DESC:2
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to one or more of a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively the present subject matter relates to an automatic seat adjustment system for the two-wheeled vehicle.
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BACKGROUND
[0002] Nowadays, with the advancement in the technology, different types of features have been incorporated in a vehicle. Such features either relates to the safety aspect of the vehicle as well as a rider of the vehicle or provides better riding comfort to the rider of the vehicle. A vehicle includes one or more seat assembly 10 disposed in the vehicle. Generally, in a two-wheeled, the one or more seats are disposed on a rear frame structure of the vehicle. The one or more seat assembly facilitates in rider seating on the two-wheeled vehicle, while riding the vehicle. The seat assembly may include a single seat for the rider as well as a pillion rider. In many other types of two-wheeled vehicle, a spilt type seat assembly is provided, 15 that means, separate seats are provided for the rider as well as the pillion rider of the two-wheeled vehicle. The seat assembly should be such that it provides comfortable riding experience to the rider as well as the pillion rider of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20
[0003] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying diagrams. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[0004] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a side view of a saddle type two-wheeled 25 vehicle.
[0005] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram for an automatic one or more seat assembly adjustment as per an embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a Flowchart illustrating the steps for an automatic seat adjustment as per an embodiment of the present invention. 30
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0001] Generally, one or more seat is disposed on a two-wheeled vehicle facilitates a driver seating on the vehicle while riding the vehicle. Since the two-wheeled vehicle is an open type of vehicle and the rider is not seated in a closed environment 5 as compared to a three or four wheeled vehicle, the parts enabling the rider in a safe trip is more crucial for the two-wheeled vehicles. Conventionally, the one or more seats of the two-wheeled vehicle are at fixed at a fixed height from the ground. The rider of the two-wheeled vehicle should be seated at a proper height with respect to the ground. This is to ensure that the rider is maintaining the right posture and is in 10 appropriate position to control the two-wheeled vehicle and thus has a comfortable and smooth riding experience. Also, it is very crucial for the riders to rest his/her legs on the ground to balance the two-wheeled vehicle, when the two-wheeled vehicle is not moving. Further, the rider of the vehicle should be able to operate one or more centre and side stand between deployed and closed conditions, while seated 15 on the vehicle conveniently.
[0002] The two-wheeled vehicle can be used by different riders, and the rider’s height can differ, the height of the seat of the two-wheeled vehicle is required to be adjusted depending upon the height of the riders. However, the height of conventional seat of the two-wheeled vehicle cannot be adjusted to cater to riders 20 of different heights. If the riders of the two-wheeled vehicle are not comfortably seated on the two-wheeled vehicle, then it is possible that the rider may fail to properly control the vehicle. Apart from this, if the rider is not comfortably seated on the vehicle while riding the vehicle, then the rider will fail to maintain a proper riding posture that may cause backache, cramps or other related problems. 25
[0003] The already existing two-wheeled vehicles are designed for riders with an average height. So, if the two-wheeled vehicle is used by the riders having more height or less height than the average height for which the vehicle is designed for, the rider will face inconvenience. If the rider with a height more than the average height, rides the vehicle, the legs of the riders while resting on a floorboard, are 30 likely to touch the front parts of the two-wheeled vehicle, which cause
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inconvenience and discomfort to the riders, while riding the vehicle. In addition to this, improper riding posture during long rides may cause fatigue to the riders, thereby increasing the chances of accidents. So, there is a need for a seat adjustment mechanism for two-wheeled vehicles that enables seat height adjustment depending upon rider comfort. In a known art, a seat adjustment mechanism is provided in 5 which the rider of the two-wheeled vehicle can manually adjust the seat. The seat assembly is provided with an operative rear end of a seat of the vehicle which is adapted to swivel about a hinge so that the seat is angularly moved between 0 degrees, 85 degrees, and 95 degrees manually by the rider. In the above-mentioned case, the rider has to adjust the seat manually to suit his/her height. In case of any 10 mis adjustment of the seat can be dangerous for the rider of the vehicle, leading to fatal accidents.