Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to vehicles, and more particularly, but not exclusively, relates to vehicles with a selectively leaning mechanism offering stable manoeuvrability characteristics.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicles, such as three-wheeled vehicles, are typically used for transportation purposes due to their inherent characteristics of being small and fuel efficient, while being easy to drive, manoeuvre and park in crowded areas. As such, the three-wheeled vehicles are popular for transportation purposes. However, the three-wheeled vehicle are typically plagued with stability concerns during an abrupt manoeuvre. Particularly, the stability issues are pronounced when the three-wheeled vehicle is manoeuvred and/or cornered at high speeds.
[0003] In order to overcome the stability issues in the three-wheeled vehicle, tilt control mechanisms are developed. The tilt control mechanisms may be a rack and pinion-based system which can be mechanically operated or electronically operated for controlling tilting of the three-wheeled vehicle. However, such control mechanisms may add undue load onto a pinion of the system, thereby consequently, affecting durability of the control mechanism during operation. Moreover, the conventional control mechanisms are complex and include larger number of parts, which inhibit maintenance of the vehicle, while also being expensive.
[0004] Thus, there is a need for a device for controlling lean angle of the vehicle which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures, which is related to a three-wheeled vehicle being one embodiment of the present subject matter. However, the present subject matter is not limited to the depicted embodiment(s) and is applicable to all kinds of vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles, ATVs, Tricycles and the like. In the figures, the same or similar numbers are used throughout to reference features and components.
[0006] Fig. 1(a) exemplarily illustrates a front to rear side view of the lean adjustment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 1(b) exemplarily illustrates a rear to front side view of the lean adjustment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 2 exemplarily illustrates a rear view of the lean angle adjustment device with a housing assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig.3 exemplarily illustrates a transmission assembly of the lean angle adjustment device which is electronically operated at zero tilting condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 4 exemplarily illustrates the transmission assembly of the lean angle adjustment device which is electronically operated at “X” degrees tilting condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 5 exemplarily illustrates the transmission assembly of the lean angle adjustment device which is mechanically operated at “X” degrees tilting condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 6(a) exemplarily illustrates the locking mechanism in the mechanically operated lean adjustment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Fig. 6 (b) exemplarily illustrates a side view of the locking mechanism in the mechanically operated lean adjustment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

SUMMARY
[00014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact, reliable, cost-effective and durable leaning angle adjustment device that enables tilting of the vehicle to be adjusted based on driver level of driving experience.
[00015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device for controlling lean angle of a vehicle that can be operated both electronically and mechanically.
[00016] It is yet another object of the present invention to effectively prevent vehicle overturn by a simple structure and user-friendly mechanism, while the vehicle is turning at sharp turns and corners.
[00017] The present invention discloses a lean angle adjustment device for a vehicle comprising a housing assembly and a transmission assembly, wherein said transmission assembly being substantially enclosed by said housing assembly . Herein said housing assembly includes an opening and said transmission assembly includes a rotating shaft; wherein said opening being configured to receive a portion of said rotating shaft; a pair of first members; said pair of first members being disposed on adjacent sides of said rotating shaft; wherein said pair of first members being configured to selectively move in one of a direction away and close to said rotating shaft to limit a lean angle of the vehicle, said selective movement of said pair of first members being based on one or more inputs being received by one or more control unit of said vehicle.
[00018] In another embodiment, the housing assembly includes a housing and a cover member, the cover member being detachably attached to the housing using attachment means.
[00019] In yet another embodiment, the cover member being configured to have said opening, and said rotating shaft being rotatably mounted on a frame assembly of the vehicle.
[00020] In another embodiment, the rotating shaft being connected one or more suspension units being provided on either side of a vehicle.
[00021] In an embodiment, the pair of first members includes a LH first member and RH first member.
[00022] In another embodiment, the transmission assembly includes a pair of primary gears, one or more secondary gear, a second member, and an actuator.
[00023] In yet another embodiment, the pair of first member being configured to have threaded portions and a pair of primary gears being attached to said first members.
[00024] In another embodiment, the secondary gear being fixedly installed on said second member, said one or more second member being operatively connected to said actuator.
[00025] In an embodiment, the primary gears being in a meshing relationship with said one or more secondary gear.
[00026] In yet another embodiment, the width of said second gear being greater than a width of said primary gear.
[00027] In another embodiment, the RH first member includes different thread pattern as compared to LH first member such that when said secondary gear rotates said pair of primary gears, both LH and RH first member moves selectively in a direction away or close to each other.
[00028] In yet another embodiment, the pair of primary gears includes LH primary gear and RH primary gear, said LH primary gear and RH primary gear being configured to rotate and move over said threaded portion of said LH first member and RH first member respectively.
