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 a vehicle accommodating a plurality of connecting members.
BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION 5
[0002] In a vehicle layout, the electrical subsystem comprising wiring harness and connecting the electrical and electronic components of the vehicle play a crucial role in maintenance of vehicle operationality. In order to maintain the sanctity of the electrical subsystem various protective measures are deployed in the vehicle.
[0003] In conventional vehicle layouts, the electrical subsystems comprising 10 wiring harness extending from the vehicle components are compactly packaged in the front portion of the vehicle. The wiring harness in the front portion typically connects the components disposed in the handlebar area, such as, but not limited to, control switches, electric braking systems, instrument cluster and ignition wire. The wiring harness extending from the handlebar area is then connected to a main 15 wiring harness of the vehicle which disposed in the front portion and connects the remaining vehicle components with an energy source of the vehicle.
[0004] In a known art comprising a scooter type vehicle, the vehicle height is low, therefore there isn’t a large distance to be covered by the wiring harness extending from the handlebar when connecting to the main wiring harness. The handlebar 20 connects to the front suspension assembly via a steering rod, where the frame member such as headtube may be directly connected to the front suspension assembly. The main wiring harness is secured in the vicinity of the front suspension assembly, and the wiring harness extending from the handlebar can be easily routed on an inner surface of the front cowl of the vehicle. Since the 25 distance between the handlebar area and the front suspension is low, the technical problem of routing and guiding of the wiring harness to the main wiring harness isn’t massive. However, the wiring harness when routed through the front cowl
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may be subjected to damage via wear and tear due to the sharp edges of the front cowl provided for fitment. [0005] In another known art comprising a motorcycle type vehicle, the frame structure comprises a head tube disposed in the front portion of the vehicle onto which the handlebar is mounted. The steering rod extending from the handlebar
5 pass through the headtube before connecting to the front suspension assembly. The vehicle height in the motorcycle type vehicle is comparatively more than that of the scooter type vehicle, therefore the headtube extends the entire length between the handlebar and the front suspension. The wiring harness extending from the handlebar in this case is routed along the head tube via plastic tags. 10 However, the same adversely impacts the durability of the wiring harness due to minimal cover panels.
[0006] In some instances, the wiring harness is routed through the headtube through which the steering rod passes. It is observed that the steering torque applied by the rider which is manifested by rotation of the steering rod causes 15 wear and tear of the wiring harness. Additionally, since the wiring harness extending from the handlebar connects essential vehicle components such as braking systems and control switches, the vehicle safety and functionality is largely jeopardized.
[0007] Therefore, there arises a need to securely accommodate the wiring harness 20 is a compact vehicle layout, to maintain the operationality of the vehicle’s electrical subsystem.
[0008] Further, in vehicle layouts employing an electric or hydraulic braking system, braking hoses also need to be accommodated in the vehicle’s front portion, in the vicinity of the wiring harness extending from the handlebar. The 25 braking hoses in hydraulic braking system may have oil spillage, and in electric braking systems may have sparking. The front portion being compact, and packaged closely, any spark or malfunction in the braking hoses will be transmitted to the wiring harness. Alternately, any sparking in the wiring harness may lead to melting of the brake hoses. 30
[0009] Therefore, there further arises a need to compactly accommodate the braking system components and the wiring harness of the handlebar in the front portion of the vehicle, with effective isolation between the closely packaged components to cease any form of propagation of the failure into the complimentary component.
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[00010] 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 10
[00011] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a structure comprising at least a first member; and a second member. The first member and the second member interface in a pre-defined pattern to form a plurality of cavities. The plurality of connecting members are accommodated in the plurality of cavities. 15
[00012] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter additionally discloses a vehicle comprising a frame assembly extending along a vehicle longitudinal axis. The frame assembly defines a front portion (F) and a rear portion (R) of the vehicle. The front portion (F) of the vehicle comprises a handlebar assembly and a plurality of connecting members extending from the 20 handlebar assembly and connecting to a main connecting cluster of the vehicle. The plurality of connecting members being directed towards the main connecting cluster via a structure. The structure is connected to the handlebar assembly and is configured to receive the plurality of connecting members.
[00013] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in 25
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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 4
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[00014] 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.
[00015] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle in accordance with some 5 embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00016] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a front portion of the vehicle omitting one or more components of the vehicle in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00017] Figure 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a front portion of the 10 vehicle omitting one or more components with a magnified view of the structure connected to a front portion of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00018] Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the structure comprising the first members and the second member, in accordance with an embodiment of the 15 present disclosure.
[00019] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the first member and the second member of the structure in a pre-defined pattern, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20
[00020] 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 system may extend beyond 25 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
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approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. [00021] 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,
5 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.
