TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a suspension assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanism for the suspension assembly of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle, one or more suspension assembly is provided each at a front end and at a rear side of the vehicle. The one or more suspension assembly is provided in a vehicle to absorb and dissipate road shocks experienced by the vehicle while operating on the roads. The suspension assembly provided in the vehicle prevents the shocks and vibrations from reaching the rider or the pillion, thereby providing ride comfort to the rider as well as to the pillion. Generally, the suspension assembly is mounted to a vehicle body frame at one end and another end is mounted to a swing arm of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are "used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig.l depicts a suspension assembly provided in a two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with another embodiment.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the suspension assembly.
[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the suspension assembly.
[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the suspension assembly including the at least one stopper member in compressed condition..
[0008] Fig. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the suspension assembly with N
mud-flow path there within.
[0009] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the at least one stopper member depicting a detailed view of the mud-flow path.

[00010] Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the at least one stopper member with various dimensional, parameters.
[00011] Fig. 8 illustrates a sectional view of the suspension assembly depicting clearance between the at least one stopper member and the reciprocating member.
[00012] Fig. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the at least one stopper member depicting ratio of predetermined total height to the predetermined support height.
[00013] Fig. 10 illustrates a sectional view of the at least one stopper member depicting ratio of predetermined total height to the predetermined outer diameter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] Typically two wheeler suspension assembly consists of shock absorber to isolate shock and provide good ride comfort to the user. Conventional shock absorber consists of primary elements like damper, spring and an at least one stopper'member. The spring-is an elastic element used to store energy and the damper is typically hydraulic system which dissipates the energy. The at least one stopper member is normally made out of elastomer material like rubber or polyurethane which acts like an end stopper towards the end of the working stroke of the shock absorber. The shock absorber is typically connected between the vehicle chassis and a swing-arm.
[00015] Damper has a reciprocating member located co-axially and capable of sliding during the compression and rebound movement of the shock absorber. The at least one stopper member is generally placed co-axially to the damper reciprocating member. Towards the end of.stroke Or travel, the at least one stopper member typically comes into action. It is compressed by the reciprocating -member itself and the elastic member is compressed along the same axis as that of the at least one stopper member together. As it is evident that the at least one stopper member comes into action towards the end of the stroke, the primary purpose is to enable gradual stopping of the travel of the reciprocating member for avoiding sudden hitting of the reciprocating member to the other end of the

- suspension assembly or sharp, impact as well as to absorb energy to achieve good ride comfort.
[00016] During usage on vehicle, like any other exposed part of the vehicle, the suspension.assembly is also exposed to external environment like dust, mud, water etc. Often mud is detrimental to the durability of the shock absorber as it can lead to contamination of the damper as well as physical damage to the parts. Mud particles can sometimes get stuck on the piston rod, spring, and at least one stopper member at various places leading to undesirable failure of the shock absorber. Since the at least one stopper member is compressed along with the stroke on the damper piston rod, it needs to have working clearance with the rod outer diameter. Often mud and sand particles tend to get trapped in this working clearance leading to physical damage, dent or scoring of the mating parts i.e. at least one stopper member as well as piston rod.
[00017] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, typically the at least one stopper member has a working clearance (between at least one stopper member inner diameter and piston rod outer diameter) to enable the collected mud particles to escape out of the assembly through suitable relief provided. Jf the operating clearance is too low, the mud gets entrapped in the clearance and damages the at least one stopper member as well as piston rod. If the working clearance is too high, it may lead to undesirable collapsing of at least one stopper member leading to breakage or crack of at least one stopper member which affects the performance characteristics as well as leads to poor durability. Excessive clearance will also lead to entrapment of larger stone particles which will damage the piston rod and at least one stopper member.
[00018] Typically a cup made out of metal or plastic is placed around the at least one stopper member to control the shape and elasto-kinetic deformation of the at least one stopper member during compression to achieve desired functionality of the suspension assembly. Addition of cup will lead to increase in cost and also constrain in vehicle layout for packaging.

