Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

AN ENGINE ASSEMBLY AND A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY THEREOF

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, (an Indian Company)

at: “Chaitanya”, No. 12, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600034, Tamil Nadu, India.

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

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an engine assembly and a mounting member thereof. More particularly to a mounting assembly for an idler gear assembly of an engine assembly and a mounting member thereof.

BACKGROUND
[0002] In an internal combustion engine, a starter motor is provided which transfers a starting torque to start the internal combustion engine. Starter motor can be mounted at different locations based on the capacities of the internal combustion engine and the layout of the vehicle. In certain conventional engines, the starter motor is mounted outside the engine, where the required starting torque is high. In the case of engines having smaller sizes and capacities, the starter motor is mounted on a crankcase and adjacent to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. However, due to existing space constraints and to avoid interferences caused by the other components such as a magneto drive, it becomes difficult to directly join the starter motor with the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, which leads to an improper torque transfer to the crankshaft. An attempt was made to solve this problem by mounting the starter motor at a distance to the crankshaft while an idler gear assembly is used to indirectly transfer the starting torque from the starter motor to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, thereby providing initial torque to start the vehicle. However, this approach had several disadvantages.
[0003] The idler gear assembly is a gear train that is used among two or more distant shafts to perform different functions such as transferring the torque, changing the direction of rotation of the shafts, filling a large gap between the shafts and changing the gear ratio. The idler gear assembly is generally mounted on a crankcase of the internal combustion engine via a shaft member wherein one end of the shaft member is mounted on the crankcase and the other end is mounted on a cover member. Therefore, a long shaft member is needed to cover the distance from the crankcase to the crank cover, which increases overall engine packaging size leading to a compromise on a desirable compact layout. These limitations of the engine layout affect the characteristics of the vehicle such as but not limited to three-wheeled vehicles, where it is important to keep the load deck height at the minimum which is the height of the deck where the cargo is loaded. If the layout of the engine assembly is not reduced, load deck height would naturally increase which will create problems in accessing, loading and unloading of the cargo. However, this long shaft member compromises the assembly of the other components of the internal combustion engine such as a magneto assembly or a one-way clutch. The magneto assembly is an electricity-generating device, which is mounted on the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and provides current to a spark plug of the internal combustion engine. The one-way clutch is mounted on the crankshaft where the internal combustion engine does not have a starter motor with a Bendix drive. The one-way clutch is used to transfer the starting torque from the start motor via a ring gear to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. Since the magneto assembly and the one-way clutch are mounted on the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, it is not possible to mount the shaft member within their vicinity as it will hinder their performance and lead to an increase in the size and complexity of the internal combustion engine and a compact layout of the engine will not be achieved, as it is difficult to support the shaft member between the crankcase and the cover member.
[0004] Therefore, an improved idler gear assembly is required, that has a shorter shaft member, and a reduced size and weight of the gear train, which will lead to a compact layout which further improves the overall starting assembly and helps the internal combustion engine have a compact size and capable of the fulfilling all the functions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The proposed invention is described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of a mounting member, a mounting assembly and an engine assembly comprising the mounting assembly and the mounting member. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components. Description of certain details and implementations follow, including a description below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments described below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.
[0006] Figure 1: illustrates a side view of an engine assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Figure 2: illustrates a side view of the engine assembly without a first cover member of a plurality of cover members as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Figure 3: illustrates a side view of the engine assembly without a first cover member of a plurality of cover members, having a mounting assembly, a mounting member and one or more ring gears as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 4: illustrates a cut-section view of the mounting assembly of the present invention along axis A-A as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 5: illustrates a bottom perspective of one or more cover members having one or more ring gears and an expanded view of the mounting assembly as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 6: illustrates a side perspective view of one or more cover members, one or more gears and an exploded view of the mounting assembly as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 7: illustrates a side view of the one or more cover members having the mounting assembly, the one or more gears and the one or more ring gears as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 8: illustrates a cut-section view of the mounting assembly and one or more cover members of the present invention along axis A-A as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 9: illustrates a perspective view of a cut section of the mounting assembly and one or more cover members as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 10: illustrates a top-perspective view of the mounting member as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 10b: illustrates a bottom perspective view of the mounting member as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 11a: illustrates a top view of the mounting member as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 11b: illustrates a side view of the mounting member as per another embodiment of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention relates to a mounting member for mounting a shaft member of an engine assembly. The present invention also relates to a mounting assembly for mounting one or more gears, where the mounting assembly includes the mounting member. The present invention also relates to an engine assembly for a vehicle comprising the mounting assembly and the mounting member. The engine assembly further comprises a plurality of cover members, a crank assembly, a crank assembly comprises a crankshaft, a motor, a power-generating unit. The mounting assembly comprises a shaft member and a mounting member. The shaft member is configured to receive one or more gears. The mounting member comprises a central member and a plurality of arms. The central member is configured to rotatably mount a shaft member. The plurality of arms is extended in a predefined length from the central member in opposite directions at a predefined angle (P). The plurality of arms comprises a predefined shape. The predefined shape is configured to accommodate one or more gears. The mounting member is connected to a predefined portion of the engine assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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 light of the above disclosure.
