Description:Technical Field of Invention
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle, more specifically the present subject matter is related to an electronic controller of the vehicle.

Background
[0002] A vehicle generally consists of a chassis fixed on two or more wheels. At least one of the two or more wheels is a driven wheel, and at least another of the two or more wheels is a steering wheel. The driven wheels are propelled by a power unit. Conventionally, the power unit is an internal combustion engine, which combusts a hydrocarbon-based fuel under high pressure to generate power, which is transmitted through a piston, a crankshaft, and a transmission unit to the driven wheel. The power unit can also be an electric motor, which powers the driven wheel through a transmission unit. In vehicles with more than four wheels, any of the front or rear wheels, or all of the wheels can be driven. In a two wheeled vehicle with an internal combustion engine however, the rear wheel is the driven wheel, and the front wheel is the steering wheel. The transmission of power from the power unit to the driven wheel is enabled by one of a chain drive, a shaft drive, or a belt drive system.
[0003] In modern vehicles, much of the vehicle is monitored and controlled through electronic controllers. Systems such as electronic fuel injection, automatic start stop, telematics, on board displays, anti-lock braking systems etc are all communicably connected to one or more controllers and sensors that monitor the health and performance of each of the systems, and take appropriate action or report to a user of the vehicle. This has severely improved the driving experience for users, and made the vehicles more reliable and predictable. Each of the controllers and sensors have to be securely mounted in the vehicle so that they are not damaged during the normal vehicle operations, or due to external environmental factors.
[0004] In addition to that, the disposition of each of the controllers and sensors dictates the ease with which each of them can be connected to other controllers, or their respective actuators, or display devices. The various electrical and electronic components in a vehicle are usually connected by a plurality of wires, which are bundled together to form a wiring harness. A wiring harness is configured so that each of the relevant connectors are available at the appropriate length and position. Adding more controllers and sensors that have to be connected with wires to other electrical parts increases the wires in the wiring harness, and makes it even more complex.
[0005] The vehicle has to be secured to prevent theft or unauthorized access in the absence of the user of the vehicle. Generally, vehicles have locks on doors and ignition. Two wheeled vehicles, which do not have doors, are equipped with ignition lock and handlebar lock. Additionally, the user of a vehicle is free to use any external locking means not provided by the manufacturer, including gear locks and wheel locks. These measures are, however, easier to bypass. However, a vehicle can still be moved without authorized access from the user. This is much easier with two wheeled vehicles due to their light weight and small size.
[0006] Although it is relatively easier to dispose the electronic component in a large vehicle, in small vehicles such as two wheeled saddle type vehicles, it is difficult to dispose the electronic component in a manner so that it is protected from natural and environmental factors such as dust, rain, and mud, and also protected from tampering by persons interested in moving the vehicle without authorization. A two wheeled vehicle, unlike a larger four wheeled vehicle, has only the minimum essential body panels, and little to no space by way of storage space. Moreover, all the existing parts in the vehicle are tightly packaged in the interest of functionality, aesthetics, and ergonomics.
[0007] In view of the above, there is a need for providing an electronic component in a two wheeled vehicle so that it is secured from tampering, as well as protected from external environmental factors.

Summary of the Invention
[0008] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described below, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0009] In order to address the issues with the existing systems, an electronic component is provided in vehicles to further bolster the security of the vehicle. The electronic component is designed and configured to prevent the engine from starting in the absence of the vehicle’s authentic and authorized keys. To do that, the electronic component uses a specially designed digitally coded key. These keys contain a transponder chip within them. When inserted, the electronic component processes the security code on the key’s chip with that embedded on the vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit. Once a perfect match is established, the electronic component activates the fuel system and the ignition circuit. The vehicle is therefore electronically locked from being started until and unless the code from the authentic key matches the pass key stored on the electronic component, upon which it allows the engine control unit to start the fuel and ignition systems.
[00010] In an aspect, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a seat assembly, and a first energy storage unit. The first energy storage unit is disposed under the seat assembly. The first energy storage unit is securely disposed in a structural support member under the seat assembly, an electronic component being disposed on the structural support member, forwardly of the first energy storage unit, under the seat assembly, in a vehicle front rear direction.
[00011] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a second energy storage unit, the second energy storage unit being attached to a frame of the vehicle, disposed forwardly of the seat assembly, wherein the structural support member is disposed rearwardly of the second energy storage unit, under the seat assembly, in a vehicle front rear direction.
[00012] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a power unit, the power unit being configured to propel at least one driven wheel of the vehicle, wherein the power unit comprises at least one of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
[00013] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprising a frame, the frame comprising a headtube, and one or more frame members.
