Claims:I/We claim:
1. A pedal assembly (200) for a vehicle (100), said pedal assembly (200) comprising:
a first arm member (201);
a second arm member (202); and
a shoe member (203),
wherein,
said second arm member (202) being connected to said first arm member (201) at a first end and said shoe member (203) at an opposite end.
2. The pedal assembly (200) for the vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein thickness of said second arm member (202) being different relative to thickness of said first arm member (201).
3. The pedal assembly (200) for the vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein thickness of said second arm member (202) being higher relative to thickness of said first arm member (201).
4. The pedal assembly (200) for the vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first arm member (201) and said second arm member (202) being made of different materials.
5. The pedal assembly (200) for the vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first arm member (201) and said second arm member (202) being connected to each other through a connecting member (204).
6. The pedal assembly (200) for the vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, thickness of said second arm member (202) being a first thickness (X’) and thickness of said first arm member (201) being second thickness (X), wherein said first thickness (X’) of said second arm member (202) being 1.5 times or more as compared to said second thickness (X) of said first arm member (201).
7. The pedal assembly (200) for the vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second arm member (202) includes a connecting portion (202A), a downward step portion (202B), an inclined step portion (202C), and a shoe connecting portion (202D).
8. The pedal assembly (200) for the vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first arm member (201) includes a second portion (201B) being adjacent to a first connecting portion (201A).
9. The pedal assembly (200) for the vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first arm member (201) being connected to said vehicle (100) through one or more mountings.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates in general to a pedal assembly for a vehicle, in particular but not exclusively to a split pedal arm pedal assembly for a multi wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Most of the multi wheeled vehicles, in particular, two-or-three-wheeled vehicles require a pedal for variety of purposes. The most commonly used purpose in two wheeled vehicles is application of brakes or gear switching. The pedal assembly provides the rider a facility to apply brakes or switching gear through his/her foot operation. The facility of foot operated braking provides more control of the vehicle to the rider and enhances the riding experience. The rider when provided the facility of foot operated braking is capable of applying brakes manually when automatic braking of the vehicle is not available. Thus, the pedal assembly plays a vital role in a safe ride experience of the two-or-three-wheeled vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a pedal assembly for a straddle type two wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a right-side perspective view of a conventional two wheeled vehicle with conventional a pedal assembly.
[0005] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the pedal assembly for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the pedal assembly for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the pedal assembly for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the pedal assembly for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Figure 6 illustrates a graphical representation of deflection of the pedal assembly and the load applied on the pedal assembly for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Figure 7 illustrates a graphical representation of stress of the pedal assembly and load applied on the pedal assembly for the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00011] Typically, a foot operating braking system for a vehicle is a mechanism used in all vehicles, especially two wheeled vehicles driven by a power unit. The pedal assembly is a quintessential component used in foot operated braking systems of the two wheeled vehicles. In the present times, the rider uses the pedal assembly quite often for application of brakes. The rider has to apply significant load through his foot for stopping the vehicle at desired stopping distance.
[00012] The rider may apply more load on the pedal than what is required which results in gradually wearing off the drum brakes. Else, the rider applies less pressure than required which results in poor braking which can lead to accidents. The braking system shall provide the pedal assembly through which the braking is achieved in desired manner. Also, the pedal assembly should instill rider confidence so that the rider is confident while applying brakes. For achieving the same, a proper brake feel needs to be achieved.
[00013] Additionally, the vehicle poses layout challenges for the pedal assembly. The pedal assembly shall ensure that other adjacent parts of the vehicle layout are not becoming any hinderance to the application of brakes and also the rider is able to apply brakes.
[00014] As per conventional pedal assembly for the vehicle, the pedal assembly includes a shoe portion and a pedal arm. The conventional pedal arm is manufactured as a single component from a single material and then joined with the shoe portion. The single arm forms a major component of the pedal assembly for the vehicle as it transfers the load received by the shoe portion to the vehicle. Typically, the pedal arm is connected to additional mountings which connects the pedal arm to the vehicle. Conventionally the single piece pedal arm is tubular in shape and helps in mechanical movement of the pedal assembly which in turns activate the braking of the vehicle.