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide an automatic seat adjustment mechanism for the two-wheeled vehicles that can assist the rider in maintaining the right posture and smooth riding comfort. Furthermore, there is a need for an 15 automatic seat adjustment mechanism that facilitates a better control to the rider and prevents any accidents due to fatigue of the rider arising due to inappropriate riding posture of the rider. Thus, there is a need to overcome the above-mentioned problems and other problems of known art. [0005] An objective of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic seat 20 adjustment system which can automatically adjust the height of the seat, thus avoiding any mis adjustment and fatigue of the rider arising due to inappropriate riding posture of the rider leading to fatal accidents and enhancing the riding comfort. The present subject matter is described using an exemplary saddle type two-wheeled vehicle, whereas the claimed subject matter can be used in any other 25 type of two-wheeled vehicle, with required changes and without deviating from the scope of invention. [0006] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, an automatic seat adjustment system includes one or more seat assembly, a vehicle ignition unit, one or more capturing device, and one or more control unit. The one or more capturing device 30 is disposed on a rear portion of a handle-bar assembly, facing a rider of a vehicle.
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The one or more control unit is configured to calculate the rider’s height, based on a captured picture using the capturing device. The one or more control unit is configured to adjust the one or more seat assembly, based on said rider’s height.
[0007] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the system includes the vehicle ignition unit is configured to switch ON or switch OFF the vehicle, the 5 adjustment of the seat assembly height is carried on, upon a rider seated condition, the vehicle ignition unit condition, and a handlebar angle of the handle-bar assembly.
[0008] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the adjustment of height is carried on, when the handlebar angle is less than an adjustment angle. 10
[0009] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the one or more seat assembly is configured to be adjusted by a motor unit.
[00010] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the motor unit is a stepper motor.
[00011] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, a method for automatic seat 15 adjustment, said method includes the steps of determining by the control unit, a rider is in seated position or not on a vehicle; checking by a control unit of the vehicle, a vehicle ignition condition; determining by one or more sensor, a handlebar angle of the handle-bar assembly; comparing by the control unit, the handlebar angle with an adjustment angle stored in the control unit; capturing by a 20 capturing device, a rider’s image; calculating by the control unit, a rider’s height based on the captured image by the capturing device; and adjusting one or more seat assembly, based upon the rider’s height.
[00012] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the one or more seat assembly is configured to be adjusted by a motor unit. 25
[00013] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the motor unit is a stepper motor.
[00014] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the one or more sensors configured to measure the handlebar angle with respect to a ground level may include one of a tilt angle sensor and an inclinometer. The embodiments of the 30 present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a two-wheeled
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saddle type vehicle along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments and is applicable on any type of two-wheeled vehicle. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various 5 arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. 10
[00015] Fig.1 exemplarily illustrates a side view of a saddle type two-wheeled vehicle 100. The two-wheeled vehicle 100 comprising of a frame assembly (not shown), a front fork assembly 102, a handle bar assembly 104, a headlamp assembly 106, and a prime mover (not shown). The vehicle 100 includes the prime mover, disposed behind a floorboard assembly 108 and below a seat assembly 110 and/or 15 a storage box (not shown). The prime mover is one of an internal combustion engine or an electric motor adapted to provide motive force for vehicle movement. The vehicle 100 includes a front wheel 112 and a rear wheel 114. The front fork assembly 102 supports the front wheel 112. The upper portion of the front wheel 112 is covered by a front fender 116 mounted to the front fork assembly 102. In an 20 embodiment, the front fender 116 is movable along with the front wheel 112, during travel over undulations on a road surface. The handlebar assembly 104 is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about a steering shaft (not shown) for turning the vehicle 100. The headlamp 106 and an instrument cluster 118 are arranged on an upper portion of the frame assembly (not shown). A rear suspension 25 120 is provided to the rear wheel 114 for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 100 over undulations on the road surface. A grab rail 122 is also provided for facilitating the grip and/or balance to the rider on the vehicle during movement. The rear wheel 114 is arranged below the seat assembly 110 and adapted to receive the motive force from the prime mover. A suitable transmission 30
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assembly 124 is provided for transferring the drive force from the prime mover onto the rear wheel 114 for driving the vehicle 100.
