Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively to one or more control unit disposed in the vehicle and a mounting structure for mounting the one or more control unit in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] In view of developing communication and connectivity in a vehicle, intense research has been directed towards development of in-vehicle communication, vehicle to vehicle (hereinafter referred to as V2V) communication and vehicle to everything (hereinafter referred to as V2X) communication. In the vehicle system paradigm, in order to effectuate communication protocols and effective communication channels with in-vehicle components, vehicles are provided with one or more control unit enlisted with the task of ensuring effective communication and connectivity in the in-vehicle network.
[0002] In general, a vehicle has plurality of electrical and electronic components for effective propulsion and movement of the vehicle which additionally addresses convenience and comfort of riding. The plurality of electrical and electronic components comprises a plurality of lighting units such as a headlamp, a turn signal lamp, tail lamp and one or more panic lamps.
[0003] In conventional vehicle layouts, the plurality of lighting units were controlled by an integrated starter generator controller (hereinafter referred to as ISG controller). Owing to packaging issues in a compact vehicle layout and complexity in design, the ISG controller alone fails to cater to the actuation of the plurality of lighting units.
[0004] In order to overcome the packaging issues persistent in ISG Controllers, the functionality of controlling the plurality of lighting units is controlled by a separate control unit. The division of function allows the control unit to operate the functioning of the plurality of lighting units while the ISG controller is configured to control the braking and regenerative braking functions in the vehicle.
[0005] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
[0006] 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.
[0007] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure provides a vehicle with a handlebar assembly and one or more control unit. The handlebar assembly is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle while the one or more control unit is disposed in a pre-defined region of the vehicle. The pre-defined region of the vehicle is defined behind a headlamp cowl, ahead of the handlebar cover, above an axis of a steering rod and below an instrument cluster disposed in a surface of the handlebar cover of the handlebar assembly. The one or more control unit is mounted in the pre-defined region by a mounting structure.
[0008] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure additionally provides a mounting structure configured to mount the one or more control unit. The mounting structure comprising a base plate, a plurality of connecting plates, a plurality of mounting plates and a receiving plate. The base plate comprising a plurality of extensions extending in at least one of vehicle up-down direction and a vehicle left-right direction.
[0009] The plurality of connecting plates comprises a first connecting plate integrated with a first extension of the plurality of extensions in the vehicle left-right direction, and a second connecting plate integrated with a second extension of the plurality of extensions in the vehicle left-right direction. Further, the plurality of mounting plates are configured to mount the mounting structure onto a surface of the vehicle. The receiving plate extends from a third extension of the plurality of extensions along the vehicle front-rear direction and is configured to securely mount the one or more control unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00010] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.
[00011] Figure 1 shows a side view of a vehicle incorporating the invention, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00012] Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a front portion of the vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00013] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the front portion of the vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00014] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the front portion of the vehicle depicting one or more components of the vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00015] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a mounting structure for one or more control unit from a top perspective view of the mounting structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00016] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the mounting structure for one or more control unit from a rear perspective view of the mounting structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00017] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
[00018] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00019] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[00020] The present invention is illustrated with a scooter type vehicle. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to a scooter type vehicle and certain features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention can be used with other types of two wheelers such as motorcycle type vehicle, step thru, and the like. In an embodiment, the scooter type vehicle comprises a low floor board type vehicle and the term scooter as used herein should not be inferred to restrict the maximum speed, the displacement amount or the like of the vehicle. Further, for illustration purposes the present disclosure refers to a two wheeled vehicle, however the present subject matter is additionally applicable and implementable in three wheeled and multi-axle vehicles.
[00021] The object of the present subject matter is to provide a secure location for disposition of one or more control unit in a compact vehicle layout.
[00022] To this end, the one or more control unit, in an embodiment is a body control unit, and the one or more control unit is disposed in a pre-defined region of the vehicle and is mounted in the pre-defined region by a mounting structure, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[00023] In accordance with prior practice, the body control unit was a part of the integrated starter-generator controller (hereinafter referred to as ISG controller), however due to packaging issues a technical solution of splitting the body control unit from the ISG controller was developed and incorporated in vehicles. Thus, the present subject matter addresses packaging issues of the body control unit with the ISG controller known in the prior art by providing a secure location of the body control unit in the vehicle. The division of function allows the control unit to operate the functioning of the plurality of lighting units of the vehicle while the ISG controller is configured to control the braking and regenerative braking functions in the vehicle.
[00024] The object of the present subject matter is to dispose the one or more control unit in a compact vehicle layout while utilizing unused or dead spaces of the vehicle.
