Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle having an illumination system for foreground and peripheral illumination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Saddle type vehicles, more particularly two-wheeler vehicles, are the most preferred vehicles used for commuting purposes. Ensuring optimal visibility for riders navigating two-wheelers is crucial. Notably, road conditions vary, and not all environments offer well-lit paths. Some sections may be inadequately illuminated due to environmental factors or other reasons. Traditional vehicle lighting systems primarily focus on illuminating the road ahead and signaling to other vehicles. However, cornering, especially in low-light conditions or during nighttime, presents challenges in terms of visibility, particularly on curved or winding roads. Existing corner lamp systems typically lack the ability to provide adequate ground illumination that adjusts based on the direction of the vehicle's turn.
[003] Conventional corner lamp systems are often fixed or non-directional and provide a fixed beam pattern irrespective of the direction in which the vehicle is turning. While these systems may offer some degree of lateral illumination, they fail to optimize ground visibility, especially during sharp turns or when navigating complex roads. As a result, drivers may experience reduced visibility, leading to safety concerns and increased risk of accidents, particularly in low-visibility conditions such as fog, rain, or darkness.
[004] In view thereof, there is a need to overcome at least the above-mentioned problems and provide a saddle-type vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. The saddle-type vehicle includes a handlebar and an illumination system. The illumination system includes a pair of illumination units, at least one wave generating unit, a plurality of sensing units, at least one actuator unit. Each of the pair of illumination units being configured for foreground and peripheral illumination in a turning direction of the vehicle. The plurality of sensing units being disposed in proximity to the at least one wave generating unit. The plurality of the sensing units is configured to generate signals based on the rotational direction of the handlebar. The at least one actuator unit is operably connected with the plurality of sensing units and each of the pair of illumination units. The at least one actuator unit is configured to activate / deactivate each of the pair of illumination units based upon the signals received from one of the plurality of sensing units.
[006] In an embodiment, each of the pair of illumination units is disposed in a left side or right side of a front zone of the vehicle.
[007] In an embodiment, each of the pair of illumination units is disposed at an offset distance from a central plane of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment, each of the pair of the illumination units is positioned below a headlamp of the vehicle when seen from front of the vehicle.
[009] In an embodiment, the at least one wave generating unit is attached to a headtube of the vehicle.
[010] In an embodiment, the wave generating unit is configured to generate at least one of a magnetic wave or an electromagnetic wave.
[011] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of sensing units is configured to generate the signals based upon the detection of one or more parameters of the wave generated by the wave generating unit.
[012] In an embodiment, the at least one actuator unit includes a plurality of switches. Each of the plurality of switches being operably connected to each of the pair of illumination units and configured to turn ON or turn OFF each of the pair of illumination units.
[013] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of sensing units is disposed on one of front forks of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of an illumination system of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4a is a front view illustrating components of the front forks of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4b is a top view illustrating the configuration of attachment of the headtube with the lower triple clamp of the front fork assembly of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 5a-5c illustrate mounting configuration(s) of the wave generation unit and the sensing units on the headtube and the left-side and right-side front forks of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 6a-6c illustrate an original position, a left-side turn position and a right-side turn position of the handlebar, respectively, of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[015] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[016] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle having an illumination system configured to provide foreground and peripheral illumination in a turning direction of the vehicle.
[017] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Arrows provided in the top right corner of the figure depicts direction with respect to the saddle-type vehicle 10, wherein an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denotes downward direction, an arrow R denotes rearward direction, and an arrow F denotes frontward direction of the saddle-type vehicle 10.The vehicle 10 is a saddle type vehicle, preferably a two wheeler, and includes a frame structure (not shown) to support and mount different parts of the vehicle 10.
[018] A head tube 16 is provided at a front end of the frame structure. The head tube 16 supports a steering shaft 17 (shown in Figure 4a). The steering shaft 17 is rotatable along a left-side and right-side direction of the vehicle 10. In an upper portion of the head tube 16, a handlebar 12 is rotatably connected to the steering shaft 17 through an upper triple clamp 14. The handlebar 12 is used to steer the vehicle 10 and is connected to a front wheel 40 through front forks 20.
[019] A pair of front forks 20 includes a right-side front fork 20R and a left-side front fork 20L (shown in Figure 4a). Each of the right-side front fork 20R and the left-side front fork 20L is connected to the handlebar assembly 12 via the upper triple clamp 14 and a lower triple clamp 30 (shown in Figure 4a).
[020] A front fender 42 is supported on the front forks 20. The front forks 20 are connected to the front wheel 40. An upper portion of the front wheel 40 is covered by the front fender 42 to prevent mud and water from getting deflected towards an upper portion of the front forks 20 during running condition of the vehicle 10.
