Claims:We claim:
1. A saddle type vehicle (1) comprising:
a frame structure (300),
wherein, said frame structure (300) comprising
a head tube (113), said head tube (113) fixedly attached to a suspension front fork assembly (115),
a top tube (301) fixedly attached to said head tube (113) and said top tube (301) extending in a rearward direction;
a down tube structure (302) fixedly attached to said head tube (113) and extending in an inclinedly downward direction;
one or more bottom rails (309) removably attached to said down tube (302),
wherein, said one or more bottom rails (309) extending in an inclinedly upward direction towards said rearward direction;
a pair of seat rail (303) fixedly attached to said top tube (301),
wherein, said pair of seat rail (303) extends parallel in said rearward direction to support a seat assembly (108,110); and
a communication control unit (200) disposed in a rear portion of said frame structure (300).
2. The vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication control unit (200) being mounted on one of said one or more seat rails (303) through one or more mounting means,
wherein, said one or more mounting means being a bracket, a rubber grommet.
3. The vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication control unit (200) being disposed below said seat assembly (108,110).
4. The vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rear portion of said frame structure (300) comprises said bottom rails (309) and said seat rails (303).
5. The vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication control unit (200) being mounted on said seat rail (303) between a gap created between a pillion seating length (Wp) and a rider seating length (Wr),
wherein, said gap formed between the pillion seating length (Wp) and the rider seating length (Wr) being a control unit length (Wc).
6. The vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, said communication control unit (200) being disposed rearwards of a pillion legs and said communication control unit (200) configured adequately away from human body.
7. The vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a power source (315) being disposed below said seat rail (303) and above a bottom rail (309) and said communication control unit (200) being located behind said power source (315).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a vehicle. The present subject matter specifically but not exclusively relates to mounting of a communication control unit such as a telematics unit on a saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A telematics unit installed within a vehicle provides the user connectivity to a wireless communication device such as a mobile phone through a telematics service provider (TSP). The telematics unit provides a wide range of services like current location of the vehicle, diagnostic operation, emergency call, and vehicle anti theft features.
[0003] An automotive telematics system includes authentication process for determining an authentic user in order to access the telematic services. The telematics unit can be installed in the vehicle by connecting it to an ECU. The ECU may comprise of a communication unit which can receive the tracking location or a position of the vehicle from the installed telematics unit. The ECU may connect to the wireless communication device through the wireless communication established between the wireless communication device and the telematics unit to receive vital information about the health of the vehicle remotely.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type two wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates a frame structure of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 4 illustrates a communication of the communication control unit in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] The telematics unit comprises of an antenna e.g. GPS antenna, Wi-Fi antenna for establishing the communication between the vehicle ECU and the wireless communication device such as a handheld device (smartphone). The antenna is printed on a PCB (printed circuit board) of a communication terminal which is detachably attached into a PCB of the communication terminal or it can be soldered with the OCB (Organe Control Binarie) of the communication terminal. The communication medium used by the antenna can be NFC (near field communication), Zigbee, Wi-Fi, GSM/GPRS, Bluetooth, and other similar wireless protocols.
[00010] The telematic unit collects the information either periodically or during exceptional events such as attempt to steal or attempt to damage the vehicle, accidents etc. The collected information is then sent to the wireless communication device. Hence, it becomes crucial that for error free and smooth execution of the operation of the entire system based on telematics unit in a vehicle, the system be able to gather information and then can send or receive in an effective manner otherwise the purpose gets defeated.
[00011] To incorporate a wireless based unit like telematics within a saddle type two or three wheeled vehicle, it poses a challenge in terms of achieving the seamless operation of the telematics unit, preserving the body styling, compact design of the vehicle and also maintaining low cost. There exists additional challenge of designing a compact saddle vehicle which can be configured with a telematics unit without hindering into the space of any of the vehicle aggregate systems while at same time minimising the wiring harness length, losses, wiring routing, as well as enabling ease of service and assembly. Additionally, EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) and interference from human body conduction, if not taken care of, can lead to erroneous operation of the system which can also lead to safety issues. Contradictory requirements of disposing the telematic unit in a safe and secure manner, which is theft or tamper proof as well as protected from environmental factors like mud, dust, water, heat, make it a further complex task and known art often have compromised on one or the other aspects. Therefore, there exists as need for an improved layout configuration of a telematics unit for a compact vehicle which overcomes above problems and other problems of known art.
[00012] Hence, the object of the present subject matter is to provide a mounting location of a communication control unit such as a telematic unit in a saddle type vehicle such as a motorcycle on a seat rail such that the telematic unit is not affected by one or more interference creating sources such as human body, components which may produce magnetic field (such as a motor, magneto, high voltage cables etc.) thereby enabling an interruption free environment for the telematic unit for seamless wireless communication with one or more communication device.