[00015] In another exiting art, the pedal arm of the pedal assembly is non-tubular in shape. The pedal assembly is manufactured as a single unit from sheet metal. Such non-tubular pedal assembly have uniform thickness throughout the pedal assembly. Also, such non-tubular pedal assembly suffers poor braking performance in comparison to the tubular pedal assembly due to low stiffness of the conventional non-tubular pedal assembly and low section modulus. Section modulus of a geometrical shape is a measure of the strength of a cross sectional shape.
[00016] Also, the conventional tubular pedal assembly being heavier than the non-tubular pedal assembly, it adds more weight to the vehicle. Further, it is difficult for safe functioning of such tubular pedal assembly over the period of years owing to potential of bending or breakage with prolonged usage. Over time, the conventional tubular pedal assembly get loosen and ultimately break off from the vehicle posing threat to the safety of the rider. The loosened pedal assembly also reduces the overall ground clearance of the vehicle.
[00017] The poor braking performance of the existing non-tubular pedal assembly in comparison to the known tubular pedal assembly is because the tubular pedal assembly offers higher stiffness to the pedal assembly in comparison to the existing uniformly thick non tubular pedal assembly. The same can be computed by measuring the section modulus of the existing tubular and non-tubular pedal assembly.. The section modulus is a geometrical property for any given cross-section measuring strength of that section. Higher the section modulus of the given cross-section, the more the resistive it becomes to bending. In other words, the section modulus is used to determine the stiffness of the object and approximate how much stress the object would withstand to remain in the elastic region.
[00018] The present subject matter aims to improve a structural strength and durability of the non-tubular pedal assembly and provide improved alternative to the tubular pedal assembly thereby providing a counterintuitive solution while achieving advantaged of a tubular pedal assembly. Also, the present subject matter aims to provide a pedal assembly which can reduce the overall weight of the pedal assembly and the cost incurred in the manufacturing of the pedal assembly. Additionally, the present subject matter aims to provide improved braking performance and braking feel by improving the pedal assembly for the vehicle.
[00019] In an aspect of the present invention an improved pedal assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The pedal assembly comprises of a first arm member, a second arm member, and a shoe member, wherein, said second arm member being connected to said first arm member and said shoe member from opposite ends. The said pedal assembly has been also referred as a “split pedal arm” pedal assembly. The split pedal arm pedal assembly is capable of transferring load applied by the rider more efficiently in comparison to the conventional single pedal arm type pedal assembly. The split pedal arm pedal assembly witnesses more deflection which results in faster transmission of load in comparison to single pedal arm type pedal assembly. The faster transmission of load is possible because the split pedal arm type pedal assembly is having a higher stiffness when compared to the conventional single pedal arm type pedal assembly.
[00020] In an aspect of the present invention, the thickness of the second arm member being different from the thickness the first arm member. The different thickness of the first arm member and the second arm member results in improving stiffness of the pedal arm assembly which improves the strength and a response time of the pedal assembly and improves load transmission from the shoe member to the vehicle. Also, the split pedal arm type pedal assembly with different thickness of the second arm and the first arm provides the manufacturer flexibility to alter the shapes and design of the pedal assembly as per the vehicle design. In a vehicle with less space the first arm and the second arm can be provided as per the shape of the vehicle thereby providing additional advantage of a compact pedal assembly utilizing less space in vehicle layout.
[00021] In another aspect of the present invention, the thickness of said second arm member being higher relative to thickness of the first arm member.
[00022] In another aspect of the present invention, the first arm member and the second arm member being made of different materials which improves the cost of the pedal assembly as the single pedal arm type pedal assembly involves higher material usage. The present invention involves optimized and minimal material usage.
