Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a frame assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a frame assembly for a three-or four wheeled vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventionally, an internal combustion engine is used for driving a vehicle is connected to a rear wheel axle. The internal combustion engine tends to produce exhaust gases which affects the air quality. Therefore, extensive research being done to develop alternative to gasoline powered vehicles.
[0003] One of the known approaches is to use compressed natural gas (hereinafter “CNG”) powered vehicles. The CNG is a high-octane fuel that is beneficial for reducing engine knock, for reducing carbon emission. This typically requires packaging of one or more CNG cylinders in the vehicle. However, it is a challenge for the designers to provide dual fuel in a vehicle having a separate fuel tank and CNG cylinders to increase the range and total fuel quantity stored in a vehicle. The range and total fuel quantity is critical especially in a vehicle being used for commercial purpose.
[0004] Further, the commercial vehicles are running day and night on unmetalled or rugged roads thereby exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Therefore, a dedicated structure for holding one or more CNG cylinders is required on the frame assembly. It is a challenge for the designer to securely hold the CNG cylinders to prevent any movement in vehicle operating conditions at the same time it is essential to provide ease of replacement of the CNG cylinders. It is known to provide plurality of mounting structures being welded to the frame assembly to hold the CNG cylinders. However, it is observed that the structure installed on the frame tends to have lower strength under the weight of the CNG cylinders. Further, the disadvantages of such structures are shorter lifetime and possibility of loosening of the cylinders which may cause leakage of gas due to loosening of valve installed on the gas cylinder head.
[0005] In addition to above, with current paradigm shift from vehicles with IC engines to vehicle running on alternate fuels, there is a transient need for vehicle manufacturers to have products designed to have platforms flexible to change from IC engine type power train to vehicles running on alternate fuels etc. without any substantial change in product design as well as minimum impact on assembly difficulty. There is also a problem of high change over time between different models being produced on same production set-up as well as increase in variety of parts leading to all consequential problem like more number of exclusive parts between variants, high lead time of change over, high cost, operators not trained etc. Typical vehicles with IC engines are designed, tuned & optimised to deliver the best performance & durability to the customers. One of the most important aspects of performance of the vehicle is the CG of the vehicle which for a given IC engine type vehicle is predetermined. When such a platform vehicle is changed to vehicle having one or more CNG cylinders, the impact on the weight distribution change is substantial. Similarly, when the vehicle & assembly line needs to be changed to manufacture a vehicle having one or more CNG cylinders, there exists a challenge to ensure the CG of the vehicle is substantially at the pre-determined location as in the vehicle with IC engine configuration. Any drastic change in the mass distribution or CG can lead to change in the load transfer of the vehicle during events like braking, in-plane & out of plane maneuvers. Thus, there is a need to have a design of a vehicle including distribution of its constituent parts to enable smooth change over in production while still retaining substantially same dynamic characteristics of the vehicle in terms of braking effectiveness, ride comfort, handling etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A frame assembly for a vehicle comprising a head tube, one or more long member(s), one or more cross member(s), one or more down tube(s), and a mounting assembly. The one or more long member(s) extending in a first direction. The one or more cross member(s) extending in a second direction, at least one of said one or more cross members being configured to connect said one or more long member(s). The one or more down tube(s) extending in said first direction being configured to connect said headtube and said one of said cross member(s) of said one or more cross member(s). The mounting assembly being configured to connect one or more storage compartment to said frame assembly. As per an embodiment, said one or more storage compartment being positioned below one of said one or more cross members and between a portion of said one or more downtube(s) provided below said one or more cross member(s).
[0007] As per another embodiment, said mounting assembly comprising one or more first member(s), one or more second member(s), and one or more holding member(s).
[0008] As per yet another embodiment, said one or more first member(s) being configured to connect one or more cross member(s) to said one or more long member(s).
[0009] As per an embodiment, said one or more long member(s) being extending substantially downward with a distance increasing between a portion of said one or more down tubes in a downward direction and then said one or more down tubes being curved to extend in a rearward direction having a first distance H1 and then said one or more down tubes being curved and extending substantially upward with a second distance H2 between a portion of said one or more down tubes to attach with said one or more cross member.
[00010] As per another embodiment, said second distance being higher than said first distance.
[00011] As per yet another embodiment, said one or more first member(s) having a substantially T Shaped structure.
[00012] As per an embodiment, a portion of said first member(s) being configured to have one or more opening(s), said opening(s) being configured to receive one or more first set of attachment mean(s) to connect one or more energy storage housing(s) through one or more holding assembly.
