Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a side cover member. More particularly, to a side cover member for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND 5
[0002] Typically, the straddle type vehicles (hereinafter “vehicles”) are easier to maneuver in traffic and congested areas. The vehicles provide good control with better operability in heavy, stop and go driving. Such vehicles are also lighter in weight as compared to corresponding vehicles like four-wheeler. Generally, the vehicle comprising of a body frame assembly made of a number of tubes welded together. The 10 vehicle has a steerable front wheel and a driven rear wheel. The body frame primarily includes a head pipe disposed at a front end of the body frame, main tube running across the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and enclosed by several vehicle components, and a down tube. The vehicle is powered by a prime mover. The prime mover includes an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The engine can be liquid cooled or 15 air cooled. The engine or electric motor is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The engine in said vehicle is disposed at a lower region and provides a lower center of gravity making it easier to balance and control giving it better turnability and maneuverability. The engine or electric motor is functionally connected to a rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, pluralities of 20 panels are mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that cover various vehicle components. The final drive to the rear wheel of the vehicle is usually a positive drive such as sprocket and chain arrangement. The sprocket is covered by a sprocket cover.
[0003] The development of two-wheeled motorcycles has long been accompanied by the challenge of efficiently routing electrical cables, particularly those associated 25 with critical components such as the side stand switch, gear position switch, and quick shift sensor. Traditionally, these cables are routed in close proximity to the engine and chain assembly, presenting a myriad of technical challenges and potential failure modes.
[0004] Further, in recent times, the numbers of electrical components such as 30 switches, sensors, actuators, and the like have increased along with development of
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electronics for vehicles. This has resulted in enlarged and complicated cables for connecting electrical components routing near to the sprocket assembly. It is observed that the risks like fire hazard, short circuit, etc. rise because of increase in the number of cables, and divergence of the cables in various directions as cables may get crushed due to improper assembly. Further, cables can flex and touch the hot surface of 5 powertrain leading to poor durability.
More specifically, technical problems arises from the exposure of these cables to high temperatures generated by the engine. Heat can degrade the insulation of the cables over time, leading to electrical faults and potential safety hazards. Additionally, the close proximity to moving parts like the chain assembly poses a risk of abrasion and cutting, especially if the cables come into 10 contact with sharp edges or protrusions. Furthermore, the improper guiding of cables within this confined space can result in kinks, bends, or pinches, leading to wire damage and electrical failures. Without adequate guidance, the cables may inadvertently come into contact with hot engine surfaces or sharp edges, exacerbating the risk of damage. 15 [0005]
Further, an alternative way to protect the cables is by adding plurality of dedicated protectors, hole clips or grommets but this adds more weight and cost to the vehicle plus can make the vehicle look ugly. Hence, there is a need to provide a flexible vehicle assembly design that is compact and easy to install in the vehicle with minimum modification in the existing layout of the vehicle. 20
[0006] The above information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] As per one aspect of the invention, a side cover member of a saddle type vehicle is configured to have a projected portion. The projected portion receives a portion of the holding member to properly route one or more cables near to a rotatable 30
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member without any fouling, thereby improving the safety characteristics of the saddle type vehicle. [0008] The present disclosure revolutionizes the routing of electrical cables in two-wheeled motorcycles/saddle type vehicles by integrating guide walls and hole clips directly into the sprocket cover/side cover member. Such an approach eliminates the 5 need for additional guiding components, streamlining the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs. By utilizing the sprocket cover/ side cover member as a housing for the cables and incorporating built-in features for proper routing and fixation, the present disclosure ensures efficient and safe cable management, minimizing the risk of damage from heat, abrasion, or mechanical impact. This not 10 only enhances the reliability and durability of the vehicle but also contributes to weight reduction and improved overall performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 15
[0009] The present invention is described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of a wheel. Such a wheel can be installed in a two or three or multi wheeled vehicle. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. 20
[00010] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. It should be appreciated that the following figures may not be drawn to scale.
[00011] Descriptions of certain details and implementations follow, including a 25 description of the figures, which may depict some or all of the embodiments described below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts presented herein. An overview of embodiments of the invention is provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings. 30
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[00012] Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a saddle type vehicle, where few parts are omitted from the figure in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
[00013] Figure 1b illustrates a perspective view ofc a side cover member being configured to route one or more cables using holding members, in accordance with 5 one example of the present subject matter.
[00014] Figure 1c illustrates a perspective view of the side cover member, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 10
[00015] In the following description specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or 15 described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[00016] In an aspect of the present invention, a side cover member comprising a first surface and a second surface. The second surface being configured to have one or more projected portions. One or more projected portions being extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said second surface. Further, one or more cables being 20 guided by said one or more projected portions.
