DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to an automotive industry, more particularly relates to a rear frame assembly for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, vehicles are provided with a frame member, which acts as a main supporting structure or a load bearing structure for the vehicle. Typically, in vehicles such as two or three-wheeled vehicles, the frame member is divided into a front frame and a rear frame. Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle, the vehicle frame assembly acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. The front frame of the frame assembly connects to a front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends rearward of the vehicle, where a rear wheel is connected to the rear frame through a swing arm structure.
[0003] In conventional two or three wheeled vehicles, the rear frame is fabricated and is attached to the front frame using mounting leads through fasteners. However, the fabricated rear frame is typically larger in size and may be associated with a larger number of child parts. Moreover, the fabricated rear frame may enhance welding complexities, thereby making the frame member heavier. Consequently, overall vehicle weight is also increased, which is undesirable.
[0004] To overcome the limitations imposed by the fabricated rear frame, the rear frame of the vehicle may be made as an aluminum cast frame. The aluminum cast frame enhances aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, while also reducing weight of the frame member. However, the overall cost to weight ratio increases when the whole of the rear frame is made from aluminum. Moreover, the overall aluminum cast rear frame aesthetic exposure ratio is also reduced, as half of the aluminum cast frame is only exposed. Additionally, it is challenging to service and manufacture the aluminum cast rear fame due to higher length of the cast member and also due to higher tooling cost. Furthermore, modularity in the aluminum cast rear frame is limited, thereby inhibiting customization in the vehicle.
[0005] Thus, there is a need for a frame assembly of a vehicle which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.
[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 5 country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
SUMMARY
[0007] The following summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description
[0008] Aspects of the present invention pertains to a rear frame assembly may include a first member, a second member and one or more connecting members may be detachably connected to the first member and the second member. In an aspect, the at least one of the first member and the second member may be composed of a first material and the one or more connecting members may be composed of a second material.
[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the first material may be aluminum or alloy of Aluminium and the second material being a metal material.
[00010] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the first member and second member may include a first surface may include a plurality of step portions and a second surface may include a plurality of mounting portions and at least one slot.
[00011] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to at least one of one or more connecting members may be secured to the plurality of step portions of the first surface of the first member and the second member.
[00012] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the one or more connecting members may be adapted to bridge the first member and the second member.
[00013] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the one or more connecting members may be adapted to receive one or more vehicular components.
[00014] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to a frame assembly may include a front frame assembly and a rear frame assembly. The front frame assembly may be detachably connected to the rear frame assembly, the rear frame assembly may include a first member, a second member and one or more connecting members may be detachably connected to the first member and the second member. In an aspect, the at least one of the first member and the second member may be made out of a first material and the one or more connecting members may be made out of a second material.
[00015] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the front frame member may include a plurality of mounting provisions to accommodate an attaching means to detachably connect the rear frame assembly.
[00016] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the first member and second member may include a first surface may be a plurality of step portions. A second surface may include a plurality of mounting portions, at least one connecting portion and at least one slot.
[00017] Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the rear frame assembly may include adapted to adapted to receive one or more vehicular components.
[00018] Further, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference features and components.
[00020] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
[00021] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
[00022] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a rear frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
[00023] Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of a rear frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
[00024] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of a frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
[00025] Fig.6 illustrates a cut section view of a front portion of the rear frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
[00026] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00027] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit is indicated by the following claims.
[00028] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a rear frame assembly of a vehicle along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00029] In the present embodiment, the directions “front”, “rear”, “right” and “left” are considered with reference to the two-wheeled vehicle. Accordingly, “front” refers to a front direction, “rear” refers to a rear direction, “right” refers to a right direction and “left” refers to a left direction of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00030] The present invention pertains to a frame assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the frame assembly for a saddle type vehicle, which may be a motorcycle, scooter, or trike. The frame assembly is modular, cost-effective, and light, while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
