Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001]
The present subject matter is related, in general to a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively to at least one electronic control unit disposed in the seating platform of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5
[0002] Conventionally, modern day vehicles are fitted with a multitude of electrical and electronic components that are designed to provide the rider with comfort, convenience, and connectivity while they are driving the vehicle. In order to accommodate a wide variety of electrical and electronic components while simultaneously providing adequate protection for such essential components, the 10 frame structures of vehicles are adjusted in a manner that is suitable and appropriate.
[0003] Out of this wide variety of electrical and electronic components, the utilization of multiple Electronic Control Units (ECUs) within a vehicle has become indispensable for orchestrating and optimizing various intricate systems. These ECUs, encompassing types such as the Engine Control Unit (ECU), Transmission 15 Control Unit (TCU), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ECU, and more, are each dedicated to specific functions like engine control, transmission management, safety systems, and entertainment features. This proliferation of ECUs not only enables advanced functionalities and customization but also introduces challenges in packaging due to spatial constraints within the vehicle. The diverse array of 20 interconnected ECUs demands meticulous consideration of physical space, power distribution, and heat dissipation. Balancing the imperative for multiple ECUs to work harmoniously and efficiently with the challenges of constrained space within the vehicle poses a complex engineering puzzle. Innovations in compact design, integration strategies, and advanced thermal management become paramount in 25 addressing these challenges, ensuring a seamless fusion of cutting-edge electronic control systems into the spatial confines of modern vehicles.
[0004] Traditionally, in vehicles featuring an uncovered frame structure, the absence of body or style panels poses a significant challenge for the deployment of
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essential electrical and electronic components. The exposed frame structure makes it intricate to integrate critical components, exposing them to adverse environmental conditions. The vulnerability of these crucial electrical and electronic elements to dust, water, and mud splashes is heightened due to the lack of protective body panels, presenting a substantial obstacle in maintaining the reliability and durability 5 of these components within the vehicle framework.
[0005] On the other hand, conventional vehicles that are outfitted with body panels and style parts include the inherent benefit of providing adequate protection to critical electrical and electronic components that are located within the vehicle. But this compromises the aesthetics of a vehicle that has an exposed frame structure and 10 also needs additional components for the adequate mounting of the critical electrical and electronic components such as a plurality of electronic control units.
[0006] Thus there is a need to address the efficient integration of multiple Electronic Control Units (ECUs) within modern vehicles requiring critical need for solutions that navigate the complex engineering challenges arising from spatial 15 constraints. 20 25
[0007] 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 [0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. [0009] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure provides in general to a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively to at least one electronic control unit disposed in the seating platform of the vehicle. The vehicle comprises of a front portion, a rear portion, a seating platform configured
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5 10 15 20 25 in the rear portion to accommodate a user of the vehicle. The vehicle further comprises at least one ground engaging member and at least one electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is disposed in the seating platform of the vehicle and above a rear ground engaging member of the at least one ground engaging member. [00010] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the front portion and the rear portion of the vehicle are separated by an imaginary horizontal axis A-A’. Further, the imaginary horizontal axis A-A’ is disposed at center of the vehicle. [00011] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one electronic control unit is disposed behind a tail lamp mount unit of the vehicle. Further, the tail lamp mount unit of the vehicle is disposed in a rear end of the seating platform. [00012] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one electronic control unit is disposed ahead of a central support member, the central support member is configured to connect pair of side frame members of the vehicle. [00013] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one electronic control unit is located above a mud guard assembly of the rear ground engaging member of the at least one ground engaging member of the vehicle. [00014] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the seating platform comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, Further the bottom portion is placed opposite to the top portion and is configured to form a cavity and the at least one the electronic control unit is disposed in the cavity. [00015] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one electronic control unit is disposed in a rear end of the seating platform. [00016] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the top portion of the seating platform is configured to accommodate a rider seat and a pillion seat and the at least one electronic control unit is disposed under the pillion seat of the vehicle.
