Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively to a structure for the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In vehicle layouts, the frame assembly or chassis of the vehicle provides the requisite 5 structural support to the vehicle. The frame assembly houses and supports essential vehicle components such as the prime mover of the vehicle, the transmission system as well as other control units interfacing the vehicle operations. During vehicle travel on a rough or bumpy terrain similar, but not limited to off-roading conditions, the vehicle chassis is susceptible to damage due to debris such as rocks, stones and other components being thrown towards the 10 vehicle. While the vehicle’s suspension system accommodates the relative motion of the vehicle components relative to the chassis or frame assembly, the vehicle components are still susceptible to the flying debris.
[0003] Light weight frames composed of materials such as carbon-based fibre, aluminium or other casted material improve the vehicle performance. The power to weight ratio is a 15 calculation applicable in the automobile industry to adjudge the performance of the prime mover. The power to weight ratio compares the prime mover’s performance where the prime mover’s power output is divided by the overall weight of the vehicle. The power to weight ratio qualifies as a measurement of actual performance of the prime mover. A common practice undertaken in improvement of the power to weight ratio is by reducing the weight of the frame 20 assembly. In this scenario usage of light weight frames plays a crucial role. Additionally, owing to reduction in weight of the frame assembly or chassis, the unsprung mass associated with the vehicle reduces. The reduction of unsprung mass not only enhances vehicle performance but also achieves better vehicle stability during maneuvering. A direct impact of the improved power to weight ratio is discernible as a better mileage or fuel economy for internal combustion 25 engines using fossil fuels, and a higher range of travel undertaken by vehicles powered by electric energy, or a combination of mileage and travel range applicable in a hybrid vehicle layout. In electric or hybrid vehicle layouts, the weight reduction plays a critical role in adjudging vehicle performance, therefore low-weight or lightweight materials for composition of the frame assembly are preferred. 30
[0004] Typically, the frame assembly in two-wheeled vehicles comprises a front frame structure and a rear frame structure defined along the vehicle’s length. The front frame structure and the rear frame structure are joined to form the integrated frame assembly of the vehicle. 2
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The front frame structure may comprise a head tube with one or more downtubes extending from the head tube and then connecting onto the rear frame structure. [0005] It is observed during the vehicle running conditions on a rugged terrain such as with potholes that debris such as stones, rocks, or mud tend to smash against the vehicle’s frame assembly. Especially in the nighttime or areas where visibility is reduced, the flying debris
5 poses sudden impact against the frame assembly and the vehicle components mounted on the frame assembly. The frequent or periodic sudden impact of the flying debris on the frame assembly and the vehicle components and subsystems leads to wear and tear over the long run. Owing to the accumulated impact of wear and tear, part replacement or maintenance becomes a regular concern for the rider. The aftermarket impact of part replacement and maintenance 10 and servicing does not serve as a feasible solution to the vehicle user. Therefore, there arises a need for structures which effectively protect the vehicle frame assembly and the subsystems against the sudden impact of flying debris.
[0006] Some protection structures employed in vehicles are disposed in a front portion of the vehicle to protect the prime mover of the vehicle against the flying debris. The protection 15 structures are typically deployed in structural support members that support the powertrain or transmission component of the vehicles. The protection of such structures are again limitative to the prime mover and do not extend to other vehicle components which may be disposed in the undercarriage area.
[0007] Further, during vehicle operation the vehicular components or vehicle subsystems 20 disposed in an undercarriage area of the vehicle are susceptible to wear and tear owing to sudden impact of the flying debris. The vehicle components and vehicle subsystems may include a transmission system, the prime mover, the electrical wiring harness, the disposition of sensors and control units in the vehicle. There arises a need for provision of a structure which protects the vehicle components from wear and tear against the scrapping frame assembly. 25 Additionally, mud or dirt which may be transmitted internal to the frame assembly where the vehicle subsystems and components are disposed which may cause damage to the same.
[0008] As is known in the art, skid plates are provided in an undercarriage area of vehicle. Skid plates merely cover the undercarriage area thereby preventing ingress of the flying debris into the vehicle subsystems. Provision of skid plates is more permissible in multi-axle vehicles 30 where the vehicle chassis is spread to accommodate the skid plates. However, in compact vehicle layouts such as saddle type vehicles the same space and layout doesn’t permit the convenient disposition of structures such as skid plates. Therefore, a customized structure has to be provided which not only protects the vehicle subsystems against the sudden impact, but
also can be provided in the vehicle’s frame assembly without major modification in the manufacturing processes. [0009] Additionally, skid plates transmit the sudden impact load from the flying debris onto the frame assembly itself. However, such protection structure adds to the overall weight of the vehicle and deteriorate the fuel economy and vehicle performance. The frame assembly owing
5 to its configuration of structural support is made of up of steel which is a heavy weight component in itself, additionally the preferred metal for skid plates is steel as well. Further, in the event the frame assembly is composed of a low-weight material, the transmittance of the sudden impact load onto the frame assembly by such protection structures would damage the frame assembly. 10
[00010] Further, in saddle type vehicles, being two-wheeled or three-wheeled or multi-axled, the aesthetic requirements of the vehicle may demand a naked skeleton structure. Skid plates being synonymous to cover panels thereby disrupt the requested vehicle aesthetics.