[00014] In an embodiment, the structural support member is mounted on at least one frame member of the one or more frame members by using one or more mounting means, rearwardly of the second energy storage unit.
[00015] In an embodiment, the seat assembly comprising a first seat and a second seat, the first seat being disposed forwardly of the second seat, and wherein the seat assembly is disposed behind the second energy storage unit, the structural support member is disposed under the first seat, in a vehicle front rear direction.
[00016] In an embodiment, the electronic component having one or more mounting points that are aligned with one or more fastening holes of the structural support member, wherein the electronic component is securely mounted on the structural support member using one or more fasteners.
[00017] In an embodiment, the electronic component is disposed behind at least one cross member, the cross member joining a left hand side member and a right hand side member of the one or more frame members, along a vehicle front rear direction.
[00018] In an embodiment, the structural support member is disposed above a rear suspension system, wherein the rear suspension system is connected to a rear portion of the frame.
[00019] In an embodiment, the electronic component is communicatively connected to at least one or more electronic sensors disposed on the vehicle, the one or more sensors measuring various real time vehicle parameters.
[00020] In an embodiment, the electronic component is communicatively connected to at least one electronic controller of the vehicle.
[00021] In an embodiment, the second energy storage unit being a fuel tank.
[00022] In an embodiment, the second energy storage unit being a battery pack.
[00023] In an embodiment, the electronic component is an immobilizer unit, configured to protect the vehicle from unauthorized access.
[00024] In an embodiment, the first energy storage unit is a battery configured to provide electrical power to one or more electrical systems in the vehicle.
[00025] Further, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

Brief Description of Drawings
[00026] 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.
[00027] Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of a two wheeled saddle type vehicle from a left side view of the vehicle.
[00028] Figure 2 is an exemplary illustration of the second energy storage unit, a first seat of a seat assembly, and the structural support member of the saddle type two wheeled vehicle from a left side view of the vehicle.
[00029] Figure 3 is an exemplary illustration of the second energy storage unit, and the first seat of the seat assembly of the saddle type two wheeled vehicle from a top view of the vehicle.
[00030] Figure 4 is an exemplary exploded illustration of the second energy storage unit, and the first seat of the seat assembly of the saddle type two wheeled vehicle from a top view of the vehicle.
[00031] Figure 5 is an exemplary illustration of the electronic component disposed on the structural support member, under the first seat of the two wheeled saddle type vehicle from a top view of the vehicle.
[00032] Figure 6 is an exemplary illustration of the electronic component with its mounting means.
[00033] Figure 7 is an exemplary exploded illustration of the structural support member and the electronic component.
Detailed Description
[00034] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following description thereof, set out hereunder.
[00035] Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of a two wheeled saddle type vehicle 100 from a left side view of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 comprises a frame structure including a headtube 107, a power unit 103, a handlebar 106, a front wheel 104, a rear wheel 105, a first energy storage unit, a second energy storage unit 101, and a seat assembly 102. The front wheel 104 can be used to steer the vehicle 100, while the power unit 103 drives the rear wheel 105, which propels the vehicle 100 forward. In this exemplary illustration, the power unit 103 is shown to be connected to the rear wheel 105 using a chain drive system. Other possibilities include a belt drive system or a shaft drive system. The rear wheel 105 is generally mounted to the vehicle 100 using a swingarm which is connected to the vehicle 100 frame through a rear suspension assembly. The frame includes a headtube 107. The handlebar 106 is connected to the front wheel 104 through the headtube 107 and a front suspension assembly. The handlebar 106 is further configured to support the front lamp assembly, including the primary lamp and the turn signal lamps. The frame further includes a down frame member, a main frame member, and a rear frame member. The rear structure of the vehicle, including the seat assembly 102, rear tail lights and turn signal lamps, and the rear fender assembly of the vehicle 100 are supported by the rear part of the frame assembly. The vehicle 100 is configured such that the power unit 103 is supported by the frame, mounted at a plurality of mounting points to secure the power unit 103 to the frame of the vehicle 100. The second energy storage unit 101 is disposed above the power unit 103, and the seat assembly 102 is disposed rearwards of the second energy storage unit 101. The seat assembly 102 consists of a first seat and a second seat, where the first seat is disposed forwardly of the second seat in a vehicle front rear direction. One or more body panels may be configured to cover the white space under the seat assembly on either side of the vehicle 100. A rear fender assembly of the vehicle 100 extends rearwardly from under the seat assembly 102, supported by the rear part of the frame structure of the vehicle 100. While the body panels cover the space from the sides, the fender assembly covers the space from the bottom, and the seat covers the space from the top.
