Claims:We Claim:

1. A device (100) for assisting maneuvering of a vehicle over an inclination, the device (100) comprising:
a frame (102) defined with a pair of side support structures on two opposing sides, defining an intervening space for receiving a drive wheel (104) of the vehicle;
a first set of rollers (106) rotatably connected between the pair of side support structures, wherein the first set of rollers (106) are configured to contact the drive wheel (104) and receive torque;
a second set of rollers (110) rotatably connected between the pair of side support structures and structured to contact a terrain surface, wherein, the second set of rollers (110) are coupled to the first set of rollers (106) through a drive unit (112), and wherein the drive unit (112) is configured to amplify the torque received by the first set of rollers and transfers the amplified torque to the second set of rollers (110) for maneuvering the vehicle over the inclination.

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of rollers (106) and the second set of rollers (110) are connected in two different planes, such that the first set of rollers (106) are above the second set of rollers (110).

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein diameter of the first set of rollers (106) is smaller than the diameter of the second set of rollers (110).

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first set of rollers (106) and the second set of rollers (110) is supported on the frame through a bearing.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein size ratio of the first set of rollers (106) and the second set of rollers (110) is 1:2.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive unit (112) comprises:
a first gear (124) coupled to a shaft of one roller of the first set of rollers (106);
a second gear (128) coupled to a shaft of one roller of the second set of rollers (110); and
an intermediate gear (118) provided between the first gear (124) and the second gear (128).

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a first chain drive (114) connecting each roller of the first set of rollers (106) to the one roller of the first set of rollers (106).

8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 6, comprises a sprocket (108) mounted at an end of each roller of the first set of rollers (106), wherein the first chain drive (114) meshes with the sprocket (108) of each roller of the first set of rollers (106).

9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a second chain drive (116) connecting each roller of the second set of rollers (110) to the one roller of the second set of rollers (110).

10. The device (100) as claimed in claim 6, comprises a sprocket (108) mounted at an end of each roller of the second set of rollers (110), wherein the second chain drive (116) meshes with the sprocket (108) of each roller of the second set of rollers (110).

11. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first set of rollers (106) and second set of rollers (110) are arranged in a reduction ratio of 1:0.5.

12. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a ramp (120) pivotably mounted to the frame (102) for receiving the drive wheel (104) of the vehicle.

13. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a stopper wedge provided to the frame (102) for preventing the device from sliding back while receiving the drive wheel (104) of the vehicle.

14. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of support rollers (122) configured on an inner portion of each of the pair of side support structures to support the drive wheel (104).

15. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a set of stopper rollers (126) removably mounted at each end of the pair of side support structures to lock the drive wheels (104) within the frame (102).

Dated 31st day of March 2020

GOPINATH A S
IN/PA 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]

TITLE: “A DEVICE FOR ASSISTING MANEUVERING OF A VEHICLE OVER AN INCLINATION”

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 the field of automobiles. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a device for assisting maneuvering of a vehicle over an inclination. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a portable device for assisting maneuvering of the vehicle over an inclination.

BACKGROUND

Automobiles such as commercial/goods trucks, semi-truck trailers, tractor-trailers, buses, etc. are used in private, public, and commercial industry. Such vehicles carry heavy loads over long distances and traverse over different variety of terrains such as expressways, highways, mountain roads, hilly areas etc. One such terrain which is challenging for such vehicles during the ascent of the vehicle up a steep slope, gradient, a hill, or an inclined road. Mountainous or hilly roads have steep elevations, wherein roads are paved in gradients in excess of 30°. Though it my not be so much of a challenge for passenger cars and pick-up trucks, it posts a huge challenge for heavy transport vehicles. In many situations heavy transport vehicles are stranded on mountainous or hilly roads. Primarily, though the torque output from commercial vehicles is high, climbing up an inclination amplifies the torque need. More so, in case there is stop-go or bumper to bumper traffic, these heavy transport vehicles may not be in a situation to move forward unless some of the load is disembarked. Ideally, when ascending the slope high torque is a must and this high torque should be expended in pulling the vehicle up the ascent, thereby resulting in increased wear and fatigue of the vehicle. In such situations, automobiles tend to maintain higher RPM to overcome the steep ascent which causes over-heating due to the inability of the engine to meet the required torque at that gradient and pushes the engine temperatures to non-ideal temperatures.

