Description:Technical Field of Invention
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle, more specifically the present subject matter is related to a detachable attachment on a rear portion of the vehicle.

Background
[0002] A vehicle generally consists of a frame fixed on two or more wheels. At least one of the two or more wheels is a driven wheel, and at least another of the two or more wheels is a steering wheel. The driven wheels are propelled by a power unit. Conventionally, the power unit is an internal combustion engine, which combusts a hydrocarbon-based fuel under high pressure to generate power, which is transmitted through a piston, a crankshaft, and a transmission unit to the driven wheel. The power unit can also be an electric motor, which powers the driven wheel through a transmission unit. In vehicles with more than four wheels, any of the front or rear wheels, or all of the wheels can be driven. In a two wheeled or three wheeled vehicle with an internal combustion engine however, the rear wheels is/are the driven wheels, and the front wheel is the steering wheel. The transmission of power from the power unit to the driven wheel is enabled by one of a chain drive, a shaft drive, or a belt drive system.
[0003] The wheels are mounted to the frame of the vehicle through suspension systems. The suspension systems are necessary to provide a comfortable ride to the occupants of the vehicle. A vehicle travelling on a road surface vibrates according to the smoothness of the road surface, and the suspension system is usually configured to absorb these vibrations. Large undulations, such as potholes however, sometimes cause discomfort to the people in the vehicle, and also causes the cargo in the vehicle to be disturbed. Such large undulations can also potentially damage the vehicle if not driven over carefully.
[0004] Users of the vehicles therefore sometimes prefer to fit larger wheel assemblies. A wheel assembly consists of a wheel hub and a tyre. A tyre has a contact surface which sits on the road surface, and two walls, which are configured to fit onto the wheel hub so that the wheel assembly is completed. Conventionally, the dimension of the wheel assembly is measured by measuring the diameter when the tyre has been fitted to the wheel hub. Vehicles such as step through type two wheeled vehicles are generally fitted with smaller wheel assemblies as they are mostly used within city limits where the roads are well maintained and in good condition, and such vehicles are not expected to go over difficult terrain. Similarly, three wheeled vehicles, which are mostly used to ferry passengers and cargo in urban areas are generally fitted with smaller wheels. Two wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles, however have wheel assemblies that are generally equipped to provide a comfortable ride outside of urban areas as well. Off-roading vehicles, especially four wheeled off-roading vehicles however, are fitted with bigger tyres so that it is easier for the driver to drive over whichever surface the vehicle is on with less.
[0005] Generally, the manufacturer decides the dimension of the wheel assembly to be fitted to each kind of vehicle, depending on its intended use. However, the users of the vehicle sometimes make modifications to their vehicle so that the vehicle is able to traverse over terrain it is not intended for. In a four wheeled vehicle, fitting a wheel assembly of a specification other than the one provided by the manufacturer requires modifications to the suspension system, and possibly the brake systems as well, which is a difficult task, and requires a specialist. In a two wheeled vehicle, changing the wheel assembly to a different specification can cause the vehicle to lose its balance, which can be dangerous for the user of the vehicle. Three wheeled vehicles generally do not require extensive modifications to the suspension and brake systems like a four wheeled vehicle to fit a bigger wheel, or lose balance like a two wheeled vehicle if bigger wheel assembly is fitted. However, since three wheelers are usually designed for smaller wheels, the rear portion of the vehicle will not be able to accommodate a larger wheel assembly without changes in design to the rear portion of the vehicle. Users therefore have to procure entirely newer vehicles if they want a vehicle with bigger wheels for a more comfortable ride. Alternatively, some users fit a bigger wheel assembly in a vehicle which is designed for a smaller wheel, which is not ideal.
[0006] Alternatively, manufacturers can provide vehicles designed for bigger wheels, fitted with smaller wheels. In case a user wants to upgrade to a bigger wheel assembly later, they can easily do it without requiring a specialist. However, providing a smaller wheel can cause several problems. It leaves a significant portion of the underside of the vehicle exposed to dust, mud, rain, and other natural elements that cause rust and corrosion on the frame, body panels, and other metallic structural parts, as well as damaging the one or more electrical and electronic components that may be disposed at the rear of the vehicle.
[0007] In view of the above, there is a need for providing a vehicle with a detachable attachment which can be removed or attached as per requirement when a different sized wheel is being used.

