DESC:SWING ARM FOR SADDLE TYPE ELECTRIC VEHICLES
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202421002053 filed on 11/01/2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a swing arm assembly for a saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle.
BACKGROUND
A vehicle, particularly vehicle configured to be ridden such as motorized scooter, motorcycle, three-wheeled vehicle, and four-wheeled vehicle such as all-terrain vehicles, include an internal combustion engine and a body frame of the vehicle. The internal combustion engine is carried by the frame of the vehicle. The power generated by the internal combustion engine is transferred to a rear wheel of the vehicle.
Generally, the vehicle includes a swing arm which pivotally supports the rear wheel relative to the body frame of the vehicle. During assembly, the rear wheel is held in position by an operator while an axle is inserted into the rear wheel and perforations are provided on the swing arm, to secure the rear wheel to the swing arm of the vehicle. Thereafter the axle is secured to the swing arm by a nut. However, due to manual positioning of the rear wheel, the misalignment of the rear axle with respect to the swing arm during manual assembly may be leads to several critical issues that compromise the vehicle's performance and safety. The manual assembly causes uneven tension in the drive chain or belt which leads to accelerated wear and potential failure of the chain, belt, and sprockets. Moreover, the uneven wear reduces the lifespan of the chain, belt, and sprockets and also increases maintenance costs. Additionally, the misalignment may be result in uneven tire wear, diminishing traction and stability, which impacts on vehicle handling and ride comfort. Furthermore, the overall efficiency of the drivetrain is also reduced, leading to decreased fuel economy, which is particularly undesirable in high-performance or long-distance applications. Furthermore, the risk of "throwing" the drive member when the chain or belt disengages from the sprockets is heightened which potentially causes sudden loss of power transmission. Furthermore, the operator with a higher level of skill is required to eliminate or minimize misalignment during assembly.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved design of the swing arm of the saddle type two-wheeler vehicle to overcome the one or more problems as set forth above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a swing arm assembly for a saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle.
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a swing arm assembly for a saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle. The swing arm assembly being pivotally mounted to a frame of the vehicle. The swing arm assembly comprises a swing arm extending longitudinally to support a rear wheel, a mounting bracket integrated with the swing arm and a brake caliper fixed to the mounting bracket for operative engagement with the rear wheel. The mounting bracket is configured to maintain precise alignment of the brake caliper during braking operations.
The present disclosure provides the swing arm assembly for a saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle. The swing arm assembly as disclosed by present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing an enhanced performance, durability, and user convenience. Beneficially, the swing arm assembly ensures consistent braking performance and optimized braking efficiency while minimizing mechanical stresses. Beneficially, the swing arm assembly improves vibration resistance, further enhancing the braking stability. Furthermore, the swing arm assembly beneficially prevents interference with the movement of the assembly and boosts the load-bearing capacity of the swing arm, thereby reducing the deformation risks. Beneficially, the swing arm assembly ensures durability while maintaining weight optimization, thereby contributing to overall vehicle efficiency.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a swing arm assembly for a saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a swing arm, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognise that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a swing arm assembly for a saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilised. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
As used herein, the terms “saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle”, “saddle-type two-wheeler”, and “two-wheeler” are used interchangeably and refer to a vehicle designed with a saddle-style seat configuration, where the rider sits astride the seat with their legs positioned on either side of the vehicle's body. This type of vehicle typically includes motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, and similar vehicles. The design allows for easy manoeuvrability and stability, with the rider's weight distributed centrally over the vehicle's frame. The saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle are equipped with handlebars for steering and footrests for support, and they are generally powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors.
As used herein, the term “swing arm assembly” refers to structural component of a two-wheeler vehicle that is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame to support and enable the movement of the rear wheel. The swing arm assembly typically comprises a longitudinally extending swing arm, which connects the rear wheel to the vehicle frame, and provisions for mounting functional elements such as brake systems, suspension components, and auxiliary attachments. The assembly is designed to provide structural support, maintain alignment, and facilitate controlled articulation of the rear wheel in response to road and operational conditions, thereby contributing to the stability, comfort, and performance of the vehicle.
