Description:A GUARD ASSEMBLY FOR AN ENGINETECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present subject matter relates generally to engine protection mechanisms and specifically, to a modular guard assembly for protecting an engine of a vehicle. BACKGROUND [0002] Generally, a two-wheeled or a three-wheeled vehicle comprises of a frame assembly extending rearwardly from a head tube. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton and a structural member for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. At least one front wheel is connected to a front portion of the frame assembly through one or more front suspension(s). The handlebar assembly is positioned on the front wheel to enable steering of the vehicle. [0003] The frame assembly comprises of a prime mover coupled to it. An instrument cluster is disposed on the handlebar assembly. The prime mover may be an engine or an electric motor. Conventionally, for engine based vehicles, an engine guard is provided to externally cover the engine. The engine guard is a single piece structure that is made of a metal and provides a protective covering to the engine. Single-piece engine guards can add significant weight to the vehicle, affecting its overall performance, especially in terms of fuel efficiency and handling. Additionally, the bulkiness of a one-piece design might impact the aesthetics of the vehicle. [0004] Single-piece guards may have limited customization options. Different terrains and riding styles may require specific designs for optimal protection. Customization is generally restricted with a one-piece engine guard cover. [0005] In some cases, a single-piece cover may restrict access to certain engine components, making routine maintenance tasks more challenging and time-consuming. Further, depending on the material and design, a single-piece engine guard cover may interfere with the natural heat dissipation of the engine. Overheating can potentially become an issue if the cover hinders proper airflow.
3
[0006]
Depending on the design, a single-piece cover may affect the aerodynamics of the vehicle, potentially impacting its speed, stability, or fuel efficiency.
[0007]
The existing state of the art includes a single piece engine guard. Moreover, when the engine guard is a sub-assembly composed of multiple parts, the engine guard is not designed to cover the mountings on the engine case and it does not 5 have flanges to cover other parts of the exhaust and the muffler. Further, if the single piece cover does have flanges to cover ancillary parts, the side flanges have to be straight, cannot be folded in to provide a protective covering. Further, the flanges will not extend beyond the engine width if it is a single part. In some cases, the mountings can extend beyond the body of the engine. These mountings need to 10 be covered to prevent damage and accumulation of dirt that may lead to corrosion over time.
[0008]
The invention aims to address issues with the existing single-piece engine guard design, including difficulties in covering mountings, side flanges, and muffler exits. It introduces a three-part asymmetrical engine guard sub-assembly 15 to enhance manufacturability and effectively cover these components.
[0009]
Conventional designs disclosed in prior arts do not provide solutions to the challenges associated with covering mountings, side flanges, and muffler exits in the existing engine guard design.
[00010]
Therefore, there is an essential requirement for a solution that addresses 20 the above mentioned problems in the art.
SUMMARY
[00011]
Aspects of the present invention pertain to a guard assembly for the engine of a vehicle. The guard assembly for an engine comprises three main components: a first guard member, a second guard member, and a center guard member. The 25 first and second guard members are designed to detachably mount to the center guard member, creating a three-part engine guard sub-assembly.
[00012]
In an embodiment, Each of the first and second guard members includes at least one side cut out, allowing for enhanced customization and flexibility in covering specific areas of the engine and its components. The center guard member 30
4
is equipped with a plurality of slots to receive fasteners, facilitating the secure
attachment of the first and second guard members to the center guard member.
[00013]
In an embodiment, the center guard member further features a central cut-out and multiple ribbed cut-outs designed to optimize air cooling around the engine. These features contribute to improved performance and durability. 5
[00014]
Additionally, the first and second guard members are provided with locators to precisely mount them to the center guard member, ensuring proper alignment and assembly. This meticulous design enhances the overall functionality of the guard assembly.
[00015]
The first guard member and the second guard member are divided into 10 first and second portions. The first portion extends into the second portion and at least one edge extends and curves radially inwards offering versatility in covering various parts of the engine. The specific angles can be adjusted as needed, ensuring optimal coverage and fit.
[00016]
Further aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle with a guard 15 assembly for an engine being mounted to the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00017]
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. The detailed description of 20 the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[00018]
Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. 25
[00019]
Fig. 2a illustrates a perspective top view illustrating the components of the guard assembly (200) for the engine (108) of the vehicle (100).
[00020]
Fig. 2b illustrates yet another perspective front view illustrating the components of the guard assembly (200) for the engine (108) of the vehicle (100).
5
[00021]
Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the guard assembly (200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00022]
Fig. 4 depicts an exploded view of the guard assembly (200) showing the mounting and the direction of assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 5
[00023]
Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the 10 spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit is indicated by the following claims.
