Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a frame assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a frame assembly for a vehicle for disposition of one or more radar assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In the recent years, there is an increased customer demand for a large number of features in vehicles, especially in saddle type vehicles. Provisions of such features must also meet customer safety and convenience requirements. Provision of such features is especially challenging in two wheeled vehicles, because of a high amount of packaging, weight, safety and handling constraints. The demand for safety related features is the amongst the highest, wherein apart from the solid build of the vehicle, the human machine interface (HMI) of the vehicle plays a key role in improving user safety.
[003] As a part of these requirements, modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with additional functional parts to meet these increased safety requirements. For example, a large number of modern vehicles are provided with improved electronics and HMI functional parts such as a radar, an inertial measurement unit, a hydraulic electrical control unit (HECU). These parts need to be packaged within the packaging constraints and limited space available in the two wheeled vehicle, while ensuring no detriment in their functionality.
[004] One such challenge arises in the packaging of a radar, which is required to be packaged at the extremities of the vehicle, for example in the far most front portion or the far most rear portion of the vehicle to meet its functional requirements such as detecting foreign obstacles, other vehicles etc for supporting user safety. This is especially challenging since the front most and the rear most portions of the vehicle tend to be sleeker to meet aesthetic and aerodynamic requirements, meaning that the available space in the front most and rear most portions of the vehicle is very limited.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a frame assembly for a vehicle which addresses the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In an aspect, the present invention is directed towards a frame assembly for a vehicle. The frame assembly has a first member and a second member. The second member is connected to the first member. There are further provided one or more radar assemblies. In that, the one or more radar assemblies are connected to the first member through the second member.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more radar assemblies include a first radar assembly facing towards a front side of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the second member has an illuminating device mounting stay. Further, the frame assembly has an illuminating device. The illuminating device is attached to the illuminating device mounting stay, wherein the first radar assembly being disposed substantially upwardly of the illuminating device in a vehicle up-down direction.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second member has a pair of third members being attached to the first member. Further, a front wheel is disposed between the pair of third members and the first radar assembly is disposed above the pair of third members and the front wheel in a vehicle up-down direction.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first radar assembly is disposed inclined with respect to the first member at a predetermined angle.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second member comprises a main member. The main member has a left-side main member and a right-side main member. A first tangent line extends in the vehicle front-rear direction from an outermost lateral extended point of the left-side main member. A second tangent line extends in the vehicle front-rear direction from an outermost lateral extended point of the right-side main member. The first tangent line and the second tangent line intersect at a vehicle centreline. The first radar assembly is disposed at the intersection point of the first tangent line and the second tangent line in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a wiring harness being outlet from the first radar assembly. The wiring harness is at least partially routed between the first tangent line and the second tangent line in a vehicle width direction.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more radar assemblies include a second radar assembly facing towards a rear side of the vehicle.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second member includes a rear fender. Further, the vehicle has a rear wheel and the rear wheel is mounted upwardly of the rear wheel, wherein the second radar assembly are mounted on the rear fender.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle has a rider seat. Herein the one or the one or more radar assemblies are mounted downwardly of the rider seat on one or more of a left-hand side of the vehicle or on a right-hand side of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a frame assembly for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the frame assembly with one or more radar assemblies, a first member and a second member, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a side cut section view of the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the frame assembly with one or more radar assemblies, the first member and a main member of the second member, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention relates to a frame assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a frame assembly for a vehicle for provision of one or more radar assemblies. The frame assembly of the present invention is typically used in a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle, or a three-wheeled vehicle including trikes, or other multi-wheeled vehicles as required.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a left-side view of an exemplary vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 comprises a frame assembly 100 (shown in Figure 2). The frame assembly 100 comprises a first member 110 (shown in Figure 3), and a main member 120 (shown in Figure 3), which extends rearwardly and downwardly from the first member 110 towards a floorboard 18. One or more front suspensions 44 connect a front wheel 14 to a handle bar 170, which forms a steering assembly of the vehicle 10. The steering assembly is rotatably disposed about the first member 110. The main member 120 further includes a portion extending rearwardly in a vehicle front rear direction. Further, the frame assembly 100 includes a pair of seat rails (not shown) that extend rearwardly from the main member 120. The pair of seat rails comprise a left side frame and a right side frame extending inclinedly rearward towards a rear portion of the vehicle 10.
