Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to an adjustable steering assembly for a multi-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles, such as a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle, are equipped with a steering assembly coupled to a front wheel. The steering assembly is fixed onto a head pipe of a frame member of the vehicle. The steering assembly is operable by a rider for manoeuvring the vehicle.
[003] The steering assembly is defined by critical parameters of a steering geometry in the vehicle such as a caster angle parameter, a trail parameter and a wheelbase. These parameters of the steering assembly are considered based on riding requirements of the vehicle, such as a touring requirement or a city-ride requirement or an off-road requirement. Thus, the parameters of the steering geometry influence riding dynamics of the vehicle. In other words, stability and manoeuvrability performance of the vehicle is dependent on parameters of the steering geometry. Typically, increase in the parameters of the stability assembly improves stability of the vehicle, while hampering performance of the manoeuvrability.
[004] In view of this effect of the steering geometry on the riding dynamics, the parameters of the steering assembly are considered based on the riding requirement of the vehicle and/or a segment of the vehicle. As such, once the conventional steering assembly is mounted on the frame member, the steering geometry is fixed and unadjustable, which is undesirable.
[005] In order to overcome the aforesaid limitations, adjustable steering mechanisms are connected to the head pipe. The mechanism may comprise a slidable pneumatic ram operable by a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic ram is adapted to adjust length of a front wheel assembly upon actuation by the pneumatic actuator. The adjustment of length of the front wheel assembly adjusts a caster angle of the vehicle. However, these mechanisms typically reduce structural stiffness of the head pipe, which may hamper the structural stiffness of the frame member, which is undesirable. Additionally, these mechanisms are provided with revolute joints for mounting onto the head pipe. These revolute joints may fail due to higher concentration of loads on the head pipe, which is undesirable.
[006] Thus, there is a need for an adjustable steering assembly for a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, an adjustable steering assembly for a multi-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The adjustable steering assembly comprises a housing member adapted to be mounted on to a front portion of a frame member of the vehicle. A head pipe is disposed within the housing member and is adapted to support a steering stem coupled to a front wheel of the vehicle. One or more slider assemblies are disposed within the housing member and coupled to the head pipe. Each of the one or more slider assemblies is adapted to angularly displace the head pipe with respect to a vertical axis of the vehicle for adjusting a caster angle of the steering stem.
[008] In an embodiment, each of the one or more slider assemblies comprise a first slider member mounted onto an inner surface of the housing member. The first slider member is adapted to slide longitudinally between a first position and a second position with respect to an axis A-A’ of the head pipe. A second slider member is coupled to the head pipe and slidably mounted to the first slider member. The second slider member is adapted to slide vertically between a top position and a bottom position, with respect to the axis A-A’ of the head pipe upon sliding movement of said first slider member in the longitudinal direction of said assembly.
[009] In an embodiment, the one or more slider assemblies is connected to an actuator member. The actuator member is mounted to the housing member and coupled to the first slider member. The actuator member is adapted to drive the first slider member longitudinally between the first position and the second position, for angularly displacing the head pipe to adjust the caster angle of the steering stem with respect to the vertical axis (Y-Y’) of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[010] In an embodiment, the slider assemblies comprise a right-side slider assembly and a left-side slider assembly. The right-side slider assembly is mounted onto a right-side surface of the head pipe when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The left-side slider assembly is mounted onto a left-side surface of the head pipe, when viewed in the longitudinal direction.
[011] In an embodiment, each of the slider assemblies comprises at least one guiderail member being mounted onto the inner surface of the housing member. Each of the at least one guiderail member is adapted to slidably support the first slider member. The first slider member is adapted to slide along the at least one guiderail member upon receiving drive from the actuator member.
[012] In an embodiment, the first slider member is coupled to the actuator member through a threaded member for receiving drive from the actuator member.
[013] In an embodiment, the threaded member is coupled to the actuator member through a drive transfer member.
[014] In an embodiment, the actuator member comprises a motor shaft coupled to the drive transfer member. The motor shaft comprises a motor drive transfer member engaged to the drive transfer member for driving the first slider member through the threaded member.
[015] In an embodiment, the motor drive transfer member is coupled with the drive transfer member through an endless transmission.
[016] In an embodiment, the actuator member is communicably coupled to a control unit of the multi-wheeled vehicle. The control unit is adapted to control operation of the actuator member for controlling angular displacement of the head pipe for adjusting the caster angle of the steering stem to a user selected caster angle.
[017] In an embodiment, the first slider member comprises a cutout. The cutout is adapted to receive and support the second slider member.
[018] In an embodiment, the first slider member comprises one or more guide members provided on a peripheral surface of the cutout. The one or more guide members are adapted to engage with a groove provided on an outer peripheral surface of the second slider member for allowing sliding of the second slider member between the top position and the bottom position.
[019] In an embodiment, the one or more slider assemblies are mounted on at least one of a top portion and a bottom portion of the head pipe.
