Present disclosure relates to field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to operating a vehicle in a specified drive mode. Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a system for operating the vehicle in the specified drive mode.
BACKGROUND
[2] Generally, speed at which vehicles are operated depends on particular type of operator/user. Some of the operators tend to operate the vehicle at recommended speed limits, while some other operators operate the vehicle at maximum allowable speed of the vehicle. In some instances, inexperienced operators have difficulty in safely operating the vehicle at high speeds, due to lack of skills to react to high speeds and at sudden obstacles surfacing on the road. The result is often tragedy, leading to death or grievous injuries to the operator, occupants and damage to the vehicle.
[3] Usually, vehicles are often owned by adults and there may be several occasional users who may use the vehicle. When the occasional user is their offspring, the adults often wonder if the vehicle is being operated safely, since vehicles currently available allow any operator to operate the vehicle at desired speeds as wished, regardless of the situation or experience level of the operator.
[4] Considering the above, a system for operating the vehicle in a different modes has been developed. Such systems include RFID based keys, which upon insertion is identified to differentiate from that of a regular key. Further, such systems include the key comprising a wireless device that communicates a key serial number or code to the vehicle, for operating the vehicle in the different mode. However, such systems are complex, require change in configuration of components of the vehicle. This leads to increase in the cost of the system, which is undesired.
[5] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY
[6] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the system/method as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the system/method as claimed 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.
[7] A system for operating a vehicle in a specified drive mode is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system, when actuated, aids in operating the vehicle in at least one of below a predetermined safe vehicle speed and operating an engine of the vehicle below a pre-determined engine speed (RPM). The system is activated when an auxiliary key is inserted into the lock cylinder of the vehicle for turning ON the ignition of the vehicle. Thus, the system ensures safety of the operator and the vehicle, when the vehicle is being operated by an inexperienced operator and also aid in catering fuel economy benefit. The system is simple and does not require modifications to the existing components of the vehicle, thereby reducing cost of the system for operating the vehicle in the specified mode.
[8] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the system for operating a vehicle in a specified drive mode is disclosed. The system includes at least one sensor disposed at one end of a lock cylinder of the vehicle. Further, the system includes an auxiliary key, which may be insertable into the lock cylinder. The auxiliary key is configured to activate the at least one sensor, upon insertion into the lock cylinder. Furthermore, the system includes a control unit, which may be communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor. The control unit may be configured to receive a signal corresponding to activation of the at least one sensor by the auxiliary key and operate the vehicle in the specified drive mode based on the received signal. The configuration of the system therefore aids in selectively operating the vehicle in specified drive mode and a normal drive mode, based on requirement.

[9] In an embodiment, the at least one sensor is one of a microswitch, a magnetic sensor, an inductive switch, a capacitive switch, a proximity sensor, an optical sensor and a RFID sensor.
[10] In an embodiment, the specified drive mode of the vehicle is an economy drive mode, which corresponds to operating the vehicle in at least one of below a pre-determined vehicle speed and operating an engine below a pre-determined engine speed [RPM]. Operating the vehicle in the economy drive mode ensures safety of the operator and the vehicle, and also caters fuel economy benefit.
[11] In an embodiment, the auxiliary key with its tip end is configured to contact the at least one sensor for activating the at least one sensor.
[12] In an embodiment, the system includes a primary key removably insertable into the lock cylinder for operating the vehicle in a normal drive mode. The primary key is configured to maintain the at least one sensor in a deactivated state for operating the vehicle in the normal drive mode.
[13] In an embodiment, length of the auxiliary key is longer than length of the primary key. This feature facilitates the auxiliary key to contact the at least one sensor, thereby activating the at least one sensor to operate the vehicle in a specified drive mode.
[14] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a vehicle in a specified drive mode is disclosed. The method includes activating by an auxiliary key, at least one sensor upon insertion of the auxiliary key into a lock cylinder. Further, the method includes receiving by a control unit a signal corresponding to activation of the at least one sensor. Furthermore, the method includes operating by the control unit the vehicle in the specified drive mode based on the received signal.
[15] In an embodiment, activating the at least one sensor includes contacting a tip end of the auxiliary key with the at least one sensor.