[00029] In an embodiment, the actuator being configured to rotate the second member.
[00030] In yet another embodiment, the lean angle adjustment device includes one or more weld nuts being attached to a portion of a wall of said housing, said weld nuts being configured to receive a threaded portion of said pair of first members.
[00031] In another embodiment, a portion of said second member being configured to protrude from any one of said side walls to connect with a knob, the knob being accessible to a user.
[00032] In an embodiment, the knob being operated by said user, said input from said knob being provided to one or more control unit of said vehicle, and said input being in the form of a lean angle.
[00033] In yet another embodiment, a locking pin is configured to lock said knob at a selected lean angle.
[00034] In another embodiment, the present subject matter discloses a method for adjusting a lean angle of a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of operating, by a user, a knob of said vehicle, said knob being capable of providing an input to a lean angle adjustment device through one or more control unit; selectively moving, by an actuator, a pair of first members in one of a direction away and close to a rotating shaft to limit a lean angle of said vehicle based on said input.
[00035] In yet another embodiment, wherein said first pair of members includes a LH first member and a RH first member, said RH first member includes different thread pattern as compared to LH first member such that when a secondary gear rotates a pair of primary gears, said LH first member and said RH first member moves selectively in a direction away or close to each other.
[00036] In an embodiment, wherein said pair of primary gears includes LH primary gear and RH primary gear, said LH primary gear and RH primary gear being configured to rotate and move over said threaded portion of said LH first member and RH first member respectively.
[00037] In another embodiment, wherein said actuator being configured to rotate a second member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00038] Various features and embodiments of the present subject matter here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[00039] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.
[00040] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. The method and system may be implemented in any type of vehicle.
[00041] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00042] Referring to Fig. 1(a), Fig.1(b) and Fig. 2 together which illustrates a front to rear side view of the lean adjustment device and a rear to front side view of the lean adjustment device and a rear view of the lean adjustment device respectively, it is disclosed that the lean adjustment device (105) comprises of a housing assembly (200). Such housing assembly (200) includes a housing (310), said housing (310) includes a cover member (210) and an opening (215). In an embodiment, the cover member (210) includes an opening (215). The opening (215) is configured to receive a portion of a rotating shaft (205). Herein, in an embodiment, said cover member (210) is detachably attached to said housing (310) using attachment means. Moreover, in another embodiment, the rotating shaft (205) is connected to one or more suspension units being provided on either side of said vehicle. The lean adjustment device is mounted on a frame assembly (110) of the vehicle. Typically, such lean adjustment device (105) can be mounted on any kind of frame assembly for a three-wheeled vehicle with any kind of suspension systems.
[00043] Referring to Fig.3 which exemplarily illustrates a transmission assembly of the lean angle adjustment device which is electronically operated at zero tilting condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter is disclosed. Herein, the lean angle adjustment device (105) includes a housing assembly (200); and a transmission assembly (400). The transmission assembly (400) is substantially enclosed by said housing assembly (200). Further, transmission assembly (400) includes a rotating shaft (205) and a pair of primary members (410l, 410r). Herein, the pair of first members (410l, 410r) are disposed on adjacent sides of said rotating shaft (205). The pair of first members (410l, 410r) are configured to selectively move in one of a direction away and close to said rotating shaft (205) to limit a lean angle of said vehicle and said selective movement of said pair of first members (410l, 410r) being based on one or more inputs being received by one or more control unit (505) of said vehicle.
[00044] Further, the pair of first members (410l, 410r) includes a LH first member (405l) and RH first member (405r). The transmission assembly (400) further includes a pair of primary gears (405l, 405r), one or more secondary gear (430), a second member (420), and an actuator (415). Herein, the pair of first member (410l, 410r) are configured to have threaded portions and a pair of primary gears (405l, 405r) are attached to said pair of first members (410l, 410r). Further, the secondary gear (430) is fixedly installed on said second member (420), said second member (420) being operatively connected to said actuator (415). Herein, the primary gears (405l, 405r) are in a meshing relationship with said one or more secondary gear (430). In an embodiment, a width of said secondary gear (430) being greater than a width of said primary gear (405l, 405r). The lean angle adjustment device (105) further includes one or more weld nuts (425) being attached to a portion of a wall of said housing (310), said one or more weld nuts (425) being configured to receive a threaded portion of said pair of first members (410l, 410r). Therefore, the key elements of the transmission assembly (400) are the pair of primary gears (405l, 405l) and one or more secondary gears (430). The primary gears (405l, 405r) are installed on housing (310) through the one or more weld nuts (425). In another embodiment, the secondary gear (430) is installed on the dedicated second member (420). Therefore, in the zero tilting condition, the primary gears (405l, 405r) are disposed in such a way that they are in direct contact with the rotating shaft (205).
