Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present subject matter relates to a multi-wheeled vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a steering and suspension assembly for a multi-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002]
Typically, many types of suspension systems include a steering knuckle. The steering knuckle helps to steer, brake, and support the automobile. When the user turns the handlebar/ steering wheel, the tie rods transmit turning force to the steering knuckle, which turns the wheel in the desired direction. The steering knuckle also supports the brakes that transmit braking forces to the wheel.
[0003]
In the conventional suspension systems, the steering knuckle includes a shaft-like projection, known as a spindle pin, about which the wheel rotates. The one end of the steering knuckle being connected to a wishbone and another end being connected to chassis or frame assembly. Typically, one or more ball joints being used to connect the steering knuckle and the wishbone. However, it is observed that the use of ball joints in the vertical position tends to limit the turning angle, which in turn increases the turning radius of the vehicle. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to take a turn in a narrower corner. Similarly, it is observed that, if the ball joints are used in horizontal position, it will limit the tilting angle. Additionally, it is observed that the weight of suspension assembly tends to make the ball joint tilt in an undesirable state. This reduces the reliability of the suspension and steering system. Further, the ball joints tend to fail because of cyclic loading when a ball portion of the ball joint contacts a fixed surface typically a cup shaped portion of the ball joints. This phenomenon leads to frequent replacement of the ball joints. Furthermore, the steering torque tends to be higher due to presence
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of the ball joints. This warrants the use of the power steering mechanism which
tends to increase the overall weight and cost of the vehicle. Importantly, in an event of a failure of the power steering mechanism, it is difficult to drive the vehicle to nearby service center. Therefore, it is a challenge for the designer to overcome above mentioned problems without increasing the overall weight of the vehicle.
[0004]
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005]
The following summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described below, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0006]
According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure provides a suspension and steering assembly for the vehicle.
[0007]
The present subject matter discloses a multi wheeled vehicle comprising: a frame assembly; a suspension assembly; a steering assembly; and a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly being operatively connected to said suspension assembly and said steering assembly. The said suspension assembly includes one or more wishbones, said one or more wishbones being connected to said wheel assembly through one or more connector assembly to provide predetermined vehicle operating parameters.
[0008]
As per an embodiment, the predetermined vehicle operating parameters include a predetermined turning angle and a predetermined tilting angle.
[0009]
As per an embodiment, the said predetermined turning angle ranging between 20 degrees to 55 degrees.
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[00010]
As per an embodiment, the predetermined tilting angle ranges between 30 degrees to 50 degrees.
[00011]
As per an embodiment, one or more connector assembly includes one or more first members, and one or more second members. The said one or more first members and said one or more second members being configured to have at least one opening. The one or more openings being configured to receive one or more bearing.
[00012]
As per an embodiment, one or more wishbones being connected to said connector assembly using one or more attachment members.
[00013]
As per another embodiment, one or more attachment members being supported by said one or more first members.
[00014]
As per yet another embodiment, the wishbone being configured to have a cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion being configured to have an opening. The opening being adapted to receive a portion of said one or more attachment member.
[00015]
As per an embodiment, both the ends of the attachment member being supported by one or more bearings.
[00016]
As per another embodiment, one or more first members being attached to said one or more second members forming a structure.
[00017]
As per yet another embodiment, one or more second members being disposed at a distance to accommodate a portion of a vertical member.
[00018]
As per an embodiment, said wheel assembly being connected to said vertical member.
[00019]
As per an embodiment, said one or more first members and one or more second members being configured to have one or more slots and one or more openings to reduce the overall weight of said structure.
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[00020]
As per an embodiment, one or more first members and said one or more second members being configured to have a cutout to provide clearance to a steering bracket in a vehicle operating condition.
[00021]
As per an embodiment, the vertical member being provided with a steering bracket, said steering bracket being configured to receive a portion of a tie rod to connect a steering wheel or handlebar to said wheel assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00022]
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[00023]
Figure 1a is a partial perspective view of the multi-wheeled vehicle.
[00024]
Figure 1b illustrates an exploded perspective view of the multi-wheeled vehicle, where few parts are omitted from figure 1a.