[020] In an embodiment, the one or more slider assemblies are mounted onto the head pipe through a pin member. The pin member is adapted to allow angular movement of the one or more slider assemblies with respect to the head tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[021] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a multi-wheeled vehicle comprising an adjustable steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a left-side view of a frame member of the multi-wheeled vehicle supporting the adjustable steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a top view of the frame member of the multi-wheeled vehicle supporting the adjustable steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the adjustable steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a head pipe disposed in the adjustable steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the head pipe disposed in the adjustable steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the head pipe comprising one or more slider assemblies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the head pipe comprising the one or more slider assemblies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the head pipe comprising the one or more slider assemblies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is an exploded view of the one or more slider assemblies mounted on a right-side surface of the head pipe, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is an exploded view of the one or more slider assemblies mounted on a left-side surface of the head pipe, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a housing member enclosing the head pipe and the one or more slider assemblies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a front sectional view of the adjustable steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 is an exploded view of the housing member enclosing the head pipe and the one or more slider assemblies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the housing member supporting a drive transfer member and enclosing the head pipe and the one or more slider assemblies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 is a top sectional view of the adjustable steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 is an exploded view of the adjustable steering assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 18 is a front view depicting coupling of the drive transfer member with a motor drive transfer member through an endless transmission drive, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[022] The present invention relates to an adjustable steering assembly for a multi-wheeled vehicle. In an embodiment, the multi-wheeled vehicle may be a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle.
[023] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a multi-wheeled vehicle 102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The multi-wheeled vehicle 102 (hereinafter referred to as ‘vehicle 102’) may be a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 102 is a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 102 comprises an adjustable steering assembly 100 (hereinafter referred to ‘assembly 100’) mounted onto a frame member 106 (as shown in Figures 2 and 3). The assembly 100 is coupled to a front wheel 112.
[024] Referring to Figures 2 and 3 in conjunction with Figure 1, the frame member 106 of the vehicle 102 is depicted. In the present embodiment, the frame member 106 is a frame of a motorcycle-type two-wheeled vehicle. As illustrated, the assembly 100 is mounted onto a front portion of the frame member 106. In the present embodiment, the assembly 100 is mounted at fore ends of a main tube 106a (as shown in Figure 1) and a downtube 106b (as shown in Figure 1) of the frame member 106. The assembly 100 is adapted to enable adjustment of a caster angle α, thereby enabling a rider to adjust the steering geometry of the vehicle 102 as per requirement.
[025] Referring to Figure 4 in conjunction with Figures 1-3, the assembly 100 comprises a housing member 104 mounted onto the front portion of the frame member 106 of the vehicle 102. In the present embodiment, the housing member 104 is mounted at fore ends of the main tube 106a and the downtube 106b, and thus is located at foremost end of the frame member 106. The housing member 104 is mounted onto the frame member 106 through conventional mounting means known in the art such as fastening, welding and the like. In an embodiment, the housing member 104 is a hollow cylindrical member. In an embodiment, the cross section of the housing member 104 may be a rectangular cross-section, a circular cross-section, a square cross-section or any other geometric shape as per design feasibility and requirement. A head pipe 108 is disposed within the housing member 104 such that, the head pipe 108 is supported onto an inner surface 104a (as shown in Figure 13) of the housing member 104.
[026] In an embodiment, the head pipe 108 is defined with an axis A-A’. The axis A-A’ is co-axial to an axial plane of the head pipe 108, and conforms to a steering axis of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the head pipe 108 is mounted concentrically on the inner surface 104a of the housing member 104. As such, the axis of the housing member 104 corresponds to axis A-A’. In an embodiment, the angle between the axis A-A’ and a vertical axis Y-Y’ conforms to the caster angle α of the vehicle 102. Adjustment of the caster angle α adjusts a mechanical trail β (as shown in Figure 1), wherein the mechanical trail β corresponds to a horizontal distance between a point of contact of the front wheel 112 with a ground surface to a point of intersection of the axis A-A’ with the ground surface. As such, the assembly 100 enables adjustment of the caster angle α, which correspondingly adjusts the mechanical trail β of the vehicle 102.
[027] Referring to Figures 5 and 6 in conjunction with Figures 1-4, the head pipe 108 is supported onto the inner surface 104a of the housing member 104 though a pin member 140. The pin member 140 has one end 140a (shown in Figure 6) engaged to an outer surface of the head pipe 108 through a support block 142, and an other end 140b (shown in Figure 6) engaged to the inner surface 104a of the housing member 104. In an embodiment, the pin member 140 is engaged to the support block 142 through a needle bearing 144. Accordingly, the pin member 140 is capable of being rotated about the support block 142 and thus form a revolute joint on the head pipe 108.
