Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively to control unit disposed in the vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In the automotive sector there has been a growing dependency on control units or controller, or other forms of control systems being provided in the vehicle. These control units are ingrained with a specific task and operate towards ensuring user or rider convenience, comfort, safety as well as improving the overall vehicle performance. The numerous control systems or power systems deployed in the vehicle monitor the performance of various ongoing processes and diagnose and control faults accruing for improve automotive performance and safety. The safety facets of present-day technology lead to packaging of several electrical components in the compact vehicle layout to ascertain, monitor, diagnose and control the vehicle operations. [0003] The control units, also referred to as electronic control unit or electronic control module is an embedded system configured to control one or more electrical systems and subsystems in the vehicle. Common examples of control units used in vehicles include engine control unit, powertrain control unit, transmission control unit, brake control unit, vehicle control unit, suspension control unit, body control unit, battery management system and motor control unit to name a few. [0004] In a compact saddle type vehicle such as observed in but not limited to scooters, trikes and motorcycles while dependency on the electronic control units remain the same, the packaging of the same in a compact layout becomes challenging. Compact vehicle layouts such as in saddle type vehicles packaging of electrical components plays a crucial role in balancing of the vehicle dynamics as well as vehicle performance. The frame assembly of a saddle type vehicle typically comprises a front frame structure and a rear frame structure. The front frame structure and the rear frame structure may be integrated to form the frame assembly and define the length of the vehicle. The front frame structure may comprise a head tube with a main frame member extending rearwardly from the head tube and 30
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25 connecting to the rear frame structure. The rear frame structure may comprise a pair of seat rails which extend from the main frame structure. [0005] The challenges in disposition of the control units are severe in compact vehicle layouts owing to limited space whilst ensuring vehicle performance and dynamics be maintained. For instance, it is preferred that the control unit be in vicinity of the target actuator or sub-system which the control unit operates with in view of limiting transmission losses for optimizing the vehicle performance. However, the power delivery and elaborate functionality of the target sub-system may not permit disposition of the control unit in its close vicinity, or the frame assembly of the vehicle may not leave any space for accommodation of the control unit. [0006] An additional concern while disposition of control units in the vehicle layout relate to the maintenance of vehicle dynamics. The disposition of bulky control units away from a centre of mass of the vehicle or leading to formation of an unsprung mass or bending moment disrupts the vehicle dynamics or stability. [0007] Therefore, the accommodation of multiple functioning elements including the control units and subsystems of the automobile within the limited frame without affecting the ergonomics and relative motion between the various parts of a machine, and forces which act on them is a cumbersome task. The position of the functioning elements will affect the serviceability as well as the weight distribution within the vehicle. [0008] Conventionally in two wheelers, the prime mover and its associated control units are disposed in proximity of the prime mover through various fitments in the front portion of the vehicle. This known configuration tends to clutter the front portion of the vehicle leading to servicing and maintenance issues. Additionally, the provision of fitments increases the overall vehicle weight leading to adverse impacts on the power to weight ratio of the vehicle. Furthermore, owing to market requirements of high power and high torque transmission performance, the prime mover size gets bulkier making disposition of control units in its vicinity non-permissible. 30
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[0009] In electric and hybrid vehicle layouts employing energy storage units such as battery packs, the accommodation of the bulky energy storage units in a compact vehicle layout such as in saddle type vehicles is a cumbersome task. Further, in view of ensuring higher vehicle performance and range of distance travelled, the traction battery used as energy storage units are made bulkier to suit the vehicle performance specifications. The disposition of bulky energy storage units compromises the location of other vehicle components and even utility space in the vehicle. [00010] Therefore, there arises a need in the automotive industry addressing the secure location and efficient packaging of the control units in the vehicle layout. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings. SUMMARY [00011] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprising a frame assembly. The frame assembly comprises a front frame portion and a rear frame portion. The front frame portion and the rear frame portion being separated by a central axis perpendicular to a vehicle longitudinal direction, and wherein a control unit being disposed in a pre-defined region of the front frame portion. [00012] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle, the front frame portion comprising a head tube member disposed in a vehicle front portion; and one or more main frame members extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head tube member up to the central axis. [00013] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. A portion of the main frame member being configured to have one or more slots and one or more openings.