As used herein, the terms “swing arm” refers to structural component of a two-wheeler vehicle, pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame, designed to support the rear wheel and facilitate its movement relative to the frame. The swing arm typically extends longitudinally from the pivot point to the rear wheel axle, enabling vertical motion for shock absorption and suspension functionality while maintaining lateral stability.
As used herein, the term “frame” refers to a structural component of a vehicle designed to provide support and rigidity, serving as a primary load-bearing element to which various subsystems, such as the engine, suspension, swing arm assembly, and body panels, are attached. The frame ensures the structural integrity of the vehicle and helps maintain its geometry under dynamic and static loads, enabling proper alignment of components and ensuring safety, stability, and performance during operation.
As used herein, the term “mounting bracket” refers to a structural component designed to securely connect or attach one part of an assembly to another, ensuring proper alignment, support, and stability during operation. The mounting bracket may be integrally formed or separately attached to the associated structure and is typically configured to meet specific design and functional requirements, such as accommodating load-bearing forces, reducing vibrations, or optimizing the positioning of the connected components.
As used herein, the term “brake caliper” refers to a mechanical component of a braking system, typically used in disc brakes, designed to house and support friction elements such as brake pads. The brake caliper is operatively engaged with a rotating disc or rotor and is configured to generate clamping force on the disc during braking operations. The brake caliper typically comprises a caliper body, a piston or pistons actuated hydraulically, mechanically, or electronically, and associated hardware for securing the brake pads.
As used herein, the term “disc brake rotor” refers to a circular component of a disc braking system designed to be operatively coupled with a rotating wheel or axle. The disc brake rotor serves as the braking surface against which brake pads are pressed to generate friction, thereby decelerating or halting the rotation of the wheel.
As used herein, the term “plurality of reinforcement ribs” and “reinforcement ribs” are used interchangeably and refer to a set of structural features, typically elongated or rib-like projections, formed on or integrated into a component to enhance its mechanical strength, stiffness, or load-bearing capacity. The reinforcement ribs may be arranged in various patterns, such as parallel, intersecting, or grid-like configurations, and are strategically positioned to resist deformation, distribute stresses, and improve overall durability.
As used herein, the term “at least one auxiliary provision” refers to a structural feature, component, or design element integrated into a system, device, or assembly that enables the attachment, mounting, or incorporation of additional components or accessories beyond the primary components.
As used herein, the term “at least one auxiliary component” and “auxiliary component” are used interchangeably and refer to any additional component, part, or accessory that can be mounted or integrated with the primary feature to enhance the functionality, performance, or adaptability. The auxiliary components are not essential to the core operation of the invention but serve supplementary roles that contribute to the overall utility, efficiency, or versatility of the device or system. The auxiliary components may include, but not limited to auxiliary components such as mudguards or sensors.
As used herein, the term “vibration-damping elements” refers to a components or materials integrated into the assembly to absorb, reduce, or dissipate unwanted vibrations and oscillations that may occur during operation. The vibration-damping elements are typically designed to minimize the transfer of vibrational energy, thereby reducing noise, enhancing comfort, and preventing damage to adjacent parts due to excessive movement or resonance. The vibration-damping elements can be made from various materials, including elastomers, foams, composites, or metal components that possess the ability to absorb or dissipate kinetic energy.
Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment describes a swing arm assembly 100 for a saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle. The swing arm assembly 100 being pivotally mounted to a frame 102 of the vehicle. The swing arm assembly 100 comprises a swing arm 104 extending longitudinally to support a rear wheel, a mounting bracket 106 integrated with the swing arm 104 and a brake caliper 108 fixed to the mounting bracket 106 for operative engagement with the rear wheel. The mounting bracket 106 is configured to maintain precise alignment of the brake caliper 108 during braking operations.
