Claims:1. A system (100) for operating a center stand (1) of a vehicle (200), the system (100) comprising:
at least one pneumatic actuator (2), comprising:
a fixed end (A) connectable to the vehicle body (3), and
a movable end (B) connectable to the center stand (1),
wherein, the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) is configured to displace the center stand (1) between a rest position and a parked position;
a pneumatic circuit (25) fluidly connected to the at least one pneumatic actuator (2), to supply pneumatic fluid to the at least one pneumatic actuator (2); and
an actuating element (4) operatively coupled to the pneumatic circuit (25), wherein the actuating element (4) is manually operable to regulate operation of the pneumatic circuit (25) to supply the pneumatic fluid to the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) such that, the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) displaces the center stand (1) between the rest position and the parked position.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) includes a piston-cylinder arrangement with a cap of the cylinder towards the fixed end (A), and a rod of the piston towards the movable end (B).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) comprises a first pneumatic actuator (2a) and a second pneumatic actuator (2b).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein fixed end (A) and movable end (B) of each of the first pneumatic actuator (2a) and the second pneumatic actuator (2b) are pivotally connectable to vehicle body (3) and center stand (1) respectively, through a hinge (5).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the center stand (1) includes a pair of pillars (6) pivotally connectable to the vehicle body (3), and a cross member (7) interconnecting the pair of pillars (6).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable end (B) of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) is pivotally connectable to a cross member (7) through the hinge (5).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rest position corresponds to stowed condition of the center stand (1).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parked position corresponds to the center stand (1) configured to assist the vehicle (200) to be in a parked condition.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pneumatic circuit (25) includes:
a compressor (8) associated with the vehicle (200), is configured to produce the pneumatic fluid;
an accumulator (9) fluidly connected to the compressor (8), wherein the accumulator (9) is configured to store the pneumatic fluid; and
at least one directional control valve (10) fluidly connected between the accumulator (9) and the at least one pneumatic actuator (2).

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one directional control valve (10) is configured to direct the pneumatic fluid to movable end (B) of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2), to extract a center stand (1) from a rest position to a parked position, when an actuating element (4) is manually operated to a first position.

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one directional control valve (10) is configured to direct the pneumatic fluid to fixed end (A) of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2), to retract a center stand (1) from a parked position to a rest position, when an actuating element (4) is manually operated to a second position.

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one directional control valve (10) is configured to arrest supply of the pneumatic fluid to either ends of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2), when an actuating element (4) is manually operated to a neutral position.

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, comprises a pressure measuring means (11) connectable to the accumulator (9), to monitor pressure of the pneumatic fluid supplied to the at least one pneumatic actuator (2).

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the compressor (8) is powered by a battery (12) of the vehicle (200), and the compressor (8) is configured to operate based on pressure of the pneumatic fluid sensed by a pressure measuring means (11).

15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one directional control valve (10) is a 5/3-way directional control valve (10). , Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure relates to the field of automobile engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a mechanism for automatically parking a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a system for operating a center stand of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
Globalization has modified the essence of transportation. Transportation is now one of the foremost necessities, as connecting and transporting people and goods from one location to another has become a vital aspect. Currently, there is demand for high-speed vehicles and compact vehicles for locomotion, via road means, making way for large opportunity for manufacturing and production. In this sense, there is a global demand for manufacturing vehicles such as, but not limited to, bicycles, motorcycles, and the like, which are light in weight, compact in size, and affordable in cost, and ease in locomotion. Hence, numerous research and developmental studies are conducted in this sector of automobiles, to make the vehicles more robust in nature.

Generally, vehicles of the aforementioned type are employed with side stand and/or a center stand for positioning the vehicle in parked condition. The side stand provides a one-point contact between a vehicle body and the ground, for parking the vehicle. Parking of the vehicle with the side stand, requires vehicle to be inclined from its upright position, thereby occupying greater space for parking the vehicle. This in-turn would inherently create a demand for more parking space, in order to park the vehicles.