[00011]
[00012] 15
[00013] .
[00014] Therefore, there arises a need for a structure integral to the vehicle frame assembly which protects the vehicular components against flying debris effectively in conjunction to ease of disposition in the vehicle. Additionally, the structure should be designed such that the sudden impact of flying debris should not be transmitted to the frame assembly, but rather 20 should be majorly absorbed by the structure itself.
[00015] Therefore, there arises a need in the automotive industry addressing the protection of vehicle components disposed in the frame assembly. 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 25 the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
[00016] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a structure comprising a base portion, a pair of side walls and a member. The pair of side walls disposed on opposite sides of the base portion and extend perpendicular to a surface of the base 30 portion. The member is connected to the surface of the base portion and disposed between the pair of side walls. 4
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[00017]
According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter provides the base portion of the structure comprising at least one of: a first base portion; a second base portion; and a third base portion. The second base portion is connected to the first base portion and extends inclinedly from the first base portion. The third base portion extends from the second base portion. The third base portion is parallel to the first base portion. In an aspect, the 5 first base portion, the second base portion and the third base portion being integrated to form the base portion.
[00018] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides a width (L1) of the first base portion being lesser than a width (L2) of the second base portion and the third base portion. The member being connected to the second base portion and 10 disposed perpendicular to the third base portion.
[00019] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides the first base portion being configured to interface with a portion of one or more support members of a vehicle. The vehicle comprising a frame assembly. The frame assembly comprising one or more side members disposed in a front portion F of the vehicle extending 15 rearwardly along a vehicle longitudinal axis; and one or more support members connected to the one or more side members at a first end in the front portion (F). The one or more support members extends downwardly and rearwardly to connect to a second end connected to the one or more side members at a rear portion.
[00020] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally 20 provides the portion interfacing with the first base portion being the second end. The first base portion comprises at least one attaching provision configured to connect the structure onto the portion of the one or more support members, and wherein the pair of side walls being configured to partially cover a portion of the second end and a portion (C’) of the one or more side members. 25
[00021] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides the structure comprising one or more flanges extending below the third base portion and at a pre-defined angle (a) to the third base portion.
[00022] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides the member being integrated with at least one of the first base portion, the second base 30 portion, and the third base portion.
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[00023]
According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides the third base portion being disposed at a pre-set distance (b’) below a base surface of the portion (C’) of the one or more side members, wherein the pre-defined distance serves as a clearance for deflection of the third base portion when a sudden external impact be transmitted to the structure via the one or more flanges. 5
[00024] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides a triangular configuration of the structure being formed between a first point (P?) on an edge of the first base portion, a second point (P2) on a top edge of the member and a third point (P3) on a surface of the third base portion to increase stiffness of the protection structure against a sudden external impact. 10
[00025] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides a vehicle comprising a frame assembly and one or more structures. The one or more structures being connected to a bottom portion of the frame assembly at a pre-set clearance to a ground surface, wherein the one or more structures comprising a member configured to possess strength characteristics beyond a strength threshold. 15
[00026] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides the frame assembly comprising: one or more side members extending from a front portion (F) of the vehicle rearwardly along a vehicle longitudinal axis; and one or more support members connected to a first end of the one or more side members in the front portion (F) and extending downwardly and rearwardly to connect to a second end of the one or more side 20 members.
[00027] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides the one or more side members comprising: one or more first member connected to a head member of the frame assembly and extending rearwardly and inclinedly from the head member; and one or more second member extending from the one or more first member 25 downwardly and rearwardly towards a vehicle central axis (XX).
[00028] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides the bottom portion being a portion of the one or more support members partially covering a portion (C’) of the one or more side members.
[00029] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally 30 provides the one or more support members being configured to support one or more prime movers of the vehicle, wherein the one or more prime movers being disposed between the one
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or more support members and the one or more side members ahead of the vehicle central axis (XX). [00030]
According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides the one or more side members being composed of a first material, wherein the first material comprising strength characteristics below a pre-set threshold; and the one or more 5 support members being composed of a second material, the second material comprising strength characteristics above a pre-set threshold. The strength threshold of the one or more structures being greater than the strength characteristics of the second material.
[00031] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally provides the pre-set clearance being at most a distance (M’) between an axis (YY) passing 10 through the one or more wheels of the vehicle and the ground surface (GG) when the vehicle be viewed from a side view.