[028] Further, the head pipe 108 is adapted to support a steering stem 110 (as shown in Figure 1) coupled to the front wheel 112. As such, the housing member 104 and the head pipe 108 are connected to the front wheel 112 through the steering stem 110. In an embodiment, the steering stem 110 may be coupled to a steering device such as a handlebar (not shown). The steering device upon actuation enables turning of the front wheel 112 through the steering stem, thereby facilitating maneuverability of the vehicle 102. In an embodiment, the head pipe 108 comprises a through hole 146 (as shown in Figure 8) that extends from a top portion 108c to a bottom portion 108d along the axis A-A’. Accordingly, the through hole 146 is adapted to receive the steering stem 110 concentrically to the axis A-A’. In an embodiment, the steering stem 110 may be mounted on the top portion 108c of the head pipe 108 upon insertion into the through hole 146. In an embodiment, the axis A-A’ corresponds to the axis of the steering stem 110 due to the concentric mounting between the steering stem 110 and the head pipe 108.
[029] In an embodiment, the pin member 140 and the support block 142 are provided at contact locations between the head pipe 108 and the inner surface 104a of the housing member 104. In the present embodiment, the pin member 140 and the support block 142 are provided on a right-side surface 108a and a left-side surface 108b at the top portion 108c and the bottom portion 108d. Thus, the pin member 140 and the support block 142 are provided at four locations on the head pipe 108. Such a construction, minimizes stress concentration on the housing member 104, thereby preventing failure of the housing member 104 during application of load.
[030] Referring to Figures 7-9 in conjunction with Figures 1-6, the assembly 100 comprises one or more slider assemblies 114R, 114L disposed within the housing member 104 and coupled to the head pipe 108. In the present embodiment, each of the one or more slider assemblies 114R, 114L is mounted to the inner surface 104a of the housing member 104 through at least one guiderail member 122R, 122L. Each of the one or more slider assemblies 114R, 114L is adapted to angularly displace the head pipe 108 with respect to the vertical axis Y-Y’ (shown in Figure 1) of the vehicle 102 for adjusting the caster angle α of the steering stem 110. In the present embodiment, the one or more slider assemblies 114R, 114L are mounted to the head pipe 108 through the pin member 140.
[031] Further, each of the one or more slider assemblies 114R, 114L comprises a slider assembly 114R mounted on the right-side surface 108a of the head pipe 108 through the pin member 140, while a slider assembly 114L mounted on the left-side surface 108b of the head pipe 108 through the pin member 140. In an embodiment, the one or more slider assemblies 114R, 114L are mounted on the top portion 108c of the head pipe 108 (as shown in Figures 7-9). In another embodiment, one or more slider assemblies 114R, 114L may be mounted on the bottom portion 108d of the head pipe 108.
[032] For the sake of brevity, the slider assembly and components in the slider assembly mounted on the right-side surface 108a of the head pipe 108 are referenced with reference numeral ending with “R”, while the slider assembly and components in the slider assembly mounted on the left-side surface 108a of the head pipe 108 are referenced with reference numeral ending with “L” respectively in the present disclosure.
[033] Furthermore, each of the one or more slider assemblies 114R, 114L are coupled to an actuator member 120. The actuator member 120 is coupled to the first slider member 116R, 116L, and is adapted to drive the first slider member 116R, 116L longitudinally between the first position and the second position, for angularly displacing the head pipe 108 for adjusting the caster angle α of the steering stem 110.
[034] Referring to Figure 10, an exploded view of the slider assembly 114R is depicted. The slider assembly 114R is mounted on the right-side surface 108a of the head pipe 108 through the pin member 140 (shown in Figures 8 and 9). The slider assembly 114R comprises at least one guiderail member 122R (as shown in Figures 8 and 9) mounted onto the inner surface 104a of the housing member 104. In an embodiment, one guiderail member 122R is mounted onto the inner surface 104a of the housing member 104. To the guiderail member 122R, a first slider member 116R is mounted. As such, the first slider member 116R is mounted onto the inner surface 104a (as shown in Figure 13) by way of the guiderail member 122R. The guiderail member 122R is adapted to allow the first slider member 116R to longitudinally slide between a first position and a second position with respect to an axis A-A’ (as shown in Figure 2) of the head pipe 108. In an embodiment, longitudinal sliding movement of the first slider member 116R may be movement along a front-rear direction of the vehicle 102.
[035] In an embodiment, the guiderail member 122R may be an elongated member defining a linear path for sliding movement of the first slider member 116R between the first position and the second position. In another embodiment, the first position of the first slider member 116R may be towards a front end 148a (as shown in Figure 8) of the guiderail member 122R, while the second position of the first slider member 116R may be towards a rear end 148b (as shown in Figure 8) of the guiderail member 122R. In another embodiment, the dimensions of the guiderail member 122R may be selected based on the sliding distance between the first position and the second position, and the size of the first slider member 116R.
[036] The first slider member 116R is further coupled to the actuator member 120 mounted on the housing member 104. As such, the first slider member 116R is adapted to slide along the guiderail member 122R upon receiving drive from the actuator member 120. The first slider member 116R is coupled to the actuator member 120 through a threaded member 132R (as shown in Figure 16). The threaded member 132R is coupled to the actuator member 120 through a drive transfer member 134 (as shown in Figures 15-18). The drive transfer member 134 is in-turn coupled to the actuator member 120 through a motor drive transfer member 136 coupled to a motor shaft 160 (shown in Figure 17) of the actuator member 120. Thus, drive from the actuator member 120 is transferred to the first slider member 116R through the motor drive transfer member 136, the drive transfer member 134 and the threaded member 132R.
[037] In an embodiment, the threaded member 132R is a lead screw member. As such, a pitch of the threaded member 132R may be consider based on the rate of sliding movement required for the first slider member 116R for movement between the first position and the second position.
