DESC:FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to the field of mechanical structures. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a frame structure for a two wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Vehicles, particularly two wheeled vehicles utilize a swingarm for supporting at least one rear wheel. One end of the swingarm pivots over a point axially located on the frame and the other end of the swingarm carries the rear wheel. Swingarms can be single sided or two sided depending on the design of the two wheeled vehicle. The frame is the central load carrying structure of the two wheeled vehicle which holds together various elements of the two wheeled vehicle. Strength, stability and co-axial arrangement are some of the key properties associated with a steady swingarm and frame arrangement. The engine is a main source of power for the two wheeled vehicle. It provides the power needed to propel the two wheeled vehicle.
Conventionally, the swingarm and the engine are supported on the frame structure, particularly, the engine assembly 101 and the swingarm assembly 201 are pivotably mounted on different spindles 100, 200 supported on the frame structure, as illustrated in Figure 1A. More specifically, the engine is supported on one spindle 100 mounted on the frame structure, whereas the swingarm is pivotably supported on a different spindle 200 mounted on the frame structure. Some of the problems associated with such an arrangement include, an increase in the number of parts such as a requirement of an extra spindle, an increase in the complexity of the frame configuration which adds to the weight of the vehicle, loss of directional stability, poor stiffness to weight ratio and poor lateral, torsional and vertical vibration stability. A number of prior arts have been identified that claim to overcome the disadvantages associated with different mounting locations for the engine and the swingarm with respect to the frame structure. But none have provided solutions to improving comfort, stability at higher speeds and reducing manufacturing time.
Hence, there is felt a need for a frame structure that will overcome the problems experienced in the conventional frame structures.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the system of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome the problems associated with the prior art.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a frame structure that is easy to manufacture and assemble.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a frame structure that adds to the comfort of driving a two wheeled vehicle.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a frame structure that reduces the number of parts in a two wheeled vehicle.
A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a frame structure that provides better directional stability to the two wheeled vehicle.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a frame structure that reduces the weight of the two wheeled vehicle.
Still, a further object of the present disclosure is to provide a frame structure that provides better lateral, torsional and vibrational stability.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a frame structure that reduces the assembly time and effort.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a frame structure that reduces the number of assembly steps that are conventionally required.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
A frame structure for a two wheeled vehicle comprises a pair of side members and a pair of support members extending in an operative downward direction with respect to the corresponding side member. The frame structure further comprises a pair of support brackets disposed securedly on a corresponding support member. The support brackets are adapted to receive and support a spindle wherein the spindle is adapted to support an engine mounting structure and a swingarm mounting structure. The swingarm is swivably onto the frame structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
A frame structure for mounting a swingarm and engine assembly of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1A illustrates a conventional frame structure wherein the engine and the swingarm are mounted on two different spindles.
Figure 1B illustrates the front view of the main assembly including a partial sectional view of the swingarm and engine assembly on the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the main assembly including the swingarm and engine assembly mounted on the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the spindle of the swingarm and engine assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 4a illustrates a sectional view of the support brackets of the frame structure for mounting the swingarm and engine assembly of Figure 3;
Figure 4b illustrates a sectional view of the swingarm mounting portion of the swingarm of the swingarm and engine assembly of Figure 3;
Figure 4c illustrates a sectional view of the engine mounting portion of the engine of the swingarm and engine assembly of Figure 3.
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the swingarm and engine assembly of Figure 3 mounted on the frame structure without the engine attached;
Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of the swingarm and engine assembly of Figure 3 mounted on the frame structure with the engine attached; and
Figure 7 illustrates a front view of the swingarm and engine assembly of Figure 3 mounted on the frame structure with the engine attached.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the frame, swingarm and engine assembly will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The following description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The problem the current disclosure solves is that of reducing the complexity of the frame structure. Some of the advantages of the current disclosure are that of reducing the inventory required for the assembly, and hence reducing cost, time and effort involved in assembly, and the steps involved in the assembly. Another advantage that the current disclosure has over the prior art is that the final assembly, when put to test, gives high speed stability and high speed maneuverability, which increases the comfort for the rider.
