DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[001] This Application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 202241069140 filed on 30th November 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The embodiments herein generally relate to swing arms in motorcycles and more particularly, to a modular swing arm assembly for the motorcycle in which left and right side swing arms are detachable thereby enabling easier service/ maintenance.
BACKGROUND
[003] Generally, a swing arm structure is coupled to a motorcycle frame structure for supporting a rear wheel, rear suspension unit(s) and mud guard(s) of the motorcycle. Typically, the swing arm structure includes a left side swing arm, a right side swing arm and a swing arm connecting member which are welded to form to a unitary structure if the swing arms are made of metallic material. For example, the left side swing arm and the right side swing arm are connected to each other by welding the ends of the swing arm connecting member to the left and right side swing arms. In other cases, the swing arm structure is a unitary structure with metallic inserts if the swing arm is made of composite material. The entire swing arm structure has to be replaced with a new swing arm structure if there is any damage to even one section of the swing arm structure. Further, from a production perspective, welded assemblies require high accuracy in production and require specialized jigs for welding. These jigs typically can become very expensive if complex shapes and aesthetic features are to be achieved. Further, H-shaped swing arms without vaulted (arc/ curved) midsections, when used with belt-drives require complete disassembly of swing arm structure to permit replacement of belt and any other such maintenance activities.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a modular swing arm assembly for a motorcycle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a modular swing arm assembly for a motorcycle in which left and right side swing arms are detachable thereby enabling easier service/ maintenance.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a method of assembling the modular swing arm assembly of the motorcycle.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a lightweight swing arm assembly which has optimized design with high strength and is durable.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the modular swing arm assembly which allows easier disassembly of components of the swing arm assembly during service/ maintenance.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the modular swing arm assembly which is easy to assemble onto the motorcycle.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the modular swing arm assembly which is easy to manufacture and is inexpensive.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the detachable swing arm assembly which enables easier maintenance of power transmission drives.
[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the detachable swing arm assembly which enables easier production of complex designs, as individual sections and components can be processed using different manufacturing processes and can be put together with a focus on quality on select areas.
[0013] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a combination of ribbed swing arm members with vaulted (arc/ curved) mid-section, combined with split mounting at primary motorcycle frame, enables use of lightweight complex shape swing arms with high strength and structural rigidity.
[0014] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a bolted swing arm assembly which results in better maintainability, as opposed to conventionally used welded / unitary swing arm structure.
[0015] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a split attachment of swing arms to motorcycle frame structure which enables a different load path for transmission of torsional loads to motorcycle frame structure.
[0016] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide swing arm with vaulted mid-section which allows for light weight structure with improved strength in compressive loading and with better torsional stiffness.
[0017] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a ribbed swing arm which enables improved strength in bending loads.
[0018] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a bush based mounting of the swing arm to motorcycle frame structure as opposed to ball bearings / roller bearings based mounting of swing arm.
[0019] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the modular swing arm assembly which aids in easier handling of the motorcycle.
[0020] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0022] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a modular swing arm assembly which supports a rear suspension unit, a rear wheel, a mud guard and a rear wheel hugger of a motorcycle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the modular swing arm assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0024] Fig. 3a depicts a right side swing arm of the modular swing arm assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0025] Fig. 3b depicts a left side swing arm of the modular swing arm assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0026] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of a swing arm connecting member of the modular swing arm assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0027] Fig. 5 depicts a top view of the modular swing arm assembly slowing the bolt joint locations, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0028] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method of assembling the modular swing arm assembly of the motorcycle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed 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.
[0030] The embodiments herein achieve a modular swing arm assembly for a motorcycle in which left and right swing arms are detachable thereby enabling easier service/ maintenance. Referring now to the drawings Figs 1 through 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0031] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a modular swing arm assembly (100) which supports a rear suspension unit (10S), a rear wheel (10W), a mud guard (10G) and a rear wheel hugger (10H) of a motorcycle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the modular swing arm assembly (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the modular swing arm assembly (100) includes a right side swing arm (102), a left side swing arm (104), a swing arm connecting member (106), a plurality of first fasteners (108), a plurality of second fasteners (110) (as shown in fig. 5), a first bush (112) and a second bush (114). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the modular swing arm assembly (100) is explained herein below with reference to be provided in a modular design in which the right side swing arm (102) is removably/ detachably connected to the left side swing arm (104) by using fasteners such as but not limited to bolts. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the modular swing arm assembly (100) to be removably connected by using any other fasteners or inserts or threaded elements or any other removable locking members without otherwise deterring the intended function of the modular swing arm assembly (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, the modular swing arm assembly (100) is provided in the motorcycle having a belt-drive system. It is also within the scope of the invention to use/ practice the modular swing arm assembly (100) in the motorcycle having chain-drive or a shaft-drive system.
[0032] The modular swing arm assembly (100) is coupled to a motorcycle frame structure (not shown). The modular swing arm assembly (100) is adapted to support the rear wheel (10W) by connecting the rear wheel (10W) to the motorcycle frame structure (not shown). Further, the modular swing arm assembly (100) is adapted to support the rear suspension unit (10S). The modular swing arm assembly (100) is adapted to mount the mud guard (10G), the rear wheel hugger (10H) and rear brake unit (not shown) thereon. One end of the rear suspension unit (10S) is connected to modular swing arm assembly (100) and another end of the rear suspension unit (10S) is connected to the motorcycle frame structure. Further, modular swing arm assembly (100) ensures better ride quality for the motorcycle rider.