[0023] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practised without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[0024] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the vehicle and looking forward. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any vehicle without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[0025] In order to address the one or more of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an engine assembly having a mounting assembly.
[0026] As per one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting member is provided for mounting a shaft member of an engine assembly of a vehicle. The mounting member comprises a central member and a plurality of arms. The central member is configured to rotatably mount the shaft member of the engine assembly. The plurality of arms are extended in a predefined length from the central member in opposite directions at a predefined angle (P). The plurality of arms comprises a predefined shape. The predefined shape is configured to accommodate one or more gears. The mounting member is connected to a predefined portion of the engine assembly. In one embodiment, the mounting member may be made up of including but not limited to carbon fibre, titanium, steel or aluminium alloy etc. depending upon the characteristics and requirements of the vehicle.
[0027] As per another embodiment of the present invention, each arm of the plurality of arms comprises a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings is configured to receive one or more fastening members.
[0028] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined length of the plurality of arms is based on dimensions of one or more gears.
[0029] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the central member comprises a cavity and a bearing member. The cavity is configured to accommodate the bearing member, the bearing member is configured to receive the shaft member.
[0030] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined angle (P) is calculated between the plurality of arms and the predefined angle (P) is ranging from 120 degrees to 180 degrees.
[0031] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of arms comprises one or more bends. The one or more bends are disposed at one or more predefined distance. The one or more bends comprise a first bend and a second bend and the one or more bends are configured to accommodate the one or more gears of the engine assembly, the one or more gears are of varying diameters.
[0032] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more predefined distance comprises a first predefined distance and a second predefined distance. The first predefined distance is the distance from the central member to the first bend and the second predefined distance is the distance from the central member to the second bend.
[0033] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined shape of the plurality of arms is defined based on the one or more bends.
[0034] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined portion of the engine assembly for connecting the mounting member is at least one of a plurality of cover members of the engine assembly. The plurality of cover members is configured to cover a crank assembly of the engine assembly.
[0035] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the mounting member comprises one or more flanges.
[0036] As per another embodiment of the present invention a mounting assembly is provided for mounting one or more gears of an engine assembly. The mounting assembly comprises a shaft member and a mounting member. The shaft member is configured to receive the one or more gears. The mounting member is configured to mount the shaft member. The mounting member comprises a central member and a plurality of arms. The central member is configured to rotatably mount the shaft member. The plurality of arms is extended in a predefined length from the central member in opposite directions at a predefined angle (P). The plurality of arms comprises a predefined shape, the predefined shape being configured to accommodate the one or more gears. The mounting member is connected to a predefined location of the engine assembly.
[0037] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the mounting assembly comprises one or more fastening members and a bearing member. The one or more fastening members are configured to connect the mounting member at the predefined portion of the engine assembly through a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings is disposed on each of the plurality of arms and the shaft member is configured to be rotatably connected to the bearing member.
[0038] As per another embodiment of the present invention, an engine assembly is provided. The engine assembly comprises a plurality of cover members, a crank assembly, a crank assembly comprises a crankshaft, a motor, a power-generating unit, and a mounting assembly for mounting one or more gears. The mounting assembly comprises a shaft member and a mounting member. The shaft member is configured to receive one or more gears. The mounting member comprises a central member and a plurality of arms. The central member is configured to rotatably mount a shaft member. The plurality of arms is extended in a predefined length from the central member in opposite directions at a predefined angle (P). The plurality of arms comprises a predefined shape. The predefined shape is configured to accommodate one or more gears. The mounting member is connected to a predefined location of the engine assembly.