[00025] In accordance with the disclosed configuration, the one or more control unit is disposed in a pre-defined region of the vehicle. The pre-defined region is defined as behind a headlamp cowl, ahead of a handlebar cover, above an axis of a steering rod and below an instrument cluster disposed in a surface of the handlebar cover. The pre-defined region is in the front portion of the vehicle. The front portion of the vehicle typically has unused space or dead space and by disposition of the one or more control unit in the pre-defined region in the front portion of the vehicle the present subject matter achieves packaging efficiency and maintains the compact vehicle layout without involving major alterations or modifications in the existing vehicle layouts.
[00026] In accordance with the configuration as per the present disclosure, the disposition of the one or more control unit in the pre-defined region of the vehicle ensures effective cooling of the control unit without additional investment of cooling fins or cooling fans.
[00027] To this end, pre-defined region for disposition of the one or more control unit is behind a headlamp cowl. The headlamp cowl comprises a cut out provided at a bottom surface of the headlamp cowl. The cut out is provided to allow the steering rod extending from the front wheel to connect to the handlebar through the cut out. Additionally, a pre-defined space gets formed between the cut out and the steering rod which allows ingress of air from the external environment to the pre-defined region to effectively cool the one or more control unit. The claimed disposition of the one or more control unit thus ensures effective cooling, air circulation and ventilation in the pre-defined region.
[00028] The object of the present subject matter is to provide reduced length of wiring harness connecting the one or more control unit to the plurality of lighting units disposed in the vehicle.
[00029] The one or more control unit is configured to functionally connect with a plurality of lighting units of the vehicle. The plurality of lighting units comprises at least one of a headlamp, a tail lamp, a plurality of turn signal lamps and a plurality of hazard lamps. In conventional vehicle layouts, the headlamp, the plurality of turn signal lamps and the plurality of hazard lamps are disposed in the front portion of the vehicle. The disposition of the one or more control unit in the pre-defined region facilitates the electrical connection with the plurality of lighting units in the front portion of the vehicle, which sufficiently reduces the length of wiring harness connecting the one or more control unit with the plurality of lighting units. Further, the disclosed configuration enhances serviceability and maintenance of the one or more control unit and plurality of lighting units due to reduced length of wiring harness.
[00030] The present subject matter reduces the part count in the vehicle by configuring the plurality of turn signal lamps to function as plurality of hazard lamps based on a communicated state of emergency.
[00031] In accordance with the disclosed configuration, the one or more control unit is configured to actuate the plurality of turn signal lamps at a pre-defined frequency for indication purposed. Upon a state of emergency being communicated to the one or more control unit, the one or more control unit configures the operating frequency of the plurality of turn signal lamps to be more than the pre-defined frequency such that the plurality of turn signal lamps now function as plurality of hazard lamps. The disclosed configuration reduces the part count and complexity of vehicle layout.
[00032] It is an object of the present subject matter to protect the disposed one or more control unit against external environmental factors.
[00033] To this end, the pre-defined region for disposition of the one or more control unit is covered by the headlamp cowl in the front and the handlebar cover covering the pre-defined region from above and behind. Ingress of air is only allowed through the pre-defined space between the cut-out and the steering rod. The disclosed configuration effectively protects the one or more control unit against external environmental factors such as mud, water and dust.
[00034] The present subject matter permits ease of accessibility and serviceability of the one or more control unit in the pre-defined region.
[00035] For accessibility through authorized service personnels, the one or more control unit disposed in the pre-defined region is accessed by removal of the handlebar cover. The disclosed configuration alleviates potential theft and unauthorized access of the one or more control unit while still ensuring ease of accessibility and serviceability of the one or more control unit in the vehicle.
[00036] In accordance with the disclosed configuration, an additional advantage of the present subject matter is the flexibility to manufacture variants in forms of size and ease of manufacturability. The present invention enables modified versions of vehicle layouts with minimal changes in the vehicle layout for disposing a control unit and even entailing minimal changes in manufacturing set-up without major revamping of core processes.
[00037] It is the object of the present subject matter to securely mount the one or more control unit in the vehicle using a mounting structure.
[00038] To this end, the one or more control unit is disposed in the pre-defined region and is mounted to a surface of the vehicle using a mounting structure in accordance with the present disclosure. The mounting structure comprises mounting plates with mounting provisions to mount on to a surface of the vehicle such as an internal surface of a headlamp stay. The mounting structure further comprises a plurality of connecting plates comprising of a first side, a second side and a third side which ensures ease of adaptability of the mounting structure with the compact vehicle layout. The mounting structure additionally comprises a receiving plate configured to receive a surface of the one or more control unit comprising of one or more lugs configured to detachably attach with a holding structure of the one or more control unit. The disclosed configuration ensures secure and stable mounting of the one or more control unit in the pre-defined region in the vehicle.
[00039] The mounting structure in accordance with the present disclosure further provides improved vibration isolation and minimizes the localized stresses developed in the frame structure of the vehicle.