Summary of the Invention
[0008] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described below, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0009] In order to address the issues with the existing systems, a cruise control system is provided which is more convenient to use on two wheeled vehicles. Real time situations on the road may cause the driver to take manual control of the vehicle and deviate from the designated cruising conditions. The cruise control system allows the user to return to the designated cruising speed within a predetermined time from the moment the vehicle had deviated from the cruising conditions. One or more display means on the instrument cluster is configured to display to the user the status of the cruise control system.
[00010] In an aspect, a detachable attachment for a wheel arch for a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion of the vehicle has at least one wheel mounted on a frame of the vehicle using a suspension system, and a plurality of body panels covering the frame. The plurality of body panels are configured to form an arch shaped gap around a upper portion of the at least one wheel. The detachable attachment is configured to be removably attached to a lower surface of the arch shaped gap by at least two mounting means.
[00011] In an embodiment, the detachable attachment is bolted to the lower surface of the arch shaped gap at three mounting points.
[00012] In an embodiment, the detachable attachment is constructed with a plastic material.
[00013] In an embodiment, the plurality of body panels are constructed with a metallic material.
[00014] In an embodiment, the detachable attachment is a C shaped element, having a forward portion, a central portion, and a rear portion, wherein the forward portion meets the central portion along a first curved path, and the rear portion meets the central portion along a second curved path, wherein the forward portion is opposite to the rear portion with the central portion being disposed between the forward portion and the rear portion, each of the forward portion, central portion and the rear portion being configured to have at least one mounting hole.
[00015] In an embodiment, the detachable attachment is removed from the vehicle when a larger wheel assembly is fitted to the vehicle, the detachable attachment enabling the larger wheel assembly being fitted without any modifications to the suspension system of the vehicle.
[00016] In an embodiment, the wheel assembly includes a wheel hub and a tyre.
[00017] In an embodiment, the detachable attachment is configured to reduce the visible gap between the lower portion of the arch shaped gap and a top most point of the wheel assembly.
[00018] In an embodiment, the detachable attachment has a forward portion, a central portion, and a rear portion, wherein the forward portion meets the central portion at a first angle, and the rear portion meets the central portion at a second angle, wherein the forward portion is opposite to the rear portion with the central portion being disposed between the forward portion and the rear portion, each of the forward portion, central portion and the rear portion being configured to have at least one mounting hole.
[00019] In an aspect, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion of the vehicle having at least one wheel assembly mounted on a frame of the vehicle using a suspension system, and a plurality of body panels covering the frame, the plurality of body panels being configured to form an arch shaped gap around a upper portion of the at least one wheel assembly, wherein a detachable attachment is configured to be removably attached to a lower surface of the arch shaped gap by at least two mounting means, the detachable attachment is removed from the vehicle when a larger wheel assembly is fitted to the vehicle, the detachable attachment enabling the larger wheel assembly being fitted without any modifications to the suspension system of the vehicle.

Brief Description of Drawings
[00020] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
[00021] Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of a three wheeled vehicle from a left side view of the vehicle.
[00022] Figure 2 is an exemplary illustration of the rear portion of the vehicle, including the detachable attachment.
[00023] Figure 3 is an exemplary illustration of the rear portion of the vehicle, without the detachable attachment.
[00024] Figure 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of a first wheel assembly and the rear body panels, including the detachable attachment.
[00025] Figure 5 is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of a first wheel assembly and the rear body panels, without the detachable attachment.
[00026] Figure 6 is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of a second wheel assembly and the rear body panels, including the detachable attachment.
[00027] Figure 7 is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of a second wheel assembly and the rear body panels, without the detachable attachment.
[00028] Figure 8 is an exemplary exploded view of the detachable attachment from an inside view of the detachable attachment.