[00045] Referring to Fig. 4 which exemplarily illustrates the transmission assembly of the lean angle adjustment device which is electronically operated at “X” degrees tilting condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter is disclosed. The actuator (415) which is a stepper motor rotates the dedicated second member (420). The dedicated second member (430) further rotates the secondary gear (430), which in turns rotates the set of primary gears (405l, 405r). Importantly, the primary gears (405l, 405r) are installed on the pair of first members (410l, 410r), thereby rotation of the primary gears (405l, 405r) moves the pair of first members (410l, 410r) in laterally inward or outward direction. Therefore, the area of opening (215) being configured to receive the rotating shaft (205) is controlled by the set of primary gears (405l, 405r). This controls the leaning angle of the vehicle. Since, the RH first member (410r) includes different thread pattern as compared to LH first member (410l), when said secondary gear (430) rotates said pair of primary gears (405l, 405r), said LH first member (410l) and said RH first member (410r) moves selectively in a direction away or close to each other. Therefore, in case the user of the vehicle wants to lean the vehicle in a right direction, he can use a knob or a switch provided on a handlebar of the vehicle to set the lean angle. Once, the user gives an input, such input is taken by the control unit (505) and said control unit (505) actuates the second member (420) to rotate the secondary gear (430), which in turn rotates the RH primary gear (405r) which in turn rotates the RH first member (410r) to create area or space for the rotating shaft (205) to travel towards the RH primary gear (405r). Similarly, in case the user gives an input of tilting the vehicle towards a left side with a particular lean angle, the actuator (415) rotates secondary gear (430), which in turn rotates the LH primary gear (405l), which in turn rotates the LH first member (410l) to create are or space for the rotating shaft (205) to travel towards the LH primary gear (405r).
[00046] Referring to Fig. 5 which exemplarily illustrates the transmission assembly of the lean angle adjustment device which is mechanically operated at “X” degrees tilting condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Herein, the constructional arrangement of the lean adjustment device is same as that disclosed in Fig. 4. Here, instead of an electronically actuated mechanism, a mechanical knob (605) is present by which the user can rotate the knob (605) to set the required lean angle. This knob (605) is directly connected to the second member (420). Therefore, once the knob (605) is rotated by a user and set at a particular lean angle, the rotation of the knob (605) rotates the second member (420) which in turn rotates the secondary gear (430). The rotation of the secondary gear (430) in turn rotates the primary gears (405l, 405r). Rotation of primary gears (405l, 405r) in turn rotates the first members (410l, 410r). Herein, the portion of said second member (420) is configured to protrude from any one of said side walls to connect with said knob (605).
[00047] Referring to Fig. 6(a), which depicts a side view of the locking mechanism in the mechanically operated lean adjustment device having a locking pin (705) is configured to lock said knob (605) at a selected lean angle. Fig. 6(b) discloses that no such locking pin is required since there is no knob and a control unit (505) is connected to the actuator (415).
[00048] Thus, the method for adjusting a lean angle of the vehicle comprises the steps of providing, by a user, an input to a lean angle adjustment device (105) through one of either a knob (605) or one or more control unit (505); and selectively moving, by an actuator (415), a pair of first members (405l, 405r) in one of a direction away and close to a rotating shaft (205) to limit a lean angle of said vehicle based on said input.
[00049] Further, said first pair of members (410l, 410r) includes a LH first member (410l) and a RH first member (410r), said RH first member (410r) includes different thread pattern as compared to LH first member (410l) such that when a secondary gear (430) rotates a pair of primary gears (405l, 405r), said LH first member (410l) and said RH first member (410r) moves selectively in a direction away or close to each other. Herein, said pair of primary gears (410l, 410r) includes a LH primary gear (410l) and RH primary gear (410r), said LH primary gear (410l) and RH primary gear (410r) being configured to rotate and move over said threaded portion of said LH first member (405l) and said RH first member (405r) respectively. The actuator (415) is configured to rotate a second member (420).
[00050] Therefore, the present subject matter provides a simple yet effective device for adjusting lean angle that uses conventional parts. Such leaning angle adjustment device enables tilting of the vehicle to be adjusted based on driver level of driving experience. This leaning angle adjustment device can be operated both electronically and mechanically.
[00051] Moreover, it is an added advantage that the lean adjustment device is capable of adjusting lean within a range for example 0-45 degrees, unlike the conventional lean adjustment devices which provide a fixed lean angle adjustment device and method.
[00052] While certain features of the claimed subject matter have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the claimed subject matter.