[00040] The provision of a mounting structure for mounting the one or more control unit further ensures effective absorption of vibrations along with stable mounting of the one or more control unit. The mounting structure is mounted on a headlamp stay of the vehicle which diverts any potential stresses which would have acted on the frame structure of the vehicle.
[00041] Figure 1 shows a side view of a vehicle incorporating the invention, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00042] With reference to Figure 1, (100) denotes a vehicle, 102 denotes a headlamp, 104 denotes a plurality of turn signal lamps, 106 denotes a tail lamp, 108 denotes a handlebar cover, 110 denotes a front wheel.
[00043] In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) depicted in Figure 1 is not limited to a scooter type vehicle but embodiments disclosed in the present invention can be equivalently applied to other forms of two wheelers including saddle type vehicles, straddle type vehicles, motorcycle type vehicles, step thru vehicles, electric vehicle and hybrid vehicles. The term vehicle (100) used in the present disclosure relates to any machine configured to transport.
[00044] In an aspect, the vehicle (100) comprises of a frame assembly (not shown). The vehicle (100) comprises of a headlamp (102), a plurality of turn signal lamps (104), a tail lamp (106), a handlebar cover (108) and a front wheel (110). The front portion of the vehicle (100) is covered by a front cover panel to prevent the entry of dirt and dust inside the vehicle (100). The front portion of the vehicle (100), when viewed from a vehicle side view, as referred to in the present disclosure, extends from an external surface of the headlamp (102) to a middle axis (MM) of the vehicle (100) running in a top-down direction. The headlamp (102) is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100) and is covered by a headlamp cowl. The vehicle (100) additionally comprises of a handlebar assembly covered by the handlebar cover (108) at a rear end. The plurality of turn signal lamps (104) are disposed in the front portion and in the rear portion of the vehicle. The plurality of turn signal lamps (104) are covered by the front cover panel. The tail lamp (106) is disposed in the rear portion of the vehicle and is covered by side body cover panels. The front wheel (110) is connected to the handlebar assembly through the front suspension (not shown). The rear portion of the vehicle when viewed from a vehicle side view, and as referred to in the present disclosure, extends from the middle axis (MM) of the vehicle (100) to an external surface of the tail lamp (106).
[00045] The vehicle (100) comprises of a power unit configured to propel the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) as depicted in figure 1 is a two-wheeled vehicle for the purposes of illustration. However, the present disclosure shall in no way be construed to be limited to a two-wheeled vehicle and the same is implementable in a three-wheeler and multi-axle vehicle. In an embodiment, the power unit is at least one of internal combustion engine, a combination of a battery and a motor or a combination thereof.
[00046] In an aspect, the head lamp (102) disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100), the tail lamp (106) disposed in the rear portion of the vehicle (100), the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100) and the rear portion of the vehicle (100) and the plurality of hazard lamps (not shown) disposed in pre-defined portions of the vehicle (100) together constitute a plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106).
[00047] In an aspect, the headlamp (102) and the tail lamp (106) serve the function of illuminating the road ahead of the driver and increase the vehicle’s visibility, additionally allowing other commuters and pedestrian to see the vehicle (100) presence, size, position, direction of travel as well as the driver’s intentions.
[00048] In an aspect, the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) disposed in the front portion and rear portion of the vehicle (100) serve the function to indicate a driver’s intention to the external environment. The plurality of turn signal lamps (104) express an intention of the vehicle (100) to either turn left or turn right during vehicle movement.
[00049] In an aspect, the plurality of hazard lamps are special lights on the vehicle (100) which serve the function to warn other riders and pedestrians under conditions of vehicle breakdown. In an embodiment, the pre-defined portions of the vehicle (100) for disposition of the plurality of hazard lamps are based on ease of visibility of the plurality of hazard lamps to effectively communicate the hazard signal to fellow pedestrians and commuters.
[00050] In an embodiment, the plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106) include one or more fog lights configured to improve visibility by illumination under conditions of poor visibility due to rain, fog, dust or snow.
[00051] Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the front portion of the vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00052] With reference to Figure 2, 200 denotes a handlebar assembly, 202 denotes one or more control unit, 204 denotes a headlamp cowl, 206 denotes a steering rod, 108 denotes a mounting structure and 210 denotes a handlebar.
[00053] In an aspect, the handlebar assembly (200) comprises of a handlebar (210) with a plurality of grippers (not shown) disposed at extreme ends of the handlebar (210). The handlebar assembly (200) may additionally include a gear shifter, a rotatable gripper for controlling acceleration of the vehicle, one or more brake levers and a braking fluid canister disposed on the handlebar (210). The handlebar assembly (200) is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100).