The present disclosure discloses a swing arm assembly 100 for a saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle. The swing arm assembly 100 as disclosed by present disclosure is advantageous in terms of providing an enhanced performance, durability, and ease of maintenance of the saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle. Beneficially, by integrating the mounting bracket 106 directly with the swing arm 104, the design ensures precise alignment of the brake caliper 108 during the braking operations which significantly optimizes the braking efficiency and reducing the mechanical stresses. Beneficially, the predefined angle of the mounting bracket 106 contributes to improved braking performance while minimizing the unnecessary strain on the swing arm assembly 100. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 106 is integrally cast or welded onto the swing arm 104 which beneficially provides the rigid and vibration-resistant connection, thereby enhances the overall stability of the swing arm 104. Additionally, the inclusion of a plurality of reinforcement ribs in the swing arm 104 increases the load-bearing capacity and further enhances the resilience of the swing arm assembly 100 during operation. Furthermore, the integrated channel for routing brake lines or cables prevents interference with the movement of the swing arm 104, which contributes to the smooth functioning of the swing arm assembly 100. Beneficially, the incorporation of a vibration-damping elements in the mounting bracket 106 reduces noise and enhances the comfort of the rider during braking. Furthermore, the use of lightweight yet durable materials such as aluminum alloys or steel alloys ensures the swing arm assembly 100 is both strong and optimized for weight which further contributes to the improved vehicle performance.
In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 106 is positioned at a predefined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the swing arm 104. The angle of the mounting bracket 106 may be carefully selected to account for the forces applied during braking. By optimizing the positioning angle, the braking force is distributed evenly across the swing arm assembly 100, thereby reducing any potential distortion or wear on the swing arm 104 and mounting bracket 106 caused by the improper alignment. Beneficially, the specific angular positioning of the mounting bracket 106 is able to optimize the braking efficiency and minimize the mechanical stress during braking operations.
In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 106 is integrally cast or welded onto the swing arm 104. The casting or welding process on the mounting bracket 106 ensures that the mounting bracket 106 maintains a high-strength bond to the swing arm 104, which may be crucial for withstanding the dynamic forces encountered during braking operations and road impacts. Beneficially, the integration of the mounting bracket 106 into the swing arm 104 significantly enhances the mechanical stability of the swing arm assembly 100 by minimizing relative motion between components during operation.
In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 106 is positioned such that the brake caliper 108 is aligned with a disc brake rotor 110 attached to the rear wheel. A mounting bracket 106 is integrated with the swing arm 104 and serves as a critical component for securing the brake caliper 108 to the swing arm assembly 100. The mounting bracket 106 is precisely positioned and configured to ensure that the brake caliper 108 is aligned with a disc brake rotor 110 that is mounted on the rear wheel. The alignment of the brake caliper 108 with the disc brake rotor 110 is crucial for ensuring consistent and reliable braking performance during operation of the vehicle. Beneficially, the strategic positioning of the mounting bracket 106 helps to achieve uniform brake force distribution and minimizes the possibility of brake system failure or uneven wear, thereby promoting the safety and efficiency of the braking system.
In an embodiment, the swing arm 104 comprises a plurality of reinforcement ribs. The plurality of reinforcement ribs are integral to the swing arm 104 and serve to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the swing arm 104. By providing the reinforcement ribs as an additional structural support, the ribs help to distribute the forces encountered during operation more evenly across the swing arm 104, thereby minimizing the risk of localized stress concentrations that may be leads to deformation or failure of the swing arm assembly 100.
In an embodiment, the swing arm 104 comprises an integrated channel for routing brake lines or cables. The integrated channel is strategically incorporated into the design of the swing arm 104 to prevent any interference with the movement of the swing arm assembly 100 during operation. Beneficially, the integrated channel ensures that the brake lines or cables remain securely in place, while avoiding any obstruction or tangling that may arise from the motion of the swing arm 104. As a result, the routing of the components is efficient, reduces the risk of damage and ensures smooth, uninterrupted operation of the brake system.
In an embodiment, the swing arm 104 comprises at least one auxiliary provision 112 for mounting of at least one auxiliary component. The at least one auxiliary component may include but is not limited to mudguards or sensors. The at least one auxiliary provision 112 is designed to allow for the secure attachment of the auxiliary components that may be required in the operation or enhancement of the vehicle performance.