[16] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[17] 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 DRAWINGS
[18] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the 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 description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[19] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for operating a vehicle in a specified drive mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[20] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a lock cylinder of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[21] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of the lock cylinder with an auxiliary key inserted into the lock cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[22] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the lock cylinder with a primary key inserted into the lock cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[23] Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of the lock cylinder, with the auxiliary key inserted into the lock cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[24] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the lock cylinder of Figure 5 with at least one sensor positioned sideways at a bottom portion and with the primary key inserted into the lock cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[25] Figures. 7a and 7b illustrates a schematic view of the auxiliary key and a primary key, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[26] Figure 8 is a flow chart depicting operational sequence of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[27] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[28] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the FIGS, 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 alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[29] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a system for operating the vehicle in a specified drive mode. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the system for operating the vehicle in the specified drive mode. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that

will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
[30] In the present disclosure, the term "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.
[31] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[32] The terms like "at least one" and "one or more" may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.
[33] Generally, vehicles such as two-wheeler and a modular vehicle, which can be selectively configurable into a two-wheeled configuration and a three-wheeled configuration may include a frame supporting various components of the vehicle. The frame may extend longitudinally away from a head tube of the vehicle, where the frame may be supported by a plurality of ground engaging members. Further, the vehicle may include a steering mechanism pivotally supported by the frame and the head tube. Furthermore, the vehicle includes a lock cylinder disposed on the steering mechanism or in vicinity to the steering mechanism or at a position providing easy accessibility to the operator. The lock cylinder is configured to receive a key for turning on the ignition for operating the vehicle and turn off of the ignition, when not in use.
[34] The above disclosure provided is for better understanding of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a system for operating a vehicle in a specified drive mode is elucidated. The vehicle may be a two-wheeler, a modular vehicle, a three-wheeler and a four-wheeler. In

the corresponding figures, only the components necessary for elucidation of the present disclosure may be depicted.
[35] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 8.
[36] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system (100) for operating a vehicle in a specified drive mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the specified drive mode may be a speed limiting mode, which may correspond to operating the vehicle in at least one of below predetermined vehicle speed and operating an engine below predetermined engine speed (RPM). The predetermined engine speed (RPM) may depend on corresponding gear position of the vehicle. As seen in Figure 1, the system (100) may include at least one sensor (101), which may be disposed in a lock cylinder (102) of a vehicle. As apparent from Figure 2, the at least one sensor (101) may be disposed at one end of a lock cylinder (102) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor (101) may be disposed with a slot at a bottom end of the lock cylinder (102). In another embodiment, as seen in Figures 5 and 6, the at least one sensor (101) may be disposed sideways to the bottom end of the lock cylinder (102). As an example, the at least one sensor (101) may be but not limiting to a micro switch, an inductive switch, capacitive switch, a magnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, an optical sensor and a RFID sensor.
[37] Referring further to Figure 1, the system (100) may include an auxiliary key (103). The auxiliary key (103) may be insertable into the lock cylinder (102) and may be configured to activate the at least one sensor (101). In an exemplary embodiment, as seen in Figures 3 and 5, the auxiliary key (103) may be configured to activate the at least one sensor (101) by contacting the at least one sensor (101) with its tip end (105). In another embodiment, the auxiliary key (103) may activate the at least one sensor (101) without contacting the at least one sensor (101). As an example, when the at least one sensor (101) is an inductive switch, the inductive switch may detect insertion of the auxiliary key (103) based on damping of oscillation as result of insertion of the auxiliary key (103). Therefore,

the inductive switch may be activated without contacting the tip end (105) of the auxiliary key (103). In an embodiment, when the at least one sensor (101) is a capacitive switch, the capacitive switch may sense dielectric properties of the inserted auxiliary key (103) and optical sensor (101) may sense the infrared reflection as a result of insertion of the auxiliary key (103).
[38] As apparent from Figure 1, the system (100) may further include a control unit (104), which may communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor (101). The control unit (104) may also be communicatively coupled to the engine electronic control unit (111) [herein after referred as engine ECU]. The control unit (104) may be configured to receive signal from the at least one sensor (101), corresponding to activation of the at least one sensor (101) by the auxiliary key (103). Further, the control unit (104) may be configured to operate the vehicle in the specified drive mode based on the received signal. In an embodiment, the control unit (104) upon receiving the signal, corresponding to activation of the at least one sensor (101) may generate a signal, which may be fed to the engine ECU (111). The engine ECU (111) corresponding to the signal received from the control unit (104) may operate the vehicle in the specified drive mode. That is, the engine ECU (111) may limit flow content of the fuel to the engine, when the vehicle speed exceeds the predetermined vehicle speed, and when the engine speed (RPM) exceeds predetermined engine speed (RPM) corresponding to engaged gear position of the vehicle. Thus, the engine ECU (111) based on the signal from the control unit (104), operates the vehicle in the specified drive mode.
[39] In an embodiment, the control unit (104) and the engine ECU (111) may be an integrated specialized processing unit, which may be configured to perform functionalities of both the control unit (104) and the engine ECU (111).
[40] In an embodiment, the specified mode may be a sports mode. When the sports mode is activated by the auxiliary key (103), the control unit (104) may generate a signal to the engine ECU (111), where the engine ECU (111) may increase flow content of the fuel to the engine to generate more power, even in low rpms of the engine or at higher rpms.