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5 10 15 20 25 [00014] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The pre-defined region of disposition of the control unit 110 being defined between a steering axis Y-Y’ and said central axis (X-X’). [00015] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The control unit being communicatively coupled to at least one of one or more energy storage units, a transmission unit and one or more electrical components disposed in the vehicle. [00016] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The one or more energy storage units and a transmission unit being provided in the front frame portion of the vehicle, and wherein the control unit being communicatively coupled to at least one of the one or more energy storage units, the transmission unit and one or more electrical components disposed in the vehicle. [00017] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The control unit being disposed above the one or more energy storage units and the transmission unit, wherein one or more connectors extending from the one or more energy storage units and the transmission unit being routed to connect to the control unit disposed in the front frame portion. [00018] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The front frame portion being configured to receive said energy storage unit from a side direction of the vehicle, wherein the pre-defined region of disposition of the control unit being above the energy storage unit and behind of the head tube disposed in the front portion of the vehicle. [00019] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle The control unit being configured to have one or more mounting yokes, said one or more mounting yokes being configured to have one or more openings adapted to receive one or more attachment means to detachably connect the control unit to the main frame member.
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5 10 15 20 25 [00020] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The main frame member being disposed ahead of a seat assembly and behind said head tube. [00021] The foregoing 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00022] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention. [00023] Figure 1(a) illustrates a side view of the vehicle with the control unit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [00024] Figure 2 (a) illustrates a top view of the frame assembly of the vehicle with the control unit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [00025] Figure 2(b) illustrates a magnified localized view and an exploded view of the vehicle in accordance with some other embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00026] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the system may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
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5 10 15 20 25 [00027] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. [00028] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. [00029] The present invention is illustrated with a two wheeled saddle type vehicle. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the present illustration and certain features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention can be used with other vehicles such as a motorcycle, scooter, a step-through vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle, a multi-axle saddle type vehicle, trikes, a tadpole mobility solution or other forms of two wheeled, three wheeled vehicle or multi-axle vehicles in the automotive industry facing the same technical problem. [00030] It is an objective of the present subject matter to provide a secure location for a control unit in a compact vehicle layout. [00031] A compact vehicle layout such as in two wheeled vehicles provide limited space for accommodation of control units. Further, in order to achieve a higher packaging efficiency multiple control units otherwise tasked with specific operations may be integrated to for a single unit. The integration of multiple operations in a single control unit may lead to a bulkier control unit whose accommodation in a compact vehicle layout is challenging.
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[00032] Known arts tend to dispose the bulky control units off-set to vehicle central axis via a bracket relative to the prime mover, leading to disruption of vehicle dynamics. The packaging of the integrated control unit in an already congested location of the prime mover not only affects serviceability but also creates an unsprung mass which disrupts vehicle dynamics. [00033] The present subject matter addresses the same drawbacks otherwise faced by engineers in packaging of integrated control units securely in a compact vehicle layout. The present subject matter provides a front frame portion of the frame assembly configured to receive the control unit such that its location with reference to the prime mover remains minimum without any disruption of vehicle dynamics. [00034] It is an object of the present subject matter to reliably mount one or more control unit in saddle type vehicle without affecting the vehicle dynamics. [00035] The control unit or the integrated control unit, hereinafter referred to interchangeably as control unit, comprises several sensitive electronic circuits, sensors and other components. These sensitive components of the control unit ought to be protected against external impacts or vibrations transmitted onto the vehicle through rugged terrains. The present subject matter provides a secure disposition of the control unit in the front frame portion especially at an optimum distance from the ground surface thereby protecting the control unit from the mud splash etc. Further, the control unit is mounted on a top surface of the front frame portion at an inclined state which avoid water stagnation in case of water ingression, thereby improving the durability of the control unit. [00036] Additionally, the disclosed location of the control unit in the pre-defined region is sheltered from powertrain components such as the transmission unit. Therefore no interference or potential interference of vehicle components relative to the control unit in the pre-defined region are observed. [00037] It is objective of the present disclosure to securely package the control unit in the vehicle such that transmission losses and signal lags or system latency may be minimized.