[00054] In an aspect, the handlebar (210) is connected to the steering rod (206) which in turn is connected to the front wheel (110) functioning as the steering wheel. The handlebar (210) through the steering rod (206) sets the direction of movement of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the steering rod (206) is connected to the handlebar (210) at the centre of the handlebar (210). The handlebar cover (108) is disposed over the handlebar (210). The handlebar assembly (200) additionally comprises of switches configured to operate one or more electrical and electronic components disposed in the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the one or more electrical and electronic components is a plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106) and an ignition switch.
[00055] In an aspect, the handlebar assembly (200) has the headlamp (102) disposed in front of the handlebar (210) with the headlamp (102) covered by the headlamp cowl (204). The control unit (202) is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100) and is mounted by the mounting structure (208).
[00056] In an embodiment, for multi-axle vehicles the handlebar assembly (200) is replaced by a steering assembly.
[00057] In an aspect, the one or more control unit (202) is disposed in a pre-defined region in the front portion of the vehicle (100). The pre-defined region is defined behind a headlamp cowl (204), ahead of a handlebar cover (108), above an axis (XX’) of a steering rod (206) and below an instrument cluster disposed in a surface of the handlebar cover (108) of the handlebar assembly (200). In an embodiment, the instrument cluster is disposed in a top surface of the handlebar cover (108). The control unit (202) is mounted in the pre-defined region by the mounting structure (208).
[00058] The pre-defined region for disposition of the one or more control unit (202), as illustrated in figure 2 utilizes the dead or unused space present in the front portion of the vehicle (100) and thus maintains a compact vehicle layout. The pre-defined region ensures that the one or more control unit (202) be protected against external environmental factors such as rain, water, mud and dust. The pre-defined region is covered by the headlamp cowl (204) from the front while the handlebar cover (108) covers the pre-defined region from the top and the rear.
[00059] In an aspect, the one or more control unit (202) is functionally connected to the plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106) comprising of at least one of: a headlamp (102) disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100); a tail lamp (106) disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle (100); a plurality of turn signal lamps (104) disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100) and the rear portion of the vehicle (100); and a plurality of hazard lamps disposed in pre-defined portions of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) is functionally connected to one or more fog lights (not shown) disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100). The disposition of the one or more control unit (202) in the pre-defined region permits ease of functional connection to be established with the plurality of lighting units (102, 104,106). The head lamp (102) and the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) in the front portion of the vehicle when connected to the one or more control unit (202) yields a reduced length of wiring harness. Consequently, enhancing the ease of accessibility, serviceability and maintainability of the plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106) and the one or more control unit (202).
[00060] In an embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) is functionally connected to the plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106) using wired or wireless communication protocols. In an embodiment, such communication is performed using CAN lines.
[00061] In an embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) is communicatively connected to the plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106) and a vehicle control unit through one of one or more CAN communication and one or more wire connectors. In an embodiment, the communication is one of electrical, cellular, CAN, LIN, LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared or other forms of transmission through electromagnetic signals.
[00062] In an aspect, the one or more control unit (202) is configured to control at least one of intensity, wavelength, pattern and operational frequency of illumination of the plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106). In an embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) is communicatively connected to a plurality of sensors disposed in the vehicle, where one of the sensors being an ambient light sensor. The one or more control unit (202), in an embodiment, controls the intensity and wavelength of illumination of the plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106) based on the ambient light sensor.
[00063] In an embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) disposed in the pre-defined region of the vehicle (100) controls basic functionality of the plurality of turn signal lamps (104), the head lamp LED control, the over the air configuration updates, the plurality of hazard lamps and the configuration of high beam and low beam function of the headlamp (102). In an embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) additionally includes an AC to DC voltage converter and distributes the power through the vehicle layout.
[00064] In an aspect, the one or more control unit (202) controls at least one of exterior and interior lighting, vehicle authorization, terminal control, washer, power unit start stop, immobilizer operation, advanced light management, tire pressure monitoring, heating management, telematics, infotainment, and wiper functionality in the vehicle (100). The one or more control unit (202) is configured to monitor and control the non-powertrain operations in the vehicle (100).
[00065] In an aspect, the one or more control unit (202) is configured to actuate the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) at an operating frequency wherein the operating frequency for indication being a pre-defined frequency. In an embodiment, the pre-defined frequency is 80 blinks per minute.
[00066] In an aspect, the one or more control unit (202) being configured to actuate the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) as plurality of hazard lamps by configuring the operating frequency of the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) to be more than the pre-defined frequency when a state of emergency being communicated to the one or more control unit (202). In an embodiment, the operating frequency of the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) operating as hazard lamps is 160 blinks per minute. In an embodiment, the operating frequency of the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) operating as hazard lamps is double the pre-defined frequency.
[00067] In another embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) is configured to operate the plurality of hazard lamps in a pattern to reduce power consumption. The pattern of illumination being such that a first hazard lamp is illuminated first followed by the second hazard lamp, such that operating frequency of the first hazard lamp being at a pre-defined phase gap with the second hazard lamp.