[00013] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the telematic communication control unit is disposed under a seat assembly and between the seat rail and the seat rail panels. The configuration and location as disclosed herein provides a protection to the communication control unit from the outside environmental factors and also keeps the communication control unit away from any electromagnetic interference or the human body.
[00014] Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter discloses a layout wherein the the communication control unit is disposed on a seat rail such that the communication control unit is disposed between a pillion seat width and a rider seat width. The gap created between the pillion seat width and the rider seat width is a control unit width. In this manner, the communication control unit is located adequately away from the human body interference as well as other EMI.
[00015] The above embodiments and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00016] Fig. 1 shows the side view of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (1). The said two-wheeled vehicle (1) is provided with a head light assembly (102) on a front portion of the vehicle (1) and immediately above the head light assembly (102) is a visor (101), which is provided to protect the instrument cluster (104) from external factors like wind, water, dust. The instrument cluster (104) displays several parameters of the two-wheeled vehicle (1) for example fuel level, state of charge of the battery, speed of the two-wheeled vehicle and several other parameters. The instrument cluster (104) is securely placed between a pair of handle bar (105). The handle bar (105) is fixedly attached to the head tube (113) and a suspension front fork assembly (115) is mounted on the wheel hub of the wheel (24). Side cowl (107) protects the delicate components like printed circuit board and other wire harness and circuits which may get damaged due to mud splashes or other factors like dirt and direct contact with moisture and air. Along with protection purpose, side cowl (107) is also meant for aesthetics. Immediately above the side cowl (107) a seat assembly (108,110) is disposed on a pair of side rail (not shown) The seat assembly (108) comprises a rider seat (108) and a pillion seat (110). Between the seat assembly (108,110) and the handle bar (105), a fuel tank (106) is disposed, which is capable of storing a fuel such as gasoline. Behind the rider seat (108), a pillion rider seat (110) is provided. To provide protection from shock during driving conditions, a rear shock absorber (not shown) is fixed below the seat assembly (108,110) and mounted on swing arm (not shown).
[00017] The rear shock absorber comprises a coil over spring which is wrapped over and above a cylinder. The spring coil wrapped around the cylinder of the rear shock absorber which moves upwards and gets compressed while any kind of shock due to bumpy ride is encountered and the shock energy gets transferred to the spring. Tail lamp assembly (112) is provided behind the pillion rider seat (110) and immediately below the tail lamp assembly (112) a mud guard assembly (111) is provided which protects the pillion rider and the tail lamp assembly (112) from the mud splashes during driving the vehicle (1) on the roads with water and mud. The vehicle (1) is also provided with foot rest (120) and a foot peg (121) for the pillion rider to keep the foot in order to sit comfortably and avoiding hanging of the foot freely in the air. For the rider as well, a foot peg (119) is provided which is fixedly attached with an ankle guard (not visible in the figure) to prevent the rider’s foot to slip and to provide stability to the foot while driving. The vehicle (1) is essentially a two-wheeled vehicle.
[00018] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of the vehicle (1) with few parts like seat omitted for clarity. The seat rails (303) extending immediately behind the fuel tank (106). The seat rails (303) extend in a rearward direction, till the rear wheels. The seat rails (303) are covered by seat rail panels (203). The seat rail panels (203) protects the seat rails (303) from the outside atmospheric conditions such as moisture, dust and other debris which can cause damage to the electrical components mounted on the seat rails (303). The seat rails (303) extend parallelly to each other located each on a left hand side and a right hand side and supports the seat assembly (108,110). A pair of grab rails (204) are removably attached to a rear end of the seat rails (303) for the pillion rider’s support. A communication control unit (200) is mounted on a seat rail (303). The communication control unit (200) is mounted on a left hand side seat rail in one embodiment. The communication control unit (200) is mounted on a right hand side seat rail in another embodiment. The communication control unit (200) is located in between the seat rail (303) and the seat rail panels (203). The communication control unit (200) is a telematic unit which can communicate from one vehicle to another vehicle or with other communication device such as mobile phones. Since, the telematic unit is the communication control unit (200), it is important that the telematic unit should not be obstructed by any object which may hamper the communication of the telematic unit. Any electromagnetic wave generating device or conductive body like human beings obstructs or disturbs the communication system.