[00022] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with 10 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. 15
[00023] The present invention is illustrated with a scooter type vehicle. 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 types of two wheelers such as motorcycle type vehicle, maxi scooter segment vehicles, step 20 thru, and the like. Additionally, the disclosed subject matter is applicable in compact vehicle layouts existent in three-wheeled vehicle, four-wheeled vehicles, trikes, tadpole vehicles and other forms of multi-axled vehicles. In an embodiment, the scooter type vehicle comprises a low floorboard type vehicle and the term scooter as used herein should not be inferred to restrict the maximum 25 speed, the displacement amount or the like of the vehicle.
[00024] It is an object of the present subject matter is to provide secure routing and guiding of a plurality of connecting members extending from a handlebar assembly of the vehicle and be directed towards the main connecting cluster. Particularly in the front portion of the vehicle is a cluttered area owing to 30
disposition of parts such as, but not limited to, plurality of connecting members, headlamp assembly and steering assembly. Therefore, entangling of the plurality of connecting members in the front portion was a technical problem persistent in the traditional art. [00025] To this end, the present subject matter discloses a structure disposed in
5 the front portion of the vehicle, mounted on the handlebar assembly which prevents the entangling of the plurality of connecting members with parts disposed in its vicinity.
[00026] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a structure configured to accommodate the plurality of connecting members to protect the 10 plurality of connecting members against wear and tear.
[00027] It is an object of the present subject matter to address concerns of routing of plurality of connecting members towards a main connecting cluster, in the event, a head tube of the vehicle does not directly connect onto the handlebar assembly. Parallelly, the power to weight function of the vehicle is optimized by 15 material cost and weight which was otherwise undertaken in extension of the headtube up to the handlebar assembly in conventional approaches.
[00028] It is an object of the present subject matter to improve accessibility and servicing concerns of the plurality of connecting members in a vehicle. To this end, the structure provided is easily accessible to a serviceman and compactly 20 arranges the plurality of connecting members. A disengagement of the first member of the structure from the second member, provides the servicemen access to the plurality of connecting members.
[00029] It is an object of the present subject matter to achieve precise articulation of a plurality of connecting members in the front portion of the vehicle via a 25 structure such that the actuation of any components connected to the plurality of connecting members permits easy sliding of the connecting members in the guideways or cavities provided in the structure. The disclosed configuration avoids sudden impact and strain acting on the wires. 7
[00030] It is another object of the present subject matter to ensure safety of the electrical subsystem of the vehicle by accommodating isolation of the plurality of connecting members from one or more braking hoses of the vehicle.
[00031] It is observed that in the event of any malfunction occurring in either of the braking hoses or the plurality of connecting members, owing to the close 5 packaging the propagation of the maleficence onto the other part occurs. The present subject matter effectively isolates the one or more braking hoses from the plurality of connecting members whilst maintain compact packaging in the front portion of the vehicle.
[00032] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle in accordance with some 10 embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00033] With reference to Figure 1, 100 denotes a vehicle, 102 denotes a handlebar assembly for a vehicle, 104a denotes one or more front wheels of the vehicle, 104b denotes one or more rear wheels of the vehicle, 108 denotes a transmission assembly, 110 denotes a front cowl of the vehicle, 112 denotes a 15 seating member disposed on the vehicle and 220 denotes a front suspension assembly of the vehicle.
[00034] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 comprises a frame assembly defining a vehicle length. The frame assembly comprises a headtube disposed in the front portion of the vehicle 100 connected to one or more main frame members 20 extending rearwardly from the head tube.
[00035] In an embodiment, the one or more main frame members extend rearwardly and inclinedly from the head tube and join with a rear frame structure. The rear frame structure extends rearwardly and inclinedly from the one or more main frame members. A tail lamp assembly may be mounted on the rear frame 25
structure. [00036] In another embodiment, the one or more main frame members may extend downwardly and then parallel to a ground surface to support a floorboard of the vehicle. The one or more main frame members after supporting the 8
l 9
floorboard extend rearwards inclinedly to accommodate a utility space of the vehicle. [00037] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 is divided into a front portion F and a rear portion R by an axis XX’ passing along a mid-point of the vehicle length. The front portion F of the vehicle comprises the handlebar assembly 102 disposed
5 above the one or more front wheels 104a. The handlebar assembly 102 comprises a steering rod extending downwards and connecting to a front suspension assembly 220. The front suspension assembly 220 is connected to the one or more front wheels 104a to control manoeuvring of the vehicle 100.
[00038] In another aspect, the rear portion R of the vehicle 100 comprises one or 10 more rear wheels 104b, a transmission assembly 108 transmitting the power generated by a prime mover (not shown) of the vehicle 100 onto the one or more rear wheels 104b. The rear portion R additionally comprises a seating member 112 to support one or more vehicle users.