On the other hand, the center stand provides a two-point contact between the vehicle body and the ground, which assists in maintaining the vehicle in the upright position, thereby occupying minimal space, as designed and/or developed. Nonetheless, for operating the center stand, an operator is required to exert a greater downward force on the center stand, along with necessity of manually lifting the vehicle, to bring the vehicle to the upright position. This simultaneous operation of exerting downward force and lifting the vehicle may render the operator vulnerable to fatigue. Also, during the lifting of the vehicle, there are possibilities that the operator may lose control on balance of the vehicle, which is again a challenge that requires to be dealt with, by the operator. Additionally, the operator would have to endure the weight of the vehicle during lifting, which would again add-up to the fatigue that the operator may experience.

Conventionally, there have been a number of mechanisms developed for assisting the operator to park the vehicle employing the center-stand. These mechanisms may involve either of hydraulic or electric means, for operating the center stand. However, the mechanism involving the hydraulic means tends to get untidy, due to leakage of hydraulic fluid used therein. Meanwhile, the mechanism involving the electric means would require a motor of bulky size, in order to assist in operating the vehicles, which are heavier weight.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the conventional systems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the system as described in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for operating a center stand of a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises at least one pneumatic actuator, which includes a fixed end connectable to the vehicle body, and a movable end connectable to the center stand. The at least one pneumatic actuator is configured to displace the center stand between a rest position and a parked position. Further, a pneumatic circuit is fluidly connected to the at least one pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic circuit supplies a pneumatic fluid to the at least one pneumatic actuator. An actuating element is provisioned in the system and is operatively coupled to the pneumatic circuit. The actuating element is manually operable to regulate operation of the pneumatic circuit to supply the pneumatic fluid to the at least one pneumatic actuator such that, the at least one pneumatic actuator displaces the center stand between the rest position and the parked position.

In an embodiment, the at least one pneumatic actuator includes a piston-cylinder arrangement with a cap of the cylinder towards the fixed end, and a rod of the piston towards the movable end.

In an embodiment, the at least one pneumatic actuator comprises a first pneumatic actuator and a second pneumatic actuator. Further, the fixed end and movable end of each of the first pneumatic actuator and the second pneumatic actuator are pivotally connectable to vehicle body and center stand respectively, through a hinge.

In an embodiment, the center stand includes a pair of pillars pivotally connectable to the vehicle body, and a cross member interconnecting the pair of pillars.

In an embodiment, the movable end of the at least one pneumatic actuator is pivotally connectable to a cross member through the hinge.

In an embodiment, the rest position corresponds to stowed condition of the center stand.

In an embodiment, the parked position corresponds to position of the center stand assisting the vehicle to be in a parked condition.

In an embodiment, the pneumatic circuit includes a compressor associated with the vehicle. The compressor is configured to produce the pneumatic fluid. Further, an accumulator is provisioned in the pneumatic circuit and is fluidly connected to the compressor, to store the pneumatic fluid. Additionally, at least one directional control valve is fluidly connected between the accumulator and the at least one pneumatic actuator. In an embodiment, the at least one directional control valve is a 5/3-way directional control valve.

In an embodiment, the at least one directional control valve is configured to direct the pneumatic fluid to movable end of the at least one pneumatic actuator, to extract the center stand from the rest position to the parked position, when the actuating element is manually operated to a first position. Further, the at least one directional control valve is configured to direct the pneumatic fluid to fixed end of the at least one pneumatic actuator, to retract the center stand from parked position to the rest position, when the actuating element is manually operated to a second position. Also, the at least one directional control valve is configured to arrest supply of the pneumatic fluid to either ends of the at least one pneumatic actuator, when the actuating element is manually operated to a neutral position.

In an embodiment, the pneumatic circuit further includes the pressure measuring means connectable to the accumulator, to monitor pressure of the pneumatic fluid supplied to the at least one pneumatic actuator.

