Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and a method for providing riding assistance to a rider of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, the assist function in a vehicle operates as an advanced rider assistance system, thereby enhancing the overall riding performance and efficiency. When the assist function is enabled, the assist function in the vehicle actively supports the vehicle during certain situations such as acceleration, hill climbing, leveraging an electric motor, supplementary power source, and the like. Therefore, the assist function helps in improving the overall vehicle dynamics, especially in challenging terrains or demanding riding scenarios.
[003] Conventionally, for the assist function to engage, certain conditions must be fulfilled, including the manual activation by the rider through specific controls or the automatic activation through the system recognition of situations warranting assistance. These conditions may involve factors such as road incline, acceleration demand, the speed of the vehicle, and the like. While the assist function provides notable advantages in terms of performance and efficiency, the utilization of the assist function leads to the consumption of additional electrical power, subsequently impacting a state of charge (SOC) of a battery of the vehicle. The power loss associated with the assist function is a critical consideration, involving factors like the energy required for motor support, system efficiency, and the overall impact on the vehicle's powertrain.
[004] The main problem that arises when the assist function is enabled is the depletion of the SOC of the battery and subsequently, the battery starts draining. Conventionally, the assist function is enabled at multiple times. In an example, if the battery voltage at a particular moment is 14V, then the battery voltage goes down to 10V when the assist function is enabled for the first time. This results in the power loss of around 400W from the battery. Then, when the assist function is enabled for the second time, then the battery voltage does not reach the earlier value of 14V but may only reach 10-12V and therefore, subsequently the battery voltage drops down to 8-6V. Therefore, when the assist function is enabled frequently, then the battery voltage goes up and down, thereby deteriorating and depleting the battery SOC and drains the battery.
[005] Thus, the conventionally available assist systems and methods provide the frequent enablement of assist function without keeping a check on the battery SOC depletion. The conventionally available assist systems and methods provide the frequent enablement of assist without keeping a check on the power loss in the battery. Further, the conventionally available assist systems and methods does not provide the assist function at all throttle position, and hence is undesirable.
[006] Accordingly, there is a need for a system and a method for providing riding assistance to a rider of the vehicle that overcomes one or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, a system for providing riding assistance to a rider of a vehicle is disclosed. The system has one or more sensors disposed in the vehicle, an integrated starter generator (ISG), and a control unit. Each of the one or more sensors is adapted to procure information pertaining to one or more operating parameters of the vehicle. The ISG is coupled to an engine of the vehicle. The ISG is adapted to provide an assistive torque to the engine for riding of the vehicle. The control unit is communicatively coupled to each of the one or more sensors and the ISG. The control unit is configured to receive the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle based on the information procured by the one or more sensors. The control unit is configured to compare the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle with one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to operate the ISG to provide the assistive torque to the engine for the riding of the vehicle, when the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle corresponds to the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors includes a temperature sensor and a battery monitoring sensor. The temperature sensor is adapted to procure an information pertaining to a temperature of the engine of the vehicle. The battery monitoring sensor is adapted to procure the information pertaining to battery operating parameters of a battery pack in the vehicle.
[009] In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined operating conditions has: an engine temperature of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined temperature; and a voltage of a battery pack disposed in the vehicle being greater than a threshold level.
[010] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to disable the ISG when the assistive torque to the engine exceeds a predefined period of time for the riding of the vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment, the control unit is communicably coupled to an infotainment system of the vehicle, the infotainment system being adapted to receive input from the rider of the vehicle for the riding assistance.
[012] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to record a riding pattern of the vehicle based on the one or more operating parameters determined over a predefined period of time. The control unit is configured to determine the assistive torque corresponding to the recorded riding pattern of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to operate the ISG to provide the determined assistive torque to the engine for the riding of the vehicle.
[013] In an embodiment, the ISG is coupled to a crankshaft of the engine. The ISG is adapted to provide assistive torque to the crankshaft for the riding of the vehicle.
[014] In another aspect, a method for providing riding assistance to a rider of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a control unit, one or more operating parameters of the vehicle based on an information procured by one or more sensors. The method includes comparing, by the control unit, the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle with one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle. The method further includes operating, by the control unit, an integrated starter generator (ISG) to provide an assistive torque to an engine of the vehicle for riding of the vehicle, when the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle corresponds to the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle.