[00068] In an embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) is communicatively connected to the vehicle control unit (not shown) disposed in the vehicle (100). The vehicle control unit is configured to detect a state of emergency of the vehicle (100) based on a plurality of vehicle parameters received from a plurality of sensors (not shown) disposed in the vehicle (100). The state of emergency of the vehicle (100) represents a malfunction of a critical electrical or electronic component of the vehicle or a complete breakdown of the vehicle. The critical electrical or electronic components of the vehicle may include at least one of an internal combustion engine, a battery, a motor, a transmission system, a braking system and any other component or system critical to safe operation of the vehicle (100).
[00069] Further, the actuation of the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) as plurality of hazard lamps (not shown) in the vehicle (100), reduces the total part count by negating the requirement of disposition of additional lighting units which would be configured to operate as hazard lamps.
[00070] In an embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) disposed in the pre-defined region is a body control unit. In another embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) is one or a body controller unit, a body control module and a body controller.
[00071] The one or more control unit (202) comprises suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that is configured to control a plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106) installed on a vehicle. In an embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) comprises a memory which comprises suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that is configured to store the set of instructions, which may be executed by the one or more control unit 202. In an embodiment, the memory may be configured to store one or more programs, routines, or scripts that may be executed in coordination with the one or more control unit 202. The memory may be implemented based on a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a storage server, and/or a Secure Digital (SD) card.
[00072] In an embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) is communicatively connected to satellite and geofencing techniques to enable a follow me home headlamp configuration, automatic cutting off and turning on of plurality of turn signal lamps (104), automatic cutting off and turning on of plurality of hazard lamps and safety panic braking.
[00073] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the front portion of the vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00074] With reference to figure 3, 302 denotes a cut out and 304 denotes a holding structure.
[00075] In an aspect, the headlamp cowl (204) comprises a cut out (302) provided at a bottom surface of the headlamp cowl (204). The cut out (302) is configured to allow the steering rod (206) extending from a front wheel (110) to connect to a handlebar (210) of the handlebar assembly (200).
[00076] As illustrated in Figure 2, a pre-defined space (A) is formed between the cut out (302) and the steering rod (206). The pre-defined space (A) allows ingress of air from the external environment into the pre-defined region, to effectively cool the one or more control unit (202) disposed in the pre-defined region of the vehicle (100).
[00077] In an aspect, the one or more control unit (202) comprises a holding structure (304), wherein the holding structure (304) is disposed along a periphery of the one or more control unit (202). The holding structure (304) comprises of one or more slits, wherein the one or more slits detachably attach with the mounting structure (208). In an embodiment, the holding structure (304) is composed of rubber.
[00078] With reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 in conjunction, the pre-defined region is along a central axis (YY’) of the vehicle (100) passing along a vehicle front-rear direction when the vehicle (100) is viewed from a top view. The disposition of the one or more control unit (202) along the central axis (YY’) additionally reduces the length of the wiring harness connecting the one or more control unit (202) to the plurality of lighting unit (102, 104, 106). The one or more control unit (202) when disposed along the central axis (YY’) is directly behind the headlamp (102) and is equidistant to left and right turn signal lamps of the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100), thus reducing the length of wiring harness and minimizing signal losses.
[00079] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the front portion of the vehicle depicting one or more components of the vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00080] With reference to Figure 4, 402 denotes a headlamp stay and 404 denotes a front panel.
[00081] In an aspect, the headlamp stay (402) is configured to house the headlamp (102) and the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100). In an aspect, the mounting structure (208) configured to mount the one or more control unit (202) in the pre-defined region is mounted on the internal surface of the headlamp stay (402). The headlamp stay (402) is a load bearing member which is configured to withstand the entire load of the headlamp (102) and the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100).
[00082] In an aspect, the front panel (404) is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100) and covers the front portion of the vehicle against external environmental factors.
[00083] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a mounting structure for one or more control unit from a top perspective view of the mounting structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00084] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the mounting structure for one or more control unit from a rear perspective view of the mounting structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00085] For the sake of brevity, Figure 5 and Figure 6 shall be explained in conjunction.
[00086] With reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6, 502 denotes a base plate, 504a and 504b denotes a plurality of connecting plates, 604a denotes a first side of connecting plate, 604b denotes a second side of connecting plate, 604c denotes a third side of connecting plate, 506a and 506b denotes a plurality of mounting plates, 508 denotes a receiving plate, 510 denotes one or more lugs and ‘r’ denotes a pre-defined radius of curvature.