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[00038] In an aspect, the control unit as per the present disclosure is communicatively connected to at least one of the energy storage unit and the transmission unit of the vehicle. The energy storage unit is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle while the transmission unit may be disposed behind the one or more energy storage units. The one or more connectors connecting the control unit to the one or more energy storage units or transmission unit are high tension cables where an increased length may lead to higher transmission losses and signal lags. The present disclosure provides an optimal location of the control unit in the vehicle where the length of the one or more connectors are optimized to support vehicle performance. Importantly, the control unit is positioned above the energy storage units and the transmission unit thereby reducing the increased length of high tension cables. [00039] It is an object of the present subject matter to improve serviceability and maintenance of the control unit. [00040] To this end, the disclosed disposition of the control unit in the pre-defined region of the frame assembly in a front frame portion ensures that the control unit be protected against external impacts yet be accessible for serviceability. The control unit comprisesmounting provisions more specially mounting yokes through which fastening units emerging from the control unit are engaged with the frame assembly. The fastening units may be disengaged from a top portion of the vehicle or from a bottom portion. It is desirable to ensure that the control unit be accessible for serviceability and yet in an inconspicuous location to avoid theft. [00041] Advantageously, the provision of directly mounting the control unit on the main frame member composed of aluminium increases the heat dissipation. The direct mounting requires minimal modification in the frame therefore it is economical for the OEMs to create variants of different configuration. [00042] The present disclosure by elimination of support members in the front frame portion and brackets for mounting multiple control units, yields an improve power to weight ratio. The elimination of multiple brackets reduces overall part
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count and component weight therefore improving the power to weight ratio and reducing overall cost associated with the vehicle layout. [00043] In an embodiment, the control unit is integrated with a sensing unit. The sensing unit may be, but not limited to, a signal conditioning unit, a signal transceiver, an inertial measurement unit, an accelerometer, a geofencing unit, or a gyroscope. The integration of the control unit with the sensing unit in association with the disclosed location improves signal transmission and reception in adjudging at least the vehicle location and orientation. Further, the integration of sensing units with the control unit eliminates the requirement of additional brackets in mounting of the sensing unit whilst maintaining functional sanctity. [00044] In an aspect, the present subject matter addresses concerns of ventilation and thermal regulation pertinent to the control unit. [00045] As per a preferred embodiment, the control unit is disposed on the top surface of the main frame member which is not hindered by the energy storage unit. In an embodiment, the mounting portion on the main frame is provided with rib like projections functioning as heat radiating units or fins to expedite cooling of the control unit. Further, in an alternate embodiment, the support member is disposed on the top surface of the main frame member which can be used to mount the control unit on the main frame member. [00046] It is an object of the present subject matter to securely protect the control unit against any ingress of mud, water, dust or rain. [00047] The control unit is positioned above the energy storage unit which are laterally wider in configuration as compared to the control unit thereby adequately covers the control unit from the mud splash. The disclosed configuration shelters the control unit against potential water, dust or rain ingress from the bottom portion of the vehicle. [00048] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.
