FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]
TITLE: “A COUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A GEAR ASSEMBLY”
Name and address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay
House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.
Nationality: INDIAN
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure generally relates to a coupling arrangement. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure describe the coupling arrangement for a gear assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Generally, automobiles include an internal combustion engine, which is paired with a transmission to provide different gear drive ratios from the engine to drive wheels of the vehicle. The transmission may further be connected to a differential assembly through which torque is transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle.
The transmission, the differential assembly and other components often include various coupling mechanisms for engaging and disengaging of moving and/or stationery members such as gears. The coupling mechanisms are selectively operated for engaging and disengaging the gears or other members within components.
Conventional, coupling mechanisms include complementing teeth defined on the components to be coupled. One of the component in the coupling mechanism is defined with a square or a rectangular profiled teeth, while the other component is defined with corresponding depressions which are adapted to receive the teeth for coupling the components. However, such configuration causes collision between the teeth and the depressions, which results in coupling failure, which is undesired. Further, the collision between the components would delay the coupling time, which leads operational failures which is again undesired.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional arrangements.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the conventional system or method are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the coupling arrangement in the present disclosure.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a coupling arrangement for a gear assembly is disclosed. The coupling arrangement includes an engaging. A plurality of protrusions are defined between each of the plurality of apertures and a coupler is selectively engageable to the engaging member. A plurality of pins are provided in the coupler where at least one end of the plurality of pins is defined with a conical profile and is configured to be received by the plurality of apertures. The plurality of pins connect with the plurality of protrusions and are guided into the plurality of apertures for coupling the coupler and the engaging member. The above configuration of the coupling arrangement ensures the coupling of gears in gear assembly without any misalignment and reduces or eliminates the malfunctioning of the gear assembly.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the engaging member is defined by a first surface and a second surface where, the second surface is coupled to the at least one gear in the gear assembly.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of protrusions is defined by a first inclined surface, a second inclined surface, and a converging point.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the base is defined on the first surface of the engaging member.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extend outwardly from the first surface of the engaging member.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of apertures is defined along a peripheral diameter on the engaging member.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the distance between each aperture of the plurality of apertures is equivalent to a pre-determined distance between each pin of the plurality pins in the coupler.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of pins are defined by a cylindrical body with the conical profile on at least one of the ends of the cylindrical body.
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 ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a coupling arrangement for a gear assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the coupling arrangement of the Figure 1 in a disengaged condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an engaging member of the coupling arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the coupling arrangement in an engaged condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a part of a gear box with the coupling arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of a gear box with the coupling arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figure depicts embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the coupling arrangement for the gear assembly without departing from the principles of the disclosure described.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described after which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other arrangements for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
In the present document, the word “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an arrangement that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in the arrangement proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1-6. In the figures, the same element or elements which have the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. One skilled in the art would appreciate the component disclosed in the claims,

maybe any component which may be used in any given system but not limiting to vehicle and the like.
The term gear assembly may be defined as an assembly that include at least one gear which are operated for conducting a particular function. The term gear assembly must not be limited to a gear box or differential assembly in a vehicle where multiple gears are configured, and the gears are selectively operated by at least one of a manual mechanism or automatic mechanism for traversing the vehicle. Rather, the term gear assembly may imply any arrangement or assembly where multiple gears are provided.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate a perspective view and a sectional view of a coupling arrangement (100), respectively. The coupling arrangement (100) may be accommodated in a gear assembly (200) [seen from Figure 5] for coupling two components to each other. The coupling arrangement (100) may broadly include an engaging member (1) and a coupler (5). Reference is made to Figure 3 which illustrates a perspective view of the engaging member
(1) that includes a cylindrical shape, however the same cannot be construed as a limitation since the engaging member (1) may include any other geometrical shape based on the requirement. As apparent from Figure 3, the engaging member (1) may be defined with a plurality of apertures (2). Further, the engaging member (1) may also be defined with a plurality of protrusions (3) between each of the plurality of apertures (2). In an implementation, the engaging member (1) may be defined by a first surface (1a) and a second surface (1b). As apparent from Figure 3, the first surface (1a) of the engaging member (1) may be defined with the plurality of apertures (2) [hereinafter referred to as aperture or apertures]. In an implementation, the apertures (2) may be defined along a peripheral region of the engaging member (1). The apertures (2) may be defined at equal distances from each other. The apertures
(2) are defined on the first surface (1a) of the engaging member (1) to lie adjacent to each other with a pre-determined distance between each of the apertures (2). In an implementation, the peripheral region of each of the apertures (2) may be defined with a tapered profile (10).
In an implementation, the engaging member (1) may include the plurality of protrusions (3) [hereinafter referred to as protrusion or protrusions]. In an illustrated embodiment, the protrusions (3) may be triangular shaped projections that extend from the first surface (1a) of the engaging member (1). However, the same cannot be construed as a limitation since the protrusions (3) may include other geometrical shapes such as but not limited to conical shape etc. The protrusions (3) may be defined along the same arc or the same curvature as that of the