[0039] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined location of the mounting member is on at least one of the plurality of cover members of the engine assembly, the cover near the crank assembly.
[0040] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of cover members comprises a first cover member and a second cover member, and the predefined location is on the second cover member of the plurality of cover members near the crank assembly.
[0041] As per another embodiment of the present invention, one or more gears comprises a first gear and a second gear. The motor is configured to rotate the first gear. The first gear is configured to transfer torque to the second gear.
[0042] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the first gear and the second gear are integrated into an integral piece. The integral piece is configured to be rotatably mounted on the shaft member.
[0043] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the second gear is configured to mesh with one or more ring gears thereby rotating the one or more ring gears. The rotation of one or more ring gears is configured to enable rotation of the crankshaft thereby cranking the engine assembly. One or more ring gears are configured to transfer the torque to the power generation unit. The power generation unit is configured to transfer the torque to the crankshaft. One or more ring gears are configured to transfer the torque to a clutch member. the clutch member is configured to enable a one-way transfer to the power generation unit. The power generation unit is configured to transfer the torque to the crankshaft.
[0044] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the crank assembly is configured to mount on the second cover member and the power generating unit is configured to mount on a crankshaft.

[0045] As per another embodiment of the present invention, each arm of the plurality of arms comprises the plurality of openings. The plurality of openings is configured to receive one or more fastening members.
[0046] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined length of the plurality of arms is based on the dimensions of one or more gears.
[0047] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the central member comprises a cavity and a bearing member. The cavity is configured to accommodate the bearing member. The bearing member is configured to receive the shaft member.
[0048] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined angle (P) is calculated between the plurality of arms and the predefined angle (P) ranging from 120 degrees to 180 degrees.
[0049] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of arms comprises one or more bends. The plurality of arms is configured to bend at one or more predefined distances. One or more bends comprise a first bend and a second bend. The one or more bends are configured to accommodate the one or more gears of the engine assembly, the one or more gears being of varying diameters.
[0050] As per another embodiment of the present invention, one or more predefined distances comprising a first predefined distance, and a second predefined distance. the first predefined distance is the distance from the central member to the first bend and the second predefined distance is the distance from the central member to the second bend.
[0051] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the predefined location of the mounting member is a cover member of the engine assembly, the cover member is configured to cover a crank assembly of the engine assembly.
[0052] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various configurations may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0053] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms of particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0054] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials processed or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, and “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.
[0055] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and would in no way be construed as limiting the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader’s understanding of the present invention, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position orientation, or use of the system and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[0056] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken as identifiers, to assist the reader’s understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation, and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[0057] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/ figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed, or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0058] The embodiments shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 are taken together for the discussion where Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an engine assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the engine assembly without one or more cover members as per another embodiment of the present invention and Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the engine assembly without one or more cover members having a mounting assembly, a mounting member and one or more ring gears as per another embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate an engine assembly (100). In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the engine assembly (100) is used for a vehicle. The vehicle may be a two-wheeled type vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, a multi-axle vehicle, and the like. The vehicle may be a cargo-based vehicle or a passenger-based vehicle. In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure the vehicle may be an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) based vehicle, a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) based vehicle and have components suitable for traction. The engine assembly (100) comprises a plurality of cover members, a crank assembly, one or more ring gears (103) and a mounting assembly (300). The engine assembly (100) also comprises a cylinder block (100B) and a cylinder head (100H). The crank assembly comprises a crankshaft (not shown in figures), a motor (not shown in figures) and a power-generating unit (104). The plurality of cover members (101) comprises a first cover member (101) and a second cover member (102). The first cover member (101) is configured to cover the energy-generating unit (104), one or more gears (302) and the mounting assembly (300). In one embodiment, the first cover member (101) and the second cover member (102) are configured as the crankcase LH and crankcase RH respectively.