[00031] The object of the present invention is to improve the durability of the frame assembly of a vehicle.
[00032] Another object of the present invention is to improve handling and maneuverability of the vehicle.
[00033] Referring to Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
[00034] As illustrated, a frame assembly 100 is provided for a vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 can be a two wheeled saddle or straddle type vehicle, a three wheeled saddle or straddle type vehicle, or a multiple wheeled saddle or straddle type vehicle. In yet another embodiment, the frame assembly 100 can be a backbone type frame, or a backbone type frame having detachable rear frame, a trellis frame, a single cradle or a double cradle frame having detachable rear frame. Further, the frame assembly 100 include a front frame assembly 101 and a rear frame assembly 106. In an embodiment, the front frame assembly 101 and the rear frame assembly 106 is detachably connected to the rear frame assembly 106. The front frame assembly 101 and the rear frame assembly 106 is connected via fasteners. In an aspect, the frame assembly 100 can be an assembled with more than two frame assemblies.
[00035] As shown, the front frame assembly 101 include a head member 102. In an embodiment, the head member 102 has a circular cross-section (when viewed from a top of the head member 102). The head member 102 is adapted to accommodate a steering assembly (not shown). Further, the front frame assembly 101 include a top member 104. The top member 104 extends in a rear direction from the head member 102. In an embodiment, the front frame assembly 104 include a single top member 104. In another embodiment, the front frame assembly 104 can include a multiple top member 104. The top member 104 include a rear end 104a. In an aspect, the rear end 104a include a plurality of mounting provisions 104ab, 206L. Furthermore, the front frame assembly 101 include a down member 105. The down member 105 is extending downwardly rearwardly from the head member 102. In an embodiment, the front frame assembly 104 include a single down member 105. In another embodiment, the front frame assembly 104 can include multiple top member 105.
[00036] As illustrated in fig. 1, the frame assembly 100 include the rear frame assembly 106. The rear frame assembly 106 include one or more members 108, 110, 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d. The one or more members 108, 110, 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d include a first member 108, a second member 110, and one or more connecting members 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d. In an embodiment, the one or more connecting members 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d is detachably connected to the first member 108 and the second member 110. In an aspect, the connecting members 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d is connected via a plurality of fasteners to the first member 108 and the second member 110. In another embodiment, the first member 108 is a left side member of the rear frame assembly 106 and the second member 110 is a right-side member of the rear frame assembly 110.
[00037] Referring to Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
[00038] As illustrated, the vehicle 10 include the front frame assembly 101 and the rear frame assembly 106. The rear frame assembly 106 include a plurality of mounting provisions 202L, 202R. In an embodiment, the first member 108 and the second member 110 include the plurality of mounting provisions 202R, 202L. In an embodiment, the first member 108 include the plurality of mounting provisions 202L and the second member 110 include the plurality of mounting provisions 202R. In a working example, the mounting provisions 202L, 202R of the first member 108 and the second member 110 is configured to coincide over the mounting provisions 206L, 206R of the top member 104.
[00039] Referring Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a rear frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
[00040] As illustrated, the rear frame assembly 106 include the first member 108 and the second member 110. In an embodiment, the first member 108 and the second member 110 is manufactured out of a first material. Further the rear frame assembly 106 include the one or more connecting members 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d. In an embodiment, the one or more connecting members 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d is manufactured out of a second material.
[00041] In a working example, the first material is aluminum, or alloy of aluminum and the second material being a metal material.
[00042] Further, the first member 108 include a first surface 108a and a second surface 108b. In an embodiment, the first surface 108a is perpendicular to the second surface 108b (when looked from a top view). In yet another embodiment, the first surface 108a extends from the second surface 108b in a vehicle central axis (not shown) direction. Furthermore, the second member 110 include a first surface 110a and a second surface 110b. In an embodiment, the first surface 110a is perpendicular to the second surface 110b (when looked from a top view). In yet another embodiment, the first surface 110a extends from the second surface 110b in a vehicle central axis (not shown) direction. Furthermore, the first surface 108a and the second surface 108b of the first member 108 include a plurality of step portions 108aa and the second surface 110 include a plurality of step portions 110aa, 110ab. In an embodiment, the plurality of step portions 108aa, 110aa, 110ab is adapted to have a plurality of mounting holes.
[00043] In a working example, the connecting members 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d is connected to the plurality of step portions 108aa, 110aa, 110ab of the first member 108 and the second member 110 and the connecting members 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d is adapted to bridge the first member 106 and the second member 110.