[00016] Fig.2 exemplarily illustrates a block diagram for an automatic one or more seat assembly adjustment as per an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic seat assembly adjustment system 200 includes one or more capturing 5 device 204, one or more control unit 208, one or more seat assembly 110, and a vehicle ignition unit 206. The one or more capturing device 204 captures a picture of a rider of the vehicle 100. The capturing device 204 may include one of the smart device cameras, a high-definition camera, an on-body vehicle camera and the like. The one or more seat assembly 110 may include a single seat extending in a vehicle 10 longitudinal direction or it may include a split type of seat 110 having a rider seat and a pillion rider seat separately. The one or more seat assembly 110 is disposed on a frame structure (not shown) of the two-wheeled vehicle 100. The one or more seat assembly 110 facilitates the rider to be seated, while riding the vehicle 100. The one or more control unit 208 can be vehicle control unit or a dedicated control 15 unit as well. The vehicle ignition switch (not shown) of a vehicle ignition unit 208 is provided in a front portion of the vehicle 100, below the handlebar assembly 104, facing towards the rider. The one or more capturing device 204 is disposed on a rear portion of the handlebar assembly104, facing a rider of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the one or more capturing device 204 may be disposed in the 20 proximity of the instrument cluster 118. In an embodiment, the one or more capturing device 204 may be disposed within the instrument cluster 118.
[00017] The one or more capturing device 204 capture the picture of the rider 202. Based on the captured picture, the one or more control unit 208 calculates the height of the rider 202. Based on the calculated height of the rider, the control unit 208 is 25 configured to control a motor unit (not shown) to adjust the one or more seat assembly 110 to suit the height of the rider, facilitating automatic adjustment of the seat assembly 110 for ensuring safety of the rider and ensuring riding comfort. The motor unit (not shown) is placed under the seat assembly 110 and connected to the seat to move the seat up and down. In an embodiment the motor unit is a stepper 30 motor. However, any type of motor can be utilized to move the seat assembly 110.
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[00018] Fig.3 exemplarily illustrates a Flowchart illustrating the steps for an automatic seat adjustment 200 as per an embodiment of the present invention. The proposed method controls the height of the one or more seat assembly 110 automatically whenever the vehicle 100 is in ON condition. To automatically control the height of the seat assembly 110, the control unit 208 in the vehicle 100 5 checks the vehicle ignition switch condition of the vehicle ignition unit 206 and confirms if the ignition switch (not shown) is switched ON or OFF. The control unit 208 further checks whether the rider is in seating position or not and then the control units 208 checks whether the handlebar assembly 104 angle is less than an adjustment angle or not. In the present embodiment, the control unit 208 checks if 10 the handlebar assembly 104 is tilted at one side, if the handlebar assembly 104 is tilted at one side that means the vehicle 100 itself is tilted at that side as well. So, the control unit 208 do not make any adjustment in the seat assembly 110 in that condition, as it will lead to wrong adjustment of the seat assembly 110. Thus, the control unit 208 checks if the handlebar assembly 104 tilt angle with respect to a 15 ground level is less than the adjustment angle or not, if not, then the control unit 208 do not make any adjustment to the seat assembly 110. Therefore, after satisfying all the above three conditions that is the rider is in seating position, the vehicle ignition switch is in ON position, and the handlebar angle 104 is less than the adjustment angle, the control unit 208 captures a picture of the rider. The 20 adjustment angle is pre-stored in the control unit 208. Based on the captured picture, the control unit 208 calculates the height of the rider. After calculating the height, the control unit 208 adjusts the one or more seat assembly 110 by moving the seat assembly 110 up or down, based on the rider’s height. The one or more control unit 208 employs the motor unit to move the one or more seat assembly 110 up and 25 down.
