-out portion
303a, 303b First pair of the one or more first bracket members
303c, 303d Second pair of the one or more first bracket members
400 Second portion
400A One or more lateral members
400B At least one cross member
401O Plurality of second openings
400C At least one cover member
403 One or more second bracket members
403CP One or more curved portions
403F
403P Upper surface
One or more protruding portions of the one or more second bracket members
403U Second upper portion
403L Second lower portion
403a, 403b First pair of the one or more second bracket members
403c, 403d
Second pair of the one or more second bracket members
500 Plurality of spacer members
600
Plurality of attachment members

 
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100), the frame assembly (200) comprising:
a first portion (300), the first portion (300) being configured to mount a user cabin, the first portion (300) comprising:
one or more first bracket members (303), the one or more first bracket members (303) being attached to the first portion (300) and the one or more first bracket members (303) including a plurality of first openings (301O);
a second portion (400), the second portion (400) being configured to mount a load body of the vehicle (100), the second portion (400) comprising:
one or more second bracket members (403), the one or more second bracket members (403) including a plurality of second openings (401O);
and
a plurality of attachment members (600), the plurality of attachment members (600) being configured to be received within the plurality of first openings (301O) and the plurality of second openings (401O) upon an alignment of the one or more first bracket members (303) with the one or more second bracket members (403) thereby enabling a detachable attachment between the first portion (300) and the second portion (400).
2. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (300) comprises:
a head frame member (300H), the head frame member (300H) being configured to support a steering assembly of the vehicle (100);
a central frame member (300C), the central frame member (300C) being connected to the head frame member (300H);
a torsion box (300TB); the torsion box (300TB) being attached to the central frame member (300C) in the vehicle (100) width direction;
a plurality of partition members (201, 202, 302), the plurality of partition members (201, 202, 302) being configured to separate the first portion (300) and the second portion (400) of the frame assembly (200); and
the one or more first bracket members (303) being fixedly attached to the torsion box (300TB).
3. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (400) comprises:
one or more lateral members (400A), the one or more lateral members (400A) extending parallel to a longitudinal axis Y-Y’ of the vehicle (100);
at least one cross member (400B), the at least one cross member (400B) being attached to the one or more lateral members (400A) to reinforce the one or more lateral members (400A); and
the one or more second bracket members (403) being attached to the one or more lateral members (400A).
4. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first bracket members (303) comprising:
a front surface (303F), the front surface (303F) being configured to be attached to the first portion (300) of the frame assembly (200);
a first upper portion (303U), the first upper portion (303U) extending away from the front surface (303F);
a first lower portion (303L), the first lower portion (303L) extending away from the front surface (303F) and the first lower portion (303L) being disposed below the first upper portion (303U);
a cut-out portion (303CP), the cut-out portion (303CP) being carved between the first upper portion (303U) and the first lower portion (303L); and the plurality of first openings (301O) being provided on the first upper portion (303U) and the first lower portion (303L); and
one or more protruding portions (303P), the one or more protruding portions (303P) being disposed on the front surface (303F) of the one or more first bracket members (303), and the one or more protruding portions (303P) being configured to facilitate an interfacing of the one or more second bracket members (403) with the one or more first bracket members (303).
5. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more second bracket members (403) comprising:
an upper surface (403F), the upper surface (403F) being configured to be attached to the second portion (400) of the frame assembly (200);
one or more curved portions (403CP), the one or more curved portions (403CP) extending from the upper surface (403F), the one or more curved portions (403CP) comprising a second upper portion (403U) and a second lower portion (403L); and the plurality of second openings (401O) being provided on the second upper portion (403U) and the second lower portion (403L).
6. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame assembly (200) including a plurality of spacer members (500), the plurality of spacer members (500) being configured to be accommodated within the plurality of first openings (301O) and the plurality of second openings (401O) and the plurality of attachment members (600) being configured to be fastened through the plurality of spacer members (500).
7. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one cover member (400C) being configured to cover the plurality of attachment members (600).
8. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first portion (300) comprises at least two pairs (303a, 303b; 303c, 303d) of the one or more first bracket members (303), the at least two pairs (303a, 303b; 303c, 303d) of the one or more first bracket members (303) including a first pair (303a, 303b) of the one or more first bracket members (303) and a second pair (303c, 303d) of the one or more first bracket members (303), wherein the first pair (303a, 303b) of the one or more first bracket members (303) being disposed on a left hand side portion of the first portion (300) and the second pair (303c, 303d) of the one or more first bracket members (303) being disposed on a right hand side portion of the first portion (300) when viewed from a rear side of the vehicle (100).
9. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second portion (400) comprises at least two pairs (403a, 403b; 403c, 403d) of the one or more second bracket members (403), the at least two pairs (403a, 403b; 403c, 403d) of the one or more second bracket members (403) including a first pair (403a, 403b) of the one or more second bracket members (403) and a second pair (403c, 403d) of the one or more second bracket members (403), wherein the first pair (403a, 403b) of the one or more second bracket members (403) being disposed on a left hand side portion of the second portion (400) and the second pair (403c, 403d) of the one or more second bracket members (403) being disposed on a right hand side portion of the second portion (400) when viewed from a rear side of the vehicle (100).
10. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more second bracket members (403) being detachably attached to the one or more lateral members (400A) of the second portion (400).
11. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more attachment members (600) being oriented at a predefined angle to a longitudinal axis (Y-Y’) of the vehicle (100).
12. A first bracket member (303) for a frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100), the first bracket member (303) comprising:
a front surface (303F), the front surface (300F) being configured to be attached to a first portion (300) of the frame assembly (200);
a first upper portion (303U), the first upper portion (303U) extending away from the front surface (303F);
a first lower portion (303L), the first lower portion (303L) extending away from the front surface (303F) and the first lower portion (303L) being disposed below the first upper portion (303U);
a cut-out portion (303CP), the cut-out portion (303CP) being carved between the first upper portion (303U) and the first lower portion (303L);
a plurality of first openings (301O), the plurality of first openings (301O) being provided on the first upper portion (303U) and the first lower portion (303L), the plurality of first openings (301O) being configured to receive a plurality of attachment members (600) to enable the first bracket member (303) to detachably attach the first portion (300) of the frame assembly (200) with a second portion (400) of the frame assembly (200); and
one or more protruding portions (303P), the one or more protruding portions (303P) being disposed on the front surface (303F) of the first bracket member (303), and the one or more protruding portions (303P) being configured to facilitate an interfacing of a second bracket member (403) of a second portion (400) of the frame assembly (200) into the first bracket member (403).
13. A second bracket member (403) for a frame assembly (200) of a vehicle (100), the second bracket member (403) comprising:
an upper surface (403F), the upper surface (403F) being configured to be attached to a second portion (400) of the frame assembly (200);
one or more curved portions (403CP), the one or more curved portions (403CP) extending from the upper surface (403F), the one or more curved portions (403CP) comprising a second upper portion (403U) and a second lower portion (403L); and
a plurality of second openings (401O), the plurality of second openings (401O) being provided on the second upper portion (403U) and the second lower portion (403L), the plurality of second openings (401O) being configured to receive a plurality of attachment members (600) to enable the second bracket member (403) detachably attach the second portion (400) of the frame assembly (200) with a first portion (300) of the frame assembly (200).
14. A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a user cabin, the user cabin being configured to accommodate one or more users of the vehicle (100);
a load body, the load body being configured to carry a load; and
a frame assembly (200), the frame assembly (200) being configured to support the user cabin and the load body, the frame assembly (200) comprising:
a first portion (300), the first portion (300) being configured to mount the user cabin, the first portion (300) comprising:
one or more first bracket members (303), the one or more first bracket members (303) being attached to the first portion (300) and the one or more first bracket members (303) including a plurality of first openings (301O);
a second portion (400), the second portion (400) being configured to mount the load body of the vehicle (100), the second portion (400) comprising:
one or more second bracket members (403), the one or more second bracket member (403) including plurality of second openings (401O);
a plurality of attachment members (600), the plurality of attachment members (600) being configured to be received within the plurality of first openings (301O) and the plurality of second openings (401O) upon an alignment of the one or more first bracket members (303) with the one or more second bracket members (403) thereby enabling a detachable attachment between the first portion (300) and the second portion (400).

Dated this the 17th day of August 2023
(Digitally Signed)
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA-1611
Agent for the Applicant