[00044] As shown, the first member 108 and the second member 110 include at least one slot 204L, 204R and at least one connecting portions 208L, 208R, 210L, 210R. Further, the connecting members 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d include a first connecting member 111a, a second connecting member 111b, a third connecting member 111c, and a fourth connecting member 111d. Furthermore, the first connecting member 111a is configured to have a at least one mounting hole 111aa. In an embodiment, the at least one mounting hole 111aa is in a center of the first connecting member 111a. In yet another embodiment, the first connecting member 111a is in a front end of the first member 108 and the second member 110. As shown, the second connecting member 111b include a plurality of holding member 111bb and at least one bracket 111ba. In an embodiment, the at least one bracket 111ba is provided in a center of the plurality of holding member 111bb. As shown in Fig, 3, the third connecting member 111c and the fourth connecting member 111d include a plurality of mounting cavity 111ca, 111da.
[00045] In a non-limiting example, the second connecting member 111b include a flat surface to mount the at least one bracket 111ba and the plurality of holding members 111bb.
[00046] Referring to Fig. 4 in conjunction with fig. 5 and fig. 6 illustrates a front view of a rear frame assembly, a top view of a frame assembly and a cut section view of a front portion of the rear frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
[00047] The first member 108 and the second member 110 of the rear frame assembly 106 is configured to have acute profile. The actuate profile provides storage volume to keep articles below a seat assembly 700A, 700B. Further, the first member 108 and the second member 110 include at least one cut out 600L, 600R. In an embodiment, the at least one cut-out 600L, 600R is a substantially V-shaped cut-out for defining a fork-like structure of the rear frame assembly 106. The cut-out 600L, 600R is configured such that it provides clearance for a suspension assembly (not shown). More specifically, the clearance is provided for the mono-shock suspension (not shown) provided at an offset from a longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle 100.
[00048] As shown, from the cut-out 600R, 600L, the rear frame assembly 106 is configured with a tapered section to form a pointed structure towards the joinery of the rear frame assembly 106 and the front frame assembly 101. Further, the pointed structure enhances the aesthetic appeal of the frame assembly 100, while providing the requirement of the structural rigidity to the frame assembly 100. Moreover, the pointed structure maximizes the material utilization for achieving the required structural rigidity of the frame assembly 100. Further, it provides clearance for the interfacing sub-systems like suspension assembly (not shown).
[00049] In an embodiment, the first connecting member 111a is configured to receive a first seat latch support member (not shown). The first seat latch support member (not shown) is adapted to engage with a first seat latch of the seat (not shown). Thus, the first seat latch support member (not shown) also ensures attachment of the seat with the frame assembly 100.
[00050] In yet another embodiment, the first seat latch support member (not shown) engages with the first seat latch of the seat through conventional engagement techniques known the art such as the fastening technique. Further, the second connecting member 111b or the third connecting member 111c comprises a second seat latch support member (not shown). The second seat latch support member (not shown) is adapted to engage with a second seat latch of the seat (not shown). Thus, the second seat latch support member (not shown) also ensures attachment of the seat with the frame assembly 100. In an embodiment, the second seat latch support member (not shown) engages with the second seat latch (not shown) of the seat through conventional engagement techniques known the art such as the fastening technique.
[00051] Referring to Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a frame assembly, in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.
[00052] In an embodiment, the one or more brackets 111ba, 111bb is mounted on the second connecting member 111b. The one or more brackets 111ba, 111bb is configured to support one or more vehicular components like the seat assembly 700A, 700B . More specifically, a portion of the pillion user seat 700A engages with the one or more brackets 111ba, 111bb to arrest the unintentional movement. Additionally, the fourth connecting member 111d is configured to have a tail lamp (not shown) and side cover mounting provisions (not shown).
[00053] The present invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the aspect of the rear frame assembly comprising the first member and second member is made of the aluminum cast structure, and the connecting member is made by one of the fabricated steel structures. The cast structure makes the rear frame assembly lighter. Consequently, the frame assembly is lighter. Additionally, only the exposed part of the rear frame assembly is made from the aluminum cast structure, instead of the entire rear frame assembly. Thus, the cost of making the rear frame assembly is considerably reduced, while also enhancing aesthetic appeal of the frame assembly. Moreover, the front frame assembly, the rear frame assembly being connectable to form the frame assembly, makes the frame assembly modular. Further, the arcuate shaped profile of the first and second member provides an increased storage volume below the seat assembly without affecting the vehicle dynamics.
[00054] The present invention solves the technical problem of providing a lightweight frame assembly manufactured by a combination of casting and fabrication. The first and second member being manufactured using a casting light weight material which meets the essential aesthetic requirements of a user. The present invention provides the rear frame which is lighter than conventional frame assembly being used in the current vehicles. The frame assembly being provided by the present invention also improves the torsional and lateral stiffness of the frame assembly, improving the support for the vehicle. The rear frame assembly is configured to have varying cross-sections. The varying cross-sections provide a reduction of the weight of the rear frame assembly. The reduction in material leads to a reduction in weight, which in turn improves the performance of the vehicle.
[00055] embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[00056] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00057] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope as indicated by the following claims.
[00058] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the system and method have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.