[00024]
The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a wheel along with the accompanying drawings. However, the 15 present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. 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. 20 Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00025]
Aspects of the present invention pertain to a guard assembly for the engine of a vehicle. The guard assembly for an engine comprises three main components: 25 a first guard member, a second guard member, and a center guard member. The first and second guard members are designed to detachably mount to the center guard member, creating a three-part engine guard sub-assembly.
[00026]
It is an object of the present invention to achieve modularity in the engine guard assembly by ensuring the detachable nature of the first and second guard 30 members from the center guard member, promoting easy assembly, disassembly,
6
and customization. This design approach aims to facilitate convenient
modifications while ensuring optimal coverage for the muffler exiting from the engine's exhaust.
[00027]
It is an objective of the present invention to enable expulsion of hot air from the radiator and preventing the hot air from the radiator from reaching the 5 engine.
[00028]
It is an object of the present invention to enhance air cooling efficiency around the engine by strategically incorporating a central cut-out and ribbed cut-outs in the center guard member. It is also an object of the invention to addresses concerns related to overheating, contributing to the overall thermal management of 10 the engine.
[00029]
It is an object of the present invention to improve precision during assembly by integrating locators in the guard members, ensuring proper alignment and fit. This precision is crucial for the overall effectiveness of the guard assembly, promoting a secure and reliable configuration. 15
[00030]
It is yet another object of the present invention to ensure ease of maintenance through a modular design. This approach aims to provide quick access to engine components without the need for extensive disassembly, contributing to streamlined and efficient maintenance processes.
[00031]
Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle 20 (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. With reference to Figure 1, a description is made of an entire schematic structure of a saddle type vehicle two-wheeled vehicle (hereinafter “vehicle”) (100). The vehicle (100) includes a body frame (101) to support different parts of said vehicle (100). A head pipe (102) is provided at a front end of the body frame (101). The head pipe 25 (102) supports a steering shaft (not shown) rotatably in a certain range. In an upper portion of the head pipe (102), a handlebar assembly (103) is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft (not shown). The handlebar assembly (103) is used to steer the vehicle (100) and is connected to a front wheel (104) through the steering shaft (not shown). An upper portion of the front wheel (104) 30 is covered by a front fender (105) which prevents mud and water from getting
7
deflected towards the steering shaft (not shown). Further, a front fork assembly
(106)is supported partially on the front fender (105) and is connected to the frontwheel (104). In a front portion of the body frame (101) a fuel tank (107) is arranged immediately behind the handlebar (103) and is disposed over an internal combustion engine assembly, (hereinafter ‘engine assembly’) (108). A seat (109) 5 is placed behind the fuel tank (107). The seat (109) includes a front rider portion and rear pillion portion. For the safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlamp unit (110) and a turn signal lamp unit (111) is provided in a front portion of the vehicle (100). The headlamp unit (110) and the turn signal lamp unit (111) are housed in a headlamp housing assembly (112). Suspension 10 systems are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle (100) on the road. The front fork assembly (106), which forms the front suspension system, serves as a rigidity component just like the body frame (101). The front fork assembly (106) clamped to the head pipe (102) through an upper bracket (113a) and a lower bracket (113b) is capable of being moved to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension 15 system, which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the body frame (101). The rear suspension system comprises at least one rear suspension preferably on a left-hand side of the vehicle (100). However, in a vehicle (100) with two rear suspensions, the same may be disposed of on the left side and the right side respectively of said vehicle (100). The engine assembly (108) is mounted 20 to a front lower portion of the body frame (101) by means of a first engine mounting bracket (not shown). The engine assembly (108) is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the engine assembly (108) and a muffler (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler (not shown) extends rearwards along the right side of a rear-wheel (114). 25 Power from the engine assembly (108) is transmitted to a driven sprocket (119) through a transmission assembly (118), to drive and rotate a rear wheel (114). Particularly, the speed change is achieved by the operation of a gear shift linkage assembly (115) which is operatively connected to a gear shift shaft (not shown). Thus, power from the engine assembly (108) is transmitted to the rear wheel (114) 30 rotatably supported at a rear end (not shown) of a swing arm (116). A rear fender
8
(117)for covering an upper side of the rear wheel (114) is mounted to a rear portion
of the body frame (101) to prevent mud and water splashed by the rotating rear wheel (114) from entering the muffler, the engine assembly (108).
[00032]
Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate a perspective top view illustrating the components of the guard assembly (200) for the engine (108) of the vehicle (100). 5
[00033]
The guard assembly (200) is designed for engine protection is a sophisticated system integrating modularity, adaptability, and precision. With reference to the Figs. 2a and 2b, that illustrates the guard assembly (200) with the first guard member (202), the second guard member (204), and the center guard member (206) assembled. The first guard member (202) and the second guard 10 member (202) can be easily attached and detached from the center guard member (206).
[00034]
The first guard member (202) includes a side cut out (212). Similarly, the second guard member (204) includes a side cut-out (214). The side cut-outs (212, 214)ensure that the hot air from the surroundings of the radiator is forced away15 from the vicinity of the engine (108).