[00019] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the elastic member itself is.tapered, which is disposed at a close proximity to the at least one stopper member. Thereby, the tapered portion of the elastic member itself functions as a cup, which controls the shape and elasto-kinetic deformation of the at least one stopper member during compression. Hence, the usage of an additional part in the suspension assembly is prevented with no changes in the vehicle layout, as packaging of a new part is not required.
[00020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the suspension assembly includes a stopper member comprising one or more predetermined ratios including, a first ratio, a second ratio, a third ratio, a fourth ratio, and a clearance ratio. The predetermined one or more ratios of the suspension are optimized to achieve effective damping and good ride comfort according to the requirement of the rider. Accordingly, the predetermined one or more ratios include an approximate range for the at least one stopper member depending upon the requirement of the user.
[00021] The previously mentioned and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00022] Fig.l depicts a suspension assembly 200 provided in a two-wheeled vehicle 100 in accordance with another embodiment. A typical suspension assembly,200 includes an elastic member203 and orifices to control the flow of oil through an internal reciprocating member 204. The flow of oil is from a canister housing 205 into a damper body. The canister housing 205 is disposed at a first end portion of the suspension assembly 200. A second end portion 201 of the suspension assembly 200 is capable of holding the reciprocating member 204. The suspension assembly 200 is mounted in the two-wheeled vehicle such that the first end 505 including the canister housing 205. is bolted to the vehicle body frame and the second end 504 is bolted to the swing arm.
[00023] Generally, during vehicle operating condition, the suspension assembly 200 is exposed to atmosphere and the mud, dust particles and any other foreign

materials present in the atmosphere is deposited in the various parts of the suspension assembly 200. Further, during servicing of the vehicle, the mud.and other dust particles flow down from the other vehicular parts due to gravity and get deposited on the second end 504 of the suspension assembly 200. The stagnation of dust particles leads to improper stroking and damage to the reciprocating member 204 in the suspension assembly 200. During stroking of the reciprocating member 204, the dust particles tend to enter into the damper body leading to contamination and damage to oil seal resulting in oil leakage. The oil leakage leads to poor functioning of the suspension assembly 200 and results in providing poor ride comfort to the rider and to the pillion.
[00024] The disadvantages present in the conventional suspension assembly of a two-wheeled vehicle are overcome in the present invention. The mud, dust particles and other foreign materials that are accumulated in the second end can be drained out through the predetermined clearance between the inner diametrical surface of the at least one stopper member and the outer diametrical surface of the reciprocating member.
[00025] Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the suspension assembly. An at least one stopper member 301 is disposed at a proximity to the second end 504. In particular, the at least one stopper member 301 is disposed around at least a portion'of the reciprocating member 204. The at least one stopper member 301 is capable of undergoing compression along with the elastic member 203 during compression stroke of the suspension assembly. Which, happens when the vehicle is traversing a speed breaker, a hump or the like on the roads. The at least one stopper member 301 typically prevents the reciprocating member 204 from coming in sudden contact with the other end 504 of the suspension assembly 200. The sudden contact of the reciprocating member 204 with the other end 504 may occur during the compression stroke of the suspension assembly 200.
. [00026] Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the suspension assembly. According to an embodiment of. the present invention, the at least one stopper member 301 is disposed around the reciprocating member 204 with a

predetermined clearance 401 therebetween. The predetermined clearance 401 is between an inner diametrical surface 301a of the at least one stopper member 301 and the outer diametrical surface 204a of the reciprocating member 204.
[00027] Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the suspension assembly including the at least one stopper member in compressed condition. During the fully compressed state, which is during complete compression stroke of the suspension assembly, the at least one stopper member 301 is completely compressed along with the elastic member 203, this complete compression of the elastic member 203 and the at least one stopper member 301 facilitates smooth traversing of the vehicle over the irregularities on the road during travelling. Furthermore, at completely compressed state, the at least one stopper member 301 becomes completely hard, thereby preventing furthermore compression of the elastic member 203. This prevents the sudden contact of the reciprocating member 204 with the other end (not shown).
[00028] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the elastic, member 203 disposed at a close proximity to the at least one stopper member 301 is a tapered portion TP. The tapered portion TP of the elastic member 203 is configured to closely be in contact with the at least one stopper member 301, such that during complete compression of the at least one stopper member 301, the deformation and elasto-kinetic movement of the at least one stopper member is effectively prevented. Thereby preserving the shape of the at least one stopper member 301, ensuring reliability, and durability of the at least one stopper member 301.
[00029] Fig. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the suspension assembly with mud-flow path there within. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined clearance 401 functions as a mud-flow path by facilitating easy flow of mud or dust particles that may enter the suspension assembly 200 during functioning of the assembly. The mud-flow path 302 extends along at least a length of the reciprocating member 204 and along the complete "height of the at least one stopper member 301. The mud-flow path 302 further