[00039] The vehicle 100 is illustrated as a scooter-type vehicle, however aspects 15 of the present disclosure are applicable to other forms of two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 100 is configured to support user propulsion and comprises a prime mover (not shown) operatively connected to one or more front wheels 104a and one or more rear wheels 104b of the vehicle 100 via a transmission unit 108. The vehicle 100 may additionally comprise one or more energy storage units (not 20 shown) supporting auxiliary vehicle operations. In an embodiment, the one or more energy storage units are operative as the vehicle prime mover in supporting vehicle propulsion.
[00040] The frame assembly comprises a front frame defining the vehicle front portion (F) and a rear frame defining the vehicle rear portion (R). The frame 25 assembly may comprise a head tube disposed in the front portion (F) and configured to support a handlebar or steering assembly 102 of the vehicle 100, wherein the handlebar assembly 102 is connected to the one or more front wheels 104.The front frame extends rearwardly from the head tube (not shown) along thevehicle length direction. 30
[00041] In an embodiment, the front frame may comprise a single main frame member extending rearwardly from the head tube. In another embodiment, the front frame (FF) may comprise a left main frame member and a right main frame member extending divergently from the head tube along the vehicle length direction.
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[00042] The front frame extends up to a vehicle central axis (XX’), where the vehicle central axis (XX’) divides the vehicle length into the front portion (F) and the rear portion (R). The rear frame extends rearwardly from the front frame covering the remaining of the vehicle length in the rear portion (R).
[00043] In an embodiment, the front frame and the rear frame is separated by a 10 cross-member or a pivot member disposed laterally along the vehicle width in vicinity of the vehicle central axis (XX’). In the disclosed configuration, the frame assembly ahead of the pivot member comprises the front portion F, while the frame assembly behind the pivot member comprises the rear portion R. The rear frame structure may tantamount to a seat rail assembly of the vehicle 100, 15 which supports a seating member 112.
[00044] The frame assembly may additionally comprise one or more cross tubes extending transversely or laterally along the vehicle width and connecting the respective left side member and the right side member of the front frame and the rear frame. The frame assembly forms the chassis of the vehicle 100 and provides 20 the requisite structural rigidity to the vehicle 100.
[00045] For the illustrated scooter type vehicle, the front frame extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head tube up to the vehicle central axis (XX’) to accommodate a floorboard.
[00046] The vehicle 100 further comprises a plurality of cover panels disposed 25 over the frame assembly and configured to improve the aesthetics of the vehicle 100 whilst providing adequate protection against external environmental factors to the internal components of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 additionally comprises a tail lamp assembly provided in the rear portion (R) of the vehicle. 10
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[00047] The vehicle 100 is propelled by a prime mover coupled to the frame assembly. The frame assembly additionally comprises the one or more front wheels 104a connected to the front frame via a front suspension assembly 220 and the one or more rear wheels 104b to the rear frame of the vehicle 100 via a rear suspension assembly. In an embodiment, a swing type prime mover is suspended
5 in the rear of a body frame for a scooter type vehicle. The centre of the body for a scooter type vehicle forms a low floorboard for foot support of the rider and a under cowl which is located below the seating member 112 and covers at least a part of the prime mover. In an embodiment, the front cowl is made up of metal or resin, and the under cowl is hinged to the seat member 112. The prime mover may 10 be an internal combustion engine, a combination of battery and motor unit, or a hybrid prime mover inculcating multiple energy conversion devices capable of generating motive power. The prime mover by way of energy conversion generates the motive power or kinetic energy required to propel the vehicle 100. The prime mover is operatively connected to at least one of one or more front 15 wheels 104a and one or more rear wheels 104b of the vehicle 100, whereby the actual propulsion of the vehicle 100 is achieved. The vehicle 100 may additionally comprise a transmission unit 108 configured to transmit the motive power generated in the prime mover onto at least one of the one or more front wheels 104a and one or more rear wheel 104b, based on the drive system of the vehicle 20 100.The vehicle 100 may be a front wheel drive system where motive power ofthe prime mover is transmitted to the one or more front wheels 104a. In anotherembodiment, the vehicle 100 may be a rear-wheel-drive system where motivepower of the prime mover is transmitted to the one or more rear wheels 104b. Inanother embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be an all-wheel drive system where 25 motive power of the prime mover is transmitted to the one or more front wheels 104a and the one or more rear wheels 104b.
[00048] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 comprises a tail lamp assembly 110 comprising a rear fender, one or more turn signal indicator lamps and a tail lamp. The tail lamp assembly signifies the rearmost end of the vehicle 100 along the 30 vehicle length.
[00049] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 comprises a utility box (not shown) disposed within the frame assembly. The utility box or utility space of the vehicle 100 provides the rider a temporary storage space for disposition of one or more personal items of the rider. Additionally, in a scooter type vehicle, the plurality of cover panels (108) securely covers both the left and right side of the vehicle 100.
