DESC:Technical Field
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a fairing assembly for a motorcycle, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a fairing assembly adapted to channelize atmospheric air to different parts of said motorcycle.
Background
[0002] Typically, high performance motorcycles designed for racing or long distance touring, utilize a fairing assembly to form a body around an internal combustion engine and other components, so as to reduce effect of drag while riding. However, since said fairing assembly typically covers a substantial portion of said high performance motorcycles, it becomes imperative that said fairing assembly be designed in a manner so that it can channelize atmospheric air to an intake system including an air cleaner sub assembly, as well as for cooling the engine and other components which are enclosed.
[0003] Particularly, high performance motorcycles are designed in a manner so that minimal number of components are disposed at its rear portion, giving an exposed appeal at the rear. For example, components forming part of the intake system which are otherwise typically disposed at the rear portion of conventional lower end motorcycles are required to be disposed in a front portion of said high performance motorcycles. However, since the front portion of said high performance motorcycles are typically completely covered by said fairing assembly, it has to be ensured that sufficient atmospheric air is channelized towards said air intake system including the air cleaner sub assembly. Moreover, since the engine is also completely covered by the fairing assembly, there is a need to ensure sufficient circulation of air around the engine so as to cool the same.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
[0005] The present invention provides a fairing assembly including a front fairing member adapted to guide air from outside towards at least a portion of an air cleaner sub assembly of a motorcycle.
[0006] The present invention provides a fairing assembly including a plurality of side fairing members adapted to guide air from outside towards an engine of said motorcycle.
[0007] The present invention ensures air flow to at least a portion of the air cleaner sub assembly through at least two air inlet ducts formed in said front fairing member.
[0008] The present invention ensures air flow to the engine through a plurality of fins formed in one or more of said plurality of side fairing members.
[0009] The present invention provides a mounting member to mount said front fairing member to the frame assembly.
[0010] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0011] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:
[0012] FIG.1 illustrates a side view of a motorcycle in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG.2 illustrates an enlarged view of a front fairing member as seen from a front side of the motorcycle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG.3a illustrates an enlarged side view of the motorcycle depicting an air flow path through front fairing member to at least a portion of an air cleaner sub assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG.3b illustrates a side view of the motorcycle depicting location of at least a portion of the air cleaner sub assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG.4 illustrates a side perspective view of the motorcycle depicting a plurality of side fairing members and direction of air flow therefrom in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG.5 illustrates a front view of the motorcycle depicting air flow path through the plurality of side fairing members in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG.6 illustrates a side view exposing an inner portion of said fairing assembly, depicting a mounting arrangement for a front fairing member thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0019] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the fairing assembly, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the motorcycle with a driver riding thereon unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to said motorcycle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the motorcycle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0020] Firstly a description is made of an entire schematic structure of a motorcycle 100 with reference to FIG.1.
[0021] FIG.1 is a side view of the motorcycle 100. The motorcycle 100 includes a frame assembly 114 which acts as a skeleton thereof and supports different parts of the motorcycle 100. The frame assembly 114 extends from a head tube 114a (shown in FIG.6), which is disposed in a front portion of the motorcycle 100, towards a rear portion of the motorcycle 100. In an embodiment, the frame assembly 114 includes at least a mainframe and a sub-frame. In one embodiment, the main frame includes a main tube extending rearward from a rear portion of the head tube, and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube. In an embodiment, the frame assembly 114 may further include a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from a portion of the main frame. In an embodiment, the main frame and the sub-frame are integrated as a single unit such that both of them act as load bearing members. In another embodiment, the main frame and the sub-frame are formed as two different frame structures.
[0022] In an embodiment, an internal combustion engine 112 of the motorcycle 100 is supported by the main frame of the frame assembly 114. Said engine 112 acts as the power unit of the motorcycle 100 and is disposed below a fuel tank 104 of said motorcycle.
[0023] Further, the motorcycle 100 includes a swing arm 116, a front portion of which is swingably connected to the main frame of the frame assembly 114, and a rear portion of which rotatably supports a rear wheel 122. The rear wheel 122 is functionally coupled to the engine 112 through a transmission system (not shown). A rear fender (not shown) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel 122 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 122. Further, the swing arm 116 is coupled to the frame assembly 114 through one or more rear suspension(s) 118. In the present embodiment, a single mono-shock rear suspension 118 connects the swing arm 116 to the frame assembly 114.