[021] The vehicle 10 includes a fuel tank 44 mounted on the frame structure and a power generating unit 70 disposed below a portion of the fuel tank 44. The power generating unit 70 is provided with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe 80 connected to the power generating unit 70 and a muffler 85 connected to the exhaust pipe 80. A seat 46 is disposed behind the fuel tank 44 and supported by rear portion of the frame structure i.e., seat rails (not shown). The seat 46 may include a front rider portion and rear pillion portion.
[022] The vehicle 10 includes a headlamp 18 disposed forwardly relative to a position of the handlebar 12. A pair of side fairing members 45 is attached to the frame structure for covering sides of the vehicle 10. Each of the side fairing members 45 is positioned below the fuel tank 44. In a non-limiting example, each of the side fairing members 45 is configured to receive an illumination unit 120 (shown in Figure 2) for foreground and peripheral illumination. The vehicle 10 includes a swing arm assembly (not shown) for supporting a rear wheel 50.
[023] A rear suspension unit 60 is disposed between a rear portion of the frame structure and the swing arm assembly. A tail lamp unit 48 is disposed at rear end portion of the vehicle 10. The pair of front forks 20L, 20R clamped to the head tube 16 through the upper triple clamp 14 and the lower triple clamp 30 and is capable of being moved in the left and right direction of the vehicle 10. Power from the power generating unit 70 is transmitted to the rear wheel 50 through a transmission assembly (not shown), so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel 50.
[024] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of an illumination system 100 of the saddle-type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The illumination system 100 includes a pair of illumination units 120. The pair of illumination units 120 includes a right-side illumination unit 120 and a left-side illumination unit 120. Each of the pair of illumination units 120 being disposed in a left side or a right side of a front zone of the vehicle 10.
[025] In an embodiment, each of the right-side illumination unit 120 and the left-side illumination unit 120 being disposed on one of the pair of fairing members 45. The right-side and the left-side illumination units 120 being disposed below the headlamp 18 (shown in Figure 1) and at a location denoted by 125 (shown in Figure 3). Each of the pair of illumination units 120 being configured for foreground and peripheral illumination in a turning direction of the vehicle 10 (shown in Figure 3).
[026] In an embodiment, the illumination system 100 includes at least one wave generating unit 105 and a plurality of sensing units 110. In a non-limiting example, the sensing units 110 being sensors capable of detecting a wave. The wave may be a magnetic wave or an electromagnetic wave. The plurality of sensing units 110 is disposed in proximity to the at least one wave generating unit 105.
[027] In an embodiment, when the vehicle ignition is turned ON, an ignition key input 102 is provided to the sensing units 110. In a non-limiting example, power from vehicle battery is supplied to the plurality of sensing units 110 in the ignition ON state of the vehicle 10. The plurality of sensing units 110 includes a right-side sensing unit 110R and a left-side sensing unit 110L (shown in Figures 5b, 5c). The plurality of the sensing units 110 being configured to generate signals based on the rotational direction of the handlebar 12 (shown in Figure 1). The illumination system 100 includes at least one actuator unit 115 being operably connected with the plurality of sensing units 110 and each of the pair of illumination units 120.
[028] In an embodiment, the at least one actuator unit 115 is configured to activate / deactivate each of the pair of illumination units 120 based upon the signals received from one of the plurality of sensing units 110. In a non-limiting example, the illumination system includes a controller with a memory unit for storing a set of instructions. The controller is configured to execute the stored instructions and control the operation and functioning of the at least one actuator 115 based on the signals received from at least one of the sensing units 110.
[029] In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes a manual switch for controlling activation or deactivation of the pair of illumination units 120 of the illumination system 100 basis his/her riding requirements.
[030] If the vehicle 10 is turned to the right side, then the right-side sensing unit 110R generates a signal and the at least one actuator unit 115 is actuated to turn ON the right-side illumination unit 120. Similarly, if the vehicle 10 is turned to the left side, then the left-side sensing unit 110L generates a signal and the at least one actuator unit 115 is actuated to turn ON the right-side illumination unit 120.
[031] In an embodiment, the at least one actuator unit 115 includes a plurality of switches (not shown). Each of the plurality of switches being operably connected to each of the pair of illumination units 120 and configured to turn ON or turn OFF each of the pair of illumination units 120.
[032] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the saddle-type vehicle 10, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. As shown, each of the pair of the illumination units 120 being positioned below the headlamp 18 of the vehicle 10 at the location 125.
[033] In an embodiment, each of the pair of illumination units 120 (shown in Figure 2) is disposed at an offset distance from a central plane (Cp) of the vehicle 10.