[038] In an embodiment, each of the drive transfer member 134 and the motor drive transfer member 136 is a sprocket member (as shown in Figures 15, 17 and 18). Accordingly, the drive transfer member 134 and the motor drive transfer member 136 may be coupled to one another through an endless transmission drive 138 such as a chain drive.
[039] In another embodiment, each of the drive transfer member 134 and the motor drive transfer member 136 is a pulley member. Accordingly, the drive transfer member 134 and the motor drive transfer member 136 may be coupled to one another through a belt drive.
[040] In another embodiment, each of the drive transfer member 134 and the motor drive transfer member 136 is a gear drive. Accordingly, the drive transfer member 134 and the motor drive transfer member 136 may be coupled to one another through gear mating.
[041] Further, the first slider member 116R comprises a cutout 126R. The cutout 126R is provided at a central portion of the first slider member 116R. The cutout 126R is adapted to receive and support a second slider member 118R. The second slider member 118R is coupled to the head pipe 108 and slidably mounted within the cutout 126R of the first slider member 116R. In the present embodiment, the second slider member 118R engages with the pin member 140 for mounting onto the head pipe 108. As such, the slider assembly 114R engages with the head pipe 108 through the second slider member 118R.
[042] In an embodiment, the second slider member 118R comprises a slot 152. The slot 152 is provided at a central portion of the second slider member 118R. The slot 152 is adapted to receive the pin member 140, for enabling engagement between the second slider member 118R and the pin member 140. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the slot 152 are considered such that, an interference fit is established between the second slider member 118R and the pin member 140.
[043] The second slider member 118R is adapted to slide vertically between a top position (not shown) and a bottom position (not shown) with respect to the axis A-A’ of the head pipe 108 upon sliding movement of said first slider member 116R in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the second slider member 118R slides about a top-down direction of the vehicle 102, upon sliding of the first slider member 116R about the front-rear direction of the vehicle 102.
[044] The first slider member 116R comprises one or more guide members 128R provided on a peripheral surface of the cutout 126R. Correspondingly, a groove 130R is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the second slide member 118R. As such, the groove 130R engage with the guide members 128R during assembly between the first slider member 116R and the second slider member 118R. The guide member 128R allows sliding of the second slider member 118R between the top position and the bottom position.
[045] In an embodiment, the guide member 128R may be an elongated rib member provided on the periphery of the cutout 126R and adapted to allow linear movement of the second slider member 118R between the top position and the bottom position. In an embodiment, the top position refers to the movement of the second slider member 118R towards a top edge 150a of the first slider member 116R, while the bottom position refers to the movement of the second slider member 118R towards a bottom edge 150b of the first slider member 116R.
[046] In an embodiment, the dimensions of the cutout 126R is considered based on the dimensions of the second slider member 118R. The cutout 126R is also considered based on a clearance (not shown) between the top edge 150a and a top surface (not shown) of the second slider member 118R or the bottom edge 150b and a bottom surface (not shown) of the second slider member 118R. The clearance enables movement of the second slider member 118R between the top position and the bottom portion.
[047] In an embodiment, upon mounting of the slider assembly 114R on the head pipe 108 and the inner surface 104a of the housing member 104, a four-link kinematic chain is established in the assembly 100. Accordingly, the head pipe 108 and the housing member 104 act as a fixed link, the longitudinal sliding engagement between the guiderail member 122R and the first slider member 116R act as a first movable link, the vertical sliding engagement between the first slider member 116R and the second slider member 118R act as a second movable link and the revolute joint between the second slider member 118R and the support block 142 act as a rotary link. Thus, the four links in the assembly 100 act as a kinematic chain and operates in accordance with a scotch-yoke mechanism.
[048] In the present embodiment, shape of the first slider member 116R and the second slider member 118R is rectangular. In another embodiment, the shape and dimensions of the first slider member 116R and the second slider member 118R can be selected as per design feasibility and requirement.
[049] Referring to Figure 11, an exploded view of the slider assembly 114L is depicted. The slider assembly 114L is identical in construction to the slider assembly 114R and is mounted on the left-side surface 108b of the head pipe 108. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the description pertaining to slider assembly 114L can be considered as per the description for slider assembly 114R in the present disclosure.
[050] Further, the assembly 100 comprises a control unit 124 (as shown in Figure 1) communicably coupled to the actuator member 120. The control unit 124 is adapted to control operation of the actuator member 120 for controlling angular displacement of the head pipe 108. Consequently, the control unit 124 controls adjustment of the caster angle α of the steering stem 110 to a user selected caster angle αt (as shown in Figure 1). Accordingly, the control unit 124 also controls adjustment of the user selected mechanical trail βt. In an embodiment, the user selected caster angle αt may be the caster angle that the rider desires based on the riding quality or riding dynamics requirement.
[051] In an embodiment, the vehicle 102 may be provided with a switch member (not shown) provided on an instrument cluster (not shown) of the vehicle 102 or on the handlebar, communicably coupled to the control unit 124. The switch member upon actuation may enable operation of the actuator member 120 for adjusting the caster angle α.