[00025]
Figure 2 illustrates a side view and an exploded view of a connector assembly.
[00026]
Figure 3a illustrates a top side cut section view of the multi-wheeled vehicle where few parts are omitted from figure 1a.
[00027]
Figure 3b illustrates a front side cut section view of the multi-wheeled vehicle where few parts are omitted from figure 1a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00028]
Various other features and advantages of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. With
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reference to the accompanying drawings, where
in the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views. It should be noted that the drawings should be viewed in the direction of orientation of the reference numerals.
[00029]
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 in a state of the vehicle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00030]
The present invention is illustrated with a multi-wheeled vehicle. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to a vehicle and certain features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention are applicable to other forms like in non-automotive sector.
[00031]
It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a reliable connection between a steering knuckle and a wishbone providing optimum turning angle and a titling angle.
[00032]
It is another objective of the present invention to reduce the overall weight and cost of the vehicle without compromising the vehicle performance.
[00033]
It is yet another objective of present invention to provide a compact layout of the vehicle.
[00034]
Figure 1a is a partial perspective view of the multi-wheeled vehicle (101). Figure 1b illustrates an exploded perspective view of the multi-wheeled vehicle (101), where few parts are omitted from figure 1a. For sake of brevity, Figure 1a and Figure 1b will be discussed together. The vehicle (101) includes a frame assembly (106), a suspension assembly (107), and a wheel assembly (105). The suspension assembly (107) and the wheel assembly (105) are supported on the frame assembly (106). The suspension assembly (107) includes one or more wishbones
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(
103). The one or more wishbones (103) includes an upper wishbone (103U) and a lower wishbone (103L). The one end of each of said upper wishbone (103U) and a lower wishbone (103L) being pivotally connected to the frame assembly (106) whereas another end is pivotally connected to the connector assembly (104). More specifically, another end (101) connects to the connector assembly (104) being configured to have a cylindrical portion (104A). The cylindrical portion (104A) being configured to have an opening (104AO).
[00035]
Figure 2 illustrates a side view and an exploded view of a connector assembly. For sake of brevity, the connector assembly (104) includes one or more first members (201), one or more second members (202). The one or more first members (201) and said one or more second members (202) being configured to have at least one opening (208). At least one of said one or more openings (208) being configured to receive a ball bearing (206). In another embodiment, the opening (208) being configured to receive a bush or a needle bearing. The said one or more wishbones (103) being connected to said connector assembly (104) using one or more attachment members (203). More specifically, the attachment member (203) is a cylindrical shaft. The one or more attachment members (203) being supported by said one or more first members (201). The opening (104AO) in the first member (201) is configured to receive at least one attachment member (203). The both the ends of the attachment member (203) being supported by one or more bearings (206). Further, a blocker member (212) being provided at both ends of the attachment member (203). The one or more first members (201) being attached to said one or more second members (202) forming a structure. The one or more second members (202) being disposed at a distance to accommodate a portion of a vertical member (204). The wheel assembly (105) being connected to said vertical member (204). The one or more first members (201) and one or more second members (202) being configured to have one or more slots (208) and one or more openings (209) to reduce the overall weight of said structure. In an embodiment, the slots (208) are rectangular cut outs. At least one of said one or more first member (201) and said one or more second plates (202) being configured to have a cutout (210) to provide clearance to a steering bracket (205) in a vehicle operating condition. The vehicle
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operating condition includes vehicle
running/driving state. Further, cutout (210) reduces overall weight of the first member (201).
[00036]
Figure 3a illustrates a top side cut section view of the multi-wheeled vehicle (101) where few parts are omitted from figure 1a. Figure 3b illustrates a front side cut section view of the multi-wheeled vehicle (101) where few parts are omitted from figure 1a. Figure 3a and Figure 3b will be discussed together. The vertical member (204) being configured to have an opening (204O). The said opening (204O) being configured to receive a wheel shaft (207) to connect said wheel assembly (105) to the connector assembly (104). Further, the vertical member (204) being configured to have a varying diameter. The attachment members (203) being perpendicular to the vertical member (204) when assembled in the multi-wheeled vehicle (101). The steering bracket (205) being configured to connect with a portion of the tie-rod (301). The connector member (104) being configured to provide a predetermined tilting angle and a predetermined turning angle. The said predetermined turning angle ranging between 20 degrees to 55 degrees. The said predetermined tilting angle ranging between 30 degrees to 50 degrees.