[00032] 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 15 and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00033] 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. 20
[00034] Figure 1(a) illustrates a side view of a vehicle in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00035] Figure 1(b) illustrates a rear perspective view of a front portion of a frame assembly omitting some parts of the vehicle in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure. 25
[00036] Figure 1(c) illustrates a partial side perspective view of disposition of the structure in the frame assembly of the vehicle in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00037] Figure 1(d) illustrates an exploded side perspective view of the structure connected to the frame assembly in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure. 30
[00038] Figure 1(e) illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the structure connected to the frame assembly in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00039] Figure 2(a) illustrates a perspective view of a structure in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00040] Figure 2(b) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the structure disposed in a frame 5 assembly of the vehicle in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00041] Figure 2(c) illustrates a side view of a structure disclosing the triangular configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00042] Figure 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the structure with the member integrated in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure. 10
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00043] 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 15 system 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. 20
[00044] 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 25 phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00045] 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 30 the invention to those skilled in the art. 8
[00046] The present invention is illustrated with a two wheeled vehicle such as a scooter. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to a scooter type vehicle and certain features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention can be used with other vehicles such as a motorcycle, a step-through vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle, a multi-axle saddle type vehicle, trikes, a tadpole mobility solution or
5 other forms of two wheeled, three wheeled vehicle or multi-axle vehicles in the automotive industry facing the same technical problem of requiring protection against flying debris.
[00047] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a structure configured to protect a vehicle frame assembly as well as other vehicle components against flying debris on the roads, thereby improving the durability of the vehicle components. 10
[00048] It is an object of the present subject to support and assist in provision of a low-weight frame assembly for a vehicle which can withstand any form of deformation against sudden impact loads acting on it due to flying debris. Thereby ensuring vehicle performance and fuel economy of the vehicle be maintained.
[00049] It is an additional object of the present subject matter to provide a serviceable structure 15 for the vehicle, for ease of part replacement, maintenance and repair in the event any damage be accrued to the structure.
[00050] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs. 20
[00051] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements 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 25 well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00052] The present subject matter may be implemented in any form of automobile. However, for the purpose of explanation and by no limitation, the present invention, and corresponding additional advantages and features are described through the following embodiments depicting a two wheeled vehicle. 30
[00053] Figure 1(a) illustrates a side view of a vehicle in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 9
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[00054] With reference to Figure 1(a), 100 denotes a vehicle 120 denotes the one or more wheels of the vehicle, 124 denotes one or more seat structures of the vehicle, 126 denotes a headlamp assembly, 128 denotes a floorboard, 130a denotes a front suspension assembly, 130b denotes a rear suspension assembly, 134 denotes a transmission system, 136 denotes a tail lamp assembly. In an aspect, GG denotes a ground surface, YY denotes an axis passing through the
5 external wheel rim of the one or more wheels.
[00055] The vehicle 100 comprises a prime mover 110 (shown in figure 1(b)) configured to transform the available energy into usable work applied at the one or more wheels 120 via the transmission system 134. The vehicle 100 comprises a headlamp assembly 126 connected to a steering rod of the vehicle 100 to assist in vehicle manoeuvring. The steering rod is connected 10 to the one or more wheels 120. The one or more wheels 120 are connected to the frame assembly 102 (depicted in Figure 1(b)) via the front suspension assembly 130a and the rear suspension assembly 130b. The front suspension assembly 130a and the rear suspension assembly 130b maintain the relative motion between the vehicle’s frame assembly 102 and the one or more wheels 120 based on the terrain. The vehicle 100 may comprise a floorboard 128 15 in the event a scooter type vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle or the like is used. The vehicle 100 may also be operational without a floorboard such as in, but not limited to, motorcycle type vehicles. The one or more seat structure 124 are configured to support the one or more users of the vehicle. The vehicle 100 may additionally comprise a tail lamp assembly 136 disposed in the rear portion of the vehicle 100. 20
[00056] Figure 1(b) illustrates a rear perspective view of a front portion of a frame assembly omitting some parts of the vehicle in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00057] With reference to Figure 1(b), 102 denotes a frame assembly, 103 denotes a headtube, 104a and 104b denotes one or more side members, 108 denotes one or more support members, 25 110 denotes one or more prime mover of the vehicle, 112a denotes a first end of the one or more side members, 112b denotes a second end of the one or more side members, and 200 denotes one or more structures.
[00058] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 comprises a frame assembly 102 and one or more structures 200. The one or more structures 200 is connected to a bottom portion of the frame 30 assembly 102 at a pre-set clearance to the ground surface (GG). The one or more structures 200 comprises a member 210 configured to possess strength characteristics beyond a critical
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strength threshold. In an aspect, the bottom portion is an undercarriage area of the vehicle 100. The undercarriage area of the vehicle or bottom portion refers to the frame assembly of the vehicle 100 which is under the body of the vehicle 100. The undercarriage area is typically left uncluttered and uncovered owing to reduced cost in style panels and inconspicuousness of the area. However, the undercarriage area when accessed by servicemen serves as the gateway to
5 access vehicle components such as the wiring harness of the vehicle 100, the control units disposed in the vehicle 100 and also the one or more prime movers 110 of the vehicle 100. [00059] In an aspect, the
the bottom portion is a portion of the one or more support members 108 partially covering a portion (C’) of the one or more side members 104b. In another aspect, the bottom portion is a portion of the one or more support members 108 extending below the 10 one or more second member 104b, and partially covering a portion (C’) of the one or more second member 104b.