[0024] A front fork assembly 115 (shown in FIG.5) which is steerably supported by the head tube 114a supports a front wheel 120. Further, the head tube 114 also supports a handlebar assembly 102 at its upper end, and a front fork assembly 115 at its lower end. Further, a front fender assembly 128 which covers at least a portion of the front wheel 120 is mounted to the front fork assembly 115. Further, as per the present embodiment, a radiator 119 (shown in FIG.5) is provided behind the front fender assembly 128, and behind the front fork assembly 115, and in front of the engine 112 for cooling said engine 112.
[0025] The fuel tank 104 is mounted to the frame assembly 114 and disposed immediately behind the handlebar assembly 102. In an embodiment, an air cleaner sub-assembly 103 (shown in FIG.3b) is disposed in the vicinity of the fuel tank 104. Particularly, in one embodiment, said air cleaner sub- assembly 103 is disposed in the vicinity of a front portion of the fuel tank 104. Further, a seat 106 is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank 104 and supported by the pair of rear frames of the frame assembly 114. A pair of rider foot pegs is mounted to the frame assembly 114 of the motorcycle 100 for supporting the rider foot.
[0026] Further, the motorcycle 100 also includes a fairing assembly 108 disposed forwardly of the head tube 114a and extending sidewardly and rearwardly covering at least a portion of the fuel tank 104 and at least a portion of the engine 112. In one embodiment, the fairing assembly 108 is mounted with one or more headlamp(s) (not shown) that are disposed in a front portion of the fairing assembly 108.
[0027] In one embodiment, the motorcycle 100 further includes a tail cover assembly 124 disposed rearwardly and extending from the frame assembly 114, covering at least a tail portion of the frame assembly 114. In an embodiment, the tail cover assembly 124 that extends towards a rear portion of the frame assembly 114 is adapted to accommodate at least a tail lamp sub-assembly (not shown).
[0028] Further, in an embodiment, a muffler sub-assembly 126 is disposed rearwardly extending from an exhaust port (not shown) of the engine 112. In an embodiment, the muffler sub-assembly 126 is supported at front end by a supporting member (not shown) mounted to the engine 112, and supported at a rear end by a supporting member mounted to the frame assembly 114.
[0029] Particularly, since the fairing assembly 108 covers the engine 112 substantially, and moreover since the air cleaner sub assembly 103 is also covered and remains unexposed to atmospheric air, there is a need to channelize air towards the engine 112 and the air cleaner sub assembly 103. The present invention particularly serves to channelize air towards the engine 112 and the air cleaner sub assembly 103.
[0030] The fairing assembly 108 as per the present invention is explained with reference to FIGs 2-5. FIG.2 is an enlarged front view showing a front fairing member 108a of said fairing assembly 108. As may be seen, said front fairing member 108a is disposed below a meter visor 105, and at least partially covers the front fork assembly 115. Further, said front fairing member 108a includes at least two air inlet ducts 108aa formed therein. Particularly, in the present embodiment, one air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa formed on one side of said front fairing member 108a is asymmetric with respect to another air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa formed on other side of said front fairing member 108a. For example, in the present embodiment, whereas an air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa formed on a right side of said front fairing member 108a is provided in the form of a through hole, another air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa formed on a left side of said front fairing member 108a is covered by a grille member 108ab, thereby rendering one of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa asymmetric with respect to another of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa. Further, position of one of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa is also maintained asymmetric with respect to position of another air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa. For example, position of one of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa is maintained more forward with respect to position of another air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa (shown in FIG.5). Maintaining asymmetricity of one of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa with respect to other air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa helps in ensuring that atmospheric air is effectively channelized to the air cleaner sub-assembly 103 based on its position. For example, as may be seen in FIG.3a, air is channelized through one air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa formed on a right hand side in the front fairing member 108a towards the fuel tank 104. More particularly, air is channelized through one air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa formed on a right hand side in the front fairing member 108a into the air cleaner sub-assembly 103 disposed in front of the fuel tank 104 (shown in FIG.3b), and disposed more towards a right hand side thereof. In another embodiment, where the air cleaner sub- assembly 103 is disposed in front of the fuel tank 104 and substantially towards a left hand side thereof, air may be channelized through the other air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa formed in a left hand side of said front fairing member 108a. Thus, both air inlet ducts of the at least two air inlet ducts 108aa which open towards the air cleaner sub- assembly are adapted to guide air towards the air cleaner sub-assembly.