apertures (2). The protrusions (3) may be defined between each set of two apertures (2). The protrusions (3) may be defined to lie adjacent to the apertures (2). Further, the engaging member (1) may include the apertures (2) and the protrusions (3) in an alternating configuration at a pre-determined radius from the first axis (A-A) and on the first surface (1a) of the engaging member (1). In an implementation, the protrusions (3) may be defined by a first inclined surface (3a), a second inclined surface (3b) and a base (3c). The base (3c) may be an integral part of the first surface (1a) or the region of the first surface (1a) that lies below the first inclined surface (3a) and the second inclined surface (3b) may be defined as the base (3c) of the protrusions (3). The first inclined surface (3a) and the second inclined surface (3b) may extend outwardly from the first surface (1a) of the engaging member (1). The first inclined surface (3a) and the second inclined surface (3b) may be defined of equal length. In an implementation, the first inclined surface (3a) and the second inclined surface (3b) may be configured to converge at a point that lies perpendicular to the center of the base (3c). In an implementation, this point where the first inclined surface (3a) and the second inclined surface (3b) meet may be defined as a converging point (3d). The first inclined surface (3a) and the second inclined surface (3b) are inclined from the converging point (3d) towards the adjacent apertures (2). Further, the converging point (3d) of each of the protrusion (3) may extend along an axis that converges at the first axis (A-A) of the engaging member (1). The first inclined surface (3a) and the second inclined surface (3b) may glide towards or may integrate with the inclined profile (10) of each of the apertures (2).
Reference is further made to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the coupler (5) may include a plurality of pins (4) which may be defined with a conical profile on at least one of the ends. In an illustration embodiment, the coupler (5) may be defined with a cylindrical profile, however the same cannot be construed as a limitation since the coupler (5) may include any other geometrical shape based on requirement. The coupler (5) may be defined by a third surface (5a) and a fourth surface (5b). The third surface (5a) may lie proximal to the first surface (1a) of the engaging member (1) and the fourth surface (5b) may be defined as the surface opposite to the third surface (5a) on the coupler (5). The third surface (5a) may be defined with a plurality of holes (7) [hereinafter referred to as hole or holes]. The holes (7) may be defined along a peripheral region of the coupler (5). Particularly, the holes (7) may be defined on the third surface (5a) of the coupler (5) and along a region proximal to the second central opening (8). Further, the holes (7) may be defined at equal distances from each other. The holes (7) may be defined along the arc/curvature that is equivalent to the arc/curvature along which the apertures (2) that are