[00060] In an aspect, the pre-set clearance being at most a distance (M’) between an axis (YY) passing through the one or more wheels 120 of the vehicle 100 and the ground surface (GG) when the vehicle 100 be viewed from a side view. The pre-set clearance is designed with a 15 vision that the structure 200 should not interact with any vehicle components or obstruct vehicle propulsion in any way, but also should serve as the first portion onto which the sudden impact load of the flying debris is transmitted. In an embodiment, the distance M’ is at most 190 mm to the ground surface GG.
[00061] In an aspect, the frame assembly 102 comprises one or more side members 104a, 104b 20 extending from a front portion F of the vehicle 100 rearwardly along a vehicle longitudinal axis, and one or more support members 108. The one or more support members 108 are connected at a first end 112a of the one or more side members 104a in the front portion F and extend downwardly and rearwardly to connect to a second end 112b of the one or more side members 104b. 25
[00062] The disclosed frame assembly 102 comprises a head tube 103 provided in a front portion F of the vehicle 100. The headtube 103 may be connected to a steering rod assembly of the vehicle 100 and the front suspension assembly 120a of the vehicle 100. One or more first members 104a extend from the headtube, the one or more first members 140a comprise one or more left first members extending towards a vehicle left side and one or more right first 30 members extending towards a vehicle right side. The one or more first members 104a have a pre-set lateral distance maintained between them as they extend rearwardly. The one or more
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first members 104a extend inclinedly and rearwardly and connect to one or more second members 104b. [00063] The one or more second members 104b further comprises one or more left second members and one or more right second members. The one or more left second members is connected to the one or more left first members. Consequently, the one or more right second
5 members is connected to the one or more right first members. The one or more second members 104b extend inclinedly and downwardly towards the bottom portion of the vehicle 100.
[00064] In another embodiment, the one or more first members 104a and the one or more second members 104b are integrated to form respective one or more side members extending along a vehicle left side and a vehicle right side. 10
[00065] The frame assembly 102 further comprises one or more support members 108. The one or more support members 108 may comprise a support member 108 disposed on the vehicle left side and a support member 108 disposed on a vehicle right side. The one or more support members 108 connect to a first end 112a of the one or more first members 104a. The one or more support members 108 first extend downwardly and then rearwardly to connect at a second 15 end 112b to the one or more second members 104b. For instance, the left support member i.e the support member 108 on the vehicle left side connects at the first end 112a to the one or more left first members 104a and at the second end 112b to the one or more left second members 104b. Similarly, the right support member i.e the support member 108 on the vehicle right side connects at the first end 112a to the one or more right first members 104a and at the 20 second end 112b to the one or more right second members 104b.
[00066] The one or more prime movers 110 of the vehicle 100 is supported by the one or more support members 108, where the one or more prime movers 110 is disposed between the one or more support members 108 and the one or more side members 104a, 104b. Since, the one or more support members 108 are configured to support the one or more prime movers 110 25 they are designed to withstand load of the one or more prime movers 110 and are therefore of strength characteristics above a pre-set threshold. A rear frame structure of the vehicle 100 may connect onto the one or more side members 104a, 104b and extend rearwardly along the vehicle longitudinal axis.
[00067] In an aspect, the one or more side members 104a, 104b comprises one or more first 30 members 104a connected to the head member 103 of the frame assembly 102 and extending rearwardly and inclinedly from the head member 103. The one or more side members 104a,
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104b additionally comprise one or more second member 104b extending from the one or more first member 104a downwardly and rearwardly towards a vehicle central axis XX. In an aspect, the vehicle central axis XX divides the vehicle length into approximately two halves when the vehicle 100 be viewed from a side view. In another aspect, the vehicle central axis XX divides the frame assembly 102 into a front portion and a rear portion. The vehicle central axis XX
5 may additionally serve as a reference line from which a rear frame of the frame assembly 102 connects to the one or more side members 104a, 104b. [00068] In an aspect,
the one or more support members 108 being configured to support one or more prime movers 110 of the vehicle 100. The one or more prime movers (110) being disposed between the one or more support members (108) and the one or more side members (104a, 10 104b) ahead of the vehicle central axis (XX).
[00069] In an embodiment, the one or more side members 104a, 104b is composed of a first material, wherein the first material comprising strength characteristics below a pre-set threshold. The one or more support members 108 is composed of a second material, the second material comprising strength characteristics above a pre-set threshold. Additionally, the 15 strength characteristics of the structure 200 is greater than the strength characteristics of the second material.
[00070] As an illustration, in view of optimizing cost of the frame assembly 102, the one or more side members 104a, 104b may be composed of the first material being carbon fibre. The one or more support members 108 in view of supporting the one or more prime movers 110 20 may be composed of a second material having a higher rigidity, stiffness and strength comparable to the first material. In an embodiment, the second material is aluminum. In another embodiment the second material is steel. In another embodiment, the second material is polyamide.