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5 10 15 20 25 [00049] 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. [00050] The present subject matter may be implemented in any form of automobile. However, for the purpose of explanation and by no limitation, the present invention, and corresponding additional advantages and features are described through the following embodiments depicting a two wheeled vehicle. [00051] Figure 1(a) illustrates a side view of the vehicle with the control unit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [00052] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 comprises a frame assembly 102 extending along a vehicle length and comprising a front frame portion 102F and a rear frame portion 102R separated by a central axis XX’. In an embodiment, the central axis XX’ passes through a mid-point of the vehicle 100 dividing the vehicle length into two equal halves. In another embodiment, the central axis XX’ may indicate a region at which the front frame portion 102F connects to the rear frame portion 102R. In an aspect, the central axis XX’ is perpendicular to a vehicle longitudinal direction F-R. [00053] In an aspect, the frame assembly 102 of the vehicle 100 comprises a headtube member 104. The headtube member 104 may be disposed either perpendicular or inclinedly upwards to the ground surface of the vehicle 100 and is configured to support the handlebar assembly 118 at a top portion and connect to the one or more front wheels of the vehicle 100 through a front suspension assembly (not shown) at a bottom portion. The steering action of the handlebar assembly 118 is transmitted onto the one or more front wheels via the headtube member 104. In an embodiment, a steering rod connecting the handlebar assembly 118 to at least one of the one or more front wheels and the front suspension assembly passes 30
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5 10 15 20 25 through the head tube member 104. The front portion F of the vehicle 100 comprises at least a handlebar assembly 118 connected to the one or more front wheels of the vehicle 100 and at least a portion of the front frame portion 102F. [00054] In an aspect, the front frame portion 102F includes a headtube member 104 and one or more main frame members 106. The one or more main frame members 106 extend rearwardly from the head tube member 104. In an embodiment, the one or more main frame members 106 may extend inclinedly and rearwardly towards the central axis XX’. The one or more main frame members 106 forms the front portion F of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the one or more main frame members 106 comprise a left main frame member and a right main frame member extending from the head tube member 104. The left main frame member and the right main frame member may diverge from the head tube member 104 when extending rearwardly as viewed from a top view of the vehicle 100 and connect to the rear frame portion 102R at a rear portion of the left main frame member and the right main frame member. In another embodiment, the left main frame member and the right main frame member are laterally off-set to each other and maintain the lateral distance as they extend rearwardly and join the rear frame portion 102R. In another embodiment, the one or more main frame members 106 comprises a single member of greater diameter or thickness to compensate for stiffness aspects of the frame assembly 102 comprising the left main frame member and the right main frame member. In an aspect, the single member may integrate aspects of the left main frame member and the right main frame member. The single member may extend rearwardly from the headtube member 104 to connect to the rear frame portion 102R. [00055] In an aspect, the front frame portion 102F may comprise one or more downtube members extending inclinedly downward and rearwardly from the headtube member 104 below the one or more main frame members 106. In an aspect, the one or more downtube members extend inclinedly upto the central axis XX’ where a rear portion of the one or more downtube members are joined to the rear frame member portion 102R. In another aspect, the one or more downtube 30
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members extend inclinedly downward from a front portion of the one or more main frame member 106. In an embodiment, the one or more main frame member 106 and the one or more downtube members are integrated with the headtube member 132 to form a single front frame structure. [00056] In an embodiment, the one or more downtube members comprises a left downtube member and a right downtube member. The left downtube member and the right downtube member may extend downwards whilst maintaining a lateral off-set distance, the left downtube member and the right downtube member then extends rearwardly joining the rear frame portion 102R. In another embodiment the left downtube member and the right downtube member are integrated to form a single downtube member satiating the stiffness requirements of the frame assembly 102 to support the weight of the one or more energy storage units 108 disposed in the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, a tray member is mounted between the left downtube member and the right downtube member over which the one or more energy storage units 108 are disposed. In another embodiment, the one or more downtube members forms a cradle structure with the one or more downtube members first extending downwards perpendicularly to the ground surface, and then extending rearwardly parallel to the ground surface. The one or more