[0059] The one or more gears (302) comprise a first gear (303) and a second gear (304). In one embodiment, the first gear (303) and the second gear (304) are configured to be an integral piece. The second gear (304) is configured to be enmeshed with the one or more ring gears (103). The one or more ring gears (103) are configured to be mounted on the crankshaft. A starter motor (not shown) is configured to provide a starting torque to one or more gear (302), the one or more gears (302) further transfer this starting torque to the one or more ring gears (103) and the one or more ring gears (103) finally transfers the starting torque to the crankshaft to start the engine assembly (100). The power generating unit (104) is configured to be mounted on a crankshaft, hence the crankshaft is configured to rotate the power-generating unit (104). The power-generating unit (104) is configured to provide supply to different components of a vehicle and can include but is not limited generators, alternators etc.
[0060] The embodiments shown in Figure 4, Figure 8 and Figure 9 are taken together for the discussion where Figure 4 illustrates a cut-section view of the mounting assembly of the present invention along axis A-A as per another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 illustrates a cut-section view of the mounting assembly and one or more cover members of the present invention along axis A-A as per another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 illustrates a cut-section perspective view of the mounting assembly and one or more cover members as per another embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 4, Figure 8 and Figure 9 illustrate a mounting assembly (300) for mounting the one or more gears (302) of an engine assembly (100). The mounting assembly (300) comprises a shaft member (204) and a mounting member (200). The shaft member (204) is configured to receive one or more gears (302). One or more gears (302) comprises a first gear (303) and a second gear (304). The first gear (303) and the second gear (304) are formed as an integral piece. Hence, when a starter motor of the engine assembly (100) is configured to rotate the first gear (303), the first gear (303) is configured to transfer the torque to the second gear (304).
[0061] The mounting member (200) is connected to a predefined portion of the engine assembly (100) and comprises a central member (201) and a plurality of arms (202). The central member (201) is configured to rotatably mount the shaft member (204). The plurality of arms (202) is extended in a predefined length from the central member (201) in opposite directions at a predefined angle (P). The plurality of arms (202) comprises a predefined shape, the predefined shape is configured to accommodate one or more gears (302). Each arm of the plurality of arms (202) comprises a plurality of opening (203, not shown). The plurality of openings (203) is configured to receive one or more fastening members (205). The one or more fastening members (205) connects the mounting member (200) to the predefined portion of the engine assembly (100), where one end of the shaft member (204) is mounted. The predefined portion of the engine assembly (100) is a second cover member (102). In one embodiment the second cover member (102) may be one of a crankcase RH of the engine assembly (100).
[0062] The embodiments shown in Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 are taken together for the discussion where Figure 5 illustrates a bottom perspective of one or more cover members (101, 102) having one or more ring gears (103) and a focused view of mounting assembly (300) as per another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 illustrates a side perspective view of one or more cover members, one or more gears and an exploded view of the mounting assembly as per another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 illustrates a side of the one or more cover members having the mounting assembly, the one or more gears and the one or more ring gears as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] The embodiments shown in Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrates a mounting assembly (300) for mounting one or more gears (302) of an engine assembly (100). The mounting assembly (300) is mounted on a second cover member (102). The mounting assembly (300) comprises a shaft member (204) and a mounting member (200). The mounting assembly (300) is configured to accommodate one or more gears (302) via a configuration of the shaft member (204) and the mounting member (200). The shaft member (204) is configured to receive one or more gears (302) and the mounting member (200) is configured to accommodate one or more gears (302) via one or more bends. One or more gears (302) comprises a first gear (303) and a second gear (304). In one embodiment, the one or more gears may comprise other types of gears depending upon the characteristic and layout requirements. The first gear (303) and the second gear (304) are of varying diameters, where in one embodiment the second gear (304) is smaller in diameter than the first gear (302). In one aspect of the invention, the first gear (303) and the second gear (304) are formed as an integral piece. Hence, both the first gear (303) and the second gear (304) are configured to rotate integrally on the shaft member (204). The first gear (303) is configured to be enmeshed with a starter motor of the engine assembly (100) and the second gear (304) is configured to be enmeshed with one or more ring gears (103) of the engine assembly (100).
[0064] In one embodiment, the one or more ring gears (103) are configured to be integrally mounted on a crankshaft (not shown) of the engine assembly (100). The motor, the motor may be a Bendix drive motor is configured to transfer the starting torque to the one or more gears (302), the one or more gears (302) further transfer this starting torque to the one or more ring gears (103) and the one or more ring gears (103) finally transfer the starting torque to the crankshaft to start the engine assembly (100).