In an embodiment, the compressor is powered by a battery of the vehicle, and the compressor is configured to operate based on the pressure of the pneumatic fluid sensed by a pressure measuring means.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a vehicle employed with the system for operating a center stand, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2a illustrates a magnified view of the vehicle of Figure. 1 showing arrangement of a pneumatic actuator of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2b is a magnified view of portion P highlighted in Figure 2a, with the center stand in parked position.

Figure 2c illustrates a magnified view of portion P highlighted in Figure 2a, with the center stand in rest position.

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a pneumatic circuit of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a circuit diagram of the pneumatic circuit of Figure 3.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent systems, mechanisms, and methods which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to system and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description, when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such system and method thereof. In other words, one or more acts in the system and the method proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other acts or additional acts in the method.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system for operating a center stand of a vehicle. The center stand provides a two-point contact between a vehicle body and ground, and assists to maintain the vehicle in the upright position, thereby occupying minimal space. In order to assist an operator to operate the center stand and place the vehicle in the upright position, the system comprises at least one pneumatic actuator. The at least one pneumatic actuator includes a fixed end connectable to the vehicle body, and a movable end connectable to the center stand. The at least one pneumatic actuator is configured to displace the center stand between a rest position and a parked position. Further, a pneumatic circuit is fluidly connected to the at least one pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic circuit supplies a pneumatic fluid to the at least one pneumatic actuator. An actuating element is provisioned in the system and is operatively coupled to the pneumatic circuit. The actuating element is manually operable to regulate operation of the pneumatic circuit to supply the pneumatic fluid to the at least one pneumatic actuator such that, the at least one pneumatic actuator displaces the center stand between the rest position and the parked position. The system, therefore, provides a compact, robust, and an economical solution to reduce human efforts in operating the center stand of the vehicle.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures of a system for operating a center stand of a vehicle. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure, since the system may be used on other types of vehicles, such as, but not limited to, motorcycles, bicycles, and the like. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which is a schematic representation of a vehicle (200) employed with a system (100) for operating a center stand (1). The vehicle (200) shown in Figure. 1 is a motorcycle having a vehicle body (3) with two wheels among other components. The vehicle (200) shown here is a scooter, but the system (100) may be employed in any other type of motorcycles without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The vehicle (200) according to embodiments of the disclosure includes a center stand (1), which is connectable to the vehicle body (3). The vehicle body (3) may be including, but not limited to, chassis, a flange of the chassis, and the like. Further, the center stand (1) may be pivotally connected to the vehicle body (3), and may be operated based on requirement so that, the vehicle (200) may be positioned vertical and upright, with at least one wheel of the vehicle (200) off the ground. In an embodiment, the center stand (1) may be connectable to the vehicle body (3) by means at least one of, a rod-fork arrangement, a clamp, a pivot pin, a bolt assembly, and the like.

Referring to Figure 1, the system (100) includes at least one pneumatic actuator (2), to assist in operating the center stand (1), with respect to the vehicle body (3). The at least one pneumatic actuator (2) includes a piston-cylinder arrangement [not shown], which may consist of a piston disposed within a cylinder, where the piston reciprocates in the cylinder, during operation. The piston may further be connectable to a connecting rod, herein also referred to as “rod”, whereby reciprocation of the piston linearly displaces the rod. In an embodiment, for operating the center stand (1), one end of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) is connectable to the vehicle body (3), while other end of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) is connectable to the center stand (1). The at least one pneumatic actuator (2) is defined by a cap end and a rod end of the piston-cylinder arrangement, where the cap end may be referred to as a fixed end (A) due to non-displaceable connection, while the rod end may be referred to as a movable end (B) due to movable connection of the rod with the center stand (1). The fixed end (A) of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) is connected to the vehicle body (3), whereas the movable end (B) is connected to the center stand (1). However, one skilled in the art should not construe this to be a limitation, as connecting ends and the orientation of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) may be varied in accordance with the requirement and configuration therein.