[00036] Figure 2 is an exemplary illustration of the second energy storage unit 101, a first seat of a seat assembly 102, and the structural support member 111 of the saddle type two wheeled vehicle 100 from a left side view of the vehicle 100. The headtube 107 of the vehicle 100 is the forwardmost part of the vehicle 100 in this illustration. The frame structure extends rearwards and downwards from the headtube 107, covered by the second energy storage device 101 and the power unit 103. The seat assembly 102 is disposed rearwards of the second energy storage unit 101. The structural support member 111 is disposed below the first seat of the seat assembly 102. One or more frame members 109 are extending rearwardly, supporting the seat assembly 102 on either side of the vehicle 100. One or more cross members are provided between the one or more frame member 109 on the left hand and the right hand side of the vehicle. The structural support member 111is mounted to the frame of the vehicle on the one or more cross member, extending rearwards along a vehicle front rear direction. The first energy storage device is securely disposed in the structural support member 111.
[00037] Figure 3 is an exemplary illustration of the second energy storage unit, and the first seat of the seat assembly of the saddle type two wheeled vehicle from a top view of the vehicle. The headtube 107 is disposed forwardly of the second energy storage unit 101. The second energy storage unit 101 has an inlet 101a with a cap for replenishing the second energy storage unit 101. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the second energy storage unit 101 is one of a fuel tank, in case of an internal combustion engine, and a battery pack, in case of an electric motor. The second energy storage unit 101 is intended to provide power supply to the power unit 103 of the vehicle 100. The first energy storage unit of the vehicle 100, on the other hand, is configured to provide electrical power to one or more electrical components of the vehicle 100. The seat assembly 102 is disposed rearwardly of the second energy storage unit 101. The first seat of the seat assembly 102 is disposed forwardly of the second seat in a vehicle front rear direction. As per the present embodiment, the structural support member 111 is disposed below the first seat of the seat assembly 102.
[00038] Figure 4 is an exemplary exploded illustration of the second energy storage unit, and the first seat of the seat assembly of the saddle type two wheeled vehicle from a top view of the vehicle. In this exemplary illustration, the structural support member 111 is shown to be disposed under the first seat of the seat assembly 102. The electronic component 112 is disposed on a forward portion of the structural support member 111. The first energy storage device is disposed rearwardly of the electronic component 112. The structural support member 111 is configured with a depressed chamber to house the first energy storage unit. The structural support member 111 is mounted on the frame, on one or more cross members attached between the left hand side and the right hand side of the one or more frame members 109. The entire mounting of the electronic component 112 on the structural support member 111 is disposed rearwardly of the second energy storage unit 101. The second energy storage unit 101 comprises of the inlet 101a, and a main body 101b.
[00039] Figure 5 is an exemplary illustration of the electronic component 112 disposed on the structural support member 111, under the first seat 102 of the two wheeled saddle type vehicle 100 from a top view of the vehicle 100. The figure further shows a zoomed in view of the electronic component 112, as disposed on the structural support member 111. There are a plurality of cross members attached to the left hand side and the right hand side of the one or more frame members 109. The structural support member 111 has a flange projecting from the forward end. The flange is configured with one or more fastening holes, which allows the structural support member 111 to be securely mounted to the cross members of the frame of the vehicle 100. The electronic component 112 is therefore disposed on the structural support member 111 such that the electronic component 112 is rearwardly of the flange, and forwardly of the depressed chamber of the structural support member 111. A seat latch is configured on the structural support member 111 as well. The seat latch is configured to securely lock one of the first seat and the second seat of the seat assembly 102, which is removably attached to the frame. The seat latch is configured between the mounting of the electronic component 112 and the depressed chamber configured for housing the first energy storage unit. The electronic component 112 is configured to have at least one outlet to be communicably coupled to one or more sensors and electronic controllers disposed on the vehicle. The one or more sensors are configured to generate real time data on various vehicle parameters. The electronic component 112 is mounted to the structural support member 111 with at least two fasteners.
[00040] Figure 6 is an exemplary illustration of the electronic component 112 with its mounting means 112b, 112c. The electronic component 112 comprises of a main body 112a, a right mounting means 112b, and a left mounting means 112c. the right and left mounting means 112b, 112c of the electronic component 112 are configured so that they align with a right hand side fastening hole 111b and a left hand side fastening hole 111c. Fasteners 113b, 113a can be inserted through the aligned holes, and the electronic component 112 can be securely mounted to the structural support member 111. The structural support member 111 has an opening 111a. The opening is configured so that the fastening holes 111a, 111b can be reinforced with metallic parts as shown in figure 6. In an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic component 112 has at least a second outlet, which passes through the opening to communicably couple the electronic component 112 to a vehicle system disposed below.
