DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a multi-wheeled vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter is a multi-wheeled vehicle having a load detection device.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Over the past few years, in order to the improve safety characteristics of a vehicle various safety devices have been installed in the vehicle. The various safety devices includes a seatbelt, air bag, or the like being mounted in the vehicle. To this end, much attention has also been paid to the design and development of control systems required to control the actuation of the safety devices. At the same time, there exists a continuous challenge for automotive manufacturers to improve the durability and reliability of control systems and devices within minimum space / size of the vehicle as well as at a reduced cost and weight impact.
[0003] Typically, overloading a vehicle decreases the stability of the vehicle. More specifically, it is difficult to steer and take longer to stop. Further, vehicles react differently when the maximum weights which they are designed to carry are exceeded. The overloading decreases the braking efficiency, and the whole suspension system comes under stress and, over time, the weakest point can give way. In addition to the above, overloaded vehicles can cause the tires to overheat and wear rapidly which increases the chance of premature, dangerous and expensive failure or blow-outs of tyres. Further, the driver’s control and operating space in the overloaded vehicle is diminished, escalating the chances for an accident. Further, the overloading of the vehicle increases the maintenance costs of the vehicle.
[0004] It is known in the art, to provide an overload prevention system that includes an angle senor. It is observed that, the angle sensor being directly mounted on a swing arm of the vehicle. However, due to road undulation the swing arm is continuously oscillating part. This leads to drift issues which affects its reliability. In addition to above, the light commercial vehicles are providing end to end connectivity typically having small size tires, and running day and night on un-metaled or rugged roads. This leads to dust and water ingression in the angle sensor which affects its durability. Furthermore, the sensor being configured have particular range i.e. maximum and minimum values of applied parameter the can be measured. However, as the range increases the cost and size increases accordingly. Therefore, it is a challenge for the designer’s to select an appropriate sensor of a particular range which can reliability gives inputs to the control system in light of above mentioned conditions. Any deviation from the actual values is a critical safety risk which can change the driving characteristics of the vehicle.
[0005] To this end, there is a need to provide a load detection assembly that will meet the common requirements of the vehicle including compact size, low weight, low cost, high durability and reliability, while overcoming all the above problems & other problems of the known art. The aforementioned disadvantages of the prior arts are solved by the present invention which provides an improved load detection assembly. The load detection assembly is advantageously used striving to meet customer expectations by providing a low cost and safe vehicle.
[0006] According to the present subject matter to attain the above-mentioned requirements, in one aspect of the invention an improved load detection assembly for a two or three or four wheeled vehicle is disclosed.
[0007] The above information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A multi-wheeled vehicle comprising a steering assembly, a rear wheel assembly, a load detection assembly, and a chassis frame structure. The steering assembly being operatively connected to a handlebar assembly. The load detection assembly includes one or more front wheel load detection assembly, and one or more rear wheel load detection assembly. The one or more front wheel load detection assembly being attached to said steering assembly. The one or more rear wheel load detection assembly being attached to said chassis frame structure.
[0009] As per above embodiment, the load detection assembly being configured to accurately and precisely determines the load on the vehicle. This prevents the overloading beyond permitted or engineered payload thereby improves the safety characteristics of the vehicle.
[00010] As per an embodiment, one or more said front wheel load detection assembly includes a front wheel load sensing unit, and a front wheel bracket assembly. The said front wheel bracket assembly being attached to said steering assembly.
[00011] As per above embodiment, the front wheel load detection assembly being configured to determine the load acting on the front wheel assembly of the vehicle.
[00012] As per another embodiment, said front wheel bracket assembly includes a front wheel upper bracket, and a front wheel lower bracket.
[00013] As per yet another embodiment, said front wheel load sensing unit being attached to said front wheel upper bracket and said front wheel load sensing unit being operatively connected to a front wheel trailing arm through a first wire.
[00014] As per above embodiment, the front wheel upper bracket being configured to reliably holding the front wheel load sensing unit in the vehicle operating conditions even on unmetalled and rugged roads.
[00015] As per an embodiment, said first wire being abutted to said front wheel lower bracket. The front wheel lower bracket being positioned at a predetermined distance from a first coupling point. The said predetermined distance ranging from 2 milli meters to 100 milli meters.
[00016] As per above embodiment, the front wheel lower bracket is positioned such that the predetermined distance being maintained from the first coupling point. The provides accurate inputs to the load sensing unit to accurately and reliability determine the load acting on the front wheel assembly.
[00017] As per another embodiment, said first coupling point being defined by said front wheel trailing arm and said steering tube.