[019] The vehicle 10 includes a power unit 12 that comprises at least one of an internal combustion (IC) engine or an electric drive source. The power unit 12 is coupled to a rear wheel 126. In one embodiment, the power unit 12 is swingably connected to the frame assembly 100. In one embodiment, the power unit 12 is mounted to a swing arm (not shown) and the swing arm is swingably connected to the frame assembly 100. Further, the vehicle 10 includes a transmission means (not shown) coupling the rear wheel 126 to the power unit 12. The transmission means includes a continuously variable transmission, or an automatic transmission, or a fixed ratio transmission. A rider seat 124 is disposed above the power unit 12 and is supported by the pair of seat rails having the left side frame and the right side frame. The rider seat 124 is hingedly openable. The frame assembly 100 defines a step-through portion ahead of the rider seat 124. The floorboard 18 is disposed at the step-through portion, wherein a rider can operate the vehicle 10 in a seated position by resting feet on the floorboard 18. Further, the floorboard 18 is capable of carrying loads.
[020] Further, the frame assembly 100 is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel assembly 30 having a front style panel 30A and a rear panel 30B, an under-seat cover, and a left and a right-side panel 33 disposed on the frame assembly 100 and covering the frame assembly 100 and parts mounted thereof.
[021] In addition, a front fender 28 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 118. A utility box is disposed below the rider seat 124 and is supported by the frame assembly 100. A rear fender 128 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 126 and is positioned upwardly of the rear wheel 126. One or more rear suspension(s) 46 are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 10 for connecting the swing arm and the rear wheel 126 to the frame assembly 100 for damping the forces from the rear wheel 16 and the power unit 12 from reaching the frame assembly 100.
[022] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including an alternator (not shown), and an integrated starter generator. In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 10 is a mild hybrid type vehicle wherein an electric motor assists the internal combustion engine. In this embodiment, the ISG, in addition to performing the starter and generator function, assists the internal combustion engine when required. The hybrid assist functionality controls the vehicle 10 to rely solely on electric power of the ISG in riding conditions such as coasting or braking, and swiftly restarting the internal combustion engine when required.
[023] Figure 2 and 3 illustrates a perspective and exploded view of a vehicle 10 having the frame assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the frame assembly 100 for the vehicle 10 comprises the first member 110 as explained hereinbefore. The frame assembly 100 further comprises a second member 112. The second member 112 is connected to the first member 110. In an embodiment, the second member 112 is rigidly connected to the first member 110. As further illustrated, the vehicle 10 comprises one or more radar assemblies 130. The one or more radar assemblies 130 are configured to emit a signal and receive the reflected signal from a foreign object such as another vehicle or person, and thereby sensing a foreign object in the vicinity of the vehicle 10. The sensing of the foreign object is then processed by a control unit and the information is transmitted to the user, based on which user can take necessary action. Herein, the one or more radar assemblies 130 are connected to said first member 110 through said second member 112. Accordingly, the one or more radar assemblies 130 are rigidly supported on the frame assembly 100 of the vehicle 10, thereby ensuring that the one or more radar assemblies 130 are provided within the packaging constraints of the vehicle 10.
[024] In an embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the one or more radar assemblies 130 comprises a first radar assembly 130A facing towards a front side of the vehicle 10. The first radar assembly 130A facing towards a front side of the vehicle 10, is thus configured to sense a foreign object that is present in frontward direction of the vehicle 10 as explained hereinbefore. In this embodiment, the second member 112 comprises an illuminating device mounting stay 113 (shown in Figure 3). Further, the vehicle 10 comprises an illuminating device 114 (shown in Figure 2). The illuminating device 114 is provided facing forwardly and is configured to act as a headlamp assembly for the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the illuminating device mounting stay 113 is disposed substantially forwardly of the first member 110 and is configured to be attached on the first member 110.
[025] In that, the illuminating device 114 is attached to the illuminating device mounting stay 113. As referenced in Figure 5, a top end of the illuminating device mounting stay 113 is attached to the first member, and the illuminating device mounting stay 113 extends downwardly from the top end, wherein a bottom end of the illuminating device mounting stay 113 supports or receives the illuminating device. Herein, the first radar assembly 130A is disposed substantially upwardly of the headlamp illuminating device 114 in a vehicle up-down direction. Such a disposition of the first radar assembly 130A ensures that the first radar assembly 130A is disposed in the forwardmost portion of the vehicle 10, thereby ensuring that the first radar assembly 130A can emit and receive signals without any hinderance, and that there is no detriment to the functionality of the first radar assembly 130A. Further, this disposition also ensures that there is no electrical interference in the signals of the first radar assembly 130A from any other vehicle electrical components.
[026] In this embodiment, by virtue of the first radar assembly 130A being mounted on the illuminating device mounting stay 113 forwardly of the first member 110, and the provision of the front panel assembly 30 having the front style panel 30A and the rear panel 30B around the first member 110 and the illuminating device mounting stay 113, it is ensured that the first radar assembly 130A is not exposed to the atmosphere. This also ensures that the signals of the first radar assembly 130A only have to travel though the front panel 30A and not any metal parts which ensure that there is no hinderance in the signals. In another embodiment, a cutout is provided on the front panel 30A for ensuring the transmission of signals from the first radar assembly 130A.
[027] In a further embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 5 and Figure 6, the second member 112 comprises a pair of third members 116. The pair of third members 116 are attached to the first member 110. In an embodiment, the pair of third members 116 extend downwardly from the first member 110, and the pair of third members 116 extend parallelly to each other. Further, the vehicle 10 has a front wheel 118 wherein the front wheel 118 is disposed between the pair of third members 116. Herein, the first radar assembly 130A is disposed above the pair of third members 116 and the front wheel 118 in a vehicle up-down direction. In other words, in a vehicle top view, the first radar assembly 130A at least partially overlaps with the pair of third members 116. This configuration ensures that the first radar assembly 130A is mounted in a compact manner, and is at a sufficient height in the vehicle 10 so as to ensure proper functionality.