[0065] In another embodiment the one or more ring gears (103) are configured to be integrally mounted on a clutch member (not shown) of the engine assembly (100), the clutch member is configured to mount on the crankshaft of the engine assembly (100) and in one configuration the clutch member rotates integrally with the crankshaft, and in another configuration the clutch member rotates freely on the crankshaft. The starter motor, being a standard armature type motor is configured to transfer the starting torque to the one or more gears (302), the one or more gears (302) further transfer this starting torque to the one or more ring gears (103) and the one or more ring gears (103) finally transfer the starting torque to the crankshaft via the clutch member to start the engine assembly (100). Once the engine assembly (100) is started, the clutch member starts to rotate as per another configuration, where it rotates freely on the crankshaft thereby disconnecting the one or more ring gears (103) and mounting assembly (300) from receiving any rotation form the crankshaft.
[0066] One or more ring gears (103) transfer the starting torque to the crankshaft, to start the engine assembly (100). The mounting member (200) comprises a central member (201) and a plurality of arms (202). The central member (201) is configured to rotatably mount one end of the shaft member (204) and the other end of the shaft member (204) is mounted on a first cover member (101, not shown) of the engine assembly (100). The plurality of arms (202) is extended in a predefined length from the central member (201) in opposite directions at a predefined angle (P). The plurality of arms (202) comprises a predefined shape, the predefined shape is configured to accommodate one or more gears (302). Each arm of the plurality of arms (202) comprises a plurality of openings (203, not shown). The plurality of openings (203) is configured to receive one or more fastening members (205). The one or more fastening members (205) connects the mounting member (200) to the predefined location of the engine assembly (100). The predefined location of the mounting member (200) is on at least one of the plurality of cover members of the engine assembly (100), in one embodiment of the present invention the predefined location is on the crankcase of the engine assembly (100).
[0067] The embodiments shown in Figure 10a, Figure 10b, Figure 11a and Figure 11b are taken together for the discussion where Figure 10a illustrates a top-perspective view of the mounting member as per another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10b illustrates a bottom perspective view of the mounting member as per another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11a illustrates a top view of the mounting member as per another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11b illustrates a side view of the mounting member as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[0068] Figure 10a, Figure 10b, Figure 11a and Figure 11b illustrate a mounting member (200) of an engine assembly (100, not shown), the mounting member (200) comprises a central member (201), a plurality of arms (202) and one or more flanges (207). The central member (201) comprises a cavity (206), and a bearing member. The cavity (206) is configured to accommodate the bearing member and the bearing member is configured to receive a shaft member (204) of a mounting assembly (300). The plurality of arms (202) is extended in a predefined length from the central member (201) in opposite directions at a predefined angle (P). The predefined length of the plurality of arms (202) is based on dimensions of one or more gears (302) of an engine assembly (100). The predefined angle (P) is calculated between the plurality of arms (202). Where in one embodiment the predefined angle ranges from 120 degrees to 180 degrees. The plurality of arms (202) comprises a predefined shape, the predefined shape comprises one or more bends at one or more predefined distances. The predefined shape of the plurality of arms (202) is determined based on one or more bends. The one or more bends comprise a first bend (208) and a second bend (209). One or more bends are configured to accommodate one or more gears (302) of the engine assembly (100), where one or more gears (302) are of varying diameters. The configuration of one or more bends is therefore determined on the basis of the profile and configuration of the one or more gears (302). One or more predefined distances comprise a first predefined distance, and a second predefined distance, the first predefined distance is the distance from the central member (201) to the first bend (208) and the second predefined distance is the distance from the central member (201) to the second bend (209). Each arm of the plurality of arms (202) comprises a plurality of openings (203). The plurality of openings (203) is configured to receive one or more fastening members (205, not shown). The mounting member (200) is connected to a predefined location of the engine assembly (100) via the one or more fastening members (205). The one or more flanges (207) are configured to provide a structural support to the plurality of arms (202).