[015] In an embodiment, the method includes procuring, by a temperature sensor, an information pertaining to a temperature of the engine of the vehicle. The method further includes procuring, by a battery monitoring sensor, the information pertaining to battery operating parameters of a battery pack in the vehicle.
[016] In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined operating conditions includes: an engine temperature of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined temperature; and a voltage of a battery pack disposed in the vehicle is greater than a threshold level.
[017] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of disabling, by the control unit, the ISG when the assistive torque to the engine exceeds a predefined period of time for the riding of the vehicle.
[018] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of receiving, by the control unit, an input from the rider of the vehicle for the riding assistance through an infotainment system communicably coupled to the control unit.
[019] In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of recording, by the control unit, a riding pattern of the vehicle based on the one or more operating parameters determined over a predefined period of time; determining, by the control unit, the assistive torque corresponding to the recorded riding pattern of the vehicle; and operating, by the control unit, the ISG to provide the determined assistive torque to the engine for the riding of the vehicle.
[020] In an embodiment, the method includes the step of providing, by the control unit, the assistive torque to the crankshaft for the riding of the vehicle through the ISG coupled to the control unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[021] 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 is a block diagram illustrating a system for providing riding assistance to a rider of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing riding assistance to a rider of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing riding assistance to a rider of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[022] Generally, the present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and a method for providing riding assistance to a rider of a vehicle. The “riding assistance” as disclosed herein refers to the assistance provided by the vehicle in functions such as an adaptive cruise control, adaptive light control, acceleration during hill climbing, deceleration, an automatic emergency braking, and the like. The system of the present invention is adapted to provide an assistive torque to an engine of the vehicle, thereby providing riding assistance during a riding of the vehicle.
[023] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system 100 for providing riding assistance to a rider of a vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the term “riding assistance” refers to assistance provided by the system 100 to the rider for riding the vehicle 10 on a road surface. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 can be a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle such as a trike, a four-wheeled vehicle, or a multi-wheeled vehicle as per requirement.
[024] Referring to Figure 1, the system 100 comprises one or more sensors 102 disposed in the vehicle 10. The one or more sensors 102 are adapted to procure information pertaining to one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the term “operating parameters” may refer to measurable characteristics that indicate state and performance of the vehicle 10 during operation. For instance, the one or more operating parameters may include at least one of a speed of the vehicle 10, an engine speed of the vehicle 10, a temperature of the engine 106 of the vehicle 10, a throttle position of a throttle body (not shown) in the vehicle 10, a position of a brake lever (not shown) in the vehicle 10, and battery operating parameters of the battery pack 110 such as remaining charge in the battery pack 110. In an embodiment, the one or more operating parameters comprises an acceleration and a deceleration of the vehicle 10 as well.
[025] In an embodiment, the one or more sensors 102 comprises a temperature sensor 102a and a battery monitoring sensor 102b. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor 102a is mounted to the engine 106 at a cylinder head (not shown) or a cylinder (not shown) of the engine 106. The temperature sensor 102a is adapted to procure information pertaining to the temperature of the engine 106 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, information pertaining to the temperature of the engine 106 corresponds to a change in resistance of the temperature sensor 102a. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor 102a may be one of a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), and the like.
[026] In an embodiment, the battery monitoring sensor 102b is coupled to the battery pack 110 in the vehicle 10. The battery monitoring sensor 102b is adapted to procure information related to battery operating parameters of the battery pack 110 in the vehicle 10. The term “battery operating parameters” refers to measurable characteristics of the battery pack 110 that influence performance, safety, and life expectancy of the battery pack 110. In an embodiment, the battery operating parameters include at least one of an internal resistance of the battery pack 110, a capacity of the battery pack 110, charging and discharging rates of the battery pack 110, a temperature of the battery pack 110, a state of charge (SOC) of the battery pack 110, a depth of discharge (DOD) of the battery pack 110, an electrolytic concentration in the battery pack 110, and the like. The battery monitoring sensor 102b may comprise a cluster of sensors (not shown) communicatively coupled to a battery management system (BMS) of the vehicle 10.