[00071] As a working example, in the absence of the structure 200 and in the event of bottom 25 impact into the undercarriage or bottom portion of the vehicle 100, the one or more support members 108 as well as the one or more side members 104a, 104b are susceptible to deformation. Additionally, since most vehicle components such as motor, battery controller, control units, lighting units, a plurality of sensors are mounted on the one or more side members 104a, 104b and the one or more support members 108, the vehicle components will also be 30 subjected to the external load which may adversely affect their operationality.
[00072]
In the event the vehicle 100 having the structure 200 deployed is subjected to a sudden impact load due to flying debris, potholes or other road conditions, the structure 200 protects the vehicle components against the sudden impact load. The structure 200 comprising the one or more flanges 212 are the first region to receive the sudden impact load. The one or more flanges 212 partially absorb the sudden impact load by permitting deformation of the one or 5 more flanges 212 in the outward direction i.e the sudden impact leads to bending and extension of the one or more flanges 212 in the lateral direction governed by the pre-defined angle (a). The configuration of the one or more flanges 212 not only partially absorbs the sudden impact load, but also creates a cascade in preventing the flying debris from interacting with the vehicle components and subsystems mounted on the frame assembly 102. The remnant sudden impact 10 load is then absorbed by the member 210 which is abutting against the base portion 202, 204, 206.The member 210 is configured to possess strength characteristics beyond a criticalstrength threshold. After a portion of the remnant sudden impact load being absorbed by themember 210, the remaining sudden impact load is then transmitted to the one or more supportmembers 108 composed of the second material. The disclosed structure 200 being interfacing 15 with a portion of the one or more support members 108 ensures that the sudden impact load is in no way transmitted to the one or more side members 104a, 104b which are composed of the first material having strength characteristics below a pre-set threshold.
[00073] In an embodiment, the one or more side members 104a, 104b being composed of the first material being a carbon fiber material. The one or more support members 108 being 20 composed of aluminum to securely mount the one or more prime movers 110 of the vehicle 100.And the structure 200 being composed of steel with the member 210 of the structure 200being composed of reinforced steel having strength characteristics higher than the criticalstrength threshold. In this scenario, the member 210 has the highest stiffness in absorbing thesudden impact load, followed by the structure’s base portion 202, 204, 206 composed of steel. 25 Further, in the event the structure 200 fails to absorb the sudden impact load, the sudden impact load is transmitted to the one or more support members 108, thereby protecting and maintaining the sanctity of the frame assembly 102 comprising the one or more support members 108 and one or more side members 104a, 104b.
[00074] In another embodiment, the pre-set threshold is in the range of 70 – 350 MPa. The 30 critical strength threshold is at least 800 MPa of the member 212, while the strength characteristics of the structure 200 may be in the range of 400-700 MPa. 14
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[00075]
In an aspect, the strength characteristics of the member 212 as well as the structure 200 can be further improved by at least one of increase in ribbed structures, increase in material thickness.
[00076] Additionally in conventional vehicle layouts, the middle region of the vehicle in vicinity of the central axis XX has minimum ground clearance leading to a more vulnerable 5 area of impact. The structure 200 is disposed in vicinity of the central axis XX serving as the middle region, to provide a more effective protection against the sudden external impacts.
[00077] Figure 1(c) illustrates a partial side perspective view of disposition of the structure in the frame assembly of the vehicle in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure. 10
[00078] Figure 1(d) illustrates an exploded side perspective view of the structure connected to the frame assembly in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00079] Figure 1 (e) illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the structure connected to the frame assembly in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00080] For the sake of brevity, Figure 1(c), 1(d) and 1(e) shall be explained in conjunction 15 with aspects of the subject matter being drawn from Figures 1(a) and 1(b). With reference to Figure 1(c), 1(d) and 1(e), 114 denotes one or more cover member, 116 denotes a cross member, 118 denotes a tray structure.
[00081] In an aspect, the one or more cover member 114 merely serves as an intermediary component for connecting the one or more support members 108 onto the one or more side 20 members 104b of the vehicle. The one or more cover member 114 is configured to receive affixing units such as nuts, bolts, rivets, etc to securely join the one or more support members 108 onto the one or more side members 104b of the frame assembly 102. In an aspect, the structure 200 extends below the one or more cover member 114 and partially covers the one or more cover member 114. The disclosed disposition of the structure 200 is partially covering 25 the one or more cover member 114 further ensures the sanctity of the join between the one or more support members 108 and the one or more side members 104b be secured against sudden external impact loads.
[00082] In an aspect, the further maintain rigidity in the frame assembly 102 of the vehicle 100, a cross member 116 is configured to connect the one or more second members 104b of the 30 frame assembly 102 disposed on either vehicle sides. The cross member 116 maintains the
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lateral distance between the one or more second members 104b on the left side and right side of the vehicle 100. [00083] In an aspect, the one or more prime movers 110 are disposed on a tray structure 118, where the tray structure 118 is supported by the one or more support members 108. The tray structure 118 may be detachably secured to the one or more support members 108 or fixedly
5 attached to the one or more support members 108.
[00084] Figure 2(a) illustrates a perspective view of a structure in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00085] With reference to Figure 2(a), 200 denotes a structure, 202 denotes a first base portion, 202a denotes at least one attaching provision, 204 denotes a second base portion, 206 denotes 10 a third base portion, 208 denotes a pair of side walls, 210 denotes a member and 212 denotes one or more flanges.