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[00050] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a front portion of the vehicle omitting one or more components of the vehicle in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00051] Figure 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a front portion of the vehicle omitting one or more components with a magnified view of the structure 10 connected to a front portion of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00052] For the sake of brevity, Figures 2 and 3 shall be explained in conjunction. With reference to Figure 2 and 3, 202 denotes an instrument cluster, 204R and 204L denotes one or more braking members, 206R and 206L denotes a handlebar 15 rod of the handlebar assembly 102, 208 denotes a central cover member, 210 denotes a steering rod, 212 denotes a plurality of connecting member, 214 denotes a stem member, 216 denotes a cover panel, 218 denotes a main connecting cluster, 220 denotes a front suspension assembly of the vehicle, 222 denotes a front fender unit and 302 denotes a head tube of the vehicle 100. 20
[00053] As depicted in Figure 2, the handlebar assembly 102 is disposed above the one or more front wheels 104a of the vehicle 100. A steering rod 210 extends downwards from the handlebar assembly 102 and connects to the head tube 302 (shown in figure 3). The front suspension assembly 220 is connected at one end to the head tube 302 and at the other end to the one or more front wheels 104a. 25 [00054] In an aspect, the front portion F comprises a handlebar assembly 102, a plurality of connecting members 212 extending from the handlebar assembly 102 and connecting to a main connecting cluster 218 of the vehicle 100. The plurality of connecting members 212 are directed towards the main connecting cluster 218 12
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via a structure 400. The structure 400 is connected to the handlebar assembly 102 and being configured to receive the plurality of connecting members 212.
[00055] In an aspect,
the front portion (F) of the vehicle 100 comprising a head tube 302 disposed below the handlebar assembly 102 and is configured to receive a suspension member of a front suspension assembly 220 of the vehicle 100. A 5 steering rod 210 of the handlebar assembly 102 extending downwards to connect to the front suspension assembly 220 of the vehicle 100. The front suspension assembly 220 is connected to one or more front wheels 104a of the vehicle 100.
[00056] In an aspect, the handlebar assembly 102 (as depicted in the magnified view) comprises a handlebar rod 206R, 206L disposed in a vehicle lateral 10 direction. The one or more control switches are mounted on a left side and right side of the handlebar rod 206R, 206L. The one or more braking members 204R, 204L are disposed on the left side and right side of the handlebar rod 206R, 206L. A central cover member 208 disposed in a middle portion of the handlebar rod 206R, 206L partially covering the handlebar rod 206R, 206L from a vehicle front 15 view. A stem member 214 disposed below the central cover member 208, and partially covering a steering rod 210 connected to the handlebar rod 206R, 206L.
[00057] In an aspect, a plurality of connecting members 212 extending from the handlebar assembly 102 comprising at least one of a first set of connecting members, a second set of connecting members and a third connecting member. 20 The first set of connecting members extends from the one or more braking members. The second set of connecting members extends from the one or more control switches. The third connecting member extends from an instrument cluster of the vehicle. The instrument cluster 202 is disposed above the handlebar rod. The main connecting cluster 218 is disposed above the one or more front wheels 25 104a and ahead of the front suspension assembly 220.
[00058] In an aspect, the main connecting cluster 218 relates to a main wiring harness of the vehicle 100 connected to one or more energy storage units of the vehicle. While the plurality of connecting members 212 communicatively connect the components disposed or mounted on the handlebar assembly 102, the main 30
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connecting cluster 218 is communicatively connected to the one or more energy storage units of the vehicle 100 along with components disposed in the rear portion R of the vehicle 100. [00059]
In an aspect, the structure 400 is disposed below the handlebar rod 206R, 206L and the central cover member 208 and is connected to the stem member 214 5 of the handlebar assembly 102. In another aspect, the structure 400 is disposed ahead of one or more braking hoses of the one or more braking members 206R, 206L, and above the front suspension assembly 220.
[00060] In an aspect, the structure 400 is covered by a cover panel 216 disposed below the central cover member 208. In another aspect, the structure 400 is 10 disposed above a headlamp assembly of the vehicle 100. In another aspect, the structure 400 routes the plurality of connecting members 212 extending from a left side and a right side of the handlebar assembly 102 along a central line of the vehicle when the vehicle 100 be viewed from a front view as depicted in Figure 2.
[00061] In another aspect, the plurality of connecting members 212 are collected 15 in the region of disposition of the structure 400, whereon the plurality of connecting members 212 extend as a single cluster before connecting onto the main connecting cluster 218. The plurality of connecting members 212 extending from the structure 400 is first directed towards a right side of the vehicle by a fastening member, such as but not limited to a plastic tag, and then is directed 20 towards the vehicle left side where another fastening member may hold it. Thereon, the plurality of connecting members 212 are directed downwards where it connects to the main connecting cluster 218. The routing or directing of the plurality of connecting members 212 first to a vehicle right side and then a vehicle left side, maintains the optimized length of the plurality of connecting members 25 212 such that any form of actuation by an actuating member in the handlebar doesn’t strain the connecting member. For instance, when a braking member is applied or actuated, the connecting member extending from braking members on the left side 212L or right side 212R may get pulled in the event of a traditional mechanical braking system. This configuration strains the connecting member 30
owing to the inherent tension in the connecting member. To avoid any form of failure owing to actuation, an optimized length of the plurality of connecting members 212 needs to be routed and directed precisely before connecting to the main connecting cluster 218.