[00087] In an aspect, the mounting structure (208) comprises a base plate (502), a plurality of connecting plates (504a, 504b), a plurality of mounting plates (506a, 506b) and a receiving plate (508). The base plate (502), plurality of connecting plates (504a, 504b), plurality of mounting plates (506a, 506b) and the receiving plate (508) are structurally integrated to form the mounting structure (208). In an embodiment, the mounting structure (208) is composed of a material being one of resin, metal or plastic.
[00088] In an aspect, the mounting structure (208) is configured to mount one or more control unit (202) to a vehicle (100).
[00089] In an aspect, the base plate (502) comprising a plurality of extensions (502a, 502b, 502c), wherein the plurality of extensions (502a, 502b, 502c) extending in at least one of vehicle up-down direction and a vehicle left-right direction.
[00090] The first extension (502a) is opposite to the second extension (502b) and the first extension (502a) and the second extension (502b) are connected with each other; and the third extension (502c) is placed substantially perpendicular to a line joining the first extension (502a) to the second extension (502b).
[00091] In an embodiment, the base plate (502) comprising of the plurality of extensions (502a, 502b, 502c) forms a T-shaped structure; and wherein the T-shaped structure comprising a pre-defined radius of curvature between the first extension (502a) and the third extension (502c); and the second extension (502b) and the third extension.
[00092] In an aspect, a first connecting plate (504a) of the plurality of connecting plates (504a, 504b) is integrated with the first extension (502a) in the vehicle left-right direction. A second connecting plate (504b) of the plurality of connecting plates (504a, 504b) is integrated with a second extension (502b) of the plurality of extensions (502a, 502b, 502c) in the vehicle left-right direction.
[00093] In an aspect, each connecting plate of the plurality of connecting plates (504a, 504b) comprising: a first side (604a) extending a first pre-defined length and at a first pre-defined angle (f₁) to the base plate (502); a second side (604b) extending a second pre-defined length at a second pre-defined angle (s₁) to the first side (604a); a third side (604c) extending a third pre-defined length at a third pre-defined angle (t₁) to the second side (604b). The first side (604a) is parallel to the third side (604c), and the second side (604b) is connecting the first side (604a) and the third side (604c).
[00094] In an embodiment, the first pre-defined angle (f₁), the second pre-defined angle (s₁) and third pre-defined angle (t₁) is 90°, with the first side (604a), the second side (604b) and the third side (604c) at right angles to each other. In this configuration, the space formed rear to the mounting structure (208) and defined by the first side (604a), second side (604b) and the third side (604c) permits routing of wiring harness extending from the front portion of the vehicle (100).
[00095] The configuration of the first side (604a), second side (604b) and the third side (604c) of the plurality of connecting plates, allows ease of adaptability of disposing the mounting structure based on the vehicle layout.
[00096] In an aspect, the plurality of mounting plates (506a, 506b) are configured to mount the mounting structure (208) onto a surface of the vehicle (100). Each mounting plate (506a, 506b) comprises a plurality of mounting provisions, the plurality of mounting provisions being configured to mount the mounting structure (208) to the surface.
[00097] In an aspect, the plurality of mounting plates (506a, 506b) comprising: a first mounting plate (506a) being integrated with the first connecting plate (504a) in the vehicle left-right direction at a pre-defined α angle; and a second mounting plate (506b) being integrated with the second connecting plate (504b) in the vehicle left-right direction at the pre-defined α angle. Each mounting plate comprises one or more mounting provisions.
[00098] In an embodiment, the one or more mounting provisions comprises one or more mounting holes configured to allow a plurality of fastening units to pass through the one or more mounting holes.
[00099] In an embodiment, the surface being an internal surface of a headlamp stay (402) of a handlebar assembly (200) of a vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the pre-defined α angle is based on an internal surface structure of the headlamp stay (402) to allow stable mounting of the mounting structure (208) onto the headlamp stay (402). In an embodiment, the pre-defined α angle is 110°.
[000100] In an aspect, the receiving plate (508) being configured to receive the one or more control unit (202), wherein the receiving plate (508) extends from the third extension (502c) at a pre-defined β angle. Additionally, the receiving plate (508) comprising one or more lugs (510) integrated with one or more edges of the receiving plate (508); and the one or more lugs (510) being configured to detachably attach with one or more slits of a holding structure (304) of the one or more control unit (202) in a snap fit configuration.
[000101] In another aspect, the receiving plate (508) comprising one or more lugs (510), the one or more lugs (510) being integrated with one or more edges of the receiving plate (508) and wherein the one or more lugs (510) being configured to detachably attach with a holding structure (304) of the control unit (202). In an embodiment, the holding structure (304) of the control unit (202) comprises one or more slits configured to detachably attach with the one or more lugs (510) of the receiving plate (508), thus achieving ease of mounting, serviceability and authorized accessibility of the control unit (202).