[00018] As per yet another embodiment, said one or more rear wheel load detection assembly includes a rear wheel load sensing unit, a rear wheel upper bracket, and a rear wheel lower bracket. The rear wheel load sensing unit being attached to said rear wheel upper bracket.
[00019] As per above embodiment, the rear wheel load detection assembly being configured to determine the load acting one or more the rear wheel assembly of the vehicle.
[00020] As per an embodiment, said rear wheel lower bracket being mounted on a top surface of a rear wheel trailing arm.
[00021] As per another embodiment, said rear wheel sensing unit being operatively connected to said rear wheel trailing arm through a second wire to sense the travel of the rear wheel trailing arm.
[00022] As per yet another embodiment, said rear wheel lower bracket being attached to the rear wheel trailing arm at a predetermined distance from a second coupling point. The predetermined distance ranging from 2 milli meters to 100 milli meters.
[00023] As per above embodiment, the rear wheel lower bracket is positioned such that the predetermined distance being maintained from the second coupling point. The provides accurate inputs to the load sensing unit to accurately and reliability determine the load acting on the rear wheel assembly.
[00024] As per an embodiment, said second coupling point being defined by said rear wheel trailing arm and said chassis frame structure.
[00025] As per another embodiment, said rear wheel load sensing unit and front wheel load sensing unit includes a potentiometer having range of 2 degree to 80 degree.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00026] The present invention is described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of a multi-wheeled vehicle. Such a vehicle can be a two- or three- or multi wheeled vehicle. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[00027] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. It should be appreciated that the following figures may not be drawn to scale.
[00028] Descriptions of certain details and implementations follow, including a description of the figures, which may depict some or all of the embodiments described below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts presented herein. An overview of embodiments of the invention is provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.
[00029] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic partial view of a multi-wheeled vehicle and localized enlarged views of the multi-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[00030] Figure 2 illustrates a partial right-side view and localized views of the multi-wheeled vehicle, as per an embodiment of the present invention, where few parts are omitted from the figure.
[00031] Figure 3 illustrates a partial right-side view and localized views of the multi-wheeled vehicle, as per an embodiment of the present invention, where few parts are omitted from the figure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00032] In the following description specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[00033] 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.
[00034] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[00035] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
[00036] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[00037] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[00038] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal hatches in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically specified.
[00039] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention will be described taking a five speed transmission assembly as an example through the specification.
[00040] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic partial view of a multi-wheeled vehicle (100) and localized view enlarged view of the multi-wheeled vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As an example, the vehicle (100) is a three-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (100) has an Internal combustion (IC) engine (not shown) or an electric powertrain (not shown) for generating the motive force required for driving the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) has a front wheel assembly (101), a rear wheel assembly (102), a chassis frame structure (103), a steering assembly (110), a load detection assembly (LD), a handle bar assembly (105) and a seat assembly (104). The load detection assembly (LD) includes one or more front wheel load detection assembly (113) and one or more rear wheel load detection assembly (114). In the present embodiment, the rear wheel assembly (102) mounted on a right-rear and a left-rear sides of the vehicle (100). Accordingly, the rear wheel assembly (102) includes a rear wheel (102A). A pair of rear wheel trailing arms (108) (only one rear wheel trailing arm depicted in Figure 1) are configured to extend rearwardly from the chassis frame structure (103) and support the rear wheel (102A). Further, each of the rear wheels (102A) are covered by a rear wheel fender assembly (109) that is disposed above each of the rear wheel (102A). In an embodiment, the rear wheels (102A) rotate by the driving force of the prime mover (not shown). The rear wheel load sensing assembly (114) being operatively connected to the chassis frame structure (103) and the rear wheel trailing arm (108). The rear wheel load sensing assembly (114) being provided for each of the rear wheel (102A). In another embodiment, the front wheel assembly (101) being connected to the handlebar assembly (105) through the steering assembly (110). The steering assembly (110) includes a steering shaft (110A), a front wheel trailing arm (110B). A head pipe (not shown) of the chassis frame structure (103) supports the steering shaft (110A) and one or more front suspension (111) attached to the steering shaft (110).The front suspension (111) support the front wheel (101A). The upper portion of the front wheel (101A) is covered by a front fender (112). The handlebar assembly (105) is operatively connected to the steering shaft (110A) and can rotate about the steering shaft (110A) on both sides for maneuvering the vehicle (100). The front wheel load detection assembly (113) being operatively connected to the steering assembly (110). A headlight (106) is provided on a front face of a front cowl (107). The chassis frame structure (103) includes a pair of long members (103A) (only one is depicted in figure 1) that extend in a vehicle front-rear direction of the vehicle (100). The pair of long members (103A) extend in the vehicle front-rear direction (F-R) substantially parallelly to each other.