Referring to the accompanying drawings, the main assembly 100 is illustrated in Figure 1B. A swingarm and engine assembly mounted on a frame structure, in accordance with the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference number 10 is also illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 2 illustrates the isometric view of the main assembly 100 carrying the swingarm and engine assembly 10 mounted on the frame 50. Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged cross sectional view of the swingarm and engine assembly 10 along with references towards the finer elements constituting the final assembly. Figures 4a to 4c illustrates three main components constituting the swingarm and engine assembly 10, which are the support brackets 26, the swingarm mounting portion 18, and engine mounting portion 32. Figure 5 illustrates the swingarm and engine assembly 10 without the engine 46 being shown. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the swingarm and engine assembly 10 in an isometric and front view respectively with the engine 46 attached.
Referring to Figure 1A, in the conventional systems, the engine and the swingarm are mounted on the frame structure such that they are supported by different spindles 100, 200. This is responsible for adding to the complexity of the frame structure and hence to the final assembly. It is also responsible for an increase in time required to make the final assembly, and hence increasing the cost of manufacturing the two wheeled vehicle.
In order to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks, Figure 1B and Figure 2 of the present disclosure illustrate a frame structure 50 on which the engine 46 and the swingarm 48 are coaxially mounted on a single spindle 22. Fig. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the main assembly 100 carrying the swingarm and engine assembly 10. The frame structure 50 of the present disclosure can be seen in Fig. 2. The frame structure 50 extends along the length of the main assembly 100. The frame 50 comprises a pair of side members 51 that are connected to each other on various locations via cross connecting members. Each side member 51 comprises support members 52 such that the support members 52 are connected to the side members 51 and extend from the side members 51 in an operative downward direction. The support members 52 further comprise support brackets 26 configured to receive a spindle 22 on which the engine 46 and the swing arm 48 are mounted via an engine mounting structure 32 and a swingarm mounting structure 18 respectively.
The frame structure 50 of the present disclosure involves mounting of the engine 46 and the swingarm 48 on a same spindle 22 as opposed to the conventional frame structures which mount the swingarm and the engine on different spindles. A first portion of the spindle 22 is adapted to be received within at least one swingarm mounting portion 18, and the second portion of the spindle 22 adapted to be received in the engine mounting portion 32.With such a configuration, assembly of the engine 46 and the swingarm 48 over the spindle 22 is achieved using a single mounting step, thereby saving assembly time and effort. In the modified arrangement, spindle 22 is concentric with and passing through frame guideways 40 of the support brackets 26, swingarm guideways 42 of the swingarm mounting portion 18, and engine guideways 44 of engine mounting portion 32. The spindle 22 provides the necessary strength and stability for holding the engine 46 and the swingarm 48. More specifically, with such a configuration of the swingarm and engine assembly 10 mounted on the frame structure 50, 20% more directional stability is achieved. The spindle 22 has a locking arrangement to securely support the spindle 22 within the support brackets 26. In an embodiment, the locking arrangement is a nut-bolt arrangement such that one end of the spindle 22 consists of thread formations configured to receive a self-tapping nut 24, while the other end of the spindle 22 is of a slightly larger diameter. This arrangement restrains the movement of the spindle 22 and prevents the spindle 22 from slipping past the frame guideways 40 formed in the support brackets 26, swingarm guideways 42, and engine guideways 44.
The swingarm guideways 42 are fitted with bearings 12, 34 and 20. The spindle 22 is supported by a pair of shell needle bearings 20 located on the operative right side thereof (as illustrated in Figure 4b) and is supported by a shell needle bearing 12 and roller bearing 34 on the operative left side thereof (as illustrated in Figure 4b). Such a configuration enables the spindle 22 to bear more load on the operative right side as the engine 46 is skewedly mounted with a weight bias increasingly tending towards the operative right side of the frame structure 50. In one embodiment a pair of shell needle bearings 20 is located at the operative right swingarm guideway 42, while a pair consisting of one shell needle bearing 12 and roller bearing 34 is fitted into the operative left swingarm guideway 42. This arrangement is illustrated in the Figure 4b. The bearing selection is done based on the factors such as the fatigue strength, scuff resistance, wear, and cavity erosion resistance. The bearings 12, 34 and 20 are fitted with an interference fit which prevents them from loosening during or after operations. In one embodiment a pair of circlips 14 is provided on either side of the roller bearing 34 to hold the roller bearing 34 in place.