extends outwardly of the at least one stopper member 301 through a seating portion 403 of the at least one stopper member 301. The mud-flow path 302 facilitates easy movement of the mud and other dust particles to easily travel and exit out of the assembly, thereby preventing any damage that may occur during functionality of the suspension assembly due to deposition of the mud and other dust particles above the at least one stopper member 301 and at the other end 404.
' [00030] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the at, least one stopper member depicting a detailed view of the mud-flow path. The mud-flow path 302 passes throughout the inner diametrical surface 301a of the at least one stopper member 301. The'mud-flow path 302 extends along the height of the at least one stopper member 301 and exits out through the bottom portion 301b of the at least one stopper member 301.
[00031] Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the at least one stopper member with various dimensional parameters. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a third ratio of predetermined outer diameter OD to a predetermined . outer diameter minimum Opmi„ is approximately in the range of 1.1 to 2.5. Depending upon the requirement of the usage of the user, the at least one stopper member 301 can be configured to include the third ratio to include a minimum ratio of 1.1 and a maximum ratio of 2.5 respectively.
[00032] Fig. 8 illustrates a sectional view of the suspension assembly depicting clearance between the at least one stopper member and the reciprocating member. The'clearance ratio is approximately in the range of 1.05mm to 1.45mm. The clearance;ratio is an inner diameter 301a of said at least one stopper member 301 to an outer diameter 204a of the reciprocating member 204.
[00033] Fig. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the at least one stopper member depicting ratio of predetermined total height to the predetermined support height. According to an embodiment of. the present invention, the first ratio predetermined total height Th to a predetermined support height Sh is approximately in the range of 1.2 to 1.7.

[00034] Fig. 10 illustrates a sectional view of the at least one stopper member depicting ratio of predetermined total height to the predetermined outer diameter. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second ratio of predetermined total height Th to a predetermined outer diameter maximum OD is approximately in the range of 0.5 to 1.5.
[00035] Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one stopper member includes a fourth ratio of predetermined total height Th
[00036] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one elastic member is made of polymer.
[00037] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

I/We claim:
1. A suspension assembly (200) for a vehicle, said suspension assembly (200) comprising:
a first end (505) including a first mounting portion (302);
a second end (504) including a second mounting portion (304);
a reciprocating member (204) connected to any one of a first end (505) and a second end (504) and capable of being slidably movable between said first end (505) and said second end (504);
^ an elastic member (203) disposed coaxially around at least a portion of said reciprocating member (204) between said first end (505) and said second end (504); and
at least one stopper member (301) disposed co-axially to and covering at least a portion of said reciprocating member (204), said at least one stopper member (301) is disposed at any one of the first end (505) and the second end (504),
wherein,
said at least one stopper member (301) is disposed co-axially to and covering at. least a portion of said reciprocating member (204) with a predetermined clearance (401) therebetween, said predetermined clearance. (401) extends along the inner circumferential surface (402) of said at least one stopper member (301) and further extends outwardly through a seating portion (301b) of said at least one stopper member (301), said at least one stopper ■ member (301) includes a first ratio of a predetermined total height (Th) to a predetermined support height (Sh), a second ratio of predetermined total height (Th) to a predetermined outer diameter maximum (OD), a third ratio of predetermined outer diameter

maximum (OD) to a predetermined outer diameter minimum (ODmin), a fourth ratio of a predetermined total height (Th) to a predetermined working stroke, and a fifth ratio.
2. The suspension assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, "wherein said,fifth ratio is a clearance ratio, said clearance ratio is inner diameter (301a) of said at least one stopper member (301) to a second outer diameter (204a) of said reciprocating member (204).
3. The suspension assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim I, wherein said second ratio of predetermined total height (Th) to a predetermined outer diameter maximum (OD) is approximately in the range of 0.5 to 1.5.
4. The suspension assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim I, wherein said third ratio of predetermined outer diameter maximum (OD) to a predetermined outer diameter minimum (ODmin) is approximately in the range of 1.1 to 2.5.
5. The suspension assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein said clearance ratio is approximately in the range of 1.05 to 1.45.
6. The suspension assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim I, wherein said first ratio of predetermined total height (Th)-to a predetermined support height (Sh) is approximately in the range of l.2lo 1.7.
7. The suspension assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim.1, wherein said fourth ratio of predetermined total height (Th) to said predetermined working stroke is approximately in the range of 0.5 to 0.7.
8. The suspension assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one stopper member (301) is made of polymer.

9. The suspension assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim I, wherein said elastic member (203) includes a tapered portion (Tp) disposed at a close proximity and around at least a portion of said at least one stopper member (301).
10. A vehicle comprising the suspension assembly (200) as claimed in any of the preceding claims. '