[00041] Figure 2 illustrates a partial right side view and localized views of the vehicle (100), as per an embodiment of the present invention, where few parts are omitted from the figure. The front wheel load sensing assembly (113) includes a front wheel load sensing unit (113A), and a front wheel bracket assembly (113B). The front wheel bracket assembly (113B) includes a front wheel upper bracket (113BA), and a front wheel lower bracket (113BB). The front wheel upper bracket (113BA) being attached to the steering shaft (110A). The front wheel load sensing unit (113A) being attached to said front wheel upper bracket (113BA). The front wheel load sensing unit (113A) being operatively connected to the front wheel trailing arm (110B) through a first wire (201). More specifically, one end of said first wire (201) being abutted to said front wheel lower bracket (113BB) and other end being abutted to the front wheel load sensing unit (113A). As per an embodiment, the front wheel lower bracket (113BB) being positioned at a predetermined distance (A) from a first coupling point (X). The first coupling point (X) being defined by said front wheel trailing arm (113BB) and said steering shaft (110A). The predetermined distance (A) ranging from 2 millimeters to 100 millimeters. Further, the front wheel upper bracket (113BA) being configured to have an arc shaped portion (113BAA), and a mounting portion (113BAB). The arc shaped portion (113BAA) being attached to the steering tube (101A). The mounting portion (113BAB) being configured to have a first set of openings (113BABA). The first set of openings (113BABA) being configured to receive first set of attachment means (113BABB) to detachably attach the front wheel load sensing unit (113A) to the front wheel upper bracket (113BA).
[00042] Figure 3 illustrates a partial right side view and localized views of the multi-wheeled vehicle (100), as per an embodiment of the present invention, where few parts are omitted from the figure. The rear wheel load detection assembly (114) includes a rear wheel load sensing unit (114A), and a rear wheel bracket assembly (114B). The rear wheel bracket assembly (114B) includes a rear wheel upper bracket (114BA), and a rear wheel lower bracket (114BB). The rear wheel load sensing unit (114A) being attached to said rear wheel upper bracket (114BA). More specifically, the rear wheel upper bracket (114BA) being configured to have a stepped portion (114BAA). The stepped portion (114BAA) enables secure connection with the chassis frame structure (103). More specifically, the rear wheel upper bracket (114BA) being attached to a gusset long member (302). The rear wheel upper bracket (114BA) being configured to have a second of openings (114BAB). The second of openings (114BAB) being configured to receive second set of attachment means (114BAC) to detachably attach the rear wheel load sensing unit (114A) with the rear wheel upper bracket (114BA). The rear wheel lower bracket (114BB) being mounted on a top surface of the rear wheel trailing arm (108). The rear wheel load sensing unit (114A) being operatively connected to the rear wheel trailing arm (108) through a second wire (301) to sense the travel of the rear wheel trailing arm (108). More specifically, one end of the second wire (301) being abutted to said rear wheel lower bracket (114BB), and the other end being connected to the rear wheel load sensing unit (114A). The rear wheel lower bracket (114BB) being attached to the rear wheel trailing arm (108) at a predetermined distance (B) from a second coupling point (Y). The second coupling point (Y) being defined by said rear wheel trailing arm (108) and said chassis frame structure (103). The predetermined distance (B) ranges from 2 millimeters to 100 millimeters. As per an embodiment, the front wheel load sensing unit and the rear wheel load sensing unit includes a potentiometer. The front wheel load sensing unit (113A) and the rear wheel load sensing unit (114A) having range of 2 degree to 80 degree. As per an embodiment, the front wheel load sensing unit (113A) and the rear wheel load sensing unit (114A), the front wheel lower bracket (113BB) and the rear wheel lower bracket (114BB), and first set of attachment means (113BABB) and second set of attachment means (114BAC) are commonised parts. The use of commonised parts reduces the logistics cost, and improves the production rate as it eliminates the chances of mismatch of the brackets, the sensing unit and the attachment means during assembly. This further reduces the quality rejection at the time of manufacturing.
[00043] According to the above architecture, one of the primary efficacies of the present invention is improved safety characteristics of the vehicle as the user will get accurate and reliable information through the front and rear wheel load sensing unit which prevents overloading of the vehicle.