[0033] The right side swing arm (102) is connected to the left side swing arm (104) via the swing arm connecting member (106) by using first and second fasteners (108, 110). The right side swing arm (102) defines a plurality of ribs (102R) (as shown in fig. 3a) adapted to reinforce the right side swing arm (102). The left side swing arm (104) defines a plurality of ribs (104R) (as shown in fig. 3b) adapted to reinforce the left side swing arm (104). The swing arm connecting member (106) is located above the right and left side swing arms (102, 104). An entirety of the swing arm connecting member (106) substantially a vaulted (arc/ curved) shape configuration adapted to improve strength in compressive loading and with better torsional stiffness. A first end (106F) (as shown in fig. 2) of the swing arm connecting member (106) is connected to the right side swing arm (102). A second end (106S) (as shown in fig. 2) of the swing arm connecting member (106) is connected to the left side swing arm (104). The swing arm connecting member (106) defines a plurality of ribs (106R) (only one of which is shown in fig. 4) adapted to reinforce the swing arm connecting member (106). The swing arm connecting member (106) defines a plurality of openings (106H) (as shown in fig. 4) defined between the ribs (106R) to optimize the weight of the swing arm connecting member (106). The plurality of first fasteners (108) are adapted to secure/ fasten the first end (106F) of the swing arm connecting member (106) with the right side swing arm (102). Each first fastener (108) is considered to be a bolt. The plurality of second fasteners (110) are adapted to secure/ fasten the second end (106S) of the swing arm connecting member (106) with the left side swing arm (104). Each second fastener (110) is considered to be a bolt. It is also within the scope of the invention to use any other fasteners or threaded inserts or any other temporary joints for securing/ removably connecting the swing arm connecting member (106) with the right side swing arm (102) and the left side swing arm (104). The first bush (112) is adapted for mounting a first end (102F) (as shown in fig. 2) of the right side swing arm (102) with the motorcycle frame structure. A second end (102S) of the right side swing arm (102) is coupled to the rear wheel (10W). The second bush (114) is adapted for mounting a first end (104F) (as shown in fig. 2) of the left side swing arm (104) with the motorcycle frame structure. A second end (104S) of the left side swing arm (104) is coupled to the rear wheel (10W).
[0034] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method (200) of assembling the modular swing arm assembly (100) of the motorcycle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 202, the method (200) includes, removably connecting, by a plurality of first fasteners (108), a first end (106F) of a swing arm connecting member (106) to the right side swing arm (102), step (202). At step 204, the method (200) includes, removably connecting, by a plurality of second fasteners (110), a second end (106S) of the swing arm connecting member (106) to the left side swing arm (104).
[0035] The technical advantages of the modular swing arm assembly (100) are as follows. The modular swing arm assembly allows for easier disassembly during maintenance operations in the belt-drive motorcycle. The detachable swing arm assembly enables repair and maintenance of individual sections of the swing arm assembly. The detachable swing arm assembly enables easier production of complex designs, as individual sections and components can be processed using different manufacturing processes and can be put together with a focus on quality on select areas. The detachable modular swing arm assembly enables easier maintenance of power transmission drives. The combination of ribbed swing arm members with vaulted mid-section, combined with split mounting at primary motorcycle frame, enables use of lightweight complex shape swing arms with high strength and structural rigidity. Bolted swing arm assembly results in better maintainability, as opposed to traditionally used welded / unitary swing arm structure. Split attachment of the swing arm to motorcycle frame structure enables a different load path for transmission of torsional loads to motorcycle frame structure. The swing arm with vaulted mid-section allows for light weight structure with improved strength in compressive loading and with better torsional stiffness. Ribbed swing arm enables improved strength in bending loads. Bush based mounting of the swing arm to motorcycle frame as opposed to ball bearings / roller bearings typically found on vehicles.
[0036] 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 embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim,
1. A modular swing arm assembly (100) for a motorcycle, said modular swingarm assembly (100) comprising:
a right side swingarm (102);
a left side swingarm (104);
a swing arm connecting member (106);
a plurality of first fasteners (108) adapted to removably connect a first end (106F) of said swing arm connecting member (106) with said right side swing arm (102); and
a plurality of second fasteners (110) adapted to removably connect a second end (106S) of said swing arm connecting member (106) with said left side swing arm (104).
2. The modular swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said modular swing arm assembly (100) includes,
a first bush (112) adapted to mount a first end (102F) of said right side swing arm (102) to a motorcycle frame structure; and
a second bush (114) adapted to mount a first end (104F) of said left side swing arm (104) to said motorcycle frame structure.
3. The modular swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second end (102S) of said right side swing arm (102) is adapted to be coupled to a rear wheel (10W); and
a second end (104S) of said left side swing arm (104) is adapted to be coupled to said rear wheel (10W).
4. The modular swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first fastener (112) is at least a bolt; and
each of said second fastener (114) is at least a bolt.

5. The modular swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an entirety of said swing arm connecting member (106) substantially defines a vaulted (arc/ curved) shape configuration adapted to improve strength in compressive loading and with better torsional stiffness;
said swing arm connecting member (106) defines a plurality of ribs (106R) adapted to reinforce said swing arm connecting member (106); and
said swing arm connecting member (106) defines a plurality of openings (106H) defined between said ribs (106R) to optimize the weight of said swing arm connecting member (106).
6. The modular swing arm assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said swing arm (102, 104) defines a plurality of ribs (102R, 104R) adapted to reinforce said swing arm (102, 104).
7. A method (200) of assembling a modular swing arm assembly (100) of a motorcycle, said method (200) comprising:
removably connecting, by a plurality of first fasteners (108), a first end (106F) of a swing arm connecting member (106) to a right side swing arm (102); and
removably connecting, by a plurality of second fasteners (110), a second end (106S) of the swing arm connecting member (106) to a left side swing arm (104).