downtube members forming a cradle structure may support the one or more energy storage units 108. [00057] In an aspect, the one or more energy storage units 108 of the vehicle 100 is disposed in a region between the one or more main frame members 106 and the one or more downtube members 134. In another aspect, the one or more energy storage units 108 are mounted and supported by the one or more main frame members 106 or a portion of the front frame portion 102F. [00058] In an embodiment, the front frame portion 102F of the vehicle 100 comprising at least one of the head tube member 104, the one or more main frame members 106 and the one or more downtube members form a backbone frame structure. In an alternate embodiment, the front frame portion 102F comprising at least one of the head tube member 104, the one or more main frame members 106 30
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and the one or more downtube members may form a trellis frame structure having multiple cross members connecting the one or more main frame member 106 to the one or more downtube members. [00059] In an aspect, a rear portion of the one or more main frame members 106 and the rear portion of the one or more downtube members are connected by a joining member 114. The joining member 114 may be disposed in vicinity of the central axis XX’. In another aspect, the rear portion of the one or more main frame members 106 extend downwards towards the rear portion of the one or more downtube members in vicinity of the central axis XX’. The rear portion of the one or more main frame members 106 may now be directly connected to the rear portion of the one or more downtube members eliminating the requirement of the joining member 114. [00060] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 depicted in Figure 1 relates to an electric driven vehicle including a hybrid vehicle. The one or more energy storage units 108 relates to a plurality of electrochemical cells configured to convert the stored electrical energy into mechanical work. The one or more energy storage units 108 are connected to a vehicle transmission system depicted by the transmission unit 112 comprising a motor unit. The motor unit may be coupled to a driving wheel of the vehicle 100 such as the one or more rear wheels of the vehicle 100. [00061]While the one or more energy storage units 108 are disposed in the front portion F of the vehicle 100 in the front frame portion, the transmission unit 112 may be disposed in vicinity of the central axis XX’ behind the one or more energy storage units 112. In an aspect, the transmission unit 112 may be equivalent to a swing arm of assembly of the vehicle 100. In another aspect, the transmission unit 112 comprises a dc-dc converter. [00062] In an aspect, the transmission unit 112 is disposed in the front frame portion 102F. The transmission unit 112 may be mounted via at least one of the one or more main frame members 106 and the joining member 114. The transmission unit 112 is disposed ahead of the joining member 114 and below the one or more main frame member 106. 30
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[00063]
Figure 2 (a) illustrates a top view of the frame assembly of the vehicle with the control unit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00064]
Figure 2(b) illustrates a magnified localized view and an exploded view of the vehicle in accordance with some other embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00065]
For sake of brevity, Figure 2(a)and Figure 2(b) will be discussed together.5 10 15 20 25
[00066]With reference to Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b), As per an embodiment, a top surface of the main frame member 106 being configured to have one or more slots 106S and one or more openings 106M. The openings 106M are configured to receive one or more fastener to detachably attach the control unit 110 to the frame assembly 102. As per another embodiment, the control unit 110 is attached to the side portion of the main frame member 106 using fasteners. As per one implementation, the control unit 110 is attached to the main frame member 106 using adhesives. [00067] In one implementation, the control unit 110 is configured to have one or more mounting yokes 110S. The mounting yokes 110S are configured to have one or more openings. The opening is configured to receive one or more fastener to detachably connect the control unit 110 to the main frame member 106 of the frame assembly 102. [00068] Further, the pre-defined region is above the energy storage unit and the power train of the vehicle 100, and between the head tube 104 and the seat assembly to protect the control unit 110 against any potential ingress of mud, water, rain and even interference from the other sub systems. [00069] Further, in a compact vehicle layout the vehicle components such as suspension, powertrain and prime mover is compactly packaged in the front portion of the vehicle, the disclosed disposition of the control unit 110 in the pre-defined region isolates any undue interference of the vehicle components with the control unit 110. [00070] In an aspect, the pre-defined region is ahead of the rider seat. In another aspect, the pre-defined region is ahead of the central axis XX’ in vicinity of the