[027] Referring to Figure 1, the vehicle 10 comprises an integrated starter generator (ISG) 104 coupled to the engine 106 and to the battery pack 110 disposed in the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the ISG 104 is coupled to a crankshaft (not shown) of the engine 106. The ISG 104 is adapted to provide an assistive torque to the crankshaft of the engine 106 for the riding of the vehicle 10. Supply of the assistive torque enables cranking of the crankshaft, thereby starting the engine 106. The ISG 104 is also capable of generating electrical energy for recharging the battery pack 110. Further, the ISG 104 is also adapted to provide an assistive torque to the engine 106 (particularly, to the crankshaft of the engine 106) for riding of the vehicle 10. The term “assistive torque” corresponds to drive or torque provided by the ISG 104 to the crankshaft of the engine 106 for riding of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the “assistive torque” is a torque applied to the crankshaft for rotating the crankshaft in a direction required for riding of the vehicle 10.
[028] Further, the system 100 comprises a control unit 108 communicatively coupled to each of the one or more sensors 102 and to the ISG 104. In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is communicatively coupled to each of the one or more sensors 102 and the ISG 104 using conducting wires or through wireless communication techniques known in the art. The control unit 108 is configured to receive an input from the rider of the vehicle 10 for the riding assistance through a device (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 10. Across embodiments, the device may be a push-button or a touch-screen display panel or a gesture detection device. The control unit 108 may receive the input for the riding assistance of the rider through a push of the push-button or through a tap on a portion of the touch-screen display panel or through a gesture provided to the gesture detection device. In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is communicably coupled to an infotainment system (not shown) of the vehicle 10. The infotainment system is adapted to receive the input from the rider for the riding assistance. In an embodiment, the infotainment system may comprise the device for receiving the input from the rider for the riding assistance.
[029] The control unit 108 is adapted to receive the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 based on the information procured by the one or more sensors 102. In an embodiment, the control unit 108 determines the one or more operating parameters upon receiving the input from the rider.
[030] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 on receiving the information pertaining to the temperature of the engine 106 from the temperature sensor 102a (i.e. change in resistance of the temperature sensor 102a), determines the temperature of the engine 106 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the control unit 108 on receiving information pertaining to the battery operating parameters of the battery pack 110 (i.e. at least one of the internal resistance, the capacity, charging and discharging rates, the temperature, the state of charge (SOC), the depth of discharge (DOD) and the electrolytic concentration of the battery pack 110) from the battery monitoring sensor 102b, determines the battery operating parameters of the battery pack 110 in the vehicle 10.
[031] The control unit 108 is adapted to compare the one or more operating parameters with one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle 10. The term “one or more predetermined operating conditions” corresponds to one or more criteria associated with the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined operating conditions comprises at least one of the following: the engine temperature of the vehicle 10 being greater than a predetermined temperature (for e.g. greater than 55 degrees Celsius); and a voltage of a battery pack 110 disposed in the vehicle 10 being greater than a threshold level (for e.g. greater than 12 Volts).
[032] The control unit 108 is configured to operate the ISG 104 to provide the assistive torque to the engine 106 for the riding of the vehicle 10, when the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 corresponds to the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle 10. The ISG 104 comprises a motor component (not shown) that is coupled to the crankshaft of the engine 106 through conventional coupling techniques known in the art. In an embodiment, upon determining that the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 corresponds to the one or more predetermined operating conditions, the control unit 108 directs a flow of current from the battery pack 110 to the ISG 104. On receiving the current from the battery pack 110, the motor component of the ISG 104 rotates the crankshaft in a direction required for the riding of the vehicle 10. Thus, the control unit 108 provides riding assistance to the rider of the vehicle 10.
[033] In an embodiment, upon receiving the input from the rider for the riding assistance, if the engine temperature of the vehicle 10 is greater than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 108 operates the ISG 104 to provide the assistive torque to the engine 106. In an embodiment, upon receiving the input from the rider for the riding assistance, if the voltage of the battery pack 110 is greater than the threshold level, the control unit 108 operates the ISG 104 to provide the assistive torque to the engine 106.