[000102] In an aspect, the holding structure (304) of the control unit (202) is seated on the receiving plate (508) and wherein the holding structure (304) comprising of one or more slits being configured to snap fit to the one or more lugs (510) of the receiving plate (508). In an embodiment, the holding structure (304) is seated on a top surface of the receiving plate (508).
In an embodiment, the one or more control unit (202) being mounted by the mounting structure (208) being at least one of a body control unit, a vehicle control unit, an engine control unit, a powertrain control unit, a transmission control unit, an anti-lock braking system control unit, an airbag control unit, a ventilation control system, an immobilizer unit, an inertial measurement unit, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an engine management system, power control unit and a tire pressure control unit.
[000103] In an embodiment, the first pre-defined angle (f₁), the second pre-defined angle (s₁), the third pre-defined angle (t₁), the pre-defined α angle and the pre-defined β angle being a range of 85 to 95 degrees.
[000104] In an aspect, the mounting structure (208) is configured to mount the one or more control unit (202) to a surface. The mounting structure (208) improves vibration isolation from the one or more control unit (202) and provides a stability of mounting of the one or more control unit (202). The aspect of having a modular mounting based on vibration, stress analysis and equal balancing test achieves compliance with vibration requirements for mounting of the one or more control unit (202).
[000105] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[000106] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[000107] The disclosed claimed limitations and the disclosure provided herein provides one or more control unit disposed in a vehicle using a mounting structure. The claimed invention maintains a compact vehicle layout, reduces the length of wiring harness connecting the one or more control unit to the plurality of lighting units and protects the one or more control unit against external environmental factors. The stability of mounting and vibration isolation in the vehicle is enhanced by using a mounting structure for mounting the one or more control unit on a surface of the vehicle.
[000108] Thus, the disclosed subject matter tries to overcome to technical problem of disposition of one or more control unit in a compact vehicle layout with a stable and improved vibration isolation mounting. Further, the technical problem of protection against external environmental factors, stable mounting, reduced wiring harness and minimized signal losses is being addressed.
[000109] Thus, the claimed limitations overcome the aforementioned technical problems by disposing the one or more control unit in a pre-defined region of the vehicle and mounting it in the pre-defined region using a mounting structure.
[000110] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed subject matter, the claimed embodiments as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed embodiments enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed embodiments clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the vehicle itself as the claimed embodiments provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[000111] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with a other does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention,
[000112] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[000113] 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.
[000114] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[000115] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application.
[000116] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
List of reference Numerals:

100 – Vehicle 102 – headlamp
104 – plurality of turn signal lamps 106 – tail lamp
108 – handlebar cover 110 – front wheel
200 – handlebar assembly 202 – one or more control unit
204 – headlamp cowl 206 – steering rod
208 – mounting structure 210 - handlebar
302 – cut out 304 – holding structure
402 – headlamp stay 404 – front panel
502 – base plate 508 – receiving plate
502a – first extension of base plate 510 – one or more lugs
502b – second extension of base plate α – pre-defined α angle
502c – third extension of base plate β – pre-defined β angle
504a, 504b – plurality of connecting plates
604a – first side of connecting plate f₁ - first pre-defined angle
604b – second side of connecting plate s₁ - second pre-defined angle
604c – third side of connecting plate t₁ - third pre-defined angle
506a, 506b – plurality of mounting plates
r – pre-defined radius of curvature
, Claims:We claim:
1. A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a handlebar assembly (200), the handlebar assembly (200) disposed in a front portion of the vehicle (100);
one or more control unit (202), the one or more control unit (202) being disposed in a pre-defined region in the front portion of the vehicle (100),
wherein the pre-defined region being defined behind a headlamp cowl (204), ahead of a handlebar cover (108), above an axis (XX’) of a steering rod (206) and below an instrument cluster disposed in a surface of the handlebar cover (108) of the handlebar assembly (200), and
wherein the one or more control unit (202) being mounted in the pre-defined region by a mounting structure (208).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more control unit (202) being configured to functionally connect to a plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106) disposed in the vehicle (100), wherein the plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106) comprising at least one of:
a headlamp (102) disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100);
a tail lamp (106) disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle (100);
a plurality of turn signal lamps (104) disposed in the front portion and the rear portion of the vehicle (100); and
a plurality of hazard lamps disposed in pre-defined portions of the vehicle (100).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the headlamp cowl (204) comprises a cut out (302) at a bottom surface configured to allow the steering rod (206) extending from a front wheel (110) to connect to a handlebar (210) of the handlebar assembly (200), and wherein a pre-defined space (A) being formed between the cut out (302) and the steering rod (206) to allow ingress of air to cool the one or more control unit (202) disposed in the pre-defined region.

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined region being along a central axis (YY’) of the vehicle (100) passing along a vehicle front-rear direction when viewed from a top view.