[00017] As per an embodiment, said one or more projected portions being configured to have one or more openings. The one or more openings being configured to receive a portion of one or more holding members.
[00018] As per an embodiment, said holding member being connected to said one or 25 more projected portions and configured to guide one or more cables.
[00019] As per an embodiment, at least one of said first surface or said second surface being surrounded by a circumferential wall. The circumferential wall includes an upper cutout and a lower cutout for routing one or more cables through said side covers. 30
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[00020] As per an embodiment, one or more lateral projections being provided adjacent to said upper cutout and said lower cutout to guide said one or more cables.
[00021] As per an embodiment, one or more mounting portions extends radially from said circumferential wall.
[00022] As per an embodiment, said mounting portions includes one or more 5 openings. The openings being configured to receive fasteners to detachably connect to said side cover member to a structural member.
[00023] As per an embodiment, said side cover member being configured to enclose one or more rotatable members.
[00024] The present subject matter is further described with reference to 10 accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific 15 examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00025] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having 20 thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[00026] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with 25 reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the 30 disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of disclosure herein shown and
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described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such 5 as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. 10 [00027] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, 15 or use of the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[00028] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or 20 numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification. 25
[00029] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal hatches in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically 30 specified.
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[00030] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a solution for routing electrical cables in two-wheeled motorcycles that is efficient and minimizes the risk of damage or interference with other components.
[00031] It is another objective of the present invention to reduce manufacturing costs associated with cable routing by eliminating the need for additional guiding 5 components and streamlining the assembly process.
[00032] It is yet another objective of the present invention to contribute to overall weight reduction of the motorcycle by removing unnecessary components and optimizing cable routing through integration with the sprocket cover.
[00033] It is another objective of the present invention to enhance the reliability and 10 durability of the motorcycle by ensuring proper routing and fixation of electrical cables, thereby reducing the likelihood of electrical faults or failures.
[00034] It is an objective of the present invention to improve the performance and efficiency of the motorcycle by optimizing cable routing, minimizing the risk of cable damage, and maximizing the effectiveness of electrical components such as the side 15 stand switch, gear position switch, and quick shift sensor.
[00035] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[00036] Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of a saddle type vehicle (100), where few parts are omitted from the figure in accordance with one example of the 20 present subject matter. Figure 1b illustrates a perspective view of a side cover member (102) being configured to route one or more cables (104) using holding members (105), in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. Figure 1c illustrates a perspective view of the side cover member (102), in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. For sake of brevity, Figure 1a-1c will be 25 discussed together. The saddle type vehicle (100) includes a structural member (101). Typically, the structural member (101) is a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a plurality of tubes (not shown). A prime mover (108) is mounted on the structural member (101). In an embodiment, the prime mover (108) includes an IC engine or a traction motor. The prime mover (108) is connected to one or more ground 30 touching members (not shown) through an endless transmission (107). As per an
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embodiment, the endless transmission (107) is a chain which connects one or more rotatable members (106). In embodiment, the rotatable members includes sprocket or a pulley. More specifically, the rotatable member (106) is installed on a prime mover shaft (108A). A side cover member (102) encloses the rotatable member (106). The side cover member (102) comprises a first surface (102A) and a second surface (102B). 5 The second surface (102B) being configured to have one or more projected portions (102C). The one or more projected portions (102C) being extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said second surface (102B). [00037] The one or more cables (104) being guided by said one or more projected portions (102C) using one or more holding members (105). More specifically, one or 10 more projected portions (102C) being configured to have one or more openings (102CA) which are configured to receive a portion of one or more holding members (105). The said holding member (105) being connected to said one or more projected portions (102C) and configured to guide one or more cables (104). The cable (104) connects at least one of a gear position switch (103A) or side stand switch (103B) to 15 at least one of an energy source (not shown) or a control unit (not shown). The side stand switch (103B) and gear position switch (103A) being provided in proximity to the rotatable member (106).
[00038] As per an embodiment, the second surface (102B) being surrounded by a circumferential wall (102D). The circumferential wall (102D) includes an upper cutout 20 (102EU) and a lower cutout (102EL) for routing one or more cables (104) through said side covers (102). The one or more lateral projections (102F) being provided adjacent to said upper cutout (102EU) and said lower cutout (102EU) to guide said one or more cables (104). The one or more mounting portions (102G) extends radially from said circumferential wall (102D). The mounting portions (102G) includes one or 25 more openings (102GA). The openings (102GA) being configured to receive fasteners to detachably connect to said side cover member (102) to a structural member (101) like the frame assembly.