[034] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is a vehicle control unit (VCU). The VCU may be configured to interact with multiple electronic control units in the vehicle 10 such as an ISG controller (not shown), the battery management system (BMS) (not shown), an instrument cluster (IC) (not shown) and a telemetry control unit (TCU) (not shown) for operating the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the VCU communicates with the multiple electronic control units through known communication protocols such as Controller Area Network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), ethernet, and the like.
[035] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 comprises a first electronic control unit (ECU) (not shown) and a second electronic control unit (ECU) (not shown). The first ECU is communicatively coupled to the ISG 104 of the vehicle 10. The first ECU may be communicatively coupled to the ISG 104 through conducting wires or phase wires or through wireless connecting means known in the art. In an embodiment, the first ECU is an ISG controller. The first ECU is configured to provide starting torque to the engine 106 and to regulate charging of the battery pack 110. The second ECU forms part of an engine management system (EMS) (not shown) communicatively coupled to the engine 106. The second ECU is configured to determine the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 based on the information procured by the one or more sensors 102 and record the determined one or more operating parameters in a memory component. The second ECU communicates the recorded one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 to the first ECU through one or more known communication protocols such as Controller Area Network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), ethernet, and the like. The first ECU, upon receipt of the input from the rider for the riding assistance, compares the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 with the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle 10. When the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 corresponds to the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle 10, the first ECU operates the ISG 104 to provide the assistive torque to the engine 106 for the riding of the vehicle 10.
[036] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is configured to disable the ISG 104 when the assistive torque to the engine 106 exceeds a predefined period of time for the riding of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, when the assistive torque to the engine 106 is ON for 9.3 seconds, then the control unit 108 is configured to disable the ISG 104. Such a configuration of the control unit 108 results in increasing the efficiency of the battery pack 110 whilst providing the requisite assistive torque to the engine 106 for manoeuvring the vehicle 10. Once the ISG 104 is disabled after the predefined time period has exceeded, the ISG 104 is allowed to cool down for a specified period of time, for example, 90 seconds. Therefore, the control unit 108 is configured to enable the ISG 104 for providing the second assistive torque only once the cool down period of 90 seconds has elapsed. In an embodiment, the cool down time period is defined based on the execution time of the previous assistive torque multiplied by a constant factor. In an example, the constant factor is 10 and the first assistive torque is provided for 6 seconds, then the cool down period will be of 60 seconds, after which the second assistive torque is enabled by the control unit 108. This leads to an increased efficiency of the battery and thereby providing a reliable system 100.
[037] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is configured to record a riding pattern of the vehicle 10 based on the one or more operating parameters determined over a predefined period of time, wherein the predefined period can be a time period of several minutes to few hours as per requirement. In an embodiment, the control unit 108 records or determines the riding pattern based on the one or more operating parameters through one or more computing techniques known in the art.
[038] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is adapted to determine the assistive torque to be provided to the engine 106 based on the recorded riding pattern of the vehicle 10. Accordingly, the control unit 108 is configured to determine the assistive torque corresponding to the recorded riding pattern and the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 for providing the riding assistance. The control unit 108 is configured to operate the ISG 104 to provide the determined assistive torque to the engine 106 for the riding of the vehicle 10.
[039] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the control unit 108 is embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In another embodiment, the control unit 108 is configured to execute hard-coded functionality.
[040] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for providing riding assistance to the rider of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[041] At step 202, the engine 106 of the vehicle 10 is started. In an embodiment, starting the engine 106 comprises engaging an ignition switch to a 'START' position, thereby applying current to one or more spark plugs (not shown) coupled to the engine 106 for initiating combustion of air-fuel mixture in the engine 106. The control unit 108 monitors whether the input is received from the rider for the riding assistance. In an embodiment, the input of the rider is received through an infotainment system communicably coupled to the control unit 108. Once the input from the rider is received for the riding assistance, the control unit 108 receives the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 based on information procured by the one or more sensors 102. In an embodiment, the method further comprises procuring, by a temperature sensor 102a, an information pertaining to a temperature of the engine 106 of the vehicle 10. The battery monitoring sensor 102b is configured to procure the information pertaining to battery operating parameters of a battery pack 110 in the vehicle 10.
