DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2005
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
AIR BRAKING SYSTEM FOR COMMUTER TWO-WHEELERS
2. APPLICANT
(a) Name: Devise Electronics Pvt. Ltd.
(b) Nationality: An Indian Company
(c) Address:
1st Floor, Plot No 4, S. No. 5, DSK Ranwara Road, Behind Carwala Garage, Bavdhan Khurd,
Pune, Maharashtra, 411021, India
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
PROVISIONAL
The following specification describes the invention. COMPLETE
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a braking system for automobiles and more particularly, the present invention relates to an air braking system for two-wheelers that utilizes electromechanical control to reduce the stopping distance in braking situations resulting in vehicle stability.
BACKGROUND ART
Present-day automobiles have been utilizing aerodynamic force to increase the performance of the automobile. Along with the enhanced performance, the safety of the automobile riders, and drivers is of utmost importance. During extreme acceleration or deceleration, it becomes crucial to keep the vehicle stable. This calls for a mechanism that provides an increased downforce to maintain contact between the vehicle tire and the ground. Currently available solutions include spoilers and winglets.
Presently, an air brake system in the form of spoilers can be seen in four-wheelers as well as high-end sports two-wheelers. Reference may be made to a related art CN113998015B which discloses aerodynamic spoilers for automobiles and an adjusting method therefor. The angle of the spoilers is adjusted by a vehicle controller depending on the received inputs from the vehicle speed sensor and steering angle sensor. Moreover, the spoilers can be retracted when the vehicle is parked or running at low speed. However, the invention focuses on increasing down-force thereby providing stability at high speeds and improving fuel economy with the help of vehicle control unit (VCU)-controlled and servo motor actuated spoiler. The invention describes the observation of parameters such as fuel economy and yaw rate for four-wheelers. Moreover, the utility of the presented system for improved braking as well as the application of the same for two-wheelers is not specifically described in the disclosure.
Another related art US00545469A discloses a spoiler system for race cars. Angular positions of the spoilers can be adjusted to suit vehicle movement conditions such as forward movement, high-speed rearward movement, or spinning maneuver by deploying a servo motor which is operated by the driver through controls provided on a panel. The servo motor actuates the rotation of a screw that causes the desired angular orientation of spoilers. However, the invention focuses on increasing down-force as the vehicle travels at high speeds in forward as well as backward directions. The system disclosed in the specification is applicable only for four-wheelers without mentioning the advantages of the same in braking.
Though sports two-wheelers come with spoilers to gain downforce, a similar system is not available in commuter two-wheelers. Accordingly, there exists a need for an easy-to-assemble air braking system for automobiles, in particular, two-wheelers, that reduces the stopping distance by exerting increased resistance to forward motion. Moreover, there is a need for a system that partially takes over the functioning of braking thus resulting in less wear and tear and possible downsizing of braking system components.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an air braking system for commuter two-wheelers that increases resistance to the forward motion of the vehicle for reducing the speed and/or bringing the vehicle to a halt by deploying a plurality of winglets.
An object of the present invention is to provide an air braking system for commuter two-wheelers to reduce the stopping distance in emergency or panic-braking situations by deploying electronic control.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air braking system for commuter two-wheelers that provides stability to the vehicle during harsh deceleration.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an air braking system for commuter two-wheelers, with easy assembly and disassembly, that can be incorporated as an add-on mechanism for existing vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an aspect, the present invention relates to an air braking system for commuter two-wheelers comprising a plurality of winglets operably connected to a plurality of actuators. The braking system includes the plurality of actuators configured for changing the angular position of the plurality of winglets. The braking system includes a plurality of sensors configured for sensing braking conditions and two-wheeler speed respectively, and a control system having a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and the plurality of actuators. The plurality of winglets is free to rotate about at least one axis and achieves a predefined angular position corresponding to predefined conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein
Figure 1 illustrates the isometric view of an air braking system for commuter two-wheelers (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 2 represents the exploded view of a part of the air braking system for commuter two-wheelers (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figures 3 (a), Figure 3 (b), and Figure 3 (c) each represent a schematic diagram of a winglet position corresponding to particular riding situations in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and
Figure 4 represents the block diagram of a control system (200) configured for controlling the winglet position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present invention. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flowcharts, flow diagrams, and the like represent various processes that may be substantially represented in computer-readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The embodiments herein provide an air braking system for commuter two-wheelers configured to reduce the stopping distance in emergency braking situations. The system comprises at least two winglets operably coupled to one or more actuators by deploying fastening mechanisms and a controller.
Throughout this application, with respect to all reasonable derivatives of such terms, and unless otherwise specified (and/or unless the particular context clearly dictates otherwise), each usage of:
“a” or “an” is meant to read as “at least one”,
“the” is meant to be read as “the at least one.”