[00041] Figure 7 is an exemplary exploded illustration of the structural support member 111 and the electronic component 112. The flange of the structural support member 111 is configured with one or more mounting means 111e. The opening on the structural support member 111 is configured rearwardly of the flange, and the two fastening holes 111b, 111c are configured on either side of the opening 111a. the electronic component 112 is mounted on the structural support member by aligning the mounting holes 112b, 112c to the fastening holes 111b, 111c, and fasteners 113a, 113b are passed through the aligned holes. Rearwards of the electronic component, the seat latch is configured. Further rearwards, the depressed chamber is provided for housing the first energy storage unit. The first energy storage unit is further secured by a rear wall 111d of the structural support member 111.
[00042] As per the present embodiment of the invention, the electronic component 102 is an immobilizer unit, which is configured to restrict the engine from starting until and unless a correct and authorized key is used to access the vehicle, thus protecting the vehicle.
[00043] The present subject matter provides various advantages. The electronic component 112 is securely mounted and located in a position in the vehicle 100 which cannot be tampered with. The seat 102 being secured with a seat latch, cannot be opened with authorization. Additionally, the one or more frame members 109 and the body panels on the left hand side and the right hand side of the vehicle 100 protect the vehicle from either side. Below the electronic component 112, the rear fender of the vehicle is provided. It extends rearwardly from below the seat assembly 102 to the tail lamp, which protects the electronic component 112 from below. In front of the electronic component 112 is the second energy storage unit 101, which is itself fixedly attached to the frame. Hence, the electronic component 112 is tamper proof, and is also protected from all natural and environmental factors.
[00044] In light of the above mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the device itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
 
List of reference signs:
100 – vehicle
101 – second energy storage unit
101a – inlet
101b – main body of the second energy storage unit
102 – seat assembly
103 – power unit
104 – front wheel
105 – rear wheel
106 – handlebar
107 – headtube
109 – one or more frame members
111 – structural support member
111a – opening
111b - right hand side fastening means
111c – left hand side fastening means
112 – electronic component
112a – body of the electronic component
112b – right hand side mounting means
112c – left hand side mounting means
113a – left hand side fastener
113b – right hand side fastener
L-L’ – reference axis for fastener on the left hand side
R-R’ – reference axis for fastener on the right hand side
, Claims:We claim:
1. A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising
a seat assembly (102), and
a first energy storage unit, the first energy storage unit is disposed under the seat assembly (102),
wherein,
the first energy storage unit is securely disposed in a structural support member (111) under the seat assembly (102),
an electronic component (112) being disposed on the structural support member (111), forwardly of the first energy storage unit, under the seat assembly (102), in a vehicle (100) front rear direction.
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) comprises a second energy storage unit (101), the second energy storage unit (101) being attached to a frame of the vehicle (100), disposed forwardly of the seat assembly (102), wherein the structural support member (111) is disposed rearwardly of the second energy storage unit (101), under the seat assembly (102), in a vehicle (100) front rear direction.
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vehicle (100) comprises a power unit (103), the power unit (103) being configured to propel at least one driven wheel (105) of the vehicle (100), wherein the power unit (100) comprises at least one of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the vehicle (100) comprising a frame, the frame comprising a headtube (107), and one or more frame members (109).
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the structural support member (111) is mounted on at least one frame member of the one or more frame members (109) by using one or more mounting means (111e), rearwardly of the second energy storage unit (101).
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the seat assembly (102) comprising a first seat and a second seat, the first seat being disposed forwardly of the second seat, and wherein the seat assembly (102) is disposed behind the second energy storage unit (101), the structural support member (111) is disposed under the first seat, in a vehicle (100) front rear direction.
7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic component (112) having one or more mounting points (112b, 112c) that are aligned with one or more fastening holes (111b, 111c) of the structural support member (111), wherein the electronic component (112) is securely mounted on the structural support member (111) using one or more fasteners (113a, 113b).
8. The vehicle (100) as claim in claim 4, wherein the electronic component (112) is disposed behind at least one cross member, the cross member joining a left hand side member and a right hand side member of the one or more frame members (109), along a vehicle (100) front rear direction.
9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the structural support member (111) is disposed above a rear suspension system, wherein the rear suspension system is connected to a rear portion of the frame.
10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic component (112) is communicatively connected to at least one or more electronic sensors disposed on the vehicle (100), the one or more sensors measuring various real time vehicle (100) parameters.
11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic component (112) is communicatively connected to at least one electronic controller of the vehicle (100).
12. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second energy storage unit (101) being a fuel tank.
13. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second energy storage unit (101) being a battery pack.
14. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic component (112) is an immobilizer unit, configured to protect the vehicle (100) from unauthorized access.
15. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first energy storage unit is a battery configured to provide electrical power to one or more electrical systems in the vehicle (100).