Further, in an event if the driver of the vehicle slows the vehicle down due to traffic, the vehicle would get stalled and comes to stand still on the steep inclination or the vehicle might start rolling back down the inclination. This leads to dangerous and risky situation of losing control of the vehicle or would lead to an accident which is not desirable. Conventionally, known methods to overcome this problem are to modify the gear box and transmission gear trains to increase torque. However, such systems are complex, and requires frequent maintenance by a professional. In other situations, a tug vehicle or a tow winch may be hired or used in order to assist the vehicle climb the incline. However, these options are not always suitable as other factors such as traffic conditions, etc may affect this process. Further, due to the complexity involved in such alternatives, the costs of such alternatives are high and hence require huge investment upfront.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such relevant limitations associated with conventional assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional assembly are overcome by the device as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the device as claimed 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 herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure a device for assisting maneuvering of a vehicle over an inclination is disclosed. The device includes a frame defined with a pair of side support structures on two opposing sides which defines an intervening space for receiving a drive wheel of the vehicle. A first set of rollers rotatably connected between the pair of side support structures, wherein the first set of rollers are configured to contact the drive wheel and receive torque. The device further includes a second set of rollers rotatably connected between the pair of side support structures and structured to contact a terrain surface. The second set of rollers are coupled to the first set of rollers through a drive unit, and wherein the drive unit is configured to amplify the torque received by the first set of rollers and transfers the amplified torque to the second set of rollers for maneuvering the vehicle over the inclination.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers are connected in two different planes, such that the first set of rollers are above the second set of rollers.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the diameter of the first set of rollers is smaller than the diameter of the second set of rollers.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers is supported on the frame through a bearing.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the size ratio of the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers is 1:2.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the drive unit includes a first gear coupled to a shaft of one roller of the first set of rollers, a second gear coupled to shaft of one roller of the second set of rollers and an intermediate gear provided between the first gear and the second gear.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the device includes a first chain drive connects each roller of the first set of rollers to the one roller of the first set of rollers, and a sprocket is mounted at an end of each roller of the first set of rollers. The first chain drive meshes with the sprocket of each roller of the first set of rollers.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the device also includes a second chain drive connects each roller of the second set of rollers to the one roller of the second set of rollers, and a sprocket is mounted at an end of each roller of the second set of rollers. The second chain drive meshes with the sprocket of each roller of the second set of rollers.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first set of rollers and second set of rollers are arranged in a reduction ratio of 1:0.5.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the device consists of a ramp pivotably mounted to the frame for receiving the drive wheel of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the device consists of a stopper wedge provided to the frame for preventing the device from sliding back while receiving the drive wheel of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a plurality of support rollers are configured on an inner portion of each of the pair of side support structures to support the drive wheel.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a set of stopper rollers are removably mounted at each end of the pair of side support structures to lock the drive wheels within the frame.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

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:

FIG.1 illustrates a schematic representation of a device employed for assisting maneuvering of a vehicle over an inclination, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.2A illustrates a side view of the device accommodating a wheel of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.2B illustrates a top view of the device and wheel of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.3 illustrates an isometric view of the device and wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict 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 assembly illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims 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 assemblies for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent processes do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, 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. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a device for assisting maneuvering of a vehicle over an inclination. The device overcomes the problem of vehicles which getting stalled and over-heated when used at a higher RPM for overcoming a steep inclination. In conventional methods, it is known art to modify the gear box and transmission gear trains to increase torque output. Therefore, such modifications lead in to increase in cost, maintenance, size, and complexity. Also, conventionally wedge-shaped support blocks are used to prevent roll back of the vehicle when moving on an inclination. However, such conventional methods do not help in applying the toque to overcome the inclination. Unlike the known methods, the device of the present disclosure can provide the required torque without causing stress on the engine or changes in the gear box and transmission. Also, the usage of the device of the present disclosure reduces the total number of moving child parts required for operation in transmission, reduces engine effort and improves the power output of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the device for assisting manoeuvring the vehicle over an incline may be configured to be positioned under a driving wheel of the vehicle. The device of the present disclosure includes a frame, a first set of rollers, a second set of rollers and a drive unit. The frame is defined by side support structures which define a space for receiving a drive wheel of the vehicle. The first set of rollers are rotatably connected between the side support structures and are configured to contact at least a portion of the drive wheel to receive torque from the engine. The second set of rollers are further connected rotatably between the pair of side support structures and to contact a terrain surface. The second set of rollers are coupled to the first set of rollers through a drive unit. Further, the drive unit is configured to amplify the torque received by the first set of rollers and transfers the amplified torque to the second set of rollers. The amplified torque received at the second set of rollers assists maneuvering of the vehicle over an inclination.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described in detail 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 used in the specification, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or method. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitation of the present disclosure. In the figures the vehicle is not depicted for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the assembly may be employed in any vehicle including but not limiting to passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and the like. However, only the wheel of the vehicle is shown in the figures and not the vehicle for the purpose of simplicity.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIG.1 to FIG.3.