[00044] According to the above architecture, one of the primary efficacies of the present invention is improved durability of the front and rear wheel load detection assemblies as both being positioned substantially above the ground. More specifically, the rear wheel sensing unit being mounted on a gusset long member of the chassis frame structure to sense the travel of the rear wheel trailing arm. This prevents mud or water ingression in the rear wheel load sensing unit. Further, the front wheel load sensing unit mounted on the steering arm at a predetermined distance A from the first coupling point, and being covered by the front fender. This prevents mud or water ingression in the front wheel load sensing unit.
[00045] According to the above architecture, one of the primary efficacies of the present invention is the reduced cost and weight of the front and rear wheel load sensing assembly as the small size sensing unit having lesser being used which are positioned at an optimum location.
[00046] According to the above architecture, one of the primary efficacies of the present invention is improved reliability of the front and rear wheel load sensing unit senses the travel of each trailing arm in the vehicle.
[00047] The above-described embodiments, and particularly any “preferred” embodiments, are possible examples of implementations and merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. 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

100 Vehicle
101 Front wheel assembly
102 Rear wheel assembly
103 Chassis frame structure
103A Long member
104 Seat assembly
105 Handle bar assembly
106 Head light
107 Front cowl
108 Rear wheel trailing arm
109 Fender assembly
110 Steering assembly
110A Steering shaft
110B Front wheel trailing arm
111 Front suspension
112 Front fender
113 Front wheel load detection assembly
113A Front wheel load sensing unit
113B Front wheel bracket assembly
113BA Front wheel upper bracket
113BB Front wheel lower bracket
113BAA Arc shaped portion
113BAB Mounting portion
113BABA First set of openings
113BABB First set of attachment means
114 Rear wheel load detection assembly
114A Rear wheel load sensing unit
114B Rear wheel bracket assembly
114BA Rear wheel upper bracket
114BAA Stepped portion
114BAB Second set of openings
114BAC Second set of attachment means
114BB Rear wheel lower bracket
201 First wire
301 Second wire
302 Gusset long member
X First coupling point
Y Second coupling point
LD Load detection assembly

,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A multi-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a steering assembly (110), said steering assembly (110) being operatively connected to a handlebar assembly (105);
a rear wheel assembly (102);
a chassis frame structure (103); and
a load detection assembly (LD), said load detection assembly (LD) includes:
one or more front wheel load detection assembly (113); and
one or more rear wheel load detection assembly (114);
wherein said one or more front wheel load detection assembly (113) being attached to said steering assembly (110), and
wherein said one or more rear wheel load detection assembly (114) being attached to said chassis frame structure (103).

2. The multi-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more front wheel load detection assembly (113) includes:
a front wheel load sensing unit (113A), and
a front wheel bracket assembly (113B), said front wheel bracket assembly (113B) being attached to said steering assembly (110A).
3. The multi-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said front wheel bracket assembly (113B) includes a front wheel upper bracket (113BA), and a front wheel lower bracket (113BB).
4. The multi-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said front wheel load sensing unit (113A) being attached to said front wheel upper bracket (113BA) and said front wheel load sensing unit (113A) being operatively connected to a front wheel trailing arm (110B) through a first wire (201).
5. The multi-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first wire (201) being abutted to said front wheel lower bracket (113BB), wherein said front wheel lower bracket (113BB) being positioned at a predetermined distance (A) from a first coupling point (X), said predetermined distance (A) ranging from 2 milli meters to 100 milli meters.
6. The multi-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first coupling point (X) being defined by said front wheel trailing arm (110B) and a steering tube (110A).
7. The multi-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more rear wheel load detection assembly (114) includes:
a rear wheel load sensing unit (114A),
a rear wheel upper bracket (114BA), and
a rear wheel lower bracket (114BB),
wherein said rear wheel load sensing unit (114A) being attached to said rear wheel upper bracket (114BA).
8. The multi-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said rear wheel lower bracket (114BB) being mounted on a top surface of a rear wheel trailing arm (108).
9. The multi-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said rear wheel load sensing unit (114A) being operatively connected to said rear wheel trailing arm (108) through a second wire (301) to sense a travel of said rear wheel trailing arm (108).
10. The multi-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said rear wheel lower bracket (114BB) being attached to said rear wheel trailing arm (108) at a predetermined distance (B) from a second coupling point (Y), said predetermined distance (B) ranging from 2 milli meters to 100 milli meters.
11. The multi-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said second coupling point (Y) being defined by said rear wheel trailing arm (108) and said chassis frame structure (103).
12. The multi-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said rear wheel load sensing unit (114A) and front wheel load sensing unit (113A) includes a potentiometer having range of 2 degree to 80 degree.