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5 10 15 20 25 centre of mass of the vehicle 100. In the event, the control unit 110 comprises sensors such as an inertial measurement unit, an accelerometer or a gyroscope which are configured to sense roll, yaw and pitch the disposition of the control unit 110 in the pre-defined region in vicinity of the centre of mass (which also maps with the centre of gravity) of the vehicle, the accuracy of sensing is improved along the x, y, z axes. In an alternate aspect, when the control unit 110 comprises a telematics unit, a transceiver, a receiver or a geofencing module the disposition of the control unit 110 in the pre-defined region in vicinity of the centre of gravity improves the signal transmission characteristics. In an aspect, the pre-defined region is ahead of a pillion seat of the vehicle 100. [00071] In an embodiment, the control unit 110 may comprise at least one of current regulating circuit, voltage regulating circuit, battery management system, current and voltage rectification circuit, temperature sensors and a current breakage circuit. [00072] In an aspect, the control unit 110 may additionally include components such as but not limited to circuit breakers, relays and regulation circuits pertinent to other electrical sub-systems of the vehicle 100 and the low voltage wiring harness of the vehicle 100. The low voltage wiring harness is configured to connect electrical components of the vehicle 100 such as but not limited to control units, lighting units, horn, telematics unit, sensors. In another aspect, the low voltage wiring harness may connect with an auxiliary energy storage unit of the vehicle 100 which is operable at a lower voltage than the one or more energy storage units 108. The one or more energy storage units 108 more specifically may support the traction characteristics of the vehicle. [00073] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit 110 is a motor control unit or an integration of the motor control unit with a vehicle control unit of the vehicle. In conventional vehicle layout the control unit 110 of integrated configuration is disposed in a fuel tank area or above the one or more energy storage units 108 in a vehicle front portion. The present configuration of disposition of the control unit in the integrated configuration in the pre-defined region ensures optimum length of the connecting member as it is above the one or more energy storage units 108 and 30
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5 10 15 20 25 the transmission unit 112. Further, serviceability is improved owing to an isolated location of the control unit 110 which is effectively protected against external impacts. In an aspect of the present subject matter, a first connecting member connecting the one or more energy storage units 108 to the control unit 110 referred to as direct current line (dc-line) increases against the conventional layout. However, the second connecting member connecting the control unit 110 to the transmission unit 112 referred to as the alternating current line (ac-line) decreases against conventional layouts. In vehicle charging and discharging the ac-line serves more critical than the dc-line owing to its direct impact on vehicle propulsion, therefore any bends or stresses on the second connecting member is to be avoided. The present configuration optimizes the length of the overall connecting member by the reduced length of second connecting member. As an illustration for indicating the optimization of wiring harness length owing to the present disposition of the control unit 110 in the pre-defined region against the conventional practices. [00074] In another preferred embodiment, the control unit 110 of integrated configuration is communicatively connected to vehicle components such as speakers, lighting units, instrument cluster, seat lock, seat actuator and charging port. The disclosed disposition of the control unit 110 in the pre-defined region being in a mid-portion of the vehicle layout in vicinity of the central axis XX’ ensures optimum length of wiring harness connecting to the vehicle components. The provision of the control unit 110 of integrated configuration reduces extensive mounting costs of multiple control units which disrupts packaging in compact vehicle layouts and reduces the overall length of wiring harness connecting the vehicle components. [00075] A control unit 110 of integrated configuration is typically a bulky component thereby the pre-defined region of disposition being connected to the front frame portion 102R satisfies the mounting stability and durability requirements of the control unit 110. Additionally, the pre-defined region being above the energy storage unit 108 ensures protection of the control unit 110 against sideward impact as the control unit 110 lateral length is smaller than the energy 30
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5 10 15 20 25 storage unit 108. The disposition protects the control unit 1110 against any intervention from other components of the vehicle disposed in the vicinity of the control unit 110. [00076] I In an aspect, the pre-defined region of disposition of the control unit 110 as elucidated in the preferred embodiments effectively reduces the overall length of the wiring harness or one or more connecting members communicatively connecting the control unit 110 to at least one of the one or more energy storage units 108 and the transmission unit 112. Additionally, in the event the contorl unit 110 is configured to communicate between other vehicle components disposed in the front or rear portion of the vehicle 100 with the length of the one or more connecting members remaining optimized. The optimization of length of wiring harness or connecting members leads to efficiency of communication with minimized system latency and transmission losses. Parallelly, a reduction in the length of high voltage connecting members reduces the overall