[00062]
In an embodiment the fastening member used is a fixing clip or plastic tag 5 which permits an easy bending radius of the plurality of connecting members 212 emerging from the structure 400, thereby reduces the strain developed in the wire owing to sudden bends. In conventional wire routing mechanisms, the plurality of connecting members 212 may be routed through a cover panel or style panel, in these instances there are sharp bends witnessed which not only cause damage to 10 the connecting members, but also sharp bends in wires affect the functionality of the connecting members. Therefore, a wide bending radius is desirable.
[00063] In another aspect, the structure 400 is disposed below the instrument cluster 202 of the vehicle, and behind a headlamp assembly of the vehicle 100.
[00064] Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the structure comprising the 15 first members and the second member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00065] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the first member and the second member of the structure in a pre-defined pattern, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 20
[00066] For the sake of brevity Figure 4 and Figure 5 shall be explained in conjunction. With reference to Figure 4 and 5, 402 denotes a first member, 402o denote an outer surface of the first member, 402i denotes an inner surface of the first member, 402s denotes one or more slots in the first member, 402n’ denotes one or more extending members of the first member, 402ip denotes an 25 intermediate portion of the first member, 402mp denotes one or more mounting portion of the first member, 402bp denotes one or more bending portion of the first member, and 402p denotes a plurality of projecting members of the first member 402. 15
[00067] Additionally, 404 denotes a second member, 404o denotes an outer surface of the second member, 404i denotes an inner surface of the second member, 404mp denotes one or more mounting portions of the second member, 404s denotes one or more slots of the second member, 404ip denotes an intermediate portion of the second member, 404bp denotes one or more bending
5 portions of the second member, 404g denotes one or more grooves of the second member, 404p denotes a plurality of projecting members of the second member and 404n’ denotes one or more receiving members of the second member.
[00068] In an aspect, the structure 400 comprises at least a first member 402 and a second member 404. The first member 402 and the second member 404 interface 10 in a pre-defined pattern to form a plurality of cavities 406C’. A plurality of connecting members 212 are accommodated in the plurality of cavities 406C’.
[00069] In an aspect, the structure 400 comprises one or more first mounting portions 402mp and one or more second mounting portions 404mp in the first member 402 and the second member 404 respectively. The structure 400 15 additionally comprises a first intermediate portion 402ip and a second intermediate portion 404ip in the first member 402 and the second member 404 respectively. The one or more first mounting portions 402mp and one or more second mounting portions 404mp comprises a plurality of first projecting members 402p and a plurality of second projecting members 404p respectively. 20
[00070] In an aspect, a pre-set distance is maintained between consecutive projecting members of the plurality of first projecting members 402p and the plurality of second projecting members 404p. The pre-set distance is configured to accommodate a plurality of connecting members 212. In an embodiment, the pre-set distance comprises a curved profile. 25
[00071] In an aspect, the one or more first mounting portions 402mp are disposed at opposite ends of the first intermediate portion 402ip, and the one or more second mounting portions 404mp are disposed at opposite ends of the second intermediate portion 404ip. 16
[00072] As depicted in Figure 5, the first member 402 comprises an internal surface 402i and an external surface 402o. The internal surface 402i comprises a plurality of first projecting members 402p in the first intermediate portion 402ip of the first member 402. The first intermediate portion 402ip is connected to the one or more first mounting portions 402mp by one or more first bending portions
5 402bp. In an embodiment, the first intermediate portion 402ip forms a semi-circle. The pre-set distance being consecutive projecting members 402p accommodate a width of at least one of the plurality of connecting members 212. In an embodiment, the first member 402 forms an arch like structure. The one or more mounting portions 402mp of the first member 402 is configured to have one or 10 more extending members 402n’ or one or more receiving members.
[00073] Further, the second member 404 as depicted in Figure 5 comprises the second intermediate portion 404ip connected to the one or more second mounting portions 404mp by one or more bending portions 404bp. The internal surface 404i of the second member 404 comprises a plurality of second projecting members 15 404p. An external surface 404o of the second member 404 is configured to accommodate one or more grooves 404g. The one or more second mounting portions 404mp comprises one or more slots 404s and at least one of one or more extending members and one or more receiving members 404n’.