FIG.1 is a schematic representation of a device (100) for assisting in maneuvering of a vehicle over an inclination. The device (100) referred herein above and below is a portable device which may be stored and transported in a vehicle. The device (100) may be deployed or positioned under a drive wheel (104) of the vehicle while maneuvering up an inclination. The device (100) broadly includes a frame (102), a first set of rollers (106), a second set of rollers (110) and a drive unit (112) configured between said first set of rollers (106) and said second set of rollers (110). In an embodiment, the frame (102) includes a pair of side support structures constructed in at least one of but not limited to a trapezoidal, a rectangular, or a square shape. In an embodiment, the side support structures can be at least one of but not limited to a web structure, or a cross beamed structure, etc. The frame (102) as described above defines a space referred as an intervening space for accommodating the drive wheels (104) of the vehicle.

The device includes first set of rollers (106) and second set of rollers (110) which are rotatably provided between the pair of side support structures. In an embodiment, the rollers (106, 110) are supported on a bearing mount or grooves. The first set of rollers (106) are configured to contact at least a portion of the drive wheel (104) to receive the torque from the drive wheel. In an embodiment, each of the of first set of rollers (106) and second set of rollers (110) includes a sprocket (108) mounted at least on one end of the of the first set of rollers (106) and second set of rollers (110). A chain drive is provided such that a first chain drive (114) meshes with the sprocket (108) of each roller from the first set of rollers (106) and a second chain drive (110) meshes with the sprocket (108) of each roller from the second set of rollers (110). In an embodiment, the first set of rollers (106) and the second set of rollers (110) may be manufactured from at least one of but not limited to a solid material such as iron, aluminum, steel, etc. Further, based on the above constructions, the second set of rollers (110) are provided to be coupled to the first set of rollers (106) through the drive unit (112). In an embodiment, the first set of rollers (106) and the second set of rollers (110) are connected in two different planes wherein, the first set of rollers (106) are provided on a plane above that of the second set of rollers (110). In an embodiment, the diameter of the first set of rollers (106) may be smaller than the diameter of the second set of rollers (110). In an embodiment, the diameter of the first set of rollers (106) with respect to the second set of rollers (110) is in the ration of 1:2.

The drive unit (112) is configured to amplify the torque received by the first set of rollers (106) and transfers the amplified torque to the second set of rollers (110) for maneuvering the vehicle over the inclination. The drive unit (112) includes a first gear (124), a second gear (128) and an intermediate gear (118). In an embodiment, the first gear (124) is coupled to a shaft of at least one roller from the first set of rollers (106) such that the first gear (124) rotates in the same RPM as that of the first set of rollers (106). Similarly, the second gear (128) is coupled to a shaft of at least one roller from the second set of rollers (110) such that the second set of rollers (110) rotates with the same RPM as that of the second gear (128). The intermediate gear (118) is provided in between the first gear (124) and second gear (128) and is configured to transmit the rotational motion from the first gear (124) to second gear (128). In an embodiment, a reduction ration of 1:05 is achieved because of the arrangement of the drive unit (112) between the first set of rollers (106) and second set of rollers (110).

In an embodiment, depending upon vehicle size and weight, the frame (102) can be made up of at least one of but not limited to steel, aluminium, iron, etc. or at least one of a solid cross-section or a hollow cross-section.

In an embodiment, a set of stopper rollers (126) are removably mounted at each end of the pair of side support structures to lock the drive wheels (104) within the frame (102). In an embodiment, a set of support rollers (122) are configured on an inner portion of each of the pair of side support structures to support the drive wheel (104).

Now referring to, FIGS.2A, 2B and FIG.3 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating a side, top and isometric view of the device (100) of the FIG.1 respectively. FIG. 2A illustrates the side view of the device with the drive wheel (104) in position and in contact with the first set of rollers (106).