vehicle weight leading to improved power to weight ratio. [00077] Further, from a serviceability perspective the control unit 110 may be easily accessed by removal of a style cover keeping the location inconspicuous yet accessible to authorized technicians. Mere removal of fastening units permits assembly and disassembly of the control unit 110. [00078] Further, the configuration of the control unit 110 in integrated configuration reduces the packaging constraints and parts for mounting of the otherwise multiple control units. The disclosed configuration reduces the vehicle weight, number of components and cost. [00079] In view of addressing the pressing concerns of damage to the control unit 110 the present subject matter provides a secure disposition of the control unit 110 in a pre-defined region of the front frame portion 102R of the frame assembly 102. The frame assembly 102 may be further covered by cover panels for higher protection to be accorded. The impact loads are absorbed by the frame assembly 102 or the energy storage unit 108 while water, mud or rain ingress is avoided by
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the cover panels. Further, the inclined state of mounting of the control unit 110 avoids water stagnation. [00080] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed structure, the claimed vehicle and structure as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed system enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed system clearly brings an improvement in the protection of the vehicle components as well as the frame assembly against sudden external impacts as the claimed structure and vehicle and constructional features provide a technical solution to a technical problem. [00081] 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. [00082]While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and/or systemmodules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application. [00083]While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes 30
20
may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope
of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will 5 include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
List of reference numerals:
100 Vehicle
102 Frame assembly,
102F Front frame portion 10
102R Rear frame portion
104 Headtube member
106 Main frame members
108 Energy storage units,
110 Control unit, 15
112 Transmission unit,
114 Joining member
116 Support member
118 Handlebar assembly
134 Downtube , C , Claims:We Claim:
1.
A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (102), the frame assembly (102) comprising:
a front frame portion (102F); and
a rear frame portion (102R), 5
wherein the front frame portion (102F) and the rear frame portion (102R) being separated by a central axis (XX’) perpendicular to a vehicle longitudinal direction(F-R), and
wherein a control unit (110) being disposed in a pre-defined region of the front frame portion (102F). 10
2.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front frame portion(102F) comprising:
a head tube member (104) disposed in a vehicle front portion (F); and 15
one or more main frame members (106) extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head tube member (104) up to the central axis (XX’).
3.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a portion of the main framemember 106 being configured to have one or more slots 106S and one or20 more openings 106M.
4.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pre-defined region ofdisposition of the control unit 110 being defined between a steering axis Y-Y’ and said central axis (X-X’).
5.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) being25 communicatively coupled to at least one of one or more energy storage units(108), a transmission unit (112) and one or more electrical componentsdisposed in the vehicle (100).
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6.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more energy storageunits (108) and a transmission unit (112) being provided in the front frameportion (102F) of the vehicle (100), and
wherein the control unit (110) being communicatively coupled to at least one of the one or more energy storage units (108), the transmission 5 unit (112) and one or more electrical components disposed in the vehicle (100).
7.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) beingdisposed above the one or more energy storage units (108) and the10 transmission unit (112), wherein one or more connectors extending from theone or more energy storage units (108) and the transmission unit (112) beingrouted to connect to the control unit (110) disposed in the front frameportion (102F).
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8.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front frame portion(102F) being configured to receive said energy storage unit (108) from aside direction of the vehicle (100), wherein the pre-defined region ofdisposition of the control unit (110) being above the energy storage unit(108)and behind of the head tube (104) disposed in the front portion (102F)20 of the vehicle (100).
9.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (110)being configured to have one or more mounting yokes (106M), said one ormore mounting yokes (106M) being configured to have one or more25 openings adapted to receive one or more attachment means to detachablyconnect the control unit (110) to the main frame member (106).
10.
The vehicle 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main frame member 106being disposed ahead of a seat assembly and behind said head tube