Also, the system (100) includes a pneumatic circuit (25), which is fluidly connected to the at least one pneumatic actuator (2). The pneumatic circuit (25) is configured to selectively operate the at least one pneumatic actuator (2), to in-turn operate the center stand (1). Further, to actuate the pneumatic circuit (25), an actuating element (4) is provisioned in the system (100). The actuating element (4) is located at a position which is easily accessible by an operator. In an embodiment, the actuating element (4) is a lever, which is positioned proximal to a rear handle support [not shown in Figures] of the vehicle (200). However, the actuating element (4) may also be at least one of a switch, a knob, and the like. Moreover, location of the actuating element (4) in the vehicle (200) should not be considered as a limitation, as the location may be varied in accordance with accessibility by the operator and design requirements of the vehicle (200). For example, the actuating element (4) may be provisioned on an instrument cluster in a handlebar of the vehicle (200), or may be located proximal to an ignition access, or may even be associated with the ignition access, to operate the pneumatic circuit (25). Additionally, the actuating element (4) is communicatively coupled to a battery (12) which is housed in the vehicle (200), to electrically bridge and initiate operation of the pneumatic circuit (25) upon actuation of the actuating element (4) by the operator. The operation of the pneumatic circuit (25), upon actuation of the actuating element (4), may be indicated via a pressure measuring means (11), provisioned in the vehicle (200).

Manual actuation of the actuating element (4) energize the pneumatic circuit (25), to selectively supply a pneumatic fluid to the at least one pneumatic actuator (2). The at least one pneumatic actuator (2) then operates the center stand (1) between a rest position and a parked position, based on the actuating condition of the actuating element (4). Here, one skilled in the art would recognize that the rest position of the center stand (1) corresponds to stowed condition, while the parked position corresponds to configuration of the center stand (1) to assist the vehicle (200) to be in a parked condition. Further, at the stowed condition, the center stand (1) may be positioned proximal to the vehicle body (3), while at the parked position, the center stand (1) may be positioned away from the vehicle body (3), to assist the vehicle (200) in positioning to the vertical and upright condition.

Figures 2a to 2c are exemplary embodiments of the disclosure showing orientation and connection of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) in the vehicle (200). The at least one pneumatic actuator (2) is connectable to the vehicle body (3) at the fixed end (A), while the center stand (1) is connectable to the movable end (B) of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2). In an embodiment, the center stand (1) includes a pair of pillars (6). The pair of pillars (6) are pivotally connectable to the vehicle body (3) at one end, whereby allowing other end of the pair of pillars (6) to freely pivot and engage the ground, unless restricted. Further, the pair of pillars (6) may be interconnected by a cross member (7), located away from the end connected to the vehicle body (3), to define a profile resembling at least one of “H” and “A” configurations, for construction. Additionally, the movable end (B) of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) is connectable to the center stand (1) at the cross member (7), to operate the center stand (1) therefrom.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) of the system (100), includes a first pneumatic actuator (2a) and a second pneumatic actuator (2b), as best seen in Figure 2b. Each of the first pneumatic actuator (2a) and the second pneumatic actuator (2b) are configured to be connected between the vehicle body (3) and the center stand (1), as can be seen in Figure 2a. Further, a hinge (5) is provisioned at the fixed end (A) and the movable end (B) of each of the first pneumatic actuator (2a) and the second pneumatic actuator (2b). At the fixed end (A), the hinge (5) connects the first pneumatic actuator (2a) and the second pneumatic actuator (2b) with the vehicle body (3), while the hinge (5) at the movable end (B) is adapted to connect with the cross member (7) of the center stand (1). This configuration of the hinge (5) assists during pivotal movement of the center stand (1), whereby the first pneumatic actuator (2a) and the second pneumatic actuator (2b) are configured to incline, to complement the pivotal movement of the center stand (1). This inclination of the first pneumatic actuator (2a) and the second pneumatic actuator (2b) is also assisted by a relative rotational motion at the movable end (B). In an embodiment, the relative rotational motion and the inclination at the movable end (B) of each of the first pneumatic actuator (2a) and the second pneumatic actuator (2b) and the cross member (7) may be performed by the hinge (5). The hinge (5) may be at least one of a U-clamp, elbow hinge, and the like. Additionally, when the center stand (1) is in the stowed condition, the movable end (B) of each of the first pneumatic actuator (2a) and the second pneumatic actuator (2b) is also adapted to be proximal to the vehicle body (3). During operation of the center stand (1) to the parked position, the movable end (B) of each of the first pneumatic actuator (2a) and the second pneumatic actuator (2b) is configured to undergo relative rotation motion. At this juncture, the fixed end (A) is adapted to the incline, to assist displacement of the center stand (1), and in-turn the movable end (B), away from the vehicle body (3). In an embodiment, the hinge (5) employed to connect the fixed end (A) of each of the first pneumatic actuator (2a) and the second pneumatic actuator (2b) may be at least one of, a rod-fork arrangement, a clamp, a pivot pin, a bolt assembly, and the like. In addition, during operation of the center stand (1) to the rest position, the fixed end (A) is adapted to decline, to assist retraction of the center stand (1), towards the vehicle body (3), as best seen in Figure 2c.