Detailed Description
[00029] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following description thereof, set out hereunder.
[00030] Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of a three wheeled vehicle 100 from a left side view of the vehicle 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 comprises a front wheel 101 and two rear wheels, one rear wheel 102 on the left hand side and another on the right hand side. For the purpose of this exemplary embodiment, the present invention will be explained for the left hand side rear wheel 102 of the vehicle 100. Also, for the purpose of this exemplary embodiment, the terms wheel means a wheel assembly comprising a wheel hub and a tyre. The vehicle 100 further comprises a front seat 105 and a rear seat 106. The front seat 105 is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle 100, and the rear seat 106 in the rear portion of the vehicle 100, the front portion and the rear portion are separated by a partition 107. The partition 107 also acts as a structural element of the frame not shown of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 further has a top cover 109 and a front windshield 108 which protect the occupants of the vehicle 100 from the natural elements. Front lamps and rear lamps 110 are provided on the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 includes a plurality of body panels, including rear panels. The body panels of the vehicle 100 are usually constructed with a metallic material. In the present embodiment, the body panels are metallic. The left-hand side rear panels 103 are being considered for the purpose of this exemplary embodiment. As can be seen in the figure 1, an arch shaped gap 103a is formed in the rear panels 103 to accommodate the rear wheel 102. A detachable attachment 104, conforming to the shape of this arch shaped gap 103a is attached therein.
[00031] Figure 2 is an exemplary illustration of the rear portion of the vehicle 100, including the detachable attachment 104, whereas figure 3 is an exemplary illustration of the rear portion of the vehicle, without the detachable attachment 104. The rear portion of the vehicle 100 includes a swingarm 111 in addition to the parts of the vehicle described above. The swingarm 111 mounts the wheel to the frame of the vehicle. Further, a suspension assembly is configured to allow the wheel 102 to absorb the vibrations during operation of the vehicle. The swingarm 111 is configured to travel with the wheel, the swingarm being pivotably mounted to the frame of the vehicle. The wheel 102 consists of a wheel hub 102a and a tyre 102b. The dimension of the wheel assembly is measured across its diameter A-A’. The detachable attachment 104 is configured to conform to the shape of the arch 103a, the arch 103a itself being configured so that it extends outside the rear panels 103. The suspension assembly and other parts of the vehicle are disposed on the inside of the vehicle, such as components of the drivetrain, one or more electrical and electronic components, etc. In some vehicles, the power unit of the vehicle is also mounted on the rear portion of the vehicle. Generally, there is a gap between the topmost point of the wheel 102 and the arch 103a as can be seen in figure 3, and natural corrosive elements such as dust, mud, rain etc can deposit on the various components of the vehicle disposed inwards. It is therefore necessary to protect these components of the vehicle. With the detachable attachment 104 removed as shown in figure 3, it is easier for these corrosive elements to deposit on these components through the gap. However, with the attachment 104 as shown in figure 2, the components are protected from the corrosive elements.
[00032] Figure 4 is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of a first wheel assembly 102 and the rear body panels 103, including the detachable attachment 104, and figure 5 is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of the first wheel assembly 102 and the rear body panels 103, without the detachable attachment 104. As mentioned, the problem being addressed by the present invention is the interchangeability of wheels 102 of different sizes for the convenience of the users of the vehicle 100. Accordingly, as per this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two different wheel assemblies are shown, a first wheel assembly shown in figures 4 and 5, and a second wheel assembly shown in figures 6 and 7. For brevity, both the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly are represented by the numeral 102, wherein the wheel hub is represented by the numeral 102a and the tyre is represented by the numeral 102b. The exemplary illustrations in the figures 4 and 5 show the cross-sectional view of the rear panes 103 with the wheel 102. In figure 4, the detachable attachment is shown as being attached. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the detachable attachment 104 is attached to the arch 103a through bolting 112, at a plurality of mounting points. In these cross-sectional views, only one of the plurality of mounting points is depicted. In addition to the arch 103a, the rear body panels 103 also include the underside 103b of the vehicle 100. The underside 103b extends inwards from the arch 103a of the rear panels 103. A further structural element may be added between the underside 103b and the rear panel 103. Without the detachable attachment 104 as shown in figure 5, a gap x’ exists between the topmost point A of the wheel 102 and the lowermost point of the arch 103a, marked by the dashed line B-B’. However, with the detachable attachment 104 being attached to the arch 103a, the gap x between the wheel 102 and the lowermost point of the arch 103a (also marked by the dashed line B-B’) is decreased, i.e., x is lesser than x’. The wheel 102, as mentioned earlier, consists of a wheel hub 102a, and a tyre 102b. Additionally, as per an embodiment of the present invention, the wheel 102 may further include a tube 102c for inflating the tyre 102b. The inflated tyre 102b is tightly fitted on the wheel hub 102a, so that the wheel assembly 102 is a single unit. The diameter a-a’ of the wheel 102 is shown in both figures 4 and 5.
[00033] Figure 6 is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of a second wheel assembly 102 and the rear body panels 103, including the detachable attachment 104, and figure 7 is an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of a second wheel assembly 102 and the rear body panels 103, without the detachable attachment 104. As per the present embodiment, the dimension A-A’ of the second wheel is greater the dimension of the first wheel. Without the detachable attachment 104 as shown in figure 7, a gap y’ exists between the topmost point A of the wheel 102 and the lowermost point of the arch 103a, marked by the dashed line B-B’. However, with the detachable attachment 104 being attached to the arch 103a, the gap as described and illustrated above between the wheel 102 and the lowermost point of the arch 103a (also marked by the dashed line B-B’) disappears, such that the lowermost point of the arch 103a extends below the topmost point A of the wheel 102. A new gap y exists, which extends in the opposite direction of the gap y’, such that the line B-B’ is below the topmost point A of the wheel 102. Therefore, the gap y’ is smaller than a vertical length (y+y’) of the detachable attachment 104. Hence, according to the present embodiment, the detachable attachment 104 is not required when the second wheel assembly 102 is fitted on the vehicle 100. Hence, with the second wheel assembly 102, the detachable attachment 104 is not required.
[00034] Figure 8 is an exemplary exploded view of the detachable attachment 104 from an inside view of the detachable attachment 104. The detachable attachment 104 is configured to be removably attached to a lower surface of the arch 103a by one or more mounting means (112a, 112b, 112c). As per an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more mounting means are three bolts that attachment the detachable attachment 104 to the arch 103a. The detachable attachment 104 is a C shaped element, having a forward portion 104a, a central portion 104b, and a rear portion 104c. The forward portion 104a meets the central portion 104b along a first curved path, and the rear portion 104c meets the central portion 104b along a second curved path. The forward portion 104a is opposite to the rear portion 104c with the central portion 104b being disposed between the forward portion 104a and the rear portion 104c. Each of the forward portion 104a, central portion 104b, and the rear portion 104c are configured to have at least one mounting hole through which the bolts 112a, 112b, 112c can pass through. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the detachable attachment 104 is constructed with a plastic material.
[00035] The detachable attachment 104 provides the advantage that the corrosive elements are prevented from entering the underside of the vehicle 100 when a first wheel assembly 102 is fitted on the vehicle. The detachable attachment 104 also allows the user to fit either a first wheel assembly or a second wheel assembly without requiring any significant modifications to the vehicle 100. The detachable attachment 104 can be quickly removed by undoing the bolts 112a, 112b, 112c when the second wheel assembly is being fitted on the vehicle 100. Similarly, it can also be quickly attached when the first wheel assembly is being fitted. In addition to protecting the internal components of the vehicle, the detachable attachment 104 also enhances the aesthetics of the rear portion of the vehicle 100.
[00036] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the above-mentioned solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the system itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
 