[00023] In another aspect of the present invention, the first arm member and the second arm member being connected to each other through a connecting member.
[00024] In another aspect of the present invention, the thickness of the second arm member being about 1.5 times more compared to thickness of the first arm member.
[00025] In another aspect of the present invention, the first arm member being connected to one or more mountings which connect the first arm member to the vehicle.
[00026] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the present subject matter and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present subject matter will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[00027] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the pedal assembly, in accordance with the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present subject matter will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the vehicle with a rider sitting thereon unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore, a vertical axis refers to a top to bottom axis relative to the vehicle, defining a vehicle vertical direction; while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to said vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral direction. Further, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, defining the vehicle in a longitudinal direction. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00028] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that 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.
[00029] Figure 1 illustrates a right-side perspective view of a conventional two wheeled vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) includes a frame (101) to which a power unit (116) is connected. The power unit (116) is the driving source of the vehicle. The front portion of the vehicle (100) includes: a front wheel (103), a head light assembly (102), a pair of rear-view mirrors (106) and an instrument cluster (105). Also, the vehicle includes a fuel tank (108) and a seat assembly (109) provided adjacently. On one side of the vehicle a footrest assembly (110) is provided which includes a brake pedal (111) and a footrest (115). Also, adjacent to the footrest assembly (110), a kick (114) is provided. Further, on rear portion of the vehicle (100) a rear suspension (117) is provided connecting the frame (101). Also, beneath the seat assembly (109) a rear wheel (104) is provided. A portion of the rear wheel (104) is covered by a guard member (118) on one side of the vehicle (100) and beneath the guard assembly a muffler (113) is provided which provides an exit to the exhaust gases being released by the power unit (116).
[00030] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the pedal assembly (200). The pedal assembly (200) comprises: a first arm member (201), a second arm member (202) and a shoe member (203). The shoe member (203) directly receives the load from the rider’s feet. The load received by the shoe member (203) is transferred through a split pedal arm pedal assembly to the vehicle (100). The split pedal arm includes the first arm member (201) and the second arm member (202). The functionality of the pedal assembly (200) is directly dependent on the stiffness of the second arm member (202) and the first arm member (201). In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first arm member (201) and the second arm member (202) are made of different sheet metals. In another embodiment the first arm member (201) and the second arm member (202) are having different thickness. A first thickness (X’) is the thickness of a second arm member (202) and a second thickness (X) is the thickness of the First arm member (201). In an embodiment, the first thickness (X’) being more than the second thickness (X).
[00031] Also, in an embodiment, the first thickness (X’) is about 1.5 times thicker in comparison to the second thickness (X). In an embodiment, the first thickness (X’) being 8 millimeters (mm) whereas the second thickness (X) being 5 mm.
[00032] In an embodiment, the first arm member (201) and the second arm member (202) being connected to each other through various joining techniques.
[00033] In an embodiment, the second arm member (202) and the first arm member (201) are joined permanently by welding. In other embodiments, other joining techniques such as hydroforming are used to join the first arm member (201) and the second arm member (202).
[00034] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the pedal assembly (200). The first arm member (201) and the second arm member (202) being connected through a connecting member (204).
[00035] In an embodiment, the connecting member (204) being a boss or a connecting pivot pin. The connecting member (204) provides a connection between the First arm member (201) and the second arm member (202) which are of separate materials and of different thickness. The connecting member (204) ensures a pivotal movement of the pedal assembly (200) upon application of force by the rider.
[00036] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the pedal assembly (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the connecting member (204) connects the first arm member (201) and the second arm member (202) through a first connecting portion (201A) and a second connecting portion (202A) being provided on the first arm member (201) and the second arm member (202) respectively. As per an aspect of the present invention, the first arm member (201) and the second arm member (202), on being connected to the connecting member (204), being together capable of rotating as a single unit about an axis of said connecting pivot (204).