[00013] As per another embodiment, one or more said second member(s) being connected to a side portion of one or more said cross member(s), one of said one or more second member(s) having a Pi- shaped structure.
[00014] As per yet another embodiment, one or more second member(s) being configured to have a base portion, and one or more legs forming a clevis.
[00015] As per an embodiment, said one or more being may be perpendicular or non-perpendicular or angled to said base portion.
[00016] As per another embodiment, said one or more leg(s) being attached to a portion of said one or more cross member(s), said base portion being configured to have one or more opening(s) being configured to receive a second set of attachment mean(s).
[00017] As per yet another embodiment, said one or more holding member(s) being configured to have a first holding member(s) and a second holding member(s).
[00018] As per an embodiment, said one or more first holding member(s) being configured to a first curved portion and a pair of first extensions extending from opposite ends of said first curved portion.
[00019] As per another embodiment, said pair of first extensions being configured to have one or more opening, said opening being configured to receive said first set of attachment means.
[00020] As per yet another embodiment, said one or more second holding member(s) being configured to a second curved portion, a C-shaped portion and a pair of second extensions extending from opposite ends of said second curved portion.
[00021] As per an embodiment, said pair of second extensions being configured to have one or more opening, said opening being configured to receive said second set of attachment means.
[00022] As per another embodiment, one end of said C-shaped portion being attached to said base portion of said one or more second member(s) and another end being attached to a portion of said second curved portion.
[00023] As per yet another embodiment, wherein one of said C -shaped portion being configured to have an opening, said opening being configured to receive said one or more second set of attachment means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00024] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[00025] Fig.1a is a partial perspective view of a frame assembly for a vehicle illustrating a storage compartment as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00026] Fig.1b is a partial top view of the frame assembly for the vehicle illustrating the storage compartment as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00027] Fig.2 is an exploded view and localized views of the frame assembly for the vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00028] Various other features and advantages of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. With reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views. It should be noted that the drawings should be viewed in the direction of orientation of the reference numerals.
[00029] It is to be noted that in the ensuing description, the present invention is usable in a saddle type vehicle exemplified in the form of dual fuel driven three wheeled vehicle having two wheeler type front portion.
[00030] Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the three-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. 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.
[00031] Fig.1a is a partial perspective view of a frame assembly (100) for a vehicle (A) as per one embodiment of the present invention. Fig.1b is a partial top view of the frame assembly for the vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of brevity, Fig. 1a and Fig.1b will be discussed together. With reference to Fig.1a, a description is made of a three wheeled vehicle running on dual fuel (hereinafter “vehicle”) as per one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (A) further includes a plurality of body panels (not shown) for covering the frame (100) and is mounted thereto. One or more suspension(s)/shock absorbers (not shown) are provided in a rear portion (R) of said vehicle (A) for comfortable drive. Further, said vehicle (A) comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including one or more headlight (not shown), one or more taillight (not shown), a transistor-controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), and the like. A pair of left and right rear-view mirrors (not shown) are mounted on the right and left sides of the frame assembly (100). In one embodiment, said vehicle (A) is also provided with hazard lamps (not shown).
[00032] Further in Fig.1a, an internal combustion engine (not shown) is arranged ahead of a storage compartment (122). The storage compartment (122) includes a CNG cylinder. The storage compartment (122) being configured to store CNG or LPG or gasoline etc. Particularly, said storage compartment (100) is removably disposed on the frame assembly (100) through at least one mounting assembly (105). The mounting assembly (105) being detachably attached therein. The one or more rear wheel (not shown) and are connected to the frame assembly (100) by a pair of leaf springs (not shown) provided on either side of the vehicle (A). In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle (A) is configured to be selectively propelled on the dual fuel based on user inputs.
[00033] In one embodiment, the vehicle (A) illustrated, has the frame assembly (100) having a headtube (101), one or more cross members (103), one or more down tubes (104L, 104R) and one or more long members (102L, 102R, 102M). The one or more long member(s) (102L, 102R, 102M) extending in a longitudinal direction (L-L’) of the vehicle (A). Further, one or more cross member(s) (103) extending in a lateral direction (C-C’) of the vehicle (A). The at least one of said one or more cross members (103) being configured to connect said one or more long member(s) (102L, 102R, 102M). The one or more down tube(s) (104L, 104R) being extending in said longitudinal direction (L-L’) to connect said headtube (101) to said at least one cross member(s) (103). The mounting assembly (105) being configured to connect one or more storage compartment (122) to said frame assembly (101). In embodiment, the one or more storage compartment (122) being positioned below one of said one or more cross members (103) and between a portion of said one or more downtube(s) (104R, 104L). A pair of crash guard (123L, 123R) and a pair of foot rest (124L, 124R) being attached to said one or more down tubes (104R, 104L).