[00086] In an aspect, the structure 200 comprises a base portion 202, 204, 206. The base portion 202, 204, 206 comprises at least one of the first base portion 202, the second base portion 204 and the third base portion 206. The second base portion 204 is connected to the first base 15 portion 202 and the third base portion 206 is connected to the second base portion 204. In an embodiment, the first base portion 202, the second base portion 204 and the third base portion 206 are integrated to form the base portion 202, 204, 206.
[00087] In an aspect, the structure 200 additionally comprises a pair of side walls 208. The pair of side walls 208 are disposed on opposite sides of the base portion 202, 204, 206 and extend 20 perpendicular to a surface of the base portion 202, 204, 206. In an embodiment, the pair of side walls 208 are disposed along the longitudinal edges of the base portion 202, 204, 206.
[00088] In an aspect, the structure 200 comprises a member 210. The member 210 is connected to the surface of the base portion 202, 204, 206 and disposed between the pair of side walls 208. In another aspect, cornering relief is provided between the edges of the pair of side walls 25 208, the member 210 and the base portion 202, 204, 206.
[00089] In an embodiment, the second base portion 204 is connected to the first base portion and extends inclinedly from the first base portion 202. The third base portion 206 extends from the second base portion 204 and is parallel to the first base portion 202.
[00090] In an aspect, the structure 200 comprises one or more flanges 212 extending below the 30 third base portion 206 and at a pre-defined angle a to the third base portion 206. The pre-
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defined angle
a extend outwardly with a curved profile to ensure that any flying debris which may not directly hit the structure 200 but may hit vehicle components in the vicinity of the structure 200 is also obstructed. The one or more flanges 212 serve as the first region of sudden impact for the flying debris, whereon the sudden impact is then transmitted to the member 210 via the base portion 202, 204, 206 and the pair of side walls 208. Additionally, in the event of 5 transmittance of the sudden impact load onto the one or flanges 212, the one or more flanges 212 bend outwardly owing to the disclosed profile. [00091] In another aspect, the first base portion 202 comprises a width L1 between the pair of side walls 208. The second base portion 204 and the third base portion 206 comprises a width L2 between the pair of side walls 208. In an embodiment, the member 210 is connected to the
10 second base portion 204 and is disposed perpendicular to the third base portion 206. In this embodiment, the width L1 of the first base portion 202 is lesser than the width L2 of the second base portion 204 and the third base portion 206. The disclosed configuration achieves a more uniform load distribution in the structure 200. Additionally, the sudden impact load is channelized to the member 212 of the structure 200. 15
[00092] In operation when a sudden impact load from flying debris be transferred to the structure 200 via the one or more flanges 212, the member 210 is configured to have a strength characteristics greater than a critical strength threshold. The member 210 being disposed in the second base portion 204 of width L2 has a more uniform load distribution owing to wider area of spread. In another embodiment, the member 210 may be disposed in the third base portion 20 206 of width L2. In another embodiment, the member 210 is disposed in the first base portion 202 of width L2, while at least one of the second base portion 204 and the third base portion 206 have width L1.
[00093] Figure 2(b) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the structure disposed in a frame assembly of the vehicle in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure. 25
[00094] Figure 2(c) illustrates a side view of a structure disclosing the triangular configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00095] For the sake of brevity, Figures 2(b) and 2(c) shall be explained in conjunction.
[00096] In an aspect, the first base portion 202 is configured to interface with a portion of one or more support members 108 of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 as illustrated in Figures 1(a) 30 to 1® comprises a frame assembly 102. The frame assembly 102 comprises one or more side members 104a, 104b disposed in a front portion F of the vehicle 100 extending rearwardly
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along a vehicle longitudinal axis; and one or more support members 108 connected to the one or more side members 104a, 104b at a first end 112a in the front portion (F). The one or more support members 108 extends downwardly and rearwardly to connect to a second end 112b connected to the one or more side members 104a, 104b at a rear portion. [00097] In an aspect, the portion interfacing with the first base portion 202 is the second end 5 112b. The first base portion 202 comprises at least one attaching provision 202a configured to connect the protection structure 200 onto the portion of the one or more support members 108. The pair of side walls 208 are configured to partially cover a portion of the second end 112b and a portion (C’) of the one or more side members 104b. In an aspect, the structure 200 being connected to the second end 112b serving as a single mounting portion translates into the 10 structure performing as a cantilever beam where deflection is permissible at the free end of the structure 200, which is the third base portion 206. However, owing to the triangular configuration of the structure 200 (explained later) the structure 200 has an improved stiffness associated which addresses sudden impact loads and minimizes deflection or vibration of the structure 200 upon impact. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment the provision of a single 15 mounting portion via the at least one attaching provision 202a ensures ease of assembly and disassembly from the vehicle 100. Provision of multiple attaching provisions would increase the stresses in the material thereby impacting the material strength of the structure 200.