References in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail. For clarity of the description, known constructions and functions will be omitted.
Parts of the description may be presented in terms of operations performed by at least one processor, electrical/electronic circuit, a computer system, using terms such as data, state, link, fault, packet, and the like, consistent with the manner commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As is well understood by those skilled in the art, these quantities take the form of data stored/transferred in the form of non-transitory, computer-readable electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, and otherwise manipulated through mechanical and electrical components of the computer system; and the term computer system includes general purpose as well as special purpose data processing machines, switches, and the like, that are standalone, adjunct or embedded. For instance, some embodiments may be implemented by a processing system that executes program instructions so as to cause the processing system to perform operations involved in one or more of the methods described herein. The program instructions may be computer-readable code, such as compiled or non-compiled program logic and/or machine code, stored in a data storage that takes the form of a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic, optical, and/or flash data storage medium. Moreover, such processing systems and/or data storage may be implemented using a single computer system or may be distributed across multiple computer systems (e.g., servers) that are communicatively linked through a network to allow the computer systems to operate in a coordinated manner.
The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in brackets in the following description and in the table below.
Ref No. Component Ref No. Component
100 Air braking system for commuter two-wheelers 8 Fastener
1 Bracket 9 Winglets
2 First actuator 10 Inserts
3 Shaft 11 Fasteners
4 Fastener 200 Control system
5 Bracket 201 First sensor
6 Second actuator 202 Second sensor
7 Coupling arm 203 Controller
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the air braking system for automobiles may comprise a plurality of actuators connected to a plurality of winglets.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the winglet may be directly coupled to the actuator shaft. Alternatively, an intermediate arm may be provided to connect the winglet to the actuator.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the air braking system may have at most 2-degrees of freedom.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an intermediate bracket may be provided to connect two actuators. The plurality of actuators are electromechanical in nature.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the system may have different brackets for internal or external connections and assembly.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of actuator(s) and assembly brackets may be configured to have slots for connecting the shaft.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, one of the plurality of actuators may be operably connected to an automobile chassis.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the control system for controlling the winglet position comprises a plurality of sensors, and a controller for controlling a plurality of parameters related to a plurality of winglets via a plurality of actuators operably connected thereto.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of sensors may comprise analog sensors, digital sensors, or a combination thereof.
In an implementation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air braking system for commuter two-wheelers (100) (hereinafter referred to as braking system (100)”) is explained by referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4. As represented in Figure 1, the braking system (100) comprises a plurality of winglets, a plurality of brackets, intermediate arms, fasteners, and a control system (200). The dotted arrow represents the direction of motion of the vehicle, and the solid arrow represents the direction of the wind. The plurality of actuators comprises a first actuator (02) and a second actuator (06). The first actuator (02) is fixed to a bracket (01). The second actuator (06), at one end thereof, is connected to a bracket (05) and at the other end thereof, to a winglet (09) via a coupling arm (07). The coupling arm (07) can be a metallic or non-metallic structure. The plurality of winglets (09) is configured to have extended tips for turbulence management. The tips of the plurality of winglets (09) are configured orthogonal to the length of each winglet (09), facilitating the reduction in turbulence and maintenance of a stable and smooth ride. The brackets (01, 05) of the actuators (02, 06) are directly connected to the shaft (03) of the first actuator (02). A fastener (04) is configured to connect the bracket (05) to a shaft (03) of the first actuator (02).
Referring to Figure 2, each of the plurality of winglets (09) may have a plurality of openings for connection. A fastener (08) can be used to tighten the coupling arm (07) to the second actuator (06). The fasteners (08) may be screws. The second actuator (06) is used to change the angle of rotation of the winglet (09). The winglet (09) is free to rotate about at least one axis and achieves a predefined angular orientation as per the requirements for different riding situations. The first actuator (02) is configured to provide folding and unfolding positions for each of the plurality of winglets (09) as per the riding situation and requirement at any given moment.
Figure 3 (a) represents the first angular position of the winglet (09) to get a minimum drag while cruising below a certain speed. Figure 3 (b) illustrates the second angular position of the winglet (09) to enhance stability while high-speed cruising for exerting maximum downforce after crossing a predefined speed limit. Figure 3 (c) represents the third angular position to reduce the stopping distance in emergency braking situations for exerting maximum drag.