[0069] According to the above disclosure, the present invention provides various advantages. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting member (200) is provided to mount the shaft member (204) on the second cover (102) as a result the size of the shaft member (204) is reduced. Since the shaft member (204) is configured to receive the one or more gears (302), with the reduced size of the shaft member (204), the size of the one or more gears (302) may be reduced. The reduced size of the shaft member (204) provides rigidity to the mounting assembly (300) as the mass of the assembly is concentrated closer to the second cover (102), resulting in a light and compact mounting assembly (300). As a consequence, the engine assembly (100) also becomes more compact thereby freeing up space for other components or accessories, thereby improving packaging efficiency of the vehicle.
[0070] The present invention is applicable for various multi-wheeled vehicles including but not limited to two wheeled vehicles, three wheeled vehicles and others. Particularly, in case of cargo vehicles such as but not limited to three wheeled vehicles, it is important to keep the load deck height at the minimum which is the height of the deck where the cargo is loaded. This acts as a critical parameter since if the vertical length of the engine assembly is not reduced, load deck height would naturally increase which will create problems in loading and unloading of the cargo. Similar principle is also applicable for vehicular height for passenger vehicles. Owing the advantageous configuration of the present invention, the engine height and length is kept at minimum helping in attaining the required adequate load deck height in case of cargo vehicles and floorboard height in case of passenger vehicles.
[0071] As the size of the shaft member (204) is reduced and the mounting member (200) is provided to mount the shaft member (204), the second support for the shaft member (204) is not required and there is no requirement of moving the shaft member (204) and mounting assembly (300) upwards, inside the engine assembly (100). As a result, the size of the power generating unit (104) and one or more ring gear (103) can be optimized.
[0072] The mounting member (200) is provided with one or more bends to accommodate one or more gears (302) and prevent any axial movement of the one or more gears along the shaft member (204). Depending upon the number of gears the bends in the mounting member (200) can be configured to accommodate more or less number of gears. The shape and size of the mounting member (200) may be configured to support the different layouts of the engine assembly (100).
[0073] The mounting member (200) has the strength and rigidity to bear the forces acted upon the mounting assembly (300) during the operations of the engine assembly (100). The configuration of the mounting assembly (300) provided in the present invention can be used in different layouts of the engine assemblies where a motor such as standard armature motor is used to provide the starting torque.
[0074] Hence the present invention provides a mounting member to mount a shaft member which is smaller in size and enable a compact layout for the engine and provide a better packaging efficiency. Smaller size of the mounting assembly, provides additional space for a better accommodation of the different components of the engine assembly and the vehicle thereby improving packaging efficiency. The solution provided in present invention is applicable in any engine assembly layout.
[0075] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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 light of the above disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCES
Reference Numeral Meaning
100 An engine assembly
100H Cylinder head
100B Cylinder block
101 First cover member
102 Second cover member
103 One or more ring gears
104 A power-generating unit
200 A mounting member
201 A central member
202 A plurality of arms
203 A plurality of openings
204 A shaft member
205 One or more fastening members
206 A cavity
207 One or more flanges
208 A first bend
209 A second bend
300 A mounting assembly
302 One or more gears
303 A first gear
304 A second gear

, Claims:We claim:
1. A mounting member (200) for mounting a shaft member (204) of an engine assembly (100) of a vehicle, the mounting member (200) comprising:
a central member (201), the central member (201) being configured to rotatably mount the shaft member (204) of the engine assembly (200);
a plurality of arms (202), the plurality of arms (202) being extended in a predefined length from the central member (201) in opposite directions at a predefined angle (P), the plurality of arms (202) comprising a predefined shape, the predefined shape being configured to accommodate one or more gears (302);
the mounting member (200) being connected to a predefined portion of the engine assembly (100).
2. The mounting member (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each arm of the plurality of arms (202) comprising a plurality of openings (203), the plurality of openings (203) being configured to receive one or more fastening members (205) and the predefined length of the plurality of arms (202) is based on dimensions of one or more gears (302).
3. The mounting member (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central member (201) comprising a cavity (206), and a bearing member, the cavity (206) being configured to accommodate the bearing member, and the bearing member being configured to receive the shaft member (204).
4. The mounting member (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined angle (P) being calculated between the plurality of arms (202) and the predefined angle (P) ranging from 120 degrees to 180 degrees.