[0031] As per another aspect of the present invention, a headlamp may be provided in one air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts 108aa. For example, in an embodiment, the grille member 108ab (shown in FIG.2) can be done away with to accommodate said headlamp in the front fairing member 108a. Thus, at least a single headlamp may be provided in the front fairing member 108a for lighting purpose and also to enhance overall appeal of the motorcycle 100.
[0032] As per yet another aspect of the present invention, at least one gyro camera 109 (shown in FIG.2) is provided in a front portion of said front fairing member 108a to capture riding conditions. A slot may be provided in the front portion of said front fairing member 108a to accommodate said gyro camera 109.
[0033] With reference to FIG.4 and FIG.5, channelling of air towards the engine 112 is explained. FIG.4 is a side perspective view of the motorcycle depicting a plurality of side fairing members and direction of air flow therefrom to the engine. FIG.5 is a front view of the motorcycle depicting air flow through the plurality of side fairing members. As per the present invention, said fairing assembly 108 includes a plurality of side fairing members 108b extending rearwards from said front fairing member 108a on both sides thereof to cover at least a portion of the fuel tank 104 and at least a portion of the engine 112. Thus, the plurality of side fairing members 108b, as per one embodiment extends up to a front portion of the engine 112. Particularly, as per the present invention, said plurality of side fairing members 108b includes a first side fairing member 108bf, a second side fairing member 108bs and a third side fairing member 108bt. Whereas the first side fairing member 108bf is detachably attached to the front fairing member 108a, and extends rearwards from the front fairing member 108a, said second side fairing member 108bs is detachably attached to said first side fairing member 108bf at a rear upper portion thereof, and is disposed immediately behind said first side fairing member 108bf and covers at least a portion of the engine 112. Particularly, said second side fairing member 108bs includes a plurality of fins 108bsf adapted to guide air towards the engine 112. More particularly, said plurality of fins 108bsf integrally formed with said second side fairing member 108bs are oriented at an angle with respect to each other so that air is stream lined towards the engine 112. For example, the plurality of fins 108bsf are formed in a manner such that a rear portion of each fin of said plurality of fins 108bsf is inclined downwards compared to a front portion thereof. In the present embodiment said second side fairing member 108bs thus serves as an air outlet for air circulation towards the engine 112. Further, in the present embodiment an air inlet for circulation towards the engine 112 is formed by a gap formed between said first side fairing member 108bf and the front fork assembly 115 as shown in FIG.5. Further, as may be seen in FIG.5, air entering through the gap between the first side fairing member 108bf and the front fork assembly 115, and exiting through the plurality of fins 108bsf also serves to cool the radiator 119 disposed in the rear of said front fork assembly 115 and in front of the engine 112.
[0034] Further, the third side fairing member 108bt is detachably attached to a lower portion of the first side fairing member 108bf and covers at least a portion of the engine 112. As per an aspect of the present invention a cut out 108btc is provided in said third side fairing member 108bt which serves to guide air flowing along a lower portion of said motorcycle 100 towards the engine 112. Besides cooling the engine 112, said second side fairing member 108bs, and said third side fairing member 108bt also serve to streamline cool air towards the rider’s foot placed close to the engine 112.
[0035] Thus, the plurality of side fairing members 108b aid in reducing the overall drag coefficient and provide comfortable environment for the rider, besides cooling the engine 112.