Figure 4 represents the block diagram of the control system (200). The control system (200) comprises a plurality of sensors (201, 202) communicatively coupled to the controller (203). The controller (203) may be a microcontroller that can be a part of the vehicle control unit. The first sensor (201) is a digital brake sensor. Alternatively, the first sensor (201) can be a brake pressure sensor. The second sensor (202) is a speed sensor. Alternatively, the second sensor (202) can be selected among the photoelectric encoder, hall effect sensor, GPS module sensor configured for sensing the speed of the vehicle. The controller (203) is communicatively coupled to the first actuator (02) and the second actuator (06) and is configured to generate an output that is a pulse-width modulated signal, depending on the values of the parameters received from the plurality of sensors (201, 202). The first actuator (02) and the second actuator (06) are a servo motor. Alternatively, DC motor(s), or linear actuator(s) can be used for actuation purposes. Each of the plurality of winglets (09) is mounted on left- and right-hand portions of the vehicle chassis. The plurality of winglets (09) and brackets can be manufactured from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactide, or structural plastic, or metals and alloys such as mild steel, stainless steel, Aluminum, and alike. The controller (203) receives the data regarding the primary brake actuation and the vehicle speed from the first sensor (201) and the second sensor (202) respectively. The controller (203) generates a control signal to activate the first actuator (02) and the second actuator (06). The second actuator (06) is configured to control the opening and closing of the plurality of winglets (09), whereas, the first actuator (02) is configured to control the actual angular position of the plurality of winglets (09). The winglets (09) are moved to achieve a plurality of angular positions, each corresponding to one or more predefined conditions. A first condition corresponds to a first angular position, a second condition corresponds to a second angular position and a third condition corresponds to a third angular position of the winglets (09). The first condition is when the vehicle speed range of 0-60 kmph corresponding to an angular position of the winglets (09) that nearly equals 00. The second condition is when the vehicle speed range of 60 kmph or greater, which corresponds to the angular position of each of the winglets (09) equal to 130 such that the leading edge of each of the winglets (09) is pressed down. The third condition is when the vehicle speed is greater than 60 kmph, and the primary brakes are applied and the angular position of each of the winglets (09) is adjusted to 850 with the leading edge of the same pressed down resulting in a reduction in the stopping distance during emergency braking. The braking system (100) is located near the areas of the front leg guards of a commuter two-wheeler to utilize the maximum aerodynamic force.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
1. The air braking system results in a reduction in stopping distance during the high-speed braking situation of the vehicle.
2. Deployment of the system may increase the life of serviceable parts in the braking system such as brake pads or brake shoes, as some part of the total work done in braking can be utilized from the winglet air brakes, resulting in lesser wear of the consumable braking system components.
3. The system has the potential to facilitate downsizing of the braking components for newly designed two-wheeler applications
4. The system provides an increase in downforce for better tire-road interaction and stability during acceleration and deceleration.
5. The system results in better fuel efficiency, as the wings are actively controlled for different modes as per different riding situations.
6. The system provides a solution that is easy for assembly and disassembly.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention.

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. Air braking system for commuter two-wheelers (100), the braking system (100) comprising:
a plurality of winglets (09), the plurality of winglets (09) operably connected to a plurality of actuators (02, 06);
the plurality of actuators, including, a first actuator (02) and a second actuator (06), configured for changing the angular position of the plurality of winglets (09);
a plurality of sensors, including, a first sensor (201) and a second sensor (202), configured for sensing braking conditions and two-wheeler speed respectively; and
a control system (200) having a controller (203) communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors (201, 202) and the plurality of actuators (02, 06);
wherein,
the plurality of winglets (09) is free to rotate about at least one axis and achieves a predefined angular position corresponding to predefined conditions.
2. The braking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the first actuator (02) is configured to provide folding and unfolding positions for each of the plurality of winglets (09).
3. The braking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the second actuator (06) is configured to change the angle of rotation of each of the plurality of winglets (09).
4. The braking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the first actuator (02) and the second actuator (06) are servo motors.
5. The braking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the controller (203) is configured to generate a pulse-width modulated signal, depending on the values of the parameters received from the plurality of sensors (201, 202), and communicate the pulse-width modulated signal to the plurality of actuators (02, 06).
6. The braking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the predefined conditions include a first condition, a second condition, and a third condition, corresponding to the two-wheeler speed in the range of 0-60 kmph, speed greater than 60kmph, and speed greater than 60kmph with the application of the primary brakes, respectively.
7. The braking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the predefined angular positions of the plurality of winglets (9) include 00, 130 with the leading edge of each of the plurality of winglets (09) pressed down, and 850 with the leading edge of each of the plurality of winglets (09) pressed down.
8. The braking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the first sensor (201) is selected between a digital brake sensor or a brake pressure sensor.
9. The braking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the second sensor (202) is selected among photoelectric encoder, hall effect sensor, and GPS module sensor configured for sensing the speed of the vehicle.
10. The braking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, a tip of each of the plurality of winglets (09) is configured orthogonal to the length of each of the plurality of winglets (09).
Dated this December 24, 2024

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