5. The mounting member (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms (202) comprise one or more bends, the one or more bends being disposed at one or more predefined distances, the one or more bends comprising a first bend (208) and a second bend (209), the one or more bends being configured to accommodate the one or more gears (302) of the engine assembly (100), the one or more gears (302) being of varying diameters and the predefined shape of the plurality of arms being defined based on the one or more bends.
6. The mounting member (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more predefined distance comprising a first predefined distance, and a second predefined distance, the first predefined distance being the distance from the central member (201) to the first bend (208) and the second predefined distance being the distance from the central member (201) to the second bend (209).
7. The mounting member (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined portion of the engine assembly (100) for connecting the mounting member (200) is a second cover member (102) of the engine assembly (100) and a first cover member (101) being configured to cover a crank assembly of the engine assembly (100).
8. The mounting member (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting member (200) comprising one or more flanges (207).
9. A mounting assembly (300) for mounting one or more gears (302) of an engine assembly (100) of a vehicle, the mounting assembly (300) comprising:
a shaft member (204), the shaft member (204) being configured to receive the one or more gears (302);
a mounting member (200), the mounting member (200) being configured to mount the shaft member (204), the mounting member (200) comprising:
a central member (201), the central member (201) being configured to rotatably mount the shaft member (204);
a plurality of arms (202), the plurality of arms (202) being extended in a predefined length from the central member in opposite directions at a predefined angle (P), the plurality of arms (202) comprising a predefined shape, the predefined shape being configured to accommodate the one or more gears (302);
the mounting member (200) being connected to a predefined location of the engine assembly (100).
10. The mounting assembly (300) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the mounting assembly (300) comprises:
one or more fastening members (205), the one or more fastening members (205) being configured to connect the mounting member (200) at the predefined portion of the engine assembly (100) through a plurality of openings (203), the plurality of openings (203) being disposed on each of the plurality of arms (202); and
a bearing member, the shaft member (204) being configured to be rotatably connected to the bearing member.
11. An engine assembly (100) for a vehicle, the engine assembly (100) comprising:
a crank assembly, the crank assembly comprising:
a crank shaft;
a motor;
a power generating unit (104); and
a plurality of cover members (101, 102), the plurality of cover members (101, 102) being configured to cover the crank assembly; and
a mounting assembly (300) for mounting one or more gears (302), the mounting assembly (300) comprising:
a shaft member (204), the shaft member (204) being configured to receive the one or more gears (302);
a mounting member (200); the mounting member (200) being configured to mount the shaft member (204), the mounting member (200) comprising:
a central member (201), the central member (201) being configured to rotatably mount the shaft member (204); and
a plurality of arms (202), the plurality of arms (202) being extended in a predefined length from the central member in opposite directions at a predefined angle (P), the plurality of arms (202) comprising a predefined shape, the predefined shape being configured to accommodate the one or more gears (302);
the mounting member (200) being connected to a predefined portion of the engine assembly (100).
12. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the predefined portion of the engine assembly (100) for connecting the mounting member (200) is on at least one of the plurality of cover members (101, 102) of the engine assembly.
13. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of cover members (101, 102) comprising a first cover member (101) and a second cover member (102), and the predefined portion being on the second cover member (102) of the plurality of cover members (101, 102).
14. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more gears (302) comprising a first gear (303) and a second gear (304), the motor being configured to rotate the first gear (303), the first gear (303) being configured to transfer a torque to the second gear (304) and the first gear (303) and the second gear (304) being integrated into an integral piece, the integral piece being configured to be rotatably mounted on the shaft member (204).
15. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the second gear (304) being configured to mesh with one or more ring gears (103) thereby rotating the one or more ring gears (103), the rotation of the one or more ring gears (103) being configured to enable rotation of the crankshaft thereby cranking of the engine assembly (100);
the one or more ring gears (103) being configured to transfer the torque to the power generation unit (104), the power generation unit (104) being configured to transfer the torque to the crankshaft; and
the one or more ring gears (103) being configured to transfer the torque to a clutch member, the clutch member being configured to enable one-way transfer to the power generation unit (104), the power generation unit (104) being configured to transfer the torque to the crank shaft.
16. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the crank assembly being configured to be mounted on the second cover member (102).
17. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the power generating unit (104) being configured to be mounted on a crankshaft.

Dated this 04th day of January 2024

(Digitally Signed)
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA-1611
Agent for the Applicant