defined on the engaging member (1). The holes (7) may be defined at a pre-determined radius on the coupler (5) and this pre-determined radius may be equal to the radius at which the apertures (2) are on the engaging member (1). The distance from the first axis (A-A) at which the holes (7) are defined on the coupler may be equal to the distance from the first axis (A-A) at which the apertures (2) are defined on the engaging member (1). The position where the holes (7) are defined on the coupler (5) must not be considered as a limitation and the holes (7) may be defined at positions that lie opposite or adjacent to the apertures (2) on the engaging member (1). The holes (7) are defined on the third surface (5a) of the coupler (5) to lie adjacent to each other with a pre-determined distance between each of the holes (7). The pre-determined distance between each of the holes (7) on the coupler (5) may be equal to the pre-determined distance between each of the apertures (2) on the engaging member (1). Each of the holes (7) on the coupler (5) may be configured to lie along the same axis as the corresponding aperture (2) on the engaging member (1) when the first surface (1a) of the engaging member (1) abuts or lies adjacent to the third surface (5a) of the coupler (5). In an implementation, the plurality of pins (4) may be accommodated inside each of the plurality of holes (7) defined in the coupler (5).
The working of the coupling arrangement is described below. The coupling arrangement (100) may be initially at a disengaged condition as seen from the Figure 1 and the Figure 2. Further, the coupling arrangement (100) may be operated to engage the engaging member (1) and the coupler (5). In an implementation, the pins (4) in the coupler (5) may be directly guided or accommodated inside the apertures (2) of the engaging member (1). In an implementation, the coupler (5) may be traversed axially along the first axis (A-A) until the pins (4) on the coupler (5) come in contact with the protrusions (3) on the engaging member (1). Further, the conical profile of the pins (4) may initially come in contact with the protrusion (3) on the engaging member (1). As the coupler (5) is traversed further towards the engaging member (1), the pins (4) of the coupler (5) may come in contact with the first inclined surface (3a) or the second inclined surface (3b) of the protrusions (3) on the engaging member (1). As the coupler (5) moves forward along the first axis (A-A), the pins (4) slide over one of the first inclined surface (3a) or the second inclined surface (3b) of the protrusions (3) and the coupler (5) partially rotates along the first axis (A-A). As the pins (4) slide over the first inclined surface (3a) or the second inclined surface (3b), the pins (4) are guided towards the apertures (2). The pins (4) may traverse over the first inclined surface (3a), or the second inclined surface (3b) and the pins (4) may further come in contact with the inclined profile (10) defined on the periphery of

the apertures (2). The inclined profile (10) may further guide the pins (4) into the apertures (2) and the pins (4) may be accommodated inside the apertures (2) as seen from the Figure 4, thereby coupling the engaging member (1) and the coupler (5) which is illustrative of the engaged condition of the coupling arrangement (100). In an implementation, the above configuration of the coupling arrangement (100) ensures the coupling of the engaging member (1) and the coupler (5), without any misalignment and reduces or eliminates the malfunctioning. Particularly, the inclined surface profile of the first inclined surface (3a), the second inclined surface (3b) and the conical profile of the pin (4) ensure the correct alignment and coupling of the coupler (5) with the engaging member (1). The first inclined surface (3a), the second inclined surface (3b) of the protrusions (3) on the engaging member (1) guide the pin (4) with the conical profile into the apertures (2) of the engaging member (1). Further, the inclined profile (10) on the periphery of the apertures (2) ensures that the pin (4) is easily guided into the apertures (2) of the engaging member (1). Thus, the above configuration of the coupling arrangement (100) ensures effective coupling of the engaging member (1) and the coupler (5).
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the gear assembly (200) with the coupling arrangement (100) and Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the gear assembly (200) with the coupling arrangement (100). The gear assembly (200) may be the gear box (200) in a vehicle. The gear box (200) may be coupled to an engine of the vehicle and may include multiple gears which are selectively operated for traversing the vehicle at different speeds. The engaging member (1) may be the first gear (1) and the second gear (1’) inside the gear box (200). Further, the first gear (1) and the second gear (1’) may be rotatably accommodated on a shaft (9). The first gear (1) and the second gear (1’) may extend and rotate along the same first axis (A-A). The first surface (1a) of the first gear (1) may be configured to face or lie proximal to the first surface (1a’) of the second gear (1’). Further, the first surface (1a) of the first gear (1) may be defined with protrusions (3) and the first surface (1a’) of the second gear (1’) may also be defined with protrusions (3) [not shown]. The first gear (1) may be defined with apertures (2) and the first gear (1) may have a similar configuration as the above-described engaging member (1). In an implementation, the second gear (1’) may also be defined with apertures (2’) and the second gear (1’) may also have a similar configuration as the above-described engaging member (1). The coupler (5) may be accommodated on the shaft (9) and the coupler (5) may be configured to lie between the first gear (1) and the second gear (1’). The coupler (5) may also be defined with a similar configuration as described above. The coupler