[00019] The communication control unit (200) is mounted on a seat rail (303) between a pillion seating length (Wp) and a rider seating length (Wr). As per an aspect, the seating length is a usable contact dimension corresponding to the rider or pillion to seat surface contact interface length in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The gap created between the pillion seating length (Wp) and the rider seating length (Wr) is a control unit length (Wc). The pillion seating length (Wp) is occupied by the pillion rider and the rider seating length (Wr) is occupied by the rider of the vehicle. Between the rider seating length (Wr) and the pillion seating length (Wp) the communication control unit (200) is mounted disposed rearwards of the pillion legs so as to be configured adequately away from human body. The control unit length (Wc) is region which is free from any electromagnetic interference and also free from any obstruction caused by the human body. The communication control unit (200) is mounted on the seat rail (303) through a rubber grommet or a metal bracket.
[00020] Fig. 3 illustrates a frame structure (300) of the vehicle (1). The frame structure (300) having a head tube (113) on the front portion of the vehicle (1) and above the front wheel. The head tube (113) is fixedly attached to a front suspension system (???). A top tube (301), which supports the fuel tank (106), is fixedly attached to the head tube (113) at the front portion of the vehicle (1) and the top tube (301) extends in a rearward direction towards the rear wheel. A down tube structure (302) is fixedly attached to the head tube (113) at the front portion of the vehicle (1). The down tube structure (302) is extending in an inclinedly downward direction towards the ground. Further, the frame structure (300) has one or more bottom rails (309), which are removably attached to the down tube structure (302). The bottom rails (309) are extending in an inclinedly upward direction and towards the rearward direction. The seat rails (303), which are in a pair, are fixedly attached to the top tube (301). The seat rails (303) extends parallelly in the rearward direction to support a seat assembly (108,110) and the communication control unit (200) is disposed in a rear portion of said frame structure (300) such that the communication control unit (200) is disposed below the seat assembly (108,110) and mounted on either of the seat rails (303).
[00021] A power source such as battery (315) is disposed below the seat rail (303) and above the bottom rail (309). The communication control unit (200) is located behind the battery (315) so that the heat or any electromagnetic interference generated during the charging and discharging process of the batteries does not hamper the functioning of the communication control unit (200). Also, the communication control unit (200) is located at a distance which allows easy connection of the communication control unit (200) with the battery (315) by routing the wire harness along the seat rails (303).
[00022] Fig. 4 illustrates a communication of the telematic unit (200) in the vehicle (1) with an ECU (501) and communication device, both wired and wireless communication devices. The telematic unit (200) has its own processing unit with memory management and data processing capabilities. The processing unit of telematic unit (200) can be a microcontroller, a microprocessor or a Field Programming Gate Array (FPGA) to process the data. In order to enable the communication between the ECU (501) and the telematic unit (200), a CAN bus module is used which manages the communication with all the ECUs within the vehicle (1). The CAN buses transfers information related to various vehicular parameter such as engine performance, vehicle speed, tire pressure etc. Telematic unit (200) also uses K-line buses to enable remote locking and unlocking of the vehicle (1) based on the input received from the gyroscope and the accelerometer and shut down the engine and other power unit such as a battery and also trigger an alarm system installed in the vehicle (1) on need basis.
[00023] The telematic unit (200) has a memory unit in order to store information during low quality network connectivity or for the authentication of the vehicle user by storing the authorised person’s data such as voice for voice recognition, pass code etc. The information collected by the communication control unit (200) is sent to the cloud serve (502). The data packets transferred from the communication control unit (200) to the cloud server (502) are encapsulated into Message Queuing Telemetry Transport system. The cloud server (502) receives the encapsulated data packets and once the data packets reaches the cloud server (502), the cloud server (502) extracts and stores the data in a database for further processing.
[00024] The cloud server (502) may be one of a web server, an application server and a database. The web server along with the application server within the cloud server (502) enables exchange of the data between the database and the front end application, which would request for a data, such as any web application on a web browser (504) accessed in a desktop or any mobile application (503) in a smart phone. The mobile application (503) stored in the smart phone can either access data from the cloud server (502) or directly from the communication control unit (200). When the communication control unit (200) directly communicates with the mobile application (503), then the communication control unit (200) is provided with a subscriber identity module (SIM) which can communicate with the smart phone through a GSM/GPRS module.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
vehicle (1)
head light assembly (102)
visor (101)
instrument cluster (104)
handle bar (105)
head tube (113)
front fork assembly (115)
wheel (24)
Side cowl (107)
seat assembly (108,110)
rider seat (108)
pillion seat (110)
fuel tank (106)
instrument cluster (104)
the head tube (113)
Side cowl (107)
Tail lamp assembly (112)
foot peg (119)
seat rails (303)
seat rail panels (203)
grab rails (204)
communication control unit (200)
pillion seating length (Wp)
rider seating length (Wr)
control unit length (Wc)
down tube structure (302)
bottom rails (309)
ECU (501)
cloud serve (502)
mobile application (503)