[052] In an embodiment, the actuation member 120 may be a mechanical actuation member wherein, the rider may manually operate the threaded member 132R for operating the assembly 100 to adjust the caster angle α of the vehicle 102. In another embodiment, the actuation member 120 is a servo motor.
[053] The construction of the assembly 100 is described in hereinafter, with reference to Figures 1-18 of the present invention. For the sake of brevity, the construction of the slider assembly 114R is described hereinafter. Accordingly, the construction of the slider assembly 114L is identical to the construction of the slider assembly 114R. In an embodiment, the working of the slider assembly 114L is identical to that of the slider assembly 114R.
[054] The head pipe 108 is mounted with the support block 142 and the pin member 140. The support block 142 and the pin member 140 are mounted on the head pipe 108, based on the number of the slider assemblies 114R, 114L being mounted and the location of the slider assemblies 114R, 114L. In the present embodiment, the support block 142 and the pin member 140 are mounted on the right-side surface 108a and the left-side surface 108b at the top portion 108a of the head pipe 108, since two slider assemblies 114R, 114L are mounted on the head pipe 108.
[055] Subsequently, the second slider member 118R engages with the pin member 140 by way of the slot 152. Thereafter, the first slider member 116R is mounted such that, the second slider member 118R is inserted into the cutout 126R. Upon insertion of the second slider member 118R into the cutout 126R, the guide members 128R engages with the groove 130R. The first slider member 116R is then placed within the guiderail member 122R. Thus, the first slider member 116R and the second slider member 118R are positioned within the guiderail member 122R. The threaded member 132R is then engaged to the first slider member 116R. In an embodiment, the surface of the first slider member 116R may be engaged to the threaded member 132R to enable reciprocatory movement upon rotation of the threaded member 132R.
[056] Thereafter, the housing member 104 is mounted to enclose the head pipe 108, the slider assembly 114R (as shown in Figure 14), and the threaded member 132R (as shown in Figure 16). The drive transfer member 134 is then mounted at an aft end of the threaded member and positioned on the housing member 104. Thereafter, the endless transmission drive 138 is engaged to the drive transfer member 134 and the motor drive transfer member 136.
[057] The actuator member 120 is subsequently mounted onto the housing member 104 by way of a cover member 154 (as shown in Figure 17). The actuator member 120 upon mounting on the housing member 104 engages with a keyway 156 (shown in Figure 18) provided to the motor drive transfer member 136 to form the assembly 100. In an embodiment, the cover member 154 comprises an opening 158 for enabling a portion of the actuator member 120 to be inserted into the housing member 104, for enabling engagement with the motor drive transfer member 136. In an embodiment, the opening 158 may be configured to allow the motor shaft 160 of the actuator member 120 into the housing 104 for enabling engagement with the motor drive transfer member 136.
[058] In a working embodiment, when the rider operates the actuator member 120, the drive is transmitted to the first slider member 116R by way of the motor drive transfer member 136, the drive transfer member 134 and the threaded member 132R. At this scenario, the first slider member 116R slides longitudinally from the first position to the second position along the guiderail member 122R. At this scenario, the top portion 108c of the head pipe 108 moves along with the first slider member 116R, thereby angularly displace the head pipe 108. Simultaneously, due to the revolute joint between the head pipe 108 and the second slider member 118R, the second slider member 118R moves upwardly from the bottom position to the top position. Thus, a rotational motion from the actuator member 120 enables longitudinal movement of the first slider member 116R, vertical movement of the second slider member 118R and the angular displacement of the head pipe 108. Consequently, the caster angle α is adjusted, based on the angular displacement induced in the head pipe 108 through operation of the actuator member 120.
[059] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the assembly comprising the one or more slider assemblies mounted to the head pipe enables multiple ride and handling characteristics in the vehicle by adjusting angular displacement of the head pipe. Moreover, the assembly is retrofittable, less complex and bulky. Additionally, the assembly is simple in construction and operation, while being time-efficient in tuning the steering geometry of the vehicle.
[060] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals and Characters
100 Adjustable steering assembly
102 Multi-wheeled vehicle
104 Housing member
106 Frame member
106a Main tube
106b Down tube
108 Head pipe
108a Right-side surface of head pipe
108b Left-side surface of head pipe
108c Top portion of head pipe
108d Bottom portion of head pipe
110 Steering stem
112 Front wheel
114R, 114L Slider assemblies
116R, 116L First slider member
118R, 118L Second slider member
120 Actuator member
122R, 122L Guiderail member
124 Control unit
126R, 126L Cutout
128R, 128L Guide members
130R, 130L Groove
132R, 132L Threaded member
134 Drive transfer member
136 Motor drive transfer member
138 Endless transmission drive
140 Pin member
140a, 140b Ends of the pin member
142 Support block
144 Needle bearing
146 Through hole on head pipe
148a Front end of guiderail member
148b Rear end of guiderail member
150a Top edge of first slider member
150b Bottom edge of first slider member
152 Slot in second slider member
154 Cover member
156 Keyway in motor drive transfer member
158 Opening in cover member
160 Motor shaft
, Claims:1. An adjustable steering assembly (100) for a multi-wheeled vehicle (102), the adjustable steering assembly (100) comprising:
a housing member (104) adapted to be mounted on to a front portion of a frame member (106) of the vehicle (102);
a head pipe (108) disposed within the housing member (104), the head pipe (108) being adapted to support a steering stem (110) coupled to a front wheel (112) of the vehicle (102); and
one or more slider assemblies (114R, 114L) disposed within the housing member (104) and being coupled to the head pipe (108), each of the one or more slider assemblies (114R, 114L) being adapted to angularly displace the head pipe (108) with respect to a vertical axis (Y-Y’) of the vehicle (102) for adjusting a caster angle (α) of the steering stem (110).

2. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more slider assemblies (114R, 114L) comprise:
a first slider member (116R, 116L) mounted onto an inner surface (104a) of the housing member (104), the first slider member (116R, 116L) being adapted to slide longitudinally between a first position and a second position with respect to an axis A-A’ of the head pipe (108); and
a second slider member (118R, 118L) coupled to the head pipe (108) and slidably mounted to the first slider member (116R, 116L), the second slider member (118R, 118L) being adapted to slide vertically between a top position and a bottom position, with respect to the axis A-A’ of the head pipe (108) upon sliding movement of said first slider member (116R, 116L) in the longitudinal direction of said assembly.

3. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more slider assemblies being connected to an actuator member (120), the actuator member (120) being mounted to the housing member (104) and coupled to the first slider member (116R, 116L), the actuator member (120) being adapted to drive the first slider member (116R, 116L) longitudinally between the first position and the second position, for angularly displacing the head pipe (108) to adjust the caster angle (α) of the steering stem (110) with respect to the vertical axis (Y-Y’) of the multi-wheeled vehicle (102).

4. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider assemblies (114R, 114L) comprise:
a right-side slider assembly (114R) mounted onto a right-side surface (108a) of the head pipe (108) when viewed in the longitudinal direction; and
a left-side slider assembly (114L) mounted onto a left-side surface (108b) of the head pipe (108), when viewed in the longitudinal direction.

5. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the slider assemblies (114R, 114L) comprises at least one guiderail member (122R, 122L) being mounted onto the inner surface (104a) of the housing member (104), each of the at least one guiderail member (122R, 122L) being adapted to slidably support the first slider member (116R, 116L),
wherein the first slider member (116R, 116L) being adapted to slide along the at least one guiderail member (122R, 122L) upon receiving drive from the actuator member (120).

6. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first slider member (116R, 116L) is coupled to the actuator member (120) through a threaded member (132R, 132L) for receiving drive from the actuator member (120).

7. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the threaded member (132R, 132L) is coupled to the actuator member (120) through a drive transfer member (134).

8. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuator member (120) comprises a motor shaft coupled to the drive transfer member (134), the motor shaft comprising a motor drive transfer member (136) engaged to the drive transfer member (134) for driving the first slider member (116R, 116L) through the threaded member (132R, 132L).

9. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the motor drive transfer member (136) is coupled with the drive transfer member (134) through an endless transmission (138).

10. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator member (120) is communicably coupled to a control unit (124) of the multi-wheeled vehicle (102), the control unit (124) being adapted to control operation of the actuator member (120) for controlling angular displacement of the head pipe (108) for adjusting the caster angle (α) of the steering stem (110) to a user selected caster angle (αt).

11. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first slider member (116R, 116L) comprises a cutout (126R, 126L), the cutout (126R, 126L) being adapted to receive and support the second slider member (118R, 118L).

12. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first slider member (116R, 116L) comprises one or more guide members (128R, 128L) provided on a peripheral surface of the cutout (126R, 126L), the one or more guide members (128R, 128L) being adapted to engage with a groove (130R, 130L) provided on an outer peripheral surface of the second slider member (118R, 118L) for allowing sliding of the second slider member (118R, 118L) between the top position and the bottom position.

13. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more slider assemblies (114R, 114L) are mounted on at least one of a top portion (108c) and a bottom portion (108d) of the head pipe (108).

14. The adjustable steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more slider assemblies (114R, 114L) are mounted onto the head pipe (108) through a pin member (140), the pin member (140) being adapted to allow angular movement of the one or more slider assemblies (114R, 114L) with respect to the head tube (108).