[00037] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the pedal assembly (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the first connecting portion (201A) and the second connecting portion (202A) being semi circular in shape and complement each other from opposite ends to abuttingly cover an external circular surface of the connecting member (204).
[00038] Also, in an embodiment, the second arm member (202) is provided with two step portions. The two step portions include a downward step portion (202B), an inclined step portion (202C). Also, the second arm member (202) includes a shoe connecting portion (202D). The downward step portion (202B) being adjacent to the second connecting portion (202A) from one side and the inclined step portion (202C) from the other side. Also, the inclined step portion (202C) being adjacent to the shoe connecting portion (202D). The second arm member (202) transmits the load received by the shoe member (203).
[00039] In another embodiment, the first arm member (201) being connected to one or more mountings (not shown) which connects the pedal assembly (200) to the vehicle (100).
[00040] Further, the first arm member (201) being provided a second portion (201B) which is adjacent to the first connecting portion (201A). The load transmitted by the second arm member (202) is received by the first arm member (201) and the first arm member (201) transfers the load to the braking mechanism, while both first arm member (201) and second arm member (202) being integrally rotatable about the axis of rotation of the connecting member (204). In an embodiment, the braking mechanism being a drum brake based braking mechanism whereas in another embodiment, the braking mechanism being fluid based braking mechanism. Also, in another mechanism the braking mechanisms being an electrical or electronic based braking mechanism.
[00041] Figure 6 illustrates a graphical representation of deflection of the pedal assembly (200) and the load applied on the pedal assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) in comparison with conventional single pedal arm type pedal assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the given graph the horizontal axis denotes the load being applied on the pedal assembly (200) and the vertical axis represents deflection of the pedal assembly (200). Also, as per the graph the slope of the line plotted represents the stiffness of the cross-section. As per the graph, the stiffness of the conventional pedal assembly is lower in comparison to the stiffness of the present invention. This is an outcome of improved section modulus of the pedal assembly (200).
[00042] In an embodiment, the stiffness of the present invention is about 15 percent higher in comparison to the conventional tubular and non-tubular pedals having a single pedal arm.
[00043] Figure 7 illustrates a graphical representation of stress on the pedal assembly (200) and load applied on the pedal assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) in comparison with conventional single pedal arm type pedal assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The graphical illustration of the present stress and the load is denoted in a line graph. As per the graph, the conventional pedal experienaces higher stress in comparison to the present invention at application of same load from the rider.
[00044] As per an embodiment, the stress received by a different portion of the pedal assembly varies. As per an embodiment, the stress received by the First arm member (201) of the present invention is lower in comparison to the stress received by a representative first arm member of a conventional pedal. Also, as per an plot, stress experienced by the present invention is about 50 percent lower in comparison to the conventional tubular and non-tubular pedals with single pedal arm. This is predominantly achieved by the split pedal assembly configuration and the structural stiffness of the elements where the thickness of the second arm member (202) is configured to be higher than the thickness of the first arm member (201). As a result the stress experienced by the new design as per present invention Sn is lower than a stress experienced by the conventional design Sc by a magnitude delta for the same applied load input. As shown, delta = Sc – Sn is about 30% lower than Sc.
[00045] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Rather, the features are disclosed as embodiments of the present subject matter.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

100: Vehicle
101: Frame
102: Headlight Assembly
103: Front Wheel
104: Rear wheel
105: Instrument Cluster
106: Rear-View Mirrors
108: Fuel Tank
109: Seat Assembly
110: Footrest Assembly
111: Brake Pedal
112: Center stand
113: Muffler
114: Kick lever
115: Footrest
116: Power Unit
117: Rear suspension
118: Guard Member
200: Pedal Assembly
201: First arm member
201A: First Connecting Portion
201B: First arm End Portion
202: Second arm member
202A: Second arm Connecting Portion
202B: Downward Step Portion
202C: Inclined Step Portion
202D: Shoe Connecting Portion
203: Shoe Member
204: Connecting Member
X: Second Thickness
X’: First Thickness