Referring to Figure 3, which illustrates an overview of the pneumatic circuit (25) for the system (100). The pneumatic circuit (25) includes a compressor (8), which is powered by the battery (12). The compressor (8), employed in the vehicle (200), is configured to receive fluid from the surroundings, and generate the pneumatic pressure by compressing the fluid, suitable for operating the at least one pneumatic actuator (2). However, it may be noted that, during initial operation of the compressor (8), the pressure of the pneumatic fluid would comparatively be less that the predefined pressure, whereby affecting and/or delaying the operation of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2). In order to avoid the delay in operation of the pneumatic actuator (2), an accumulator (9) is provisioned in the system (100), where the accumulator (9) is fluidly connected to the compressor (8) to receive the pneumatic fluid. The accumulator (9) is configured to store the pneumatic fluid, and is adapted to supply the pneumatic fluid based on requirement. In an embodiment, the predefined pressure is set to range from about 3 bar to about 5 bar, which may be configured to be monitored by the pressure measuring means. Further, based on the requirement, that is, in accordance with the operation of the actuating element (4) by the operator, the pneumatic fluid is directed by at least one direction control valve (10) to the at least one pneumatic actuator (2). In an embodiment, the at least one direction control valve (10) may be a 5/3 way control valve. Additionally, the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) is configured to operate the center stand (1) between the rest position and the parked position, based on receipt of the pneumatic fluid. In an embodiment, the pneumatic circuit (25) may include plurality of hoses, to connect the compressor (8), the accumulator (9), the at least one direction control valve (10), and the at least one pneumatic actuator (2). Also, a plurality of flow regulation valves may be provisioned in the system (100), in order to control rate of the pneumatic fluid being supplied thereto.

Turning now to Figure 4, which depicts a circuitry of the pneumatic circuit (25). On actuation of the actuating element (4), the pneumatic circuit (25) may be energized by the battery (12) to selectively supply the pneumatic fluid to the at least one pneumatic actuator (2). In an embodiment, the actuating element (4) may be manually operable between a first position and a second position, from a neutral position. As an example, the first position is adaptably at one extreme position from the neutral position, while the second position is adaptably at an opposing extreme position to that of the first position. When the actuating element (4) is operated to either of the first position and the second position, the compressor (8) may be energized by the battery (12) to initiate functioning of the pneumatic circuit (25). The pneumatic fluid from the compressor (8) is adaptably stored in the accumulator (9), for operating the at least one pneumatic actuator (2).