[00074] In an aspect, pre-defined pattern of interfacing of the first member 402 20 with the second member 404 is when the plurality of first projecting members 402p provided on an internal surface 402i of the first member 402 interfaces with the plurality of second projecting members 404p provided on an internal surface 404i of the second member 404. The pre-defined pattern additionally comprises the one or more first mounting portions 402mp interfacing with the one or more 25 second mounting portions 404mp. The pre-set distance between the plurality of first projecting members 402p and the plurality of second projecting members 404p form the plurality of cavities 406C’ for accommodation of the plurality of connecting members 212. 17
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[00075]
As depicted in Figure 6, the interfacing of the one or more first projecting members 402p with the one or more second projecting members 404p forms a plurality of cavities 406C’ through which the plurality of connecting members 212 are routed. The pre-set distance between the consecutive projecting members 402p, 404p of the first member 402 and the second member 404 ensures that 5 movement of the connecting member 212 within the cavities 406C’ is ensured. Additionally, the pre-defined pattern comprises the internal surface 402i of the first member 402 mating with the internal surface 404i of the second member 404.
[00076] In an aspect, the interfacing of the one or more first mounting portions 402mp with the one or more second mounting portions 404mp aligns the one or 10 more slots 402s of the first member 402 with the one or more slots 404s of the second member 404. The disclosed alignment permits passage of a fastening unit to secure the disposition of the structure 400 onto a vehicle 100.
[00077] In an aspect, the one or more first mounting portions 402mp and the one or more second mounting portions 404mp comprising one or more slots 402s, 15 404s. The one or more edges of at least one of the one or more first mounting portion 402mp and the one or more second mounting portion 404mp comprising at least one of: one or more extending members 402n’ and one or more receiving members 404n’. The one or more receiving members 404n’ are configured to engage with the one or more extending members 402n’. In an embodiment, the 20 engagement of the one or more receiving members 404n’ with the one or more extending members 402n’ is in a snap fit configuration.
[00078] The present configuration additionally achieves ease of assembly and disassembly by a poka yoke provision of the one or more mounting portions 402mp, 404mp of the first member 402 and second member 404 respectively. 25 During assembly, the first member 402 and the second member 404 are connected in the pre-defined pattern to accommodate the plurality of connecting member 212 in the plurality of cavities 406C’. The one or more extending members 402n’ and one or more receiving members 404n’ form a preliminary assembly of the first member 402 with the second member 404 relative to the plurality of 30
connecting member 212. The structure 404 comprising the connected first member 402 and the second member 404 is secured onto the vehicle, such as but not limited to, the handlebar assembly 102 of the vehicle, by passage of one or more fastening units through the aligned one or more slots 402s, 404s of the first member 402 and the second member 404. In an embodiment, the one or more 5 extending members 402n’ and one or more receiving members 404n’ form a snap fit configuration. Additionally, the profile of the second member 404 is designed such that it would interface with an outer surface of the one or more brake hoses of the vehicle 100. Further, opposing alignments of the first member 402 is limited owing to the external surface of the first member 402. 10 [00079]
In an aspect, provision of curved edges in the structure 400 minimizes the material requirements as well as prevent any form of interaction with sharp edges in the style panels or other components disposed in the front portion of the vehicle 100.Additionally, while manufacturing of the structure 400 comprising the firstmember 402 and the second member 404 the thickness of the material is kept 15 constant throughout. Additionally, having a two-member structure 400 promotes ease of assembly in the vehicle 100.
[00080] In an aspect, an external surface 404o of the second intermediate portion 404ip of the second member 404 comprising one or more grooves 404g which face one or more braking hoses of a vehicle 100. The one or more braking hoses 20 are disposed in a front portion (F) of the vehicle 100 ahead of a handlebar assembly 102. In an aspect, the one or more being portions 404bp provided on the second member 404 are configured to secure a pre-set clearance be maintained between the second intermediate portion 404ip and the one or more second mounting portion 404mp to accommodate the one or more braking hoses of the 25 vehicle 100. [00081] In an embodiment, the second member 404 is composed of an insulative material which isolates any sparking in the plurality of connecting members 212 from the operation of the one or more braking hoses. Corollary, the second 19
member 404 isolates any malfunction in the one or more braking hoses from propagation into the plurality of connecting members 212.
[00082]
In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 comprises an anti-lock braking system with one or more braking hoses extending from the one or more braking members. The second member 404 owing to the designed profile comprising one or more 5 grooves 404g, accommodates the disposition and security of the one or more braking hoses without major changes in the vehicle layout. Therefore, the present subject matter additionally achieves a modularity by accommodating braking members of different configurations without major revamping of manufacturing processes of the vehicle 100. 10
[00083] In an embodiment, the second member 404 is connected to the handlebar assembly 102 of the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, the second member 404 is connected to a style panel of the vehicle.