[028] To further ensure compact packaging and proper functionality, In an embodiment, the first radar assembly 130A disposed inclined with respect to the first member 110 at a predetermined angle. In an embodiment, the angle of inclination between the first radar assembly 130A and the first member 110 is an acute angle, i.e. ranging between 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In a further embodiment, the first radar assembly 130A is vertically disposed, or in other words is disposed perpendicular to the ground surface so as to ensure maximum distance coverage of the signals of the first radar assembly 130A.
[029] In a further embodiment, as specifically illustrated in Figure 7, the second member 112 comprises the main member 120. In the embodiment, the main member 120 has a left-side main member 120a and a right-side main member 120b. As illustrated in Figure 7, a first tangent line (A-A’) extends in the vehicle front-rear direction from an outermost lateral extended point of the left-side main member 120a. A second tangent line B-B’ extends in the vehicle front-rear direction from an outermost lateral extended point of the right-side main member 120b. The first tangent line (A-A’) and the second tangent line (B-B’) intersect at a vehicle centreline (X-X’). Herein, the first radar assembly 130A is disposed at the intersection point of the first tangent line (A-A’) and the second tangent line (B-B’) in the vehicle front-rear direction. This configuration ensures that the first radar assembly 130A is packaged in the limited packaging space available in a sleeker front portion of the vehicle 10, without requiring increment in any vehicle dimensions. In an embodiment, the first radar assembly 130A is disposed at an obtuse angle with the main member 120, i.e. at an angle ranging between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.
[030] Further, in this embodiment, there is provided a wiring harness 122. The wiring harness 122 is outlet from the first radar assembly 130A and is configured to communicatively couple the first radar assembly 130A to other components of the vehicle 10. Herein, the wiring harness 122 is at least partially routed within the space between the first tangent line (A-A’) and the second tangent line (B-B’) in a vehicle width direction. Such a disposition of the wiring harness 122 ensures that at least a significant portion of the wiring harness 122 is also packaged within the limited packaging space available in the vehicle 10.
[031] In a further embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 8 and Figure 9, the one or more radar assemblies 130 comprise a second radar assembly 130B facing towards a rear side of the vehicle 10. The second radar assembly 130B facing towards the rear side of the vehicle 10, is thus configured to sense a foreign object that is present in rearward direction of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the second member 112 comprises the rear fender 128. Further, the rear fender 128 is mounted upwardly of the rear wheel 126 and the second radar assembly 130B being mounted on the rear fender 128. Such a disposition of the second radar assembly 130B ensures that the second radar assembly 130B is disposed in the forwardmost portion of the vehicle 10, thereby ensuring that the second radar assembly 130B can emit and receive signals without any hinderance, and that there is no detriment to the functionality of the second radar assembly 130B. Further, this disposition also ensures that there is no electrical interference of in the signals of the second radar assembly 130B from any other vehicle electrical components.
[032] In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 is provided with only the first radar assembly 130A, or only the second radar assembly 130B. In another embodiment, the vehicle 10 is provided with both the first radar assembly 130A and the second radar assembly 130B.
[033] In a further embodiment, one of the one or more radar assemblies 130 is mounted downwardly of the rider seat 124 on one or more of a left-hand side of the vehicle 10 or on a right-hand side of the vehicle 10. This means that one radar assembly 130 is provided on the left-hand side of the vehicle 10 below the rider seat 124, or one radar assembly 130 is provided on the right-hand side of the vehicle 10 below the rider seat 124, or one radar assembly 130 each is provided on the left-hand side of the vehicle 10 as well as the right-hand side of the vehicle 10, which ensures that foreign objects can be detected on the sides of the vehicle 10, which is especially useful in riding conditions such as cornering.
[034] Advantageously, the present invention provides for a frame assembly for a vehicle in which the one or more radar assemblies are packaged and provided within the available packaging space in the vehicle. Further, the dispositions of the one or more radar assemblies ensure that the one or more radar assemblies are disposed in locations such as the forwardmost portion or the rearmost portion of the vehicle, which ensures no hinderance and no detriment in the functionalities of the one or more radar assemblies.
[035] The disposition of the one or more radar assemblies in the present invention also ensures that there is no electrical interference of in the signals of the one or more radar assemblies from any other vehicle electrical components.
[036] Furthermore, the present invention by virtue of disposition of a radar assembly at the intersection point of the first tangent line and the second tangent line in the vehicle front-rear direction, ensures that the radar assembly is packaged in the limited packaging space available in a sleeker front portion of the vehicle, without requiring increment in any vehicle dimensions.
[037] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10: Vehicle
12: Power Unit
18: Floorboard
28: Front Fender
30: Front Panel Assembly
30A: Front style panel
30B: Rear Panel
33: Right-side panel
46: Rear suspension
100: Frame Assembly
110: First Member
112: Second Member
113: Illumination Device Mounting Stay
114: Illumination Device
116: Pair of Third Members
118: Rear Wheel
120: Main Member
120a: Left-side Main Member
120b: Right-Side Main Member
122: Wiring Harness
124: Rider Seat
126: Rear Wheel
128: Rear Fender
130: One or more Radar Assemblies
130A: First Radar Assembly
130B: Second Radar Assembly
A-A’: First Tangent Line
B-B’: Second Tangent Line
X-X’: Vehicle Centerline
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A frame assembly (100) of a vehicle (10), comprising:
a first member (110);
a second member (112), said second member (112) being connected to said first member (110);
one or more radar assemblies (130) wherein the one or more radar assemblies (130) being connected to said first member (110) through said second member (112).

2. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more radar assemblies (130) comprises a first radar assembly (130A) facing towards a front side of the vehicle (10).

3. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second member (112) comprises an illuminating device mounting stay (113), and the vehicle (10) comprises:
an illuminating device (114), the illuminating device (114) being attached to the illuminating device mounting stay (113), wherein the first radar assembly (130A) being disposed substantially upwardly of the illuminating device (114) in a vehicle up-down direction.

4. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second member (112) comprises:
a pair of third members (116), the pair of third members (116) being attached to the first member (110); and
the vehicle (10) has a front wheel (118), the front wheel (118) being disposed between the pair of third members (116), wherein the first radar assembly (130A) being disposed above the pair of third members (116) and the front wheel (118) in a vehicle up-down direction.

5. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first radar assembly (130A) disposed inclined with respect to the first member (110) at a predetermined angle.

6. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second member (112) comprises:
a main member (120), the main member (120) having a left-side main member (120a) and a right-side main member (120b) such that a first tangent line (A-A’) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction from an outermost lateral extended point of the left-side main member (120a) and a second tangent line (B-B’) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction from an outermost lateral extended point of the right-side main member (120b) intersect at a vehicle centreline (X-X’), wherein the first radar assembly (130A) being disposed at the intersection point of the first tangent line (A-A’) and the second tangent line (B-B’) in the vehicle front-rear direction.

7. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the vehicle (10) comprises a wiring harness (122), the wiring harness (122) being outlet from the first radar assembly (130A), the wiring harness (122) being at least partially routed between the first tangent line (A-A’) and the second tangent line (B-B’) in a vehicle width direction.

8. The frame assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more radar assemblies (130) comprises a second radar assembly (130B) facing towards a rear side of the vehicle (10).

9. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second member (112) comprises a rear fender (128), and the vehicle (10) comprising a rear wheel (126), wherein the rear fender (128) being mounted upwardly of the rear wheel (126), wherein the second radar assembly (130B) being mounted on the rear fender (128).

10. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (10) comprising a rider seat (124), wherein one of the one or more radar assemblies (130) being mounted downwardly of the rider seat (124) on one or more of a left-hand side of the vehicle (10) or on a right-hand side of the vehicle (10).

Dated this 15th day of March 2024

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471