(5) may be defined with holes (7) that extend along the same axis as that of the corresponding apertures (2, 2’) of the first gear (1) and the second gear (1’). Further, the holes (7) of the coupler (5) may accommodate pins (4). Both the ends of the pins (4) may be defined with the conical profile. The coupler (5) may be coupled to a gear lever through any known means including but not limited to shifter forks. Further, the gear lever may be operated by a user to change or shift the gears of the vehicle. The changing of the position of the gear lever by the user may cause the axial movement of the coupler (5). The coupler (5) may traverse axially over the shaft (9) when the user operates the gear lever to a first position or a second position. When the user operates the gear lever to a first position, the coupler (5) along with the pins (4) may travel axially along the first axis (A-A) towards the first gear (1). The pins (4) of the coupler (5) may engage with the protrusions (3) on the first surface (1a) of the first gear (1) and the pins (4) may further be directed into the aperture (2) of the first gear (1). Thus, the coupler (5) is engaged with the first gear (1) and the vehicle traverses in the first gear (1). Further, when the user operates the gear lever to a second position, the coupler (5) along with the pins (4) may travel axially along the first axis (A-A) towards the second gear (1’). The pins (4) of the coupler (5) may engage with the protrusions (3’) [not shown] on the first surface (1a’) of the second gear (1’) and the pins (4) may further be directed into the aperture (2) of the second gear (1’). Thus, the coupler (5) is engaged with the second gear (1’) and the vehicle traverses in the second gear (1’). The above illustrated implementation must not be considered as a limitation and the coupler (5) may also be configured for other gears including but not limited to a third gear, a fourth gear, a fifth gear etc. In an implementation, the above configuration where the engaging member (1) itself is configured as the first gear (1) and the second gear (1’), enables an easier and accurate coupling or engaging of the first gear (1) and the second gear (1’). Thus, the jamming or malfunctioning of the gears in the gear box (200) is prevented and operational precision of the gear box (200) is improved. In an implementation, the above-described coupling arrangement (100) may also be configured in the differential assembly or other assemblies where at least one gear is required to the engaged or disengaged with another gear. In an implementation, the above configuration of the coupling arrangement (100) is a simple configuration for coupling gears in the gear assembly (200). In an implementation, the above configuration of the coupling arrangement (100) ensures accuracy in coupling of gears in the gear assembly (200).
Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms,

whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.
Referral Numerals:

Referral numerals Description
1 Engaging member/first gear
1a First surface
1b Second surface
1’ Second gear
2 Aperture
3 Protrusion
3a First inclined surface
3b Second inclined surface
3c Base
3d Converging point
4 Pins
5 Coupler
5a Third surface
5b Fourth surface
6 First central opening
7 Inclined profile
8 Second central opening
9 Shaft
10 Inclined profile
100 Coupling arrangement
200 Gear assembly

We Claim:
1. A coupling arrangement (100) for a gear assembly (200), the coupling arrangement
(100) comprising:
an engaging member (1) defined with a plurality of apertures (2);
a plurality of protrusions (3) defined between each of the plurality of apertures (2); and
a coupler (5) selectively engageable to the engaging member (1), the coupler comprising a plurality of pins (4), wherein at least one end of the plurality of pins (4) is defined with a conical profile and is configured to be received by the plurality of apertures (2), wherein the plurality of protrusions (3) guide the plurality of pins (4) into the plurality of apertures (2) for coupling the coupler (5) and the engaging member (1).
2. The coupling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging member (1) is defined by a first surface (1a) and a second surface (1b) wherein, the second surface (1b) is coupled to the at least one gear in the gear assembly (200).
3. The coupling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions (3) is defined by a first inclined surface (3a), a second inclined surface (3b) and a converging point (3d).
4. The coupling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of protrusions (3) are defined on the first surface (1a) of the engaging member (1).
5. The coupling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first inclined surface (3a) and the second inclined surface (3b) extend outwardly from the first surface (1a) of the engaging member (1).
6. The coupling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures (2) is defined along a peripheral diameter on the engaging member (1).
7. The coupling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distance between each aperture of the plurality of apertures (2) is equivalent to a pre-determined distance between each pin of the plurality pins (4) in the coupler (5).

8. The coupling arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of pins (4) is defined by a cylindrical body with the conical profile on at least one of the ends of the cylindrical body.