In operation, the portable device (100) is placed behind the driving wheel (104) of the vehicle. The vehicle is then allowed to roll back onto the device (100) such that, at least one driving wheel (104) gets accommodated in the space intervening between the side support structures of the frame (102). Once the drive wheel (104) is positioned and in contact with the first set of rollers (106), a stopper roller (126) provided at the end of side support structure is mounted at a back portion of the device to lock the drive wheels (104) within the frame (102). In an embodiment, a stopper roller (126) may be provided at both ends of the side support structures of the frame (102). Once the drive wheel (104) is secured on the device (100), the vehicle is accelerated in a designated gear, and the drive wheel (104) rotates. With the rotation of drive wheel (104), the first set of rollers (106) which are in contact with the portion of drive wheel (104) starts rotating about its axis. Due to the rotation of at least one roller from the first set of rollers (106), the sprockets (108) associated with the rotating rollers in-turn starts rotating. The first chain drive (114) which meshes with the sprockets (108) of each roller of first set of rollers (106) start rotating thereby causing a rotation in the first gear (124) of the drive unit (112). The intermediate gear (118) is provided between the first gear (124) and the second gear (128) that rotates the second gear (128) such that, the second chain drive (116) associated with the second set of rollers (110) rotates the sprockets of the rollers. Since, the diameter of rollers provided in the first set of rollers (106) is smaller than the diameter of the rollers provided in the second set of rollers (110) and due to the arrangement of drive unit (112), a reduction ratio of 1:0.5 is achieved which amplifies the torque output at second set of rollers (110). Finally, due to the amplified torque, the vehicle is assisted in maneuvering over the inclination. In an embodiment, the chain drives (114 and 116) make sure that all the rollers [i.e., the first set of rollers receiving the torque from the drive wheel and the second set of rollers contacting the terrain, all rotate at their respective rotational speeds]. Here, the second set of rollers (110) have enough traction and torque to move the entire vehicle gradually over the inclination. Once the vehicle passes the inclination, the device (100) may be disengaged by unlocking the stopper roller (126) so that the drive wheel (104) of the vehicle may disembark from the device (104).

In an embodiment, the device (100) for assisting in maneuvering of the vehicle over an inclination may include a ramp (120) pivotably mounted to the frame (102). In an embodiment, the ramp (120) is provided for aiding in ramping the at least one driving wheel (104) of the vehicle onto the device (100). In an embodiment, the ramp (120) may be made up of extending structures to increase or decrease the inclination of the ramp (120) with respect to terrain surface on which the device (100) is placed.

In an embodiment, the frame (102) as described above may include a plurality of support rollers (122) which are configured on an inner portion of the each of the side support structures to support the drive wheel (104) and prevent the drive wheel (104) from contacting the side support structure causing damage to the drive wheel (104). In an embodiment, the support rollers (122) may be made up of at least one of but not limited to nylon, steel, iron, etc. In an embodiment, the device (100) may include a stopper wedge provided fixedly to the frame (102) such that the device stays stationary and prevents roll back of the device (100) while the drive wheel (104) of the vehicle traverses over the first set of rollers (106) of the device.

In another embodiment, the drive unit (112) may use at least one of but not limited to belt drives, shaft drives, etc. to drive the rollers. In another embodiment, a plurality of different driving means may also be used.

In an embodiment, the device (100) offers increased torque for easy maneuverability over an inclined surface.

In an embodiment, the device (100) is portable and hence may be easily carried in the vehicle and used when required.

In an embodiment, the device (100) because of its construction extracts the required torque for the vehicle to maneuver over the inclination.

In an embodiment, the cost of the device (100) as compared to the complex gear and transmission unit is economical and has reduced maintenance costs.

It may be noted that, one skilled in the art may modify the configuration of the device to suit different vehicles without deviating from scope of the disclosure. Such modifications should be considered as a part of the present disclosure.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, 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 herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, 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 herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral Numerals:
Description Reference Number
Device 100
Frame 102
Drive wheel 104
First set of rollers 106
Sprocket 108
Second set of rollers 110
Drive unit 112
First chain drive 114
Second chain drive 116
Intermediate gear 118
Ramp 120
Support rollers 122
First gear 124
Stopper rollers 126
Second gear 128