As illustrated in Figure 3, guiding elements in the form of inner bushings 38 and 30 are disposed between the bearings 12, 34 and 20 and the spindle 22. The bushings 38 and 30, made from a material chosen from a group consisting of rubber and plastic, provide the necessary advantage to absorb lateral shocks. In one embodiment dust rings 36 and 28 are provided on the operative opening and the operative closing ends of the frame guideways 40 between the inner circumference of the frame guideways 40 and the outer circumference of the bushings 38 and 30. The dust rings 36 and 28 help to prevent the ingress of dust and other foreign particles in the bearings (12, 20, 34), and hence increase their lifespans. In one embodiment, an external bushing 16 is provided on the spindle 22 on the left to help fix the engine mounting portion 32 in one position and prevent it from sliding along the spindle 22 The external bushing 16, the bearings (12, 20. 34), the swingarm mounting portion 18, and the engine mounting portion 32 are mounted co-axially on the spindle 22.
The support brackets 26 of the frame structure 50, made of a material selected from a group consisting of steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium, and magnesium, form the main load bearing structures of the two wheeled vehicle. The key to a successful frame structure configuration lies in taking full advantage of the positive effects of the centrifugal and gyroscopic forces while reducing their contrary effects. These forces govern the positioning of the different elements to form the final assembly.
The swingarm mounting portion 18 is of material selected from a group consisting of aluminum and carbon composites. Its key function is to rigidly hold the rear axle and pivot about the frame structure 50 as the rear wheel experiences movement due to its interaction with the uneven road surface. The main factor affecting the design considerations for the swingarm mounting portion 18 is the shocks experienced by the rear axle suspension system (not shown). The engine 46 is responsible for generating the required power for propelling the two wheeled vehicle. The engine 46 is of a type chosen from a group consisting of two and four stroke engines. The weight of the engine 46 too plays an important part in the design considerations of the support brackets 26.
The above arrangement provides a comprehensive solution to problems arising out of complex frame configurations, more number of parts, and hence excess cost and excess manufacturing time while providing benefits of improved stability and better riding comfort.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The technical advancements offered by the present disclosure include the realization of frame structure 50 that:
• is easy to manufacture and assemble;
• adds to the comfort of driving the two wheeled vehicle;
• reduces the number of parts required for assembling the two wheeled vehicle;
• provides better directional stability to the two wheeled vehicle;
• reduces the weight of the two wheeled vehicle; and
• provides better lateral, torsional and vibrational stability.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. ,CLAIMS:1. A frame structure (50) for a two wheeled vehicle, said frame structure (50) comprising:
• a pair of side members (51);
• a pair of support members (52), wherein both support member are downwardly extending symmetrically from a corresponding side-member (51);
• a pair of support brackets (26), wherein each support bracket is secured on a corresponding support member (52);
• a spindle (22) adapted to be securely supported between said support brackets (26); said spindle (22) adapted to co-axially support an engine mounting structure (32) and swivably support a swingarm (48).
2. The frame structure (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first portion of said spindle (22) adapted to be received within at least a swingarm mounting portion (18) with at least one bearing (12, 20, 34) disposed between said spindle (22) and said swingarm mounting portion (18) to facilitate swivelling of said swingarm (48) about said spindle (22).
3. The frame structure (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second portion of said spindle (22) is adapted to be received within at least a mounting portion of said engine mounting structure (32).
4. The frame structure (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein swingarm mounting portion (18) is separated from said mounting portion of said engine mounting structure (32) by an external bushing (16).
5. The frame structure (50) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said bearing (12, 20, 34) is at least one of a shell needle bearing (12, 20) and a roller bearing (34).
6. The frame structure (50) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises at least a pair of dust rings (36, 28) disposed between said spindle (22) and said swingarm mounting portion (18), said dust rings (36, 28) adapted to prevent ingress of dust in said bearings (12, 20, 34).
7. The frame structure (50) as claimed in claim 2, further comprises a guiding element (30, 38) disposed coaxially between said at least one bearing (12,20,34) and said spindle (22).
8. The frame structure (50) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a locking arrangement for securely supporting said spindle (22) between said support brackets (26).
9. The frame structure (50) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said locking arrangement is a nut and bolt arrangement wherein said spindle (22) has a bolt head at one end and thread formations on other end; said thread fromations adapted to receive a self-tapping nut (24) to restrain the movement of said spindle (22).
10. The frame structure (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support brackets (26) is of a material selected from a group consisting steel, aluminium, carbon fibre, titanium, and magnesium.