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more control unit (202) comprising a holding structure (304),
the holding structure (304) being disposed along a periphery of the one or more control unit (202);
wherein the holding structure (304) comprising of one or more slits; and
wherein the holding structure (304) being composed of an elastic material.

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more control unit (202) being configured to control at least one of intensity, wavelength, pattern, and operational frequency of illumination of the plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106) of the vehicle (100).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more control unit (202) being configured to actuate the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) at an operating frequency wherein the operating frequency for indication being a pre-defined frequency.

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more control unit (202) being configured to actuate the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) as plurality of hazard lamps by configuring the operating frequency of the plurality of turn signal lamps (104) to be more than the pre-defined frequency when a state of emergency being communicated to the one or more control unit (202).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more control unit (202) being communicatively connected to at least one of the plurality of lighting units (102, 104, 106), and a vehicle control unit through at least one of wired and wireless communication channels or a combination thereof.

10. A mounting structure (208), the mounting structure (208) being configured to mount one or more control unit (202) in a vehicle (100), wherein the mounting structure (208) comprising:
a base plate (502), the base plate (502) comprising a plurality of extensions (502a, 502b, 502c), wherein the plurality of extensions (502a, 502b, 502c) extending in at least one of vehicle up-down direction and a vehicle left-right direction;
a plurality of connecting plates (504a, 504b), wherein
a first connecting plate (504a) of the plurality of connecting plate (504a, 504b) being integrated with a first extension (502a) of the plurality of extensions (502a, 502b, 502c) in the vehicle left-right direction, and
a second connecting plate (504b) of the plurality of connecting plates (504a, 504b) being integrated with a second extension (502b) of the plurality of extensions (502a, 502b, 502c) in the vehicle left-right direction;
a plurality of mounting plates (506a, 506b), the plurality of mounting plates (506a, 506b) being configured to mount the mounting structure (208) onto a surface of the vehicle (100); and
a receiving plate (508), the receiving plate (508) extending from a third extension (502c) of the plurality of extensions (502a, 502b, 502c) along the vehicle front-rear direction and being configured to securely mount the one or more control unit (202).

11. The mounting structure (208) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first extension (502a) being opposite to the second extension (502b) and are connected with each other; and the third extension (502c) is placed substantially perpendicular to a line joining the first extension (502a) to the second extension (502b).

12. The mounting structure (208) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the base plate (502) comprising of the plurality of extensions (502a, 502b, 502c) forms a T-shaped structure; and
wherein the T-shaped structure comprising a pre-defined radius of curvature between
the first extension (502a) and the third extension (502c); and
second extension (502b) and the third extension.

13. The mounting structure (208) as claimed in claim 10, wherein each connecting plate of the plurality of connecting plates (504a, 504b) comprising:
a first side (604a) extending a first pre-defined length and at a first pre-defined angle (f₁) to the base plate (502);
a second side (604b) extending a second pre-defined length at a second pre-defined angle (s₁) to the first side (604a);
a third side (604c) extending a third pre-defined length at a third pre-defined angle (t₁) to the second side (604b); and
wherein the first side (604a) being parallel to the third side (604c), and the second side (604b) connecting the first side (604a) and the third side (604c).

14. The mounting structure (208) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the plurality of mounting plates (506a, 506b) comprising:
a first mounting plate (506a) being integrated with the first connecting plate (504a) in the vehicle left-right direction at a pre-defined α angle; and
a second mounting plate (506b) being integrated with the second connecting plate (504b) in the vehicle left-right direction at the pre-defined α angle;
wherein each mounting plate comprises one or more mounting provisions.

15. The mounting structure (208) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the receiving plate (508) being configured to receive the one or more control unit (202),
wherein the receiving plate (508) extends from the third extension (502c) at a pre-defined β angle;
wherein the receiving plate (508) comprising one or more lugs (510) integrated with one or more edges of the receiving plate (508); and
wherein the one or more lugs (510) being configured to detachably attach with one or more slits of a holding structure (304) of the one or more control unit (202) in a snap fit configuration.

16. The mounting structure (208) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first pre-defined angle (f₁), the second pre-defined angle (s₁), the third pre-defined angle (t₁), the pre-defined α angle and the pre-defined β angle being a range of 85 to 95 degrees.

17. The mounting structure (208) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the surface being an internal surface of a headlamp stay (402) of a handlebar assembly (200) of the vehicle (100).

18. The mounting structure (208) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more control unit (202) being mounted by the mounting structure (208) being at least one of a body control unit, a vehicle control unit, an engine control unit, a powertrain control unit, a transmission control unit, an anti-lock braking system control unit, an airbag control unit, a ventilation control system, an immobilizer unit, an inertial measurement unit, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an engine management system, power control unit and a tire pressure control unit.