[00035]
The center guard member (206) serves as the nexus of the guard assembly (200), providing structural support and facilitating versatile attachment. The centre guard member (206) incorporates two brackets - a first bracket (210) and a second bracket (208). The first bracket (210) is designed to fasten the guard assembly to 20 the vehicle (100), enhancing stability during operation. Simultaneously, the second bracket (208) is adapted to secure the guard assembly (200) to the crankcase of the engine (108), ensuring a robust attachment. This dual-bracket design adds a layer of adaptability, allowing the guard assembly to be securely mounted to different parts of both the vehicle (100) and crankcase of the engine (108). The robust 25 connection established by these brackets is integral to the overall effectiveness of the assembly.
[00036]
The center guard member (206) features a plurality of slots (222) positioned strategically to receive one or more fasteners (220). These fasteners serve to tightly secure the guard assembly (200) to the vehicle (100) and the 30 crankcase of the engine (108). In an embodiment, the plurality of slots (222) fasten
9
the first guard member (202) and the second guard member (204) to the center
guard member (206), ensuring stability and structural integrity.
[00037]
Efficient air cooling around the engine (108) is addressed through features on the center guard member (206). A central cut-out (216) and a plurality of ribbed cut-outs (224) is provided in the centre guard member (206). The central cut out 5 (216) contributes to the assembly's thermal management capabilities. The central cut-out (216) facilitates improved airflow, while the ribbed cut-outs enhance heat dissipation.
[00038]
Both the first guard member (202) and the second guard member (204) are equipped with at least one locator (302). The locator (302) plays a critical role in 10 ensuring proper alignment and fit during the attachment of the guard members to the center guard member. This precision is essential for the reliable and secure configuration of the guard assembly (200).
[00039]
The first guard member (202) is provided with a first portion (202-1) and a second portion (202-2). The first portion (202-1) extends into the second portion 15 (202-2), subtending a first pre-defined angle. Further, at least one edge of the first guard member (202) extends to form a radially inward curving flange (306). This flange (306) ensures protection to the muffler and the other ancillary components of the engine (108). The second guard member (204) is provided with a first portion (204-1) and a second portion (204-2). The first portion (204-1) extends into the 20 second portion (204-2), subtending a second pre-defined angle. Further, at least one edge of the second guard member (204) extends to form a radially inward curving flange (304). This flange ensures protection to the muffler and the other ancillary components of the engine (108).
[00040]
Simultaneously, the first portion (206-1) of the center guard member (206) 25 extends into the second portion (206-2) subtending the third pre-defined angle. Importantly, these pre-defined angles are specified to be equal and within a range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees. In an embodiment, the first predefined angle, the second predefined angle and the third predefined angles are uniform. In yet another embodiment, the maximum effectiveness is achieved upon the pre-defined range 30 of the first predefined angle, the second pre-defined angle and the third pre-defined
10
angles is
between 90 degrees and 180 degrees. This uniformity ensures a balanced and symmetrical configuration, enhancing the overall structural integrity and protective capabilities of the guard assembly. In the vehicle (100) assembled condition, the air from the surroundings enters the centre cut out (216) and the ribbed cutouts (224). The guard assembly forms (200) an air passage conduit with 5 the flanges (306, 304) that delivers surrounding air to the engine to enable efficient cooling.
[00041]
Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, that illustrate an exploded view of the guard assembly (200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The one or more locators (302) assist during assembly and ensure quick and secure 10 fastening of the first and second guard members (202, 204) with the centre guard member (206) for an easy and quick assembly.
[00042]
The main benefits associated with the new design include improved cooling, durability, aesthetics, serviceability, manufacturability, and ease of assembly. 15
[00043]
The detachable nature of the first and second guard members from the center guard member provides modularity, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and customization while ensuring proper coverage to the muffler exiting from the exhaust of the engine.
[00044]
The inclusion of cut-outs in each guard member and specific cut-outs in 20 the center guard member allows for customization based on the engine's unique requirements, ensuring effective coverage and cooling.
[00045]
The central cut-out and ribbed cut-outs in the center guard member contribute to efficient air cooling around the engine, addressing concerns related to overheating. 25
[00046]
The incorporation of locators in the guard members enhances the precision of assembly, ensuring proper alignment and fit, which is crucial for the guard assembly's overall effectiveness.
[00047]
The sectional approach with subtending angles offers versatility in covering various parts of the engine, allowing for adaptable and comprehensive 30 protection to the engine.
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[00048]
The modular design and customizable features contribute to ease of maintenance, facilitating quick access to engine components without the need for extensive disassembly.
[00049]
The combination of these features makes the guard assembly an innovative and advantageous solution for addressing the challenges in existing 5 engine guard designs, providing enhanced protection, customization, and ease of use.