[034] Figure 4a is a front view illustrating components of the front forks 20 of the saddle-type vehicle 10, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4b is a top view illustrating the configuration of attachment of the head tube 16 with the lower triple clamp 30 of the front forks 20 of the saddle-type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The steering shaft 17 is rotatably disposed inside the head tube 16. An upper end of the steering shaft 17 is attached to the upper triple clamp 14 (shown in Figure 1). A lower end of the steering shaft 17 is attached to the lower triple clamp 30. The upper triple clamp 14 includes a right-side clamp portion, a central clamp portion and a left-side clamp portion. The central clamp portion is adapted to be coaxially mounted on the head tube 16 of the vehicle 10. The right-side clamp portion is configured to receive an upper end of the right-side front fork 20R of the vehicle 10 (as shown in Figure 1). The right-side clamp portion is disposed forwardly relative to a position of the central clamp portion. The left-side clamp portion is configured to receive an upper end of the left-side front fork 20L of the vehicle 10. The left-side clamp portion is disposed forwardly relative to the position of the central clamp portion and parallelly to the right-side clamp portion.
[035] As shown, the lower triple clamp 30 includes a central clamp portion 31 adapted to be coaxially mounted on the head tube 16 of the vehicle 10. The lower triple clamp 30 includes a left-side clamp portion 32 and a right-side clamp portion 34 when viewed from the front of the vehicle 10. The right-side clamp portion 34 is configured to receive the right-side front fork 20R of the vehicle 10. The left-side clamp portion 32 is configured to receive the left-side front fork 20L of the vehicle 10. The left-side clamp portion 32 is disposed forwardly relative to a position of the central clamp portion 31 when seen from left side of the vehicle 10 (shown in Figure 1). The right-side clamp portion 34 configured to receive the right-side fork 20R of the vehicle 10. The right-side clamp portion 20R is disposed forwardly relative to the position of the central clamp portion 31 and parallelly to the left-side clamp portion 32. Lower portions 22L, 22R of the left and right-side front forks 20L, 20R supports the fender 42.
[036] Figures 5a-5c illustrate mounting configuration(s) of the wave generation unit(s) 105 and the sensing units on the head tube 16 and the left-side and right-side front forks 20L, 20R of the saddle-type vehicle 10, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The head tube 16 includes a pair of wave generating units 105L, 105R. The wave generating unit 105L is placed on a side of the head tube 16 facing the left-side front fork 20L. Likewise, the wave generating unit 105R is placed on a side of the head tube 16 facing the right-side front fork 20R.
[037] In an embodiment, a sensing unit 110R is attached on the right-side front fork 20R at a location being anterior to the wave generating unit 105R of the head tube 16. Similarly, another sensing unit 110L is attached on the left-side front fork 20L at a location being anterior to wave generating unit 105L. Each of the wave generating units 105L, 105R being configured to generate the wave being but not limited to a magnetic wave or an electromagnetic wave. In a non-limiting example, the wave generating units 105L, 105R being one of magnets, electromagnets, or permanents magnets, configured to generate a magnetic field or an electromagnetic field. The sensing units 110L, 110R being configured to detect parameters of wave such as strength/ magnitude and the direction of magnetic field of the wave generated. The sensing units 110L, 110R being configured to generate signals based upon the detection of one or more parameters of the wave generated by the wave generating units 105L, 105R. Based on the signals generated by the sensing units 110L, 110R, the atleast one actuator 115 (shown in Figure 2) is actuated to turn ON the respective illumination unit 120.
[038] Figures 6a illustrates an original position of the handlebar 12 i.e. in a neutral state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a first line (A) is passing through a center of the head tube 16. A second line (B) is passing through center of the left-side front fork 20L. A third line (C) is passing though center of the right-side front fork 20R. A vertex (O) is formed at an intersection of the lines (A), (B) and (C). At original position of the handlebar 12, an angle ?ab formed between the line (A) and the line (B) is equal to an angle ?ac formed between the line (B) and the line (C). The sensing units 110L, 110R and the wave generating units 105L, 105R are positioned such that in the original position of the handlebar 12, the sensing units 110L, 110R are not in direct contact with the wave generating units 105L, 105R and do not detect the waves generated by the wave generating units 105L, 105R. In such position, the strength/ magnitude of the waves generated by the wave generating units 105L, 105R is relatively weaker in this state and no activation of the left-side and right side illumination units 120 takes place.
[039] Figures 6b illustrates a left-side turn position of the handlebar 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6b, when the handlebar 12 is rotated left side, the angle ?ab formed between the line (A) and the line (B) changes to ?1 which is lesser than the angle ?ab. At such position, the angle ?ac formed between the line (A) and the line (C) changes to ?2 which is greater than the angle ?ac. The wave generating unit 105L and the sensing unit 110L are positioned on the head tube 16 and the left-side front fork 20L, respectively, as such that when the handlebar 12 is rotated left -side (i.e. anticlockwise direction), the sensing unit 110L comes in proximity to the wave generating unit 105L of the head tube 16 and generates a signal to turn ON the left-side illumination unit 120. In such position, the strength or intensity of the waves generated by the wave generating unit 105L is higher and are in detection range as per the configuration of the sensing unit 110L which in response turns ON the left-side illumination unit 120. The sensing unit 110L is configured to generate a signal to deactivate the left-side illumination unit 120 when the handlebar 12 is rotated clockwise such that the waves generated by the wave generating unit 105L are beyond the detection range of the sensing unit 110.