[042] At step 204, the control unit 108 is configured to compare the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 with one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle 10 comprises: an engine temperature of the vehicle 10 being greater than a predetermined temperature; and a voltage of a battery pack 110 disposed in the vehicle 10 being greater than a threshold level.
[043] At step 206, the control unit 108 is configured to determine whether the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 correspond to the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle 10. If the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 correspond to the one or more operating conditions of the vehicle 10, the control unit 108 operates the ISG 104 to provide the assistive torque to the engine 106 of the vehicle 10 for the riding of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is further configured to provide the assistive torque to the crankshaft for the riding of the vehicle 10 through the ISG 104 coupled to the control unit 108. Once the ISG 104 provides the assistive torque to the engine 106, the control unit 108 terminates the method steps.
[044] Further, the control unit 108 disables the ISG 104 when the assistive torque to the engine 106 exceeds a predefined period of time for the riding of the vehicle 10. Such a configuration of the control unit 108 results in saving the deterioration and depletion of the battery whilst providing the requisite assistive torque to the engine 106 for manoeuvring the vehicle 10.
[045] In an embodiment, the method further includes recording, by the control unit 108, a riding pattern of the vehicle 10 based on the one or more operating parameters determined over a predefined period of time; determining, by the control unit 108, the assistive torque corresponding to the recorded riding pattern of the vehicle 10; and operating, by the control unit 108, the ISG 104 to provide the determined assistive torque to the engine 106 for the riding of the vehicle 10.
[046] In an example, a two-wheeled vehicle has an Internal Combustion (IC) engine as a primary driving source and a permanent magnet machine mechanically coupled to the crankshaft of the engine. The permanent magnet machine is used to start and assist the engine. An engine temperature sensor is used to measure the engine temperature in the different operating conditions. An ISG controller is configured to control and monitor the operation of the permanent magnet machine. A battery is configured to store electrical energy generated from the permanent magnet machine and to support the starting of the engine. The battery is directly connected to the ISG controller configured to determine the voltage of the battery. The ISG controller is configured to monitor the engine temperature and the battery voltage, based on which the assist function is enabled. The ISG Controller is further configured to interact with the ISG Machine and the battery. The battery is directly connected to the ISG controller and other electrical load, and the ISG controller is configured to determine the battery voltage and the engine temperature. During the running condition of the vehicle, when the user activates the hybrid assist function, the ISG controller is configured to check for the battery voltage and the engine temperature. Based on the battery voltage and the engine temperature, the ISG controller is configured to execute the hybrid assist function. If the battery voltage and the engine temperature are equal or greater than the threshold battery voltage and the threshold engine temperature, then the hybrid assist function is performed for a predetermined time period, thereby improving the overall hybrid assist function. However, if the battery voltage and the engine temperature values are less than the threshold values, then the ISG controller is configured to disable the hybrid assist function.
[047] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method 300 for providing riding assistance to a rider of a vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[048] At step 302, the engine 106 of the vehicle 10 is started. In an embodiment, starting the engine 106 comprises engaging an ignition switch to a 'START' position, thereby applying current to one or more spark plugs (not shown) coupled to the engine 106 for initiating combustion of air-fuel mixture in the engine 106.
[049] At step 304, the control unit 108 compares the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 determined based on information procured by the one or more sensors 102 with the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle.
[050] At step 306, the control unit 108 operates the ISG 104 to provide the assistive torque to the engine 106 of the vehicle 10 for the riding of the vehicle 10 for a predefined period of time, when the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle 10 corresponds to the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle 10 as already described in description pertaining to Figures 1 and 2.
[051] At step 308, the control unit 108 disables the ISG 104 when the assistive torque to the engine exceeds a predefined period of time for the riding of the vehicle 10. Then, at step 310, the cooling period starts, and the assistive torque is not provided to the vehicle 10 during the cooling down period. Lastly, at step 312, once the cooling period elapse, then the ISG 104 is ready to provide the subsequent assistive torque to the engine 106, thereby improving the overall performance and life of the battery pack 110 of the vehicle 10.