Additionally, the first position and the second position of the actuating element (4) is configured to correspondingly operate the at least one direction control valve (10), to suitably supply the pneumatic fluid in a first route (i) and a second route (ii) to either ends of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2), respectively. For example, when the actuating element (4) is manually operated to the first position, then the at least one directional control valve (10) is configured to direct the pneumatic fluid to the movable end (B) of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2), via the first route (i). Due to the supply of the pneumatic fluid, the piston in each of the at least one pneumatic actuator may be displaced towards the fixed end (A), thereby retracting the rod into the cylinder. The retraction of the rod eventually extracts the center stand (1) from the rest position. The continued extraction of the center stand (1) assists in reducing human effort to lift the vehicle (200) and configure the center to parked position. When the actuating element (4) is manually operated to the second position, then the at least one directional control valve (10) is configured to direct the pneumatic fluid to the fixed end (A) of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2), via the second route (ii). Due to the supply of the pneumatic fluid, the piston in each of the at least one pneumatic actuator may be displaced towards the movable end (B), thereby plunging the rod out from the cylinder. The plunge of the rod forces the center stand (1) to retract from the parked position to the rest position, thereby allowing the vehicle (200) to be dislodged from the vertical and upright position. In addition, when the actuating element (4) is operated to the neutral position from either the first position or the second position, then the at least one direction control valve (10) is configured to arrest supply of the pneumatic fluid to either ends of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2). Due to this, the center stand (1) is maintained at either of the rest position and the parked position, depending on the previous position the actuating element (4). That is, the center stand (1) is continued to be in the parked position, when the actuating element (4) is operated from the first position to the neutral position, while the center stand (1) is continued to be rest position, when the actuating element (4) is operated from the second position to the neutral position. Furthermore, during the supply of the pneumatic fluid for operating the at least one pneumatic actuator (2), the pressure in the pneumatic circuit (25) is monitored by the pressure measuring means, to ensure steady operation of the center stand (1). It may be noted that, one skilled in the art would recognize that, during supply of the pneumatic fluid to one end of the at least one pneumatic actuator (2), the pressure in the opposing end is reduced by allowing free-discharge to the surroundings. This would enable the at least one pneumatic actuator (2) to swiftly operate the center stand (1), thereby eliminating delay in the system (100).

In an embodiment, the accumulator (9) is configured to store a predetermined volume of the pneumatic fluid supplied thereto, to assist in completing function of operating the center stand (1) between the rest position and the parked position. The accumulator (9) may be adaptably supplied with the pneumatic fluid, for subsequent function.

In an embodiment, the pressure measuring means (11) may be communicatively connectable to an electronic control device [not shown in Figures]. The pressuring measuring means (11) may be configured to measure and communicate rate of volumetric quantity of the pneumatic fluid supplied from the accumulator (9) to the at least one pneumatic actuator (2). Further, based on the pressure measured, the electronic control unit may indicate on the panel console of the vehicle. Upon indication, the compressor (8) may either manually or automatically be triggered, in order to supply the pneumatic fluid to the accumulator (9). This ensures that the accumulator (9) may contain sufficient volume of the pneumatic fluid, to instantaneously suppling to the at least one pneumatic actuator (2), for operating the center stand (1). This would inherently avoid necessity of manual intervention after the center stand (1) is operated from and/or to the rest position and the parked position. In an embodiment, the pressure measuring means (11) may be located at the operator interface such as, display console panel of the vehicle (200), in order to assist the operator to observe the pressure within the accumulator (9). The pressure measuring means (11) may be at least one of a diaphragm gauge, electro-mechanical transducers, orifice, venturi meter, and the like.

In an embodiment, the actuating element (4) may be operable only when ignition of the vehicle (200) is triggered, nonetheless, engine of the vehicle (200) may not be ignited and/or energized, for operating the actuating element (4).

In an embodiment, the system (100) reduces operator intervention required for and/or during operating the center stand (1).

In an embodiment, the system (100) is tidy and does not render the surroundings unclean, in case of any leakage therein.

In an embodiment, the system (100) is quick to respond upon actuation, as the accumulator (9) is configured to store the predefined quantity of the pneumatic fluid for operation.

In an embodiment, the system (100) is retrofittable to the conventional vehicles.

EQUIVALENTS:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system (100) having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:
Particulars Numeral
Center stand
1
Pneumatic actuator 2
Vehicle body 3
Actuating element 4
Hinge 5
Pair of pillars 6
Cross member 7
Compressor 8
Accumulator 9
Directional control valve 10
Pressure measuring means 11
Battery 12
Pneumatic circuit 25
System 100
Vehicle 200
Fixed end A
Movable end B