[00050]
In view of the above, the claimed limitations as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed limitations enable the above solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. 10
[00051]
The claimed invention, as described, involves a specific and concrete system for operating a vehicle using a pressure-sensitive surface and associated components.
[00052]
The claimed invention provides a tangible and specific implementation involving an engine guard assembly for providing protection to the engine. The 15 engine guard assembly is optimized for cooling of the engine by providing adequate cut outs to allow air to flow around the engine. This specificity adds concreteness to the invention, making it applicable to a range of practical scenarios.
[00053]
These specific functionalities demonstrate a practical and non-abstract nature of the invention. The choice and application of these technologies contribute 20 to the invention's non-abstract nature. The concept of cut outs in the first and second guard members ensures that the hot air coming from the radiator exits through the first and second guard members. The cut outs in the centre guard members enables adequate cooling of the engine. This specific concept adds practical utility and non-obviousness to the invention, as it addresses the need for 25 adaptable and personalized control interfaces.
[00054]
In summary, the claimed invention provides a specific, tangible, and practical solution to challenges in vehicle control interfaces, making it non-abstract. The combination of specific components, functionalities, and applications, along with the customization and connectivity features, contributes 30 to the non-obviousness of the invention to a person skilled in the art. In view of the
12
above, the claimed invention may not be considered abstract and may not be
obvious to a person skilled in the art.
[00055]
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) 5 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.
[00056]
Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally 10 selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not 15 limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00057]
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope as indicated by the following claims. 20
[00058]
A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create 25 other different systems or applications.
[00059]
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 30 particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without
13
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.
[00060]
It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and 5 variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
[00061]
It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and 10 variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
, C , Claims:We claim:
1.
A guard assembly (200) for an engine (108) comprising:
a first guard member (202):
a second guard member (204); and,
a centre guard member (206), wherein
the first guard member (202) and the second guard member (204) are adapted to detachably mount to the centre guard member (206).
2.
The guard assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of thefirst guard member (202) and the second guard member (204)comprising at least one side cut out (212, 214).
3.
The guard assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the centreguard member comprising:
a first bracket (210) and, a second bracket (208), the first bracket (210)is adapted to fasten the guard assembly to the vehicle and thesecond bracket (206) adapted to fasten the guard assembly (200) to a crankcase of the engine.
4.
The guard assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the centreguard member (206) is provided with a plurality of slots (222), theplurality of slots (222) is adapted to receive one or more fasteners (220)to fasten the first guard member (202) and the second guard member(204)with the centre guard member (206).
5.
The guard assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the centreguard member (206) is provided with a central cut out (216) and aplurality of ribbed cut-outs (224).
6.
The guard assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first guardmember (202) and the second guard member (204) are provided with atleast one locator (302) to mount the first guard member (202) and thesecond guard member (204) to the centre guard member (206).
15
7.
The guard assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first guardmember (202), the second guard member (204) and the centre guardmember (206) are provided with a first portion (202-1) and a secondportion (202-2) of the first guard member (202), a first portion (204-1)and a second portion (204-2) of the second guard member (204) and afirst portion (206-1) and second portion (206-2) of the centre guardmember (206) respectively.
8.
The guard assembly (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the firstportion (202-1) of the first guard member (202) extends into the secondportion (202-2) of the first guard member (202) subtending a first pre-defined angle and at least one edge of the first guard member (202)curving inwardly to form a flange (304).
9.
The guard assembly (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the firstportion (204-1) of the second guard member (204) extends into thesecond portion (204-2) of the second guard member (204) subtending asecond pre-defined angle and at least one edge of the first guard member(202)curving inwardly to form a flange (304).
10.
The guard assembly (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the firstportion (206-1) of the centre guard member (206) extends into thesecond portion (206-2) of the centre guard member (206) subtending athird pre-defined angle.
11.
The guard assembly as claimed in claims 7, 8 and 9 wherein the firstpredefined angle, the second pre-defined angle and the third pre-definedangle are equal and in a range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees.
12.
A vehicle (100) comprising:
an engine (108);
a guard assembly (200) for the engine (108) provided with a first bracket (210) and a second bracket (208), wherein
the first bracket (210) is adapted to fasten the guard assembly to the vehicle and the second bracket (206) adapted to
16
fasten the guard assembly (200) to a crankcase of the engine (108).
13.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the guard assembly(200)comprising a first guard member (202), a second guard member(204)and, a centre guard member (206), the first guard member (202)and the second guard member (204) are adapted to detachably mount tothe centre guard member (206).
14.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein each of the first guardmember (202) and the second guard member (204) comprising at leastone side cut out (212, 214).
15.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the centre guardmember (206) is provided with a central cut out (216) and a plurality ofribbed cut-outs (224).