[00034] Further, as per one embodiment, said at least one storage compartment is disposed in the space defined between said one or more long members (102L, 102R, 102M) and said one or more cross members (103). Referring to one embodiment, said at least one storage compartment (122) is offset from said head tube (101) in said vehicle longitudinal axis (L-L’). The mounting assembly (105) includes one or more first member(s) (106), one or more second member(s) (107), one or more holding member(s) (110). The one or more first member(s) (106) being configured to connect one or more cross member(s) (103) to said one or more long member(s) (102L, 102R, 102M). The one or more down tubes (104L, 104R) being extending substantially downward an increasing or varying distance between a portion of said one or more down tubes(s) (104L, 104R) in a downward direction and then said one or more down tubes (104L, 104R) being curved to extend in a rearward direction (R) having a first distance (H1) and then said one or more down tubes (104L, 104R) being curved and extending substantially upward with a second distance (H2) between a portion of said one or more down tube(s) (104L, 104R) to attach with said one or more cross members (103).The second distance (H2) being higher than said first distance (H1).
[00035] Fig.2 is an exploded view and localized views of the frame assembly for the vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention. The said one or more first member(s) (106) having a substantially T shaped structure. A portion of said first member(s) (106) being configured to have one or more first member opening(s) (106A). The said first member opening(s) (106A) being configured to receive one or more first set of attachment mean(s) (120) to connect one or more storage compartment(s) (122) through one or more holding assembly (110). The one or more said second member(s) (107) being connected to a side portion of one or more said cross member(s) (103). The one or more second member(s) (107) having a Pi- shaped structure. The one or more second member(s) (107) being configured to have a base portion (108), and one or more legs (109) forming a clevis. The one or more legs (109) being may be perpendicular or non-perpendicular or angled to said base portion (108). The one or more leg(s) (109) being attached to a portion of said one or more cross member(s) (103). The said base portion (108) being configured to have one or more second member opening(s) (107A) being configured to receive a second set of attachment mean(s) (121).
[00036] The one or more holding member(s) (110) being configured to have one or more first holding member(s) (111) and one or more second holding member(s) (115). The one or more first holding member(s) (111) being configured to a first curved portion (112) and a pair of first extensions (113) extending from opposite ends of said first curved portion (112). The pair of first extensions (113) being configured to have one or more first extension openings (114), said one or more first extension opening (114) being configured to receive said first set of attachment means (120). The one or more second holding member(s) (115) being configured to a second curved portion (116), a C-shaped portion (117) and a pair of second extensions (118) extending from opposite ends of said second curved portion (116). The second extensions (118) being configured to have one or more second extension openings (119). The said second set of openings (119) being configured to receive said second set of attachment means (121). The one end of said C-shaped portion (117) being attached to said base portion (108) of said one or more second member(s) (107) and another end being attached to a portion of said second curved portion (116). The one end portion of said C -shaped portion (117) being configured to have an opening (117A). The opening (117A) being configured to receive said one or more second set of attachment means (121).
[00037] It is advantageous to mount the storage compartment at an offset to facilities the routing of the other subsystems of the vehicle like an exhaust assembly. Further, the location at an offset with respect to vehicle central plane provides ease of accessibility to the user. Importantly, the improved frame provides a simple, cost-effective solution to mount the storage compartment. It takes less-time for the user to mount and dismount the storage compartment from the vehicle as the holding members being easily operable and accessible to the user. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting of said storage compartment on the first and second holding members which are further attached to first and second members affords numerous advantages, such as substantially reduced unsprung weight for the vehicle, thus providing improved handling and driving experience for the user of the vehicle. Further, the holding members, the first member and the second member provide a rigid frame mountings to mount the storage compartment like CNG cylinder at the rear frame that are easily detachable. Importantly, the storage compartment being disposed between a pair of down tubes and below cross members thereby acts as crash protection for storage compartment at unexpected situations. Furthermore, the improved frame accommodates both the storage compartment like CNG cylinder as well as petrol tank thereby providing platform to create multiple variants without changing a frame assembly. This provides commonisation of frame for multiple variants of the vehicle. Importantly, the CG of the vehicle is substantially maintained not affecting the vehicle dynamics condition.
[00038] In light of the abovementioned 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 following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the device itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00039] The above-mentioned example is only provided in pursuit of clarity, illustration and elucidation purposes of the present subject matter and shall not be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter to abovementioned aspects of the invention.