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5 10 15 20 25 [00017] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one electronic control unit is disposed in the bottom portion of the seating platform. [00018] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one electronic control unit is disposed offset towards one side member of the pair of side frame members. [00019] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the seating platform comprising a plurality of mounting brackets to mount the electronic control unit. [00020] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00021] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention. [00022] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a frame assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [00023] Figure 2 shows a top view of one or more components of the frame assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [00024] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a seating platform of the vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [00025] Figure 4 illustrates a exploded view of the seating platform of the vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [00026] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the vehicle, depicting one or more components of the vehicle in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
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5 10 15 20 25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [00027] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. [00028] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. [00029] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. [00030] The present invention is illustrated with a motorcycle type vehicle. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to a motorcycle type vehicle and certain features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention can be used with other types of two wheelers such as scooter type vehicle, step thru, and the like. In an embodiment, the scooter type vehicle comprises a low floorboard type vehicle and 30
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5 10 15 20 25 the term scooter as used herein should not be inferred to restrict the maximum speed, the displacement amount, or the like of the vehicle. [00031] It is an object of the present subject matter is to provide a vehicle with at least one electronic control unit securely enclosed and disposed in a seating platform of the vehicle. [00032] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a frame assembly of a vehicle (100), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the vehicle (100) is a two-wheeled type vehicle, a step-through scooter type vehicle, a saddle type vehicle, a straddle type vehicle, and the like. In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure the vehicle (100) may be an Electric Vehicle (EV), a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) based vehicle and have components suitable for traction. The vehicle (100) comprises of a front portion (102), a rear portion (104) thereby the rear portion (104) is placed opposite to the front portion (102) of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) further comprises pair of side frame members (106, 108). The pair of side frame members (106, 108) is extending in a front rear direction of the vehicle (100) forming a component of the frame assembly. The front portion (102) and the rear portion (104) of the vehicle (100) are separated by an imaginary horizontal axis A-A’. The imaginary horizontal axis A-A’ is disposed at center of the vehicle (100). [00033] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle (100) comprises a seating platform (300) thereby the seating platform (300) is configured in the rear portion (104) to accommodate a user of the vehicle (100). Further, the vehicle comprises at least one electronic control unit (304), the at least one electronic control unit (304) is disposed in the seating platform (300) of the vehicle (100) and above a rear ground engaging member (504) of at least one ground engaging member (502, 504). Further, the at least one electronic control unit (304) may be a plurality of electrical and electronic components, encompassing types such as a Engine Control Unit (ECU), a Transmission Control Unit (TCU), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ECU, and more, such that each is dedicated to specific
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5 10 15 20 25 functions including but not limited to engine control, transmission management, safety systems, entertainment features and the like. [00034] Figure 2 shows a top view of one or more components of the frame assembly of the vehicle (100), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The at least one electronic control unit (304) is disposed ahead of a central support member (204) of the frame assembly of the vehicle (100). Moreover, the at least one electronic control unit (304) is disposed ahead in the front rear direction of the vehicle (100) and the central support member (204) is configured to connect the pair of side frame members (106, 108) of the vehicle (100). Further, the at least one electronic control unit (304) is disposed behind a tail lamp mount (202) of the vehicle (100). Furthermore, the tail lamp mount unit (202) is disposed in a rear end of the seating platform (300) of the vehicle (100). [00035] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the seating platform (300) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The the seating platform (300) comprises a top portion (302) and a bottom portion (306). the bottom portion (306) is placed opposite to the top portion (302) and is configured to form a cavity and the at least one the electronic control unit (304) is disposed in the cavity. The top portion (302) is configured to engage with a rider seat (506) or a pillion seat (508) of the vehicle (100). The bottom portion (306) is facing towards an at least one ground engaging member (502, 504) of the vehicle (100). Further, the at least one ground engaging member (502, 504) includes a wheel of the vehicle (100). [00036] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one electronic control unit (304) is disposed in a rear end of the seating platform (300) of the vehicle (100). Further, the top portion (302) of the seating platform (300) is configured to accommodate the rider seat (506) and a pillion seat (508) and the at least one electronic control unit (304) is disposed under the pillion seat (508) of the vehicle (100). In one of the embodiments, the at least one electronic control unit (304) is disposed under the rider seat (508) of the vehicle (100).