[00098] In another aspect, the configuration of the pair of side walls 208 of the structure 200 partially covering a portion of the second end 112b and a portion (C’) of the one or more side 20 members 104b ensures that the structure 200 serves as a first point of sudden impact in the event flying debris is directed towards the vehicle 100. Therefore, the frame assembly 102 is in no way compromised or subjected to the impact of the flying debris.
[00099] In another aspect, the third base portion 206 of the structure 200 is disposed at a pre-set distance b’ below a base surface of the portion (C’) of the one or more side members (104b. 25 The pre-set distance b’ serves as a clearance for deflection of the third base portion 206 when a sudden external impact be transmitted to the structure 200 via the one or more flanges 212. As earlier elaborated, the structure 200 may function as a cantilever beam susceptible to bending moment and deflection in the event of an impact load. The pre-set distance b’ in conjunction with the triangular configuration (explained in later paragraphs) ensures that the 30 area or region of deflection of the third base portion 206 of the structure 200 be restricted to designed region of deflection. The pre-set distance b’ ensures that the deflection of the third base portion 206 of the structure 200 or any other portion 202, 204, 206 of the structure 200
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does not interact with vehicle components or any region of the frame assembly 102 in the structure’s vicinity. Therefore, the deflection of the structure 200 is in no way transmitted to the frame assembly 102 owing to the designed region of deflection. [000100] In another aspect, a triangular
configuration of the structure 200 is formed between a first point P? on an edge of the first base portion 202, a second point P2 on a top edge of the 5 member 210 and a third point P3 on a surface of the third base portion 206 to increase stiffness of the protection structure 200 against a sudden external impact. The triangular configuration formed in the structure 200 addresses bending deformations or deflections based on constant strain elements and the degrees of freedoms of the triangular configuration, thereby further improving the overall stiffness of the structure 200 altogether. Therefore, the sudden impact 10 load is not only absorbed by the strength characteristics of the member 210, but also by the triangular configuration of the structure 200.
[000101] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the structure with the member integrated in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[000102] Figure 3 shall be explained in conjunction with aspects of the subject matter as 15 described in Figures 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c). The structure 200 as depicted in Figure 3 comprises the member 210 being integrated with at least one of the first base portion 202, the second base portion 204 and the third base portion 206. The member 210 is composed of a material having strength characteristics greater than a critical strength threshold. In an aspect, the strength characteristics of the member 210 comprises at least a stiffness of the material to a deforming 20 impact load, the rigidity of the material, the resilience of the material as well as the ability of the material to withstand the applied load without failure. In the event, the member 210 is integrated with at least one of the first base portion 202, the second base portion 204 and the third base portion 206, the integrated portion shall there onwards serve as the portion absorbing the major portion of the sudden impact load acting on the structure 200. 25
[000103] The disclosed subject matter of a structure 200 for a vehicle 100 which addresses disposition of the structure 200 in a compact vehicle layout in protecting the vehicle components against sudden external impact of flying debris may not be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
[000104] In conventional vehicle layouts, the undercarriage area or bottom portion of the 30 vehicle 100 is typically left exposed without any form of protection structures. The vehicles 100 with internal combustion engine have a rigid frame structure which alleviates but not
20
eliminates the requirement of any other structure for protection of the frame assembly and vehicle components. However, upon transition to an electric vehicle layout or a hybrid vehicle layout, in pursuit of enhanced vehicle performance and charge economy reduction of vehicle weight plays an imperative role. While the weight reduction of the frame assembly is essential, however the protection of the vehicle components and the frame assembly is jeopardized.
5 Therefore there arises a need for a structure for the vehicle layout which not only protects the vehicle components but also protects the frame assembly against sudden impact loads from flying debris or other objects. [000105] In view of addressing the pressing concerns of damage to the frame assembly and maintenance of vehicle performance the present subject matter provides a structure to be
10 mounted onto the frame assembly which absorbs the sudden impact loads of flying debris and uniformly distributes the same, thereby enhancing the overall stiffness, rigidity and durability of the overall vehicle. Additionally, the design of the structure 200 promotes a cost-effective solution to vehicle protection. The structure 200 further protects the vehicle components against undesirable ingress of mud and rain water. 15
[000106] Specific aspects of the present subject matter such as provision of one or more flanges at a pre-defined angle (a), the provision of a member 210 having strength characteristics above a critical strength threshold and the implementation of a triangular configuration of the structure 200 in maintenance of stiffness may not be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
[000107] The present subject matter additionally achieves modularity in design whereby the 20 structure 200 can be mounted on any type of frame assembly 102 of the vehicle 100 thereof can be easily implemented in a variety of vehicle segments without the usage of additional vehicle components. Additionally, the disclosed configuration addresses packaging constraints which are otherwise applicable in compact vehicle layouts.
[000108] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements 25 provided by the disclosed structure, the claimed vehicle and structure as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed system enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed system clearly brings an improvement in the protection of the vehicle components as well as the frame assembly against sudden external impacts as the claimed structure and vehicle and 30 constructional features provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
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[000109] 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
5 to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[000110] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and 10 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. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and/or 15 system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application.