[00084] The plurality of cavities 406C’ of the structure 400 formed by interfacing of the first member 402 with the second member 404 accommodates a plurality of 15 connecting members 212 which are permitted to slide or move within the plurality of cavities 406C’. It is crucial to ensures the designed structure 400 comprise curved profiles to ensure no strain be provided to the plurality of connecting members 212 during actuation of control switches or braking members of the handlebar assembly 102. 20
[00085] In an embodiment, the stem cover member 214 being a handlebar holder member.
[00086] 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) 25 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. 20
[00087]
The disclosed claimed limitations and the disclosure provided herein provides a structure 400 for a vehicle for securely routing and directing a plurality of connecting members 212. The configuration of the structure 400 comprising a first member 402 and a second member 404 not only compactly packages the plurality of connecting members but also maintains isolation of sub-components 5 of the electrical subsystem of the vehicle. The disclosed configuration of the vehicle as per the present disclosure ensures that the plurality of connecting members 212 be protected against any wear and tear whilst additionally serving the purposes of ease of maintenance and serviceability of the components in the front portion of the vehicle 100. 10
[00088] In a maxi-scooter type vehicle, the vehicle height in the front portion of the vehicle is similar to the vehicle height witnessed in motorcycle type vehicle. Therefore, the handlebar assembly is not mounted on the head tube, but rather the steering rod extending from the handlebar assembly is connected to the headtube. In the disclosed layout, the routing of the plurality of connecting members from 15 the handlebar area becomes cumbersome and the only possibility will be to extend the length of the headtube to connect to the handlebar area. The disadvantage associated with the conventional approach is multi-fold. Firstly, there is an increase in the overall vehicle weight, which adversely impacts the power to weight ratio of the vehicle. Secondly, the plurality of connecting members being 20 routed through the head tube in vicinity of the steering rod, would subject the plurality of connecting members to wear and tear owing to frequent application of steering torque. Thirdly, in an alternative if the plurality of connecting members be routed through a front cowl, the sharp edges on the internal surface against which the plurality of connecting members may rub, will lead to wear and tear of 25 the plurality of connecting members. Fourthly, in the event a naked skeleton type aesthetic vehicle layout is purported, the disposition of the plurality of connecting members is limitative to the headtube region.
[00089] Therefore, the present subject matter by provision of a structure accommodating the plurality of connecting members, connected to the handlebar 30
assembly of the vehicle, addresses the drawbacks in conventional approaches which may not be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
[00090]
Therefore, the present configuration achieves reduced part cost and part weight by optimizing the material usage of a headtube of the vehicle as explained above. Additionally, the secure routing and guiding of the plurality of connecting 5 members 212 reduces the wear and tear of the connecting members, which was otherwise inflicted in conventional routing designs. Additionally, from an aesthetic and design perspective, a naked skeleton design without much dependency on cover panels may be achieved by the present subject matter. The present subject matter additionally prevents entangling of wires in a compact 10 vehicle layout.
[00091] From an additional safety perspective in the electrical subsystem of the vehicle, in the event of oil spillage in the brake hoses such as in hydraulic braking system, or likewise there may be sparking observed. Sparking or any electrical malfunction has a tendency to propagate. Therefore, isolation of the respective 15 brake hoses from the wires or plurality of connecting members is of critical importance. The present configuration owing to the features of the structure 400 avoids the melting of brake hoses and additionally protects the electrical connecting members from potential malfunction.
[00092] Conventionally, since the wiring harness weren’t being assimilated the 20 assembly time was longer, further the wires would often be left dangling thereby might interact with sharp parts of the style panels.
[00093] During assembly as per the present configuration of the structure 400 and the plurality of connecting members 212, the plurality of connecting members 212 are first secured between the first member 402 and the second member. A snap-fit 25 configuration of the first member and the second member permits free-hand assembly of the structure 400. Later, fastening units are passed through the one or more slots 402s, 404s which is then mounted onto a handlebar holder of the vehicle 100. Therefore, a sandwich mounting is provided in the structure 400. A sandwich mounting reduces the number of fastening units. 30
[00094] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed system, the claimed system 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 a
5 compact vehicle layout by disposition of the one or more electronic components via a mounting structure as the claimed system and constructional features provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00095] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been 10 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. 15
[00096] 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 explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the 20 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 system modules may be inserted, depending on the 25 needs of a particular application.
[00097] 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 30
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.
, Claims:We Claim
A Structure (400), the structure (400) comprising at least:
a first member (402); and
a second member (404),
wherein the first member (402) and the second member (404) being interfacing in a pre-defined pattern to form a plurality 5 of cavities (406C’),
wherein a plurality of connecting members (212) being accommodated in the plurality of cavities (406C’).
2.The structure (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure (400)10 comprising:
one or more first mounting portions (402mp) and one or more second mounting portions (404mp) in the first member (402) and the second member (404) respectively; and
a first intermediate portion (402ip) and a second intermediate 15 portion (404ip) in the first member (402) and the second member (404) respectively,
wherein the one or more first mounting portions (402mp) and one or more second mounting portions (404mp) comprising a plurality of first projecting members (402p) and a plurality of 20 second projecting members (404p) respectively.