In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 106 incorporates vibration-damping elements. Beneficially, the incorporation of vibration-damping elements in the mounting bracket 106 ensures that the vibrations arise from the interaction of the rear wheel with the road surface and the braking forces are minimized and enhances the comfort of the rider and improving the overall braking experience. Additionally, the vibration-damping elements significantly reduce the noise.
In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 106 is constructed from a high-strength, lightweight material selected from aluminum alloys, steel alloys, or composites. The construction of the mounting bracket 106 beneficially ensures the durability and weight optimization of the swing arm assembly 100.
In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 106 is positioned to allow for easy access and maintenance of the brake caliper 108 without requiring disassembly of the swing arm 104. Beneficially, the positioning of mounting bracket 106 feature simplifies maintenance operations, reduces downtime, and enhances the convenience for users or service technicians.
In an embodiment, the swing arm assembly 100 being pivotally mounted to the frame 102 of the vehicle. The swing arm assembly 100 comprises the swing arm 104 extending longitudinally to support the rear wheel, the mounting bracket 106 integrated with the swing arm 104 and the brake caliper 108 fixed to the mounting bracket 106 for operative engagement with the rear wheel. The mounting bracket 106 is configured to maintain precise alignment of the brake caliper 108 during braking operations. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 106 is positioned at the predefined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the swing arm 104. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 106 is integrally cast or welded onto the swing arm 104. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 106 is positioned such that the brake caliper 108 is aligned with the disc brake rotor 110 attached to the rear wheel. Furthermore, the swing arm 104 comprises the plurality of reinforcement ribs. Furthermore, the swing arm 104 comprises an integrated channel for routing brake lines or cables. Furthermore, the swing arm 104 comprises at least one auxiliary provision 112 for mounting of at least one auxiliary component. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 106 incorporates the vibration-damping elements. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 106 is constructed from the high-strength, lightweight material selected from aluminum alloys, steel alloys, or composites. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 106 is positioned to allow for easy access and maintenance of the brake caliper 108 without requiring disassembly of the swing arm 104.
Figure 2, describes a swing arm 104 with the mounting bracket 106 and the at least one auxiliary provision 112. The mounting bracket 106 is integrated into the swing arm 104 and is essential for securing the brake caliper 108 in place. Additionally, the swing arm 104 features the at least one auxiliary provision 112, which is designed to accommodate the mounting of the at least one auxiliary component such as mudguards, sensors, or other necessary vehicle parts.
In the description of the present invention, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms “disposed,” “mounted,” and “connected” are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.
Modifications to embodiments and combination of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A swing arm assembly (100) for a saddle-type two-wheeler vehicle, the swing arm assembly (100) being pivotally mounted to a frame (102) of the vehicle, wherein the swing arm assembly (100) comprises:
- a swing arm (104) extending longitudinally to support a rear wheel;
- a mounting bracket (106) integrated with the swing arm (104); and
- a brake caliper (108) fixed to the mounting bracket (106) for operative engagement with the rear wheel, wherein the mounting bracket (106) is configured to maintain precise alignment of the brake caliper (108) during braking operations.
2. The swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (106) is positioned at a predefined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the swing arm (104).
3. The swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (106) is integrally cast or welded onto the swing arm (104).
4. The swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (106) is positioned such that the brake caliper (108) is aligned with a disc brake rotor (110) attached to the rear wheel.
5. The swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the swing arm (104) comprises a plurality of reinforcement ribs (112).
6. The swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the swing arm (104) comprises an integrated channel for routing brake lines or cables.
7. The swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the swing arm (104) comprises at least one auxiliary provision (112) for mounting of at least one auxiliary component.
8. The swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (106) incorporates vibration-damping elements.
9. The swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (106) is constructed from a high-strength, lightweight material selected from aluminum alloys, steel alloys, or composites.
10. The swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (106) is positioned to allow for easy access and maintenance of the brake caliper (108) without requiring disassembly of the swing arm (104).