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5 10 15 20 25 [00037] Figure 4 illustrates a exploded view of the seating platform (300) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The seating platform (300) comprising a plurality of mounting brackets (402) to mount the at least one electronic control unit (304). [00038] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the vehicle (100), depicting one or more components of the vehicle (100) in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. These components include the rider seat (506), the pillion seat (508), a front ground engaging member (502) and a rear ground engaging member (504) of the at least one ground engaging member (502, 504) of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) further comprises a mud guard assembly (510) of the rear ground engaging member (504). In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one electronic control unit (304) is located above the mud guard assembly (510). [00039] In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one electronic control unit (304) is disposed offset towards one side member of the pair of side frame members (106, 108). Further the at least one electronic control unit (304) is offset towards a left side of one side member of the pair of side frame members (106, 108). Moreover, in one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one electronic control unit (304) is offset towards a right side of one side member of the pair of side frame members (106, 108). The ensures the availability of ample space for easy wire routing in the bottom portion (306) of the seating platform (300). [00040] The vehicle (100) of the present disclosure ensures the usage of already available space in the seating platform (300) for mounting the at least one electronic control unit (304). This facilitates in the integration of the at least one electronic control unit (304) within the frame assembly of the vehicle (100) in the seating platform (300) while presenting a range of advantageous features. [00041] These advantages include the innovative placement of at least one electronic control unit (304) which obviates the need for supplementary mounting arrangements, simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing 30
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5 10 15 20 25 manufacturing intricacies. Further, the integration lends itself to organized and efficient wire routing, mitigating the risk of wire damage or interference with other vehicle components. This spatial optimization not only maximizes the utilization of available space but also contributes to enhanced accessibility for maintenance and servicing, facilitating diagnostic procedures and repairs. [00042] Moreover, the strategic integration of at least one electronic control unit (304) disposed in a seating platform (300) within the frame assembly of the vehicle (100) offers benefits in terms of stability and reliability. The secure placement minimizes exposure to vehicular vibrations, safeguarding the electronic components from potential operational disruptions. [00043] Additionally, the vehicle (100) disclosed in the present disclosure contributes to optimal weight distribution, improving the overall balance and handling characteristics of the vehicle (100). This is because since no additional mounting arrangement in terms of additional body panels, additional enclosures for storing at least one electronic control unit (304) are required thereby not adding to the existing load of the vehicle (100). Moreover, concealing the at least one electronic unit (304) within the frame assembly in the seating platform (300) is not merely a pragmatic engineering solution, it also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (100), providing a cleaner and visually pleasing design. [00044] Furthermore, the incorporation of the at least one electronic control unit (304) within the frame assembly affords advantages in terms of durability and environmental resilience. The concealed positioning shields at least one electronic unit (304) from external environmental factors, such as dust, water, and mud, thereby ensuring heightened durability and reliability. The innovative design also contributes to efficient heat dissipation within the cavity available in the seating platform (300), thus optimizing the operational temperature range of the at least one electronic control unit (304) without being exposed to hot air from outside the vehicle (100). This integration also ensures availability of further space to mount other necessary components required for efficient functioning of the vehicle (100).
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[00045] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. [00046] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims. [00047] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. [00048] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications. [00049] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application. In addition, the systems of the aforementioned embodiments may be implemented using a wide variety of suitable processes and 30
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system modules, and are not limited to any particular computer hardware, software,
middleware, firmware, microcode, and the like. The claims can encompass embodiments for hardware and software, or a combination thereof.
[00050]
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 5 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 to be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure 10 will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. , Claims:We claim:
1.
A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a front portion (102);
a rear portion (104), the rear portion (104) is placed opposite to the front portion (102); 5
a seating platform (300), the seating platform (300) is configured in the rear portion (104) to accommodate a user of the vehicle (100);
at least one ground engaging member (502, 504); and
at least one electronic control unit (304);
wherein the at least one electronic control unit (304) is 10 disposed in the seating platform (300) of the vehicle (100) and above a rear ground engaging member (504) of the at least one ground engaging member (502,504).
2.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front portion (102) and15 the rear portion (104) of the vehicle (100) are separated by an imaginaryhorizontal axis A-A’, wherein the imaginary horizontal axis A-A’ isdisposed at center of the vehicle (100).
3.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one electronic20 control unit (304) is disposed behind a tail lamp mount unit (202) of thevehicle (100), wherein the tail lamp mount unit (202) of the vehicle (100) isdisposed in a rear end of the seating platform (300).
4.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one electronic25 control unit (304) is disposed ahead of a central support member (204), the
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central support member (204) is configured to connect
pair of side frame members (106, 108) of the vehicle (100).
5.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one electroniccontrol unit (304) is located above a mud guard assembly (510) of the rear5 ground engaging member (504) of the at least one ground engaging member(502, 504) of the vehicle (100).
6.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seating platform (300)comprising a top portion (302) and a bottom portion (306), wherein the10 bottom portion (306) is placed opposite to the top portion (302) and isconfigured to form a cavity and the at least one the electronic control unit(304)is disposed in the cavity.
7.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one electronic15 control unit (304) is disposed in a rear end of the seating platform (300).
8.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the top portion (302) ofthe seating platform (300) is configured to accommodate a rider seat (506)and a pillion seat (508) and the at least one electronic control unit (304) is20 disposed under the pillion seat (508) of the vehicle (100).
9.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one electroniccontrol unit (304) is disposed in the bottom portion (306) of the seatingplatform (300).25
10.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one electroniccontrol unit (304) is disposed offset towards one side member of the pair ofside frame members (106, 108).
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11.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seating platform (300)comprising a plurality of mounting brackets (402) to mount the at least oneelectronic control unit (304).