[040] Figures 6c illustrates a right-side turn position of the handlebar 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6c, when the handlebar 12 is rotated right side, the angle ?ac formed between the line (A) and the line (C) changes to ?2 which is lesser than the angle ?ac. At such position, the angle ?ab formed between the line (A) and the line (C) changes to ?1 which is greater than the angle ?ab. The wave generating unit 105R and the sensing unit 110R are positioned on the head tube 16 and the right-side front fork 20R, respectively, such that when the handlebar 12 is rotated right -side (i.e. clockwise direction), the sensing unit 110R comes in proximity to the wave generating unit 105R of the head tube 16 and generates a signal to turn ON the right-side illumination unit 120. In such position, the strength or intensity of the waves generated by the wave generating unit 105R is higher and are in detection range as per the configuration of the sensing unit 110R which in response turns ON the right-side illumination unit 120. The sensing unit 110R is configured to generate a signal to deactivate the left-side illumination unit 120 when the handlebar 12 is rotated anti-clockwise such that the waves generated by the wave generating unit 105R are beyond the detection range of the sensing unit 110R.
[041] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle-type vehicle having an illumination system. The illumination system includes a pair of illumination units configured to provide foreground and peripheral illumination in a turning direction of the vehicle. The pair of illumination units enhances road safety by improving visibility during turns, thus decreasing the likelihood of collisions with obscured objects, vehicles, or pedestrians etc. Enhanced visibility increases ease and convenience of driving the vehicle in in low light or night driving conditions and further assists the rider to better handle the vehicle. Further, the pair of illumination units alleviate strain on the driver's eyes by offering supplementary illumination in the direction of the turn, making navigating curves easier.
[042] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10 – Vehicle
12 – Handlebar
14 – Upper Triple Clamp
16 – Head tube
18 – Headlamp
20 – Front Forks
20L – Left-side front fork
20R – Right-side front fork
22L– Lower portion of the left-side front fork
22R – Lower portion of the right-side front fork
30 – Lower Triple Clamp
31– Central clamp portion of the lower triple clamp
32 – Left-side clamp portion of the lower triple clamp
34 – Right-side clamp portion of the lower triple clamp
40 – Front wheel
42 – Front fender
44 – Fuel tank
45 – Pair of side fairing members
46 – Seat
48 – Tail lamp unit
50 – Rear wheel
60 – Rear suspension unit
70 – Power generating unit
80 – Exhaust pipe
85 – Muffler
100 – Illumination system of the vehicle
102 – Ignition key input
105,105L, 105R – Wave generating units
110 – Plurality of sensing units
110L – Left-side sensing unit
110R – Right-side sensing unit
115 – Actuator unit
120 – Pair of illumination units
125 – Location of attaching the illumination unit
Cp –Central plane of the vehicle , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (10) comprising:
- a handlebar (12);
- an illumination system (100) having a pair of illumination units (120), wherein each of the pair of illumination units (120) being configured for foreground and peripheral illumination in a turning direction of the vehicle (10);
- at least one wave generating unit (105);
- a plurality of sensing units (110) disposed in proximity to the at least one wave generating unit (105), the plurality of the sensing units (110) being configured to generate signals based on the rotational direction of the handlebar (12); and
- at least one actuator unit (115) being operably connected with the plurality of sensing units (110) and each of the pair of illumination units (120),
wherein the at least one actuator unit (115) being configured to activate / deactivate each of the pair of illumination units (120) based upon the signals received from one of the plurality of sensing units (110).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of illumination units (120) being disposed in a left side or right side of a front zone of the vehicle (10).
3. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the pair of illumination units (120) being disposed at an offset distance from a central plane (Cp) of the vehicle (10).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of the illumination units (120) being positioned below a headlamp (18) of the vehicle (10) when seen from front of the vehicle (10).

5. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one wave generating unit (105) being attached to a headtube (16) of the vehicle (10).

6. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wave generating unit (105) is configured to generate at least one of a magnetic wave or an electromagnetic wave.

7. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sensing units (110) being configured to generate the signals based upon the detection of one or more parameters of the wave generated by the wave generating unit (105).

8. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator unit (115) comprises a plurality of switches, each of the plurality of switches being operably connected to each of the pair of illumination units (120) and configured to turn ON or turn OFF each of the pair of illumination units (120).

9. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sensing units (110) being disposed on one of front forks (20L, 20R) of the vehicle (10).

Dated this 30th day of January 2024
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471