[00019] The present invention provides an automatic seat adjustment system 200 which automatically adjusts the seat assembly 110 in accordance with the height of the rider of the vehicle 100. This eliminates any error in the seat assembly 110 adjustment due to human error and eliminates synchronization error. The present 30 invention having an automatic adjustable seat assembly 110 enables seat height
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adjustment automatically depending upon the rider’s height to provide rider comfort, as well as aids in maintaining the right posture thus eliminating any fatigue and providing a smooth riding experience. Further, the seat assembly 110 as per the present invention facilitates better control to the rider and prevents accidents arising due to inappropriate riding posture of the rider. Also, the riders of different heights 5 can comfortably keep their feet on the floorboard of the vehicle 100, while riding the vehicle 100. Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
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List of Reference numerals
100: Two-wheeled vehicle
102: Front fork assembly
104: Handle bar assembly 5
106: Headlamp assembly
108: Floorboard assembly
110: Seat assembly
112: Front wheel
114: Rear wheel 10
116: Front fender
118: Instrument cluster
120: Rear suspension
122: Grab rail
124: Transmission assembly 15
126: Rear Camera
200: Automatic rear view mirror adjustment system
202: Rider
204: One or more capturing device
206: Vehicle ignition unit 20
208: One or more control unit ,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. An automatic seat adjustment system (200) comprising:
one or more seat assembly (110);
a vehicle ignition unit (206);
one or more capturing device (204), said one or more capturing device 5 (204) being disposed on a rear portion of a handle-bar assembly (104), facing a rider of a vehicle (100); and
one or more control unit (208);
wherein,
said one or more control unit (208) being configured to calculate said 10 rider’s height, based on a captured picture using said capturing device (204); and
said one or more control unit (208) being configured to adjust said one or more seat assembly (110), based on said rider’s height.
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2. The automatic seat adjustment (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system (200) includes said vehicle ignition unit (206) being configured to switch ON or switch OFF said vehicle (100), said adjustment of said seat assembly (110) height being carried on, upon a rider seated condition, said vehicle ignition unit (206) condition, and a handlebar angle of said handle-20 bar assembly (104).
3. The automatic seat adjustment (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said adjustment of height being carried on, when said handlebar angle being less than an adjustment angle.
4. The automatic seat adjustment (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one 25 or more seat assembly (110) being configured to be adjusted by a motor unit (not shown).
5. The automatic seat adjustment (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said motor unit being a stepper motor.
6. A method for automatic seat adjustment, said method comprising the steps 30 of:
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determining by said control unit (208), a rider is in seated position or not on a vehicle (100) (at step 300);
checking by a control unit (208) of said vehicle (100), a vehicle ignition condition (206) (at step 304);
determining by one or more sensor (not shown), a handlebar angle of said 5 handle-bar assembly (104);
comparing by said control unit (208), said handlebar angle with an adjustment angle stored in said control unit (208) (at step 302);
capturing by a capturing device (204), a rider’s image (at step 306);
calculating by said control unit (208), a rider’s height based on said 10 captured image by said capturing device (204) (at step 308); and
adjusting one or more seat assembly (110), based upon the rider’s height (at step 310).
7.The method for automatic seat adjustment (200) as claimed in claim 6,15 wherein said one or more seat assembly (110) being configured to beadjusted by a motor unit (not shown).
8.The method for automatic seat adjustment (200) as claimed in claim 7,wherein said motor unit (not shown) being a stepper motor.
9.The method for automatic seat adjustment (200) as claimed in claim 6,20 wherein said one or more sensors (not shown) being configured to measurethe handlebar angle with respect to a ground level may include one of a tiltangle sensor (not shown) and an inclinometer (not shown).