[41] In an embodiment, the system (100) may include an indication unit [not shown in figures], which may be at least one of an audio unit, a visual unit and an audio-visual unit. The audio unit generate an audio signal, the visual unit generates a visual warning signal, indicating operation of the vehicle in the specified drive mode. In an embodiment, the visual unit may be disposed on a dashboard of the vehicle.
[42] In an embodiment, as seen in Figure 1, the control unit (104) may include a receiving module (106), a processing module (107) and an activation module (108). The control unit (104) may be configured to operate the vehicle in the specified drive mode based on activation of the at least one sensor (101). Working of the control unit (104) to operate the vehicle in specified drive mode is described hereinafter.
[43] The receiving module (106) of the control unit (104) may be configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor (101), corresponding to activation of the at least one sensor (101) by the auxiliary key (103). In an embodiment, upon insertion of the auxiliary key (103) into the lock cylinder (102), the tip end (105) may contact the at least one sensor (101) for activating the at least one sensor (101). Now, the processing module (107) may receive a signal [i.e., activation of the at least one sensor (101)] from the receiving module (106) and may generate an input signal, which may be fed to the activation module (108). The activation module (108) upon receiving the signal from the processing module (107) may operate the vehicle in a specified drive mode. In an embodiment, the activation module (108) based on the input signal from the processing module (107) may actuate the engine ECU (111) to operate the vehicle in the specified drive mode. That is, the processing module (107) may actuate the engine ECU (111) to limit flow content of the fuel to the engine, when the vehicle speed exceeds beyond the predetermined speed or when the engine speed (RPM) exceeds the predetermined RPM, thereby vehicle is operated in the specified drive mode.
[44] In an embodiment, the system (100) may include a primary key (109), which may be insertable into the lock cylinder (102). The primary key (109) may be configured to operate the vehicle in a normal drive mode, which may correspond to operating the vehicle to its fullest operational capacity. In an embodiment, primary key (109) upon insertion into

the lock cylinder (102) may be configured to maintain the at least one sensor (101) in a deactivated state, such that, the vehicle may be operated in the normal drive mode. As seen in Figure 7, length of the primary key (109) is configured to be shorter than length of the auxiliary key (103), with a length difference of h'. In an embodiment, length of tip end (110) of the primary key (109) may be configured to be shorter than length of tip end (105) of the auxiliary key (103). As seen in Figure 4 upon insertion of the primary key (109) into the lock cylinder (102), the primary key (109) may not contact the at least one sensor (101) as a gap G may be created between the at least one sensor (101) and the tip end (110) of the primary key (109). The gap Gbetween the primary key (109) and the at least one sensor (101) may not change properties such as but not limiting to damping oscillations, changing dielectric properties, causing infrared reflections so that, the at least one sensor is maintained in its deactivated state. This aids in maintaining the at least one sensor (101) in the deactivated state, thereby aiding operation of the vehicle in the normal drive mode.
[45] In another embodiment, as apparent from Figures 5 and 6, tip end (110) of the primary key (109) may be configured to include a longer tapered portion than the tapered length at the tip end (105) of the auxiliary key (103). As a result of the configuration, the primary key (109) may not contact the at least one sensor (101) positioned at sideways of the bottom portion of the lock cylinder (102) or at the at least one sensor (101) may not detect change in parameters due to insertion of the primary key (109) into the lock cylinder (102). This aids in maintaining the at least one sensor (101) in the deactivated state, thereby aiding operation of the vehicle in normal drive mode.
[46] Turning now to Figure 8, which is a flowchart depicting operational sequence of the system (100) for operating the vehicle in a specified drive mode. The operation sequence of the system (100) is described in relation to contacting of the auxiliary key (103) with the at least one sensor (101) for activating the sensor (101), thereby operating the vehicle in the specified drive mode. However, the same cannot be construed as a limitation, since the at least one sensor (101) may be activated by the auxiliary key (103) without contacting the at least one sensor (101).
[47] As illustrated in the flowchart, the one or more blocks illustrates a sequence of operation of the system (100). The operation may be described in the general context of

computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform functions or implement abstract data types.
[48] As seen in Figure 8, at block 201, the at least one sensor (101) may be activated by the auxiliary key (103), upon insertion of the auxiliary key (103) into the lock cylinder (102). In an embodiment, the auxiliary key (103) upon insertion into the lock cylinder (102) may contact the at least one sensor (101), thereby activating the at least one sensor (101). Once, the at least one sensor (101) is activated, the at least one sensor (101) may generate a signal, which may be received by a control unit (104) [at block 202].
[49] As seen in block 203, the control unit (104) upon receiving signal from the at least one sensor (101) may generate an input signal, which may be fed to an engine ECU (111). The engine ECU (111) may regulate the vehicle operating parameters for operating the vehicle in a specified drive mode, in which the vehicle may be operated below a predetermined vehicle speed and the engine is operated below a predetermined engine speed (RPM).
[50] In an embodiment, the system (100) is simple, compact and may be retrofitted without substantial modification to the existing vehicle.
[51] In an embodiment, the system (100) facilitates in operating the vehicle in safe vehicle speeds, ensuring safety of the vehicle and provides fuel economy benefit.
[52] The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.

[53] Herein, the terms "attached", "connected", "interconnected", "contacting", "mounted", "coupled" and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise.
[54] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used herein the expression "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[55] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[56] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
EQUIVALENTS:
[57] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein.

Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[58] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
[59] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
[60] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

Referral numerals:

Feature Referral numeral
System 100
Sensor 101
Lock cylinder 102
Auxiliary key 103
Control unit 104
Tip end of auxiliary key 105
Receiving module 106
Processing module 107
Activation module 108
Primary key 109
Tip end of primary key 110
Engine ECU 111

We Claim:

1. A system (100) for operating a vehicle in a specified drive mode, the system (100)
comprising:
at least one sensor (101) disposed at one end of a lock cylinder (102) of the vehicle;
an auxiliary key (103) insertable into the lock cylinder (102) and configured to activate the at least one sensor (101), upon insertion into the lock cylinder (102); and
a control unit (104) communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor (101), the control unit (104) is configured to:
receive, a signal corresponding to activation of the at least one sensor (101) by the auxiliary key (103); and
operate, the vehicle in the specified drive mode, based on the received signal.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (101) is one
of a micro switch, a magnetic sensor, an inductive switch, a capacitive switch, a
proximity sensor, an optical sensor and a RFID sensor.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the specified drive mode is a speed
limiting mode, corresponding to operating the vehicle in at least one of below a pre-determined vehicle speed and operating an engine below a pre-determined engine speed [RPM].

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary key (103) with its tip end (105) is configured to contact the at least one sensor (101), for activating the at least one sensor (101).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a primary key (109), removably insertable into the lock cylinder (102) for operating the vehicle in a normal drive mode.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the primary key (109) is configured
to maintain the at least one sensor (101) in a deactivated state for operating the vehicle in the normal drive mode.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 5, wherein length of the auxiliary key (103) is longer than length of the primary key (109).
8. A vehicle comprising a system (100) as claimed in claim 1.
9. A method for operating a vehicle in a specified drive mode, the method comprising:
activating by an auxiliary key (103), at least one sensor (101), upon insertion of the auxiliary key (103) into a lock cylinder (102) of the vehicle;
receiving, by a control unit (104), a signal corresponding to activation of the at least one sensor (101); and
operating, by the control unit (104), the vehicle in the specified drive mode, based on the received signal.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein activating the at least one sensor (101) comprises contacting a tip end (105) of the auxiliary key (103) with the at least one sensor (101).
11. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the specified drive mode is a speed limiting mode, which corresponds to operating the vehicle in at least one of below a pre-determined vehicle speed and operating an engine below a pre-determined engine speed [RPM].