[052] In an embodiment, the present invention provides the vehicle 10, wherein the ISG 104 is configured to keep a check on the repeated assist enablement and must cut-off the assist enablement to improve the battery pack 110 efficiency, reducing the overall charge loss of the battery pack 110. The cut-off of the assist enablement is based on certain parameters which are taken as conditions to be fulfilled to enable and disable the assist function. The assist feature in the vehicle 10 represents a notable enhancement aimed at improving both the initial acceleration effect and pass-by acceleration effect experienced by the rider and the vehicle 10. The present invention has taken into consideration additional parameters to optimize the electrical system of the vehicle 10, specifically focusing on extending the life of the battery pack 110, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the system. The present invention takes into consideration the factors such as the voltage of the battery pack 110 and the temperature of the vehicle 10. In an example, the present invention requires the voltage of the battery pack 110 to be greater than a specified value and the temperature of the vehicle 10 to exceed a particular threshold.
[053] In an example, the primary components involved in the present invention includes a battery, an ISG Controller, and an Engine Temperature Sensor (ETS). The battery serves as the power source for all the electrical loads in the vehicle 10, thereby ensuring the safety during operation and charging. The vehicle battery is connected to the associated parts of the vehicle. The battery is safer during operation and charging. The battery is useful in cranking the vehicle as well. In normal condition, the battery is used to drive the electrical loads and during running condition, the battery is charged by the ISG controller.
[054] The ISG Controller plays a crucial role in power conversion and decision-making, thereby facilitating the functions such as cranking, hybrid assist activation, managing various modes of the vehicle such as a street mode/sport mode, and the like. During cranking and hybrid assist activation, the ISG controller provides the power from the battery to rotate the ISG machine. During running condition, the ISG machine produces an AC voltage and the ISG controller converts AC voltage to DC power to charge the battery and drive the electrical loads in the vehicle. Then, the ISG Controller is configured to decide the assist enablement based on the various modes of the vehicle such as a street mode/sport mode.
[055] The ETS is connected to the engine of the vehicle and is configured to provide a real-time value of the temperature communicated over the Controller Area Network (CAN) with Engine Management System (EMS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and ISG Controller. During normal operation, the battery drives the electrical loads, while the ISG controller charges the battery and powers the vehicle during the riding of the vehicle. The present invention strategically employs voltage of the battery and the engine temperature parameters for executing a hybrid assist function. Thus, the present invention aims to prevent battery drain, enhance fuel efficiency, and prolong the battery life.
[056] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system and a method for enabling and disabling the assist function in the vehicle, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the battery pack. The present invention further provides the assist function to be enabled at all throttle positions, thereby enhancing the reliability of the system and the method as claimed in the present invention. The present invention takes into consideration the factors such as the engine temperature and the voltage of the battery to enable or disable the assist function. The incorporation of parameters such as the engine temperature and the voltage of the battery ensures a more judicious use of the battery pack, thereby preventing an unnecessary drain of the battery pack of the vehicle. The present invention further leads to an extended battery life, reducing the frequency of replacements and associated costs. The present invention further promotes the efficient fuel consumption by enabling the assist feature based on real-time engine temperature and the voltage of the battery. The present invention further aligns with environmental considerations and provides economic benefits to the user.
[057] The present invention is configured to enable the assist function based on the two factors such as the engine temperature and the voltage of the battery, thereby reducing the complexity of the entire system and method. The assist function mainly focuses on optimizing the acceleration effects, thereby positively impacting on the overall performance of the vehicle. The present invention further provides an enhanced user experience based on an improved initial acceleration and pass-by acceleration, contributing to a smoother and satisfying driving experience. The present invention actively considers the factors such as the engine temperature and the voltage of the battery to prevent the instances of the battery drain. The present invention, therefore, preserves the life of the battery and also reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of the electrical system of the vehicle. Hence, the present invention is efficient and reliable as compared to the existing systems.
[058] In light of the abovementioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed system and method, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps provide solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the system itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[059] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable storage medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media”.