REFERENCE NUMERIALS
10-vehicle 208R- connecting portion
100- frame assembly 208L- connecting portion
101- front frame assembly 210L- connecting portion
102- head member 204L, R- slot
104- top member 206L-mouting provision
104a- rear member 700A-vehicular component
104ab-mounting portions 700B-vehicular component
105-down member 202R-mounting portions
106- rear frame assembly
108- first member
108a-first surface
108aa-step portions
108b-second surface
110- second member
110b-second surface
111a-first connecting member
111b-second connecting member
111ba-bracket
111bb-holding member
111c-third connecting member
111d-fourth connecting member
112-attaching means
202L-mounting portion ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A rear frame assembly (106) comprising:
a first member (108);
a second member (110);
one or more connecting members (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d) being detachably connected to the first member (108) and the second member (110);
wherein the at least one of the first member (108) and the second member (110) being composed of a first material; and
the one or more connecting members (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d) being composed of a second material.

2. The rear frame assembly (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first material being aluminum or alloy of aluminum and the second material being a metal material.

3. The rear frame assembly (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (108) and second member (110) comprises:
a first surface (108a, 110a), the first surface (108a, 110a) comprises a plurality of step portions (108aa, 110aa);
a second surface (108b, 110b), the second surface (108b, 110b) comprises a plurality of mounting portions (202L, 202R), at least one connecting portion (208L, 210L, 208R, 210R); and at least one slot (204L, 204R).

4. The rear frame assembly (106) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of one or more connecting members (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d) being secured to the plurality of step portions (108aa, 110aa) of the first surface (108a, 110a) of the first member (108) and the second member (110).

5. The rear frame assembly (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more connecting members (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d) being adapted to bridge the first member (106) and the second member (110).

6. The rear frame assembly (106) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more connecting members (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d) being adapted to receive one or more vehicular components (700A, 700B).

7. A frame assembly (100) comprising:
a front frame assembly (101); and
a rear frame assembly (106), the front frame assembly (101) being detachably connected to the rear frame assembly (106);
the rear frame assembly (106) comprising:
a first member (108);
a second member (110);
one or more connecting members (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d) being detachably connected to the first member (108) and the second member (110); wherein
the at least one of the first member (108) and the second member (110) being made out of a first material; and
the one or more connecting members (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d) made out of a second material.

8. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the front frame member (101) comprises: a plurality of mounting provisions (206L) to accommodate an attaching means (112) to detachably connect the rear frame assembly (106).

9. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first member (108) and second member (110) comprises:
a first surface (108a, 110a), the first surface (108a, 110a) comprises a plurality of step portions (108aa, 110aa);
a second surface (108b, 110b), the second surface (108b, 110b) comprises a plurality of mounting portions (202L, 202R), at least one connecting portion (208L, 210L, 208R, 210R), and at least one slot (204L, 204R).

10. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rear frame assembly (106) being adapted to adapted to receive one or more vehicular components (700A, 700B).