[00037]
While taking a turn, the connector member tends to move along a wishbone. The vertical member is further connected to the wheel assembly thereby wheel moves relative to the pivotable movement of the wishbone. Advantageously, the connector member being configured to provide an optimum tilting and turning angle to the vehicle. This improves vehicle stability and dynamics even while driving on unmetalled and rugged roads. Further, the present invention reduces the steering effort required to drive the vehicle as the roller bearings being selectively used at the predetermined locations in the connector assembly. Furthermore, the present invention reduces the overall weight by eliminating the use of power assist mechanism and due to use of multiple slots and openings in the first and second members. Moreover, the connector assembly has a compact and simple design.
[00038]
According to the present invention, the arc-shaped cutout in the first member tends to provide more clearance to the steering bracket in the vehicle operating condition. This approach ensures compact design as need to increase the
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length of the steering bracket being eliminated thereby reduces the overall weight
and cost of the vehicle.
[00039]
The connector member has a compact layout to perform intended functions between the wishbone and the wheel assembly. The manufacturing of connector members requires generally known manufacturing techniques which reduces the manufacturing cost of the vehicle.
[00040]
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
List of Reference numerals:
101 Vehicle
102 Steering assembly
103 Wishbone
104 Connector assembly
104A cylindrical portion
104AO Opening in the cylindrical portion
105 Wheel assembly
106 Frame assembly
107 Suspension assembly
201 First member
202 Second member
203 Attachment member
204 Vertical member
204O Opening
205 Steering bracket
206 Bearing
207 Wheel shaft
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208 Slots
209 Opening
210 Cutout
211 Opening
212 Blockers
301 Tie-rod , Claims:We Claim:
1.
A multi wheeled vehicle (101) comprising:
a frame assembly (106);
a suspension assembly (107);
a steering assembly (102); and
a wheel assembly (105), said wheel assembly (105) being operatively connected to said suspension assembly (107) and said steering assembly (102),
wherein said suspension assembly (107) includes one or more wishbones (103), said one or more wishbones (103) being connected to said wheel assembly (105) through one or more connector assembly (104) providing predetermined vehicle operating parameters.
2.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined vehicle operating parameters includes a predetermined turning angle, and a predetermined tilting angle.
3.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said predetermined turning angle ranging between 20 degrees to 55 degrees.
4.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said predetermined tilting angle ranging between 30 degrees to 50 degrees.
5.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more connector assembly (104) includes:
one or more first members (201),
one or more second members (202),
wherein said one or more first members (201) and said one or more second members (202) being configured to have at least one opening (209), said one or more openings (209) being configured to receive one or more bearings (206).
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6.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more wishbones (103) being connected to said connector assembly (104) using one or more attachment members (203).
7.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said one or more attachment members (203) being supported by said one or more first members (201).
8.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more wishbones (103) being configured to have a cylindrical portion (104A), said cylindrical portion (104A) being configured to have an opening (104AO), said opening (104AO) being configured to receive a portion of said one or more attachment member (203).
9.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 6, wherein both ends of the attachment member (203) being supported by said one or more bearings (206).
10.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said one or more first members (201) being attached to said one or more second members (202) forming a structure.
11.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 5, wherein one or more second members (202) being disposed at a distance to accommodate a portion of a vertical member (204).
12.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said wheel assembly (105) being connected to said vertical member (204).
13.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said one or more first members (201) and one or more second members (202) being configured to have one or more slots (208) and one or more openings (211) to reduce the overall weight of said structure.
14.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of said one or more first members (201) and said one or more second members (202) being configured to have a cutout (210) to provide clearance to a steering bracket (205) in a vehicle operating condition.
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15.
The multi-wheeled vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said steering bracket (205) being attached to said vertical member (204)configured to receive a portion of a tie rod (301) to connect a steering wheel or handlebar to said wheel assembly (105).