[060] 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
100 – System for providing riding assistance
102 – One or more sensors
102a – Temperature sensor
102b – Battery monitoring sensor
104 – Integrated Starter Generator (ISG)
106 – Engine
108 – Control unit
110 – Battery pack
200 – Method for providing riding assistance , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A system (100) for providing riding assistance to a rider of a vehicle (10), the system (100) comprising:
one or more sensors (102) disposed in the vehicle (10), each of the one or more sensors (102) being adapted to procure information pertaining to one or more operating parameters of the vehicle (10);
an integrated starter generator (ISG) (104) coupled to an engine (106) of the vehicle (10), the ISG (104) being adapted to provide an assistive torque to the engine (106) for riding of the vehicle (10); and
a control unit (108) communicatively coupled to each of the one or more sensors (102) and the ISG (104), the control unit (108) being configured to:
receive the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle (10) based on the information procured by the one or more sensors (102);
compare the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle (10) with one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle (10); and
operate the ISG (104) to provide the assistive torque to the engine (106) for the riding of the vehicle (10), when the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle (10) corresponds to the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle (10).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors (102) comprises:
a temperature sensor (102a) adapted to procure an information pertaining to a temperature of the engine (106) of the vehicle (10); and
a battery monitoring sensor (102b) adapted to procure the information pertaining to battery operating parameters of a battery pack (110) in the vehicle (10).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle (10) comprises:
an engine temperature of the vehicle (10) being greater than a predetermined temperature; and
a voltage of a battery pack (110) disposed in the vehicle (10) being greater than a threshold level.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to disable the ISG (104) when the assistive torque to the engine (106) exceeds a predefined period of time for the riding of the vehicle (10).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is communicably coupled to an infotainment system of the vehicle (10), the infotainment system being adapted to receive an input from the rider of the vehicle (10) for the riding assistance.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to:
record a riding pattern of the vehicle (10) based on the one or more operating parameters determined over a predefined period of time;
determine the assistive torque corresponding to the recorded riding pattern of the vehicle (10); and
operate the ISG (104) to provide the determined assistive torque to the engine (106) for the riding of the vehicle (10).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ISG (104) is coupled to a crankshaft of the engine (106), the ISG (104) being adapted to provide the assistive torque to the crankshaft for the riding of the vehicle (10).

8. A method (200) for providing riding assistance to a rider of a vehicle (10), the method comprising:
receiving (202), by a control unit (108), one or more operating parameters of the vehicle (10) based on an information procured by one or more sensors (102);
comparing (204), by the control unit (108), the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle (10) with one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle (10); and
operating (206), by the control unit (108), an integrated starter generator (ISG) (104) to provide an assistive torque to an engine (106) of the vehicle (10) for the riding of the vehicle (10), when the one or more operating parameters of the vehicle (10) corresponds to the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle (10).

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, the method (200) comprising the steps of:
procuring, by a temperature sensor (102a), an information pertaining to a temperature of the engine (106) of the vehicle (10); and
procuring, by a battery monitoring sensor (102b), the information pertaining to battery operating parameters of a battery pack (110) in the vehicle (10).

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle (10) comprises:
an engine temperature of the vehicle (10) being greater than a predetermined temperature; and
a voltage of a battery pack (110) disposed in the vehicle (10) being greater than a threshold level.
11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, the method comprising the step of:
disabling, by the control unit (108), the ISG (104) when the assistive torque to the engine (106) exceeds a predefined period of time for the riding of the vehicle (10).

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, the method comprising the step of:
receiving, by the control unit (108), an input from the rider of the vehicle (10) for the riding assistance through an infotainment system communicably coupled to the control unit (108).

13. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, the method comprising the steps of:
recording, by the control unit (108), a riding pattern of the vehicle (10) based on the one or more operating parameters determined over a predefined period of time;
determining, by the control unit (108), the assistive torque corresponding to the recorded riding pattern of the vehicle (10); and
operating, by the control unit (108), the ISG (104) to provide the determined assistive torque to the engine (106) for the riding of the vehicle (10).
14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, the method comprising the step of:
providing, by the control unit (108), the assistive torque to the crankshaft for the riding of the vehicle (10) through the ISG (104) coupled to the control unit (108).

Dated this 20th day of March 2024
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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