List of reference signs:
105: Lean angle adjustment device
110: Frame assembly
200: Housing assembly
205: Rotating shaft
210: Cover member
215: Opening
310: Housing
400: Transmission assembly
405l: LH primary gear
405l: RH primary gear
410l: LH first member
410r: RH first member
415: Actuator
420: Second member
425: one or more weld nuts
430: Secondary gear
505: one or more control units
605: knob
705: locking pin
, Claims:We claim:
1. A lean angle adjustment device (105) for a vehicle, said lean angle adjustment device (105) comprising:
a housing assembly (200); and
a transmission assembly (400), wherein said transmission assembly (400) being substantially enclosed by said housing assembly (200),
wherein said housing assembly (200) includes an opening (215); and
wherein said transmission assembly (400) comprising:
a rotating shaft (205); wherein said opening (215) of said housing assembly (200) being configured to receive a portion of said rotating shaft (205); and
a pair of primary members (410l, 410r); said pair of first members (410l, 410r) being disposed on adjacent sides of said rotating shaft (205);
wherein said pair of first members (410l, 410r) being configured to selectively move in one of a direction away and close to said rotating shaft (205) to limit a lean angle of said vehicle, and
wherein said selective movement of said pair of first members (410l, 410r) being based on one or more inputs being received by one or more control unit (505) of said vehicle.
2. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing assembly (200) includes a housing (310) and a cover member (210), said cover member (210) being detachably attached to said housing (310) using attachment means.
3. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said cover member (210) being configured to have an opening (215).
4. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotating shaft (205) being rotatably mounted on a frame assembly (110) of the vehicle.
5. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotating shaft (205) being connected to one or more suspension units being provided on either side of the vehicle.
6. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of first members (410l, 410r) includes a LH first member (410l) and RH first member (410r).
7. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transmission assembly (400) includes a pair of primary gears (405l, 405r), one or more secondary gear (430), a second member (420), and an actuator (415).
8. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said pair of first member (410l, 410r) being configured to have threaded portions and a pair of primary gears (405l, 405r) being attached to said pair of first members (410l, 410r).
9. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said secondary gear (430) being fixedly installed on said second member (420), said second member (420) being operatively connected to said actuator (415).
10. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said primary gears (405l, 405r) being in a meshing relationship with said one or more secondary gear (430).
11. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 7, wherein a width of said secondary gear (430) being greater than a width of said primary gear (405l, 405r).
12. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 6, said RH first member (410r) includes different thread pattern as compared to LH first member (410l) such that when said secondary gear (430) rotates said pair of primary gears (405l, 405r), said LH first member (410l) and said RH first member (410r) moves selectively in a direction away or close to each other.
13. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said pair of primary gears (405l, 405r) includes LH primary gear (405l) and RH primary gear (405r), said LH primary gear (405l) and RH primary gear (405r) being configured to rotate and move over said threaded portion of said LH first member (410l) and RH first member (410r) respectively.
14. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said actuator (415) being configured to rotate said second member (420).
15. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lean angle adjustment device (105) includes one or more weld nuts (425) being attached to a portion of a wall of said housing (310), said one or more weld nuts (425) being configured to receive a threaded portion of said pair of first members (410l, 410r).
16. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 7, wherein a portion of said second member (420) being configured to protrude from any one of said side walls to connect with a knob (605), said knob (605) being accessible to a user.
17. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said knob (605) being operated by said user, said input from said knob (605) being provided to one or more control unit (505) of the vehicle, and said input being in the form of a lean angle.
18. The lean angle adjustment device (105) as claimed in claim 16, wherein a locking pin (705) being configured to lock said knob (605) at a selected lean angle.
19. A method for adjusting a lean angle of a vehicle, said method comprising the steps:
providing, by a user, an input to a lean angle adjustment device (105) through one of either a knob (605) or one or more control unit (505); and
selectively moving, by an actuator (415), a pair of first members (410l, 410r) in one of a direction away and close to a rotating shaft (205) to limit a lean angle of said vehicle based on said input.
20. The method for adjusting a lean angle of the vehicle as claimed in claim 19, wherein said first pair of members (410l, 410r) includes a LH first member (410l) and a RH first member (410r), said RH first member (410r) includes different thread pattern as compared to LH first member (410l) such that when a secondary gear (430) rotates a pair of primary gears (405l, 405r), said LH first member (410l) and said RH first member (410r) moves selectively in a direction away or close to each other.
21. The method for adjusting a lean angle of the vehicle as claimed in claim 20, wherein said pair of primary gears (405l, 405r) includes a LH primary gear (405l) and RH primary gear (405r), said LH primary gear (405l) and RH primary gear (405r) being configured to rotate and move over said threaded portion of said LH first member (410l) and said RH first member (410r) respectively.
22. The method for adjusting a lean angle of the vehicle as claimed in claim 19, wherein said actuator (415) being configured to rotate a second member (420).