[00039] The technical problem being solved by the present disclosure is the efficient and safe routing of electrical cables, specifically those connected to components like 30 the side stand switch, gear position switch, and quick shift sensor, in two-wheeled
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motorcycles. These cables are typically routed near the engine and chain assembly, exposing them to potential damage from heat, sharp edges, and mechanical components. The present disclosure aims to address this issue by providing a solution that guides the cables through the sprocket cover using integrated features such as guide walls and hole clips. This ensures proper routing, minimizes the risk of damage,
5 and eliminates the need for additional guiding components, thereby streamlining the assembly process and reducing costs. [00040]
According to the above architecture, the cables are properly routed through the side cover member using minimal number of holding members. This ensures proper routing without any fouling on chain assembly or any shaft edges on the engine 10 and frame assembly thereby improves the safety characteristics of the vehicle. Additionally, the use of manual number of holding members provides ease of assembly and serviceability, thereby reducing the production cost and weight of the vehicle. Further, the routing mechanism is provided on the other side of the side cover member, which is not visible to the user, thereby improving the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. 15
[00041] The claimed invention addresses a specific technical problem in the field of motorcycle engineering/two wheeler engineering and provides an efficient and safe routing of electrical cables in close proximity to the engine and chain assembly. The present disclosure provides a concrete and tangible solution by integrating guide walls and hole clips directly into the sprocket cover, thereby improving cable routing and 20 minimizing the risk of damage.
[00042] Furthermore, the present disclosure involves a technical approach for cable routing that departs from conventional methods. While conventional techniques may involve the use of additional guiding components such as brackets or clips, the claimed invention uniquely utilizes the sprocket cover/side cover member as a housing for the 25 cables and integrates guiding features directly into the cover itself to solve the technical problem at hand, resulting in a solution that offers multiple technical advantages over existing methods.
[00043] The above-described embodiments, and particularly any “preferred” embodiments, are possible examples of implementations and merely set forth for a 30 clear understanding of the principles of the invention. It will be apparent to those
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skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
List of Reference
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100 Vehicle
101 Frame assembly
102 Side cover member
102A First surface
102B Second surface 10
102C Projected portions
102CA Openings in projected portions
102D Circumferential wall
102EU Upper cutout 15
102EL Lower cutout
102F Lateral projections
102G Mounting portions
102GA Openings in mounting portions 20
103A Gear position sensor
103B Side stand switch
104 Cables
105 Holding members
106 Rotatable member 25
107 Endless transmission
108 Prime mover , Claims:We Claim:
1. A side cover member (102), said side cover member (102) comprising:
a first surface (102A) and
a second surface (102B),
wherein said second surface (102B) being configured to have 5 one or more projected portions (102C), said one or more projected portions (102C) being extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said second surface (102B), and
one or more cables (104) being guided by said one or more projected portions (102C). 10
2. The side cover member (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more projected portions (102C) being configured to have one or more openings (102CA), said one or more openings (102CA) being configured to receive a portion of one or more holding members (105).
3. The side cover member (102) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said 15 holding member (105) being connected to said one or more projected portions (102C) and configured to guide one or more cables (104).
4. The side cover member (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first surface (102A) or said second surface (102B) being surrounded by a circumferential wall (102D), said circumferential wall 20 (102D) includes an upper cutout (102EU) and a lower cutout (102EL) for routing one or more cables (104) through said side covers (102).
5. The side cover member (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said side cover member (102) includes one or more lateral projections (102F) being provided adjacent to said upper cutout (102EU) and said lower cutout 25 (102EU) to guide said one or more cables (104).
6. The side cover member (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more mounting portions (102G) extends radially from said circumferential wall (102D).
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7.The side cover member (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein saidmounting portions (102G) includes one or more openings (102GA), saidopenings (102GA) being configured to receive fasteners to detachablyconnect to said side cover member (102) to a structural member (101).
8.The side cover member (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said side5 cover member (102) being configured to enclose one or more rotatablemembers.
9.A saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a structural member (101),
a side cover member (102), 10
wherein said side cover member (102) being configured to enclose one or more rotatable member (106), and
wherein said side cover member (102) being configured to guide one or more cables (104).
10.The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said one15 or more cables (104) connects at least one of a gear position switch (103A)or a side stand switch (103B) to at least one of an energy source or a controlunit, wherein said gear position switch (103A) and said side stand switch(103B) being positioned substantially below the rotatable member (106).