3.The structure (400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a pre-set distance beingmaintained between consecutive projecting members of the plurality offirst projecting members (402p) and the plurality of second projecting25 members (404p), wherein the pre-set distance being configured toaccommodate a plurality of connecting members (212), wherein the pre-set distance comprising a curved profile.
4.The structure (400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pre-defined pattern30 being:
We Claim:
the plurality of first projecting members (402p) provided on an internal surface (402i) of the first member (402) being interfacing with the plurality of second projecting members (404p) provided on an internal surface (404i) of the second member (404); and
the one or more first mounting portions (402mp) being interfacing 5 with the one or more second mounting portions (404mp),
wherein the pre-set distance between the plurality of first projecting members (402p) and the plurality of second projecting members (404p) forming the plurality of cavities (406C’) for accommodation of the plurality of connecting members (212). 10
5.The structure (400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more firstmounting portions (402mp) being disposed at opposite ends of the firstintermediate portion (402ip), and the one or more second mountingportions (404mp) being disposed at opposite ends of the second15 intermediate portion (404ip).
6.The structure (400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more firstmounting portions (402mp) and the one or more second mounting portions(404mp) comprising one or more slots (402s, 404s),20
wherein one or more edges of at least one of the one or more first mounting portion (402mp) and the one or more second mounting portion (404mp) comprising at least one of:
one or more extending members (402n’), and
one or more receiving members (404n’), 25
wherein the one or more receiving members (404n’) being configured to engage with the one or more extending members (402n’).
7.The structure (400) as claimed in claim 2, wherein an external surface(404o) of the second intermediate portion (404ip) of the second member(404)comprising one or more grooves (404g),
wherein the one or more grooves (404g) being facing one or morebraking hoses of a vehicle (100), 5
wherein the one or more braking hoses being disposed in a front portion (F) of the vehicle (100) ahead of a handlebar assembly (102),
wherein one or more being portions (404bp) provided on the second member (404) being configured to secure a pre-set clearance be maintained between the second intermediate portion (404ip) and the one or 10 more second mounting portion (404mp) to accommodate the one or more braking hoses of the vehicle (100).
8.The structure (400) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second member(404)being connected to the handlebar assembly (102) of the vehicle15 (100).
9.A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly extending along a vehicle longitudinal axis, wherein the frame assembly defining a front portion (F) and a rear portion 20 (R)of the vehicle (100),
wherein the front portion (F) comprising:
a handlebar assembly (102);
a plurality of connecting members (212) extending from the handlebar assembly (102) and connecting to a 25 main connecting cluster (218) of the vehicle (100),
wherein the plurality of connecting members (212)being directed towards the main connectingcluster (218) via a structure (400), the structure(400)being connected to the handlebar assembly30
(102)and being configured to receive the pluralityof connecting members (212).
10.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the front portion (F) ofthe vehicle (100) comprising:5
a head tube (302) disposed below the handlebar assembly (102)and being configured to receive a suspension member of a frontsuspension assembly (220) of the vehicle (100),
wherein a steering rod (210) of the handlebar assembly(102)extending downwards to connect to the front suspension10 assembly (220) of the vehicle (100),
wherein the front suspension assembly (220) being connected to one or more front wheels (104a) of the vehicle (100).
11.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the handlebar assembly15 (102)comprising:
a handlebar rod (206R, 206L) disposed in a vehicle lateraldirection, wherein one or more control switches being mounted on a left side and right side of the handlebar rod (206R, 206L);
one or more braking members (204R, 204L), disposed on the left 20 side and right side of the handlebar rod (206R, 206L);
a central cover member (208) disposed in a middle portion of the handlebar rod (206R, 206L) partially covering the handlebar rod (206R, 206L) from a vehicle front view; and
a stem member (214), disposed below the central cover member 25 (208), and partially covering a steering rod (210) connected to the handlebar rod (206R, 206L).
12.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the plurality ofconnecting members (212) extending from the handlebar assembly (102)30 comprising at least one of:
a first set of connecting members extending from the one or more braking members;
a second set of connecting members extending from the one or more control switches; and
a third connecting member extending from an instrument cluster of 5 the vehicle, wherein the instrument cluster being disposed above the handlebar rod,
wherein the main connecting cluster (218) being disposed above the one or more front wheels (104a) and ahead of the front suspension assembly (220). 10
13.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the structure (400) beingdisposed below the handlebar rod (206R, 206L) and the central covermember (208) and being connected to the stem member (214) of thehandlebar assembly (102).15
14.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the structure (400) beingdisposed ahead of one or more braking hoses of the one or more brakingmembers (206R, 206L), and above the front suspension assembly (220).