List of reference signs:
100 – three wheeled vehicle
101 – front wheel
102 – rear wheel (assembly)
102a – wheel hub
102b – tyre
102c – tube
103 – rear panels
103a – arch
103b – underside
104 – detachable attachment
104a – forward portion of detachable attachment
104b – central portion of detachable attachment
104c – rear portion of detachable attachment
105 – front seat
106 – rear seat
107 – partition between front portion and rear portion of vehicle
108 – front windshield
109 – top cover
110 – tail lamp
111 – swingarm
112, 112a, 112b, 112c – one or more bolts
A-A’ – diametric dimension of the wheel
B-B’ – lowermost point of the rear panels
x – gap between the topmost point of the first wheel assembly and the lowermost point of the rear panels when the detachable attachment is attached
x’ – gap between the topmost point of the wheel and the lowermost point of the rear panels when the detachable attachment is not attached
y – gap between the topmost point of the second wheel assembly and the lowermost point of the rear panels when the detachable attachment is attached
y’ – gap between the topmost point of the second wheel assembly and the lowermost point of the rear panels when the detachable attachment is not attached
, C , Claims:We claim:
1. A detachable attachment (104) for a wheel arch (103a) of a vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion of the vehicle (100) having at least one wheel (102) mounted on a frame of the vehicle (100) using a suspension system, and a plurality of body panels (103) covering the frame, the plurality of body panels (103) being configured to form an arch (103a) around a upper portion of the at least one wheel (102), wherein the detachable attachment (104) is configured to be removably attached to a lower surface of the arch (103a) by one or more mounting means (112).