[0036] FIG.6 illustrates a mounting arrangement for said front fairing member 108a as per an aspect of the present invention. A mounting member 110 is used to mount said front fairing member 108a to said frame assembly 114. Particularly, the mounting member 110 serves to mount the front fairing member 108a to the head tube 114a of said frame assembly 114. As may be seen, an extension member 114b is provided, which extends horizontally in a motorcycle forward direction from a central portion of said head tube 114a. Further, the mounting member 110 is fastened to said extension member 114b. The mounting member 110 as per the present embodiment includes a central body 110a fastened to the extension member 114b and a pair of mounting arms 110b extending horizontally in a motorcycle forward direction from a central body 110a. Particularly, both mounting arms of said pair of mounting arms 110b extend substantially parallel to one another. As per the present embodiment, a substantially central portion of the front fairing member 108a above the at least two air inlet ducts 108aa is fastened to the pair of mounting arms 110b. Providing the mounting member 110 aids in ensuring that said front fairing member 108a is disposed well ahead of the head tube 114a, contributing to aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. Further, as per the present embodiment, said mounting member 110 is made of a polymeric material such as plastic. Use of a polymeric material such as plastic for the mounting member 110 aids in ensuring that overall weight of the motorcycle does not increase. Moreover, since the mounting member 110 is fastened to the extension member 114b which is made of metal, sufficient support for bearing the load of the front fairing member 108a is ensured.
[0037] Thus, as is apparent from the above description, the fairing assembly 108 as per the present invention, not only aids in sufficiently covering the engine and radiator, but also aids in ensuring sufficient air flow to the engine and the radiator. Further, construction and design of the fairing assembly as per the present invention also enhances overall aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle.
,CLAIMS:I/We Claim:

1. A fairing assembly (108) for a motorcycle (100), said motorcycle comprising:
a frame assembly (114) including a head tube (114a);
a handlebar assembly (102) supported at an upper end of said head tube (114a);
a front fork assembly (115) supported at a lower end of said head tube (114a);
a fuel tank (104) disposed immediately behind said handlebar assembly (102);
an air cleaner sub assembly (103) disposed in a vicinity of a front portion of said fuel tank (104);
an internal combustion engine (112) disposed below said fuel tank (104) and supported by at least a portion of said frame assembly (114);
a radiator (119) disposed behind said front fork assembly (115) and in front of said engine (112) for cooling said engine (112);
wherein, said fairing assembly (108) at least partially attached to said frame assembly (114) is adapted to channelize air flow to said air cleaner sub-assembly (103), said engine (112) and said radiator (119);
characterized in that, said fairing assembly (108) includes a front fairing member (108a) comprising at least two air inlet ducts (108aa) formed in a front portion thereof for channelling air flow to said air cleaner sub-assembly (103), and wherein said fairing assembly (108) includes a plurality of side fairing members (108b) for channelling air flow towards the radiator (119) and said engine (112).
2. The fairing assembly (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts (108aa) formed in said front fairing member (108a) is asymmetric with respect to another air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts (108aa).
3. The fairing assembly (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts (108aa) formed as a through hole, and another air inlet duct of said at least two air inlet ducts (108aa) covered with a grille member (108ab) in a front portion thereof, open towards said air cleaner sub-assembly (103).
4. The fairing assembly (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front fairing member (108aa) includes at least one gyro camera (109).
5. The fairing assembly (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of side fairing members (108b) disposed on both sides of said front fairing member (108a) and extending up to a front portion of said engine (112) includes a first side fairing member (108bf), a second side fairing member (108bs) and a third side fairing member (108bt), and wherein a gap is formed between said first side fairing member (108bf) and said front fork assembly (115) to allow air flow to said radiator (119).
6. The fairing assembly (108) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first side fairing member (108bf) is detachably attached to said front fairing member (108a), said second side fairing member is detachably attached to said first side fairing member (108bf) at a rear upper portion thereof, and is disposed immediately behind said first side fairing member (108bf), and wherein, said third side fairing member (108bt) is detachably attached to a lower portion of said first fairing member (108bf).
7. The fairing assembly (108) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second fairing member (108bs) includes a plurality of fins (108bsf) adapted to guide air towards the engine (112).
8. The fairing assembly (108) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said plurality of fins (108bsf) is integrally formed in said second fairing member (108bs), and wherein each fin of said plurality of fins (108bsf) is oriented at an angle with respect to another fin of said plurality of fins (108bsf).
9. The fairing assembly (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front fairing member (108a) is detachably attached to said head tube (114a) through a mounting member (110).
10. The fairing assembly (108) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said mounting member (110) is made of a polymeric material, and includes a central body (110a) attached to an extension member (114b) rigidly attached to the head tube (114a), and a pair of mounting arms (110b) extending horizontally in a motorcycle forward direction from said central body (110a), and wherein said front fairing member (108a) is detachably attached to said pair of mounting arms (110b).