[00040] Furthermore, the battery pack as per preferred embodiment is applicable for non-automotive application. Further, it includes application for multi-wheeled vehicles like three, or four wheeled vehicles as it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
List of reference numerals:
A Vehicle
L-L' Longitudinal direction
C-C' Lateral direction
100 Frame assembly
101 Head tube
102L, 102R, 102M Long members
103 Cross members
104L, 104R Down tubes
105 Mounting assembly
106 First members
106A Opening in the first member
107 Second members
107A Opening in the second member
108 Base portion
109 One or more legs
110 Holding members
111 First holding members
112 First curved portion
113 First extensions
114 First extension openings
115 Second holding members
116 Second curved portion
117 C shaped portion
117A Opening
118 Second extensions
119 Second extension openings
120 First set of attachment means
121 Second set of attachment means
122 Storage compartment
123L, 123R - Crash guard
124L, 124R – Foot rest
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A frame assembly (100) for a vehicle (A), said frame assembly (100) comprising:
a head tube (101);
one or more long member(s) (102R, 102L, 102M), the one or more long member(s) (102R, 102L, 102M) being extending in a first direction (L-L’) of said vehicle (A);
one or more cross member(s) (103) extending in a second direction (C-C’) of said vehicle (A), at least one of said one or more cross members (103) being configured to connect said one or more long member(s) (102R, 102L, 102M); and
one or more down tube(s) (104R, 104L), said one or more down tube(s) (104R, 104L) being extending in said first direction (L-L’) being configured to connect said headtube (101) to said one or more cross member(s) (103),
a mounting assembly (105), said mounting assembly (105) being configured to connect one or more storage compartment (122) to said frame assembly (100),
wherein said one or more storage compartment(s) (122) being positioned below one of said one or more cross members (103) and between a portion of said one or more downtube(s) (104R, 104L) provided below said one or more cross member(s) (103).
2. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mounting assembly (105) comprising one or more first member(s) (106), one or more second member(s) (107), and one or more holding member(s) (110).
3. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said one or more first member(s) (106) being configured to connect one or more cross member(s) (103) to said one or more long member(s) (102R, 102L, 102M).
4. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more down tube(s) (104R, 104L) being extending substantially downward with a distance increasing between a portion of said one or more down tube(s) (104R, 104L) in a downward direction and then said one or more down tubes (104R, 104L) being curved to extend in a rearward direction (R) having a first distance (H1) and then said one or more down tubes (104R, 104L) being curved and extending substantially upward with a second distance (H2) between a portion of said one or more down tubes (104R, 104L) to attach with said one or more cross member (103).
5. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second distance (H2) being higher than said first distance (H1).
6. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said one or more first member(s) (106) having a substantially T-Shaped structure.
7. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a portion of said first member(s) (106) being configured to have one or more first member opening(s) (106A), said one or more first member opening(s) (106A) being configured to receive one or more first set of attachment mean(s) (120) to connect one or more storage compartment (122) through one or more holding members (110).
8. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein one or more said second member(s) (107) being connected to a side portion of one or more said cross member(s) (103), one of said one or more second member(s) (107) having a Pi- shaped structure.
9. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein one or more second member(s) (107) being configured to have a base portion (108), and one or more legs (109) forming a clevis.
10. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said one or more legs (109) being may be perpendicular or non-perpendicular or angled to said base portion (108).
11. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said one or more leg(s) (109) being attached to a portion of said one or more cross member(s) (103), said base portion (108) being configured to have one or more second member opening(s) (107A) being configured to receive a second set of attachment mean(s) (121).
12. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said one or more holding member(s) (110) being configured to have a first holding member(s) (111) and a second holding member(s) (115).
13. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said one or more first holding member(s) (111) having a first curved portion (112) and a pair of first extensions (113), said pair of first extensions (113) being extending from opposite ends of said first curved portion (112).
14. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said pair of first extensions (113) being configured to have one or more first extension openings (114), said first extension openings (114) being configured to receive said first set of attachment means (120).
15. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said one or more second holding member(s) (115) being configured to have a second curved portion (116), a C-shaped portion (117) and a pair of second extensions (118), said pair of second extensions (118) being extending from opposite ends of said second curved portion (116).
16. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said pair of second extensions (118) being configured to have one or more second extension openings (119), said one or more second extension openings (119) being configured to receive said second set of attachment means (121).
17. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein one end of said C-shaped portion (117) being attached to said base portion (108) of said one or more second member(s) (107) and another end being attached to a portion of said second curved portion (116).
18. The frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein one of said C -shaped portion (117) being configured to have an opening (117A), said opening (117A) being configured to receive said one or more second set of attachment means (121).