2. The detachable attachment (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable attachment (104) is bolted to the lower surface of the arch (103a) through at least three mounting points (112a, 112b, 112c).

3. The detachable attachment (104) as claimed in claim 1 being constructed with a plastic material.

4. The detachable attachment (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of body panels (103) are constructed with a metallic material.

5. The detachable attachment (104) as claimed in claim 1 is a C shaped element, having a forward portion (104a), a central portion (104b), and a rear portion (104c), wherein the forward portion (104a) meets the central portion (104b) along a first curved path, and the rear portion (104c) meets the central portion (104b) along a second curved path, wherein the forward portion (104a) is opposite to the rear portion (104c) with the central portion (104b) being disposed between the forward portion (104a) and the rear portion (104c), each of the forward portion (104a), central portion (104b) and the rear portion (104c) being configured to have at least one mounting hole.

6. The detachable attachment (104) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the detachable attachment (104) is removed from the vehicle (100) when a second wheel assembly is fitted to the vehicle (100), the second wheel assembly having a larger dimension than a first wheel assembly, the detachable attachment (104) enabling the second wheel assembly being fitted without any modifications to the suspension system of the vehicle (100).

7. The detachable assembly (104) as claimed in claim 6 wherein the wheel assembly (102) includes a wheel hub (102a) and a tyre (102b).

8. The detachable attachment (104) as claimed in claim 1 being configured to reduce the visible gap (x’) between the lower portion of the arch (103a) and a top most point (A) of the wheel assembly (102).

9. The detachable attachment (104) as claimed in claim 1 having a forward portion (104a), a central portion (104b), and a rear portion (104c), wherein the forward portion (104a) meets the central portion (104b) at a first angle, and the rear portion (104c) meets the central portion (104b) at a second angle, wherein the forward portion (104a) is opposite to the rear portion (104c) with the central portion (104b) being disposed between the forward portion (104a) and the rear portion (104c), each of the forward portion (104a), central portion (104b) and the rear portion (104c) being configured to have at least one mounting hole (112a, 112b, 112c).

10. A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion of the vehicle having at least one wheel assembly (102) mounted on a frame of the vehicle (100) using a suspension system, and a plurality of body panels (103) covering the frame, the plurality of body panels (103) being configured to form an arch (103a) around a upper portion of the at least one wheel assembly (102), wherein a detachable attachment (104) is configured to be removably attached to a lower surface of the arch (103a) by one or more mounting means (112a, 112b, 112c), the detachable attachment (104) is removed from the vehicle (100) when a second wheel assembly is fitted to the vehicle (100), the second wheel assembly having a larger dimension than a first wheel assembly, the detachable attachment (104) enabling the second wheel assembly being fitted without any modifications to the suspension system of the vehicle (100).