[000111] 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 20 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. , Claims:We Claim:
1.A structure (200) comprising:
a base portion (202, 204, 206);
a pair of side walls (208), the pair of side walls (208) disposed on opposite sides of the base portion (202, 204, 206) and extending perpendicular to a surface of the base 5 portion (202, 204, 206); and
a member (210), the member (210) being connected to the surface of the base portion (202, 204, 206) and disposed between the pair of side walls (208).
2.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base portion (202, 204, 206)10 comprising at least one of:
a first base portion (202);
a second base portion (204), the second base portion (204) connected to the first base portion (202) and extending inclinedly from the first base portion (202); and
a third base portion (206), the third base portion (206) extending from the second 15 base portion (204),
wherein the third base portion (206) being parallel to the first base portion (202), and
wherein the first base portion (202), the second base portion (204) and the third base portion (206) being integrated to form the base portion (202, 20 204, 206).
3.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a width (L1) of the first base portion(202)being lesser than a width (L2) of the second base portion (204) and the third baseportion (206), wherein the member (210) being connected to the second base portion25 (204)and disposed perpendicular to the third base portion (206).
4.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first base portion (202) beingconfigured to interface with a portion of one or more support members (108) of avehicle (100), wherein the vehicle (100) comprising:30
a frame assembly, the frame assembly comprising:
one or more side members (104a, 104b) disposed in a front portion F of the vehicle (100) extending rearwardly along a vehicle longitudinal axis; and
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one or more support members (108) connected to the one or more side members (104a, 104b) at a first end (112a) in the front portion (F),
wherein the one or more support members (108) extends downwardly and rearwardly to connect to a second end (112b) connected to the one or more side members (104a, 104b) at a rear portion. 5
5.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the portion interfacing with the firstbase portion (202) being the second end (112b),
wherein the first base portion (202) comprises at least one attaching provision (202a) configured to connect the protection structure (200) onto the portion of the one 10 or more support members (108), and
wherein the pair of side walls (208) being configured to partially cover a portion of the second end (112b) and a portion (C’) of the one or more side members (104b).
6.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protection structure (200)15 comprises one or more flanges (212), the one or more flanges (212) extending belowthe third base portion (206) and at a pre-defined angle (a) to the third base portion (206).
7.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the member (210) being integratedwith at least one of the first base portion (202), the second base portion (204), and the20 third base portion (206), wherein the member (210) being composed of a materialhaving strength characteristics greater than a critical strength threshold.
8.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the third base portion (206) beingdisposed at a pre-set distance (b’) below a base surface of the portion (C’) of the one or25 more side members (104b), wherein the pre-set distance (b’) serves as a clearance fordeflection of the third base portion (206) when an external impact be transmitted to thestructure (200) via the one or more flanges (212).
30
9.The structure (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a triangular configuration of thestructure (200) being formed between a first point (P?) on an edge of the first baseportion (202), a second point (P2) on a top edge of the member (210) and a third point
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(P3) on a surface of the third base portion (206) to increase stiffness of the protection structure (200) against an external impact.
10.A vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly; and 5
one or more structures (200), the one or more structures (200) being connected to a bottom portion of the frame assembly at a pre-set clearance to a ground surface,
wherein the one or more structures (200) comprising a member (210) configured to possess strength characteristics beyond a strength threshold.
10
11.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the frame assembly comprising:
one or more side members (104a, 104b) extending from a front portion (F) of the vehicle (100) rearwardly along a vehicle longitudinal axis; and
one or more support members (108), the one or more support members (108) connected to a first end (112a) of the one or more side members (104a) in the front 15 portion (F) and extending downwardly and rearwardly to connect to a second end (112b) of the one or more side members (104b).
12.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more side members (104a,104b) comprising:20
one or more first member (104a) connected to a head member (102) of the frame assembly and extending rearwardly and inclinedly from the head member (102); and
one or more second member (104b) extending from the one or more first member (104a) downwardly and rearwardly towards a vehicle central axis (XX).
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13.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the bottom portion being a portionof the one or more support members (108) partially covering a portion (C’) of the oneor more side members (104b).
14.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bottom portion being a portion30 of the one or more support members (108) extending below the one or more secondmember (104b), and partially covering a portion (C’) of the one or more second member(104b).
25
15.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the one or more support members(108)being configured to support one or more prime movers (110) of the vehicle (100),wherein the one or more prime movers (110) being disposed between the one or moresupport members (108) and the one or more side members (104a, 104b) ahead of the5 vehicle central axis (XX).
16.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more side members (104a,104b) being composed of a first material, wherein the first material comprising strengthcharacteristics below a pre-set threshold; and10
the one or more support members (108) being composed of a second material, the second material comprising strength characteristics above a pre-set threshold,
wherein the strength characteristics of the one or more structures (200) being greater than the strength characteristics of the second material.
15
17.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the pre-set clearance being at most
20
a distance (M’) between an axis (YY) passing through the one or more wheels (120) of the vehicle (100) and the ground surface (GG) when the vehicle (100) be viewed from a side view.