DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
AN INTEGRATED HANDLEBAR ASSEMBLY WITH MULTIPLE COMPONENTS AND A SINGLE CONTROLLER FOR CONTROLLING EACH COMPONENT

APPLICANT
Varroc Engineering Limited.
An Indian entity having address as:
L-4, MIDC Waluj,
Aurangabad - 431136,
Maharashtra, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner which is to be performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
The present Application claims priority from an Indian Provisional Patent Application 202021019608 filed on 08th of June 2020, incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to the field of handlebar assembly in automobiles, and more particularly, the present subject matter relates to a single handlebar assembly integrating multiple aggregates for controlling the automobile via a single controller.
BACKGROUND
A handlebar of a motorbike is an assembly of mechanical accessories and electronic components collectively enabling various controls for the driver while driving the motorbike. Typically, the motorbike OEMs procure different components/modules from various vendors/suppliers and then integrate these components/modules in order to build the handlebar assembly for the motorbike. Some of the components/modules that are procured separately from different vendors in order to build the handlebar assembly include ECUs, micro controllers, instrument cluster, head lamps, mirrors, blinkers, etc.

However, such conventional designing of the handlebar assembly suffers from several drawbacks. First, since each individual module/component is to be procured from separate vendor, the overall manufacturing cost and the maintenance cost for the handlebar assembly is high. Second, since these individual components procured from different vendors are required to be integrated and/or assembled together to form the handlebar assembly, the overall assembling/installation time is also high. Third, since the handlebar assembly being designed contains multiple electronic components and a dedicated controller is used to separately control each electronic component, the electronic circuitry of the handlebar assembly requires wiring harness for each individual component and further results in complex circuitry. Further, since the multiple components of different dimensions are procured from different vendors and since each component is adopted to perform a dedicated control function, the overall space consumed by all the components/module on the handlebar assembly is huge thereby resulting in bulkier design for the handlebar assembly. Therefore, designing the handlebar assembly with space constraints itself is a big challenge.

Thus, in view of the above, there is a long standing need for a single integrated handlebar assembly integrating multiple components/modules along with a single to operate and/or control all the multiple components/modules thereby reducing at least the number of components/modules, assembling/installation time, overall packaging size and manufacturing & maintenance cost of the handlebar assembly, as well as less range of tolerance or variation with the use of less no of components.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce the concepts related to an integrated handlebar assembly integrating multiple components and a single controller for controlling each component and the concepts are further described in the detail description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor it is intended to use in determining or limiting the scope of claimed subject matter.

In one implementation, the present subject matter describes a single integrated handlebar (IHB) assembly (hereinafter referred as “IHB Assembly” interchangeably) integrating multiple components and a single controller for controlling each component, in accordance with the present subject matter. The IHB assembly may comprise various parts/components/modules (hereinafter referred as “components”) including, but are not limited to, a head lamp, mirrors, blinkers, instrument cluster, lever holder, throttle sensor, sensors, and the like. These parts are assembled and/or integrated onto one central structure. The IHB assembly may be designed such that it makes easy operability of all the parts of the IHB assembly.

A single cowl is used to build the IHB assembly. Further, the single cowl is discrete structure. Further IHB assembly comprising a set of components. Further, the set of components comprises a compact and sleek headlamp assembly, a tact switch assembly, a lever holder assembly, a grip assembly, a sensor assembly, a sequential blinking assembly, an electronic instrument cluster, and a driver PCB. Further, the IHB may also comprise mirror with a sequential blinker assembly (LH-RH). Further, the set of components are assembled on the single cowl. Furthermore, a single control module is configured to control each component from the set of components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the Figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the Figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.

Figure 1a and 1b illustrates a front view and a user perspective view of a single integrated handlebar assembly 100 (hereafter referred as IHB assembly 100) respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter.

Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a split cowl 200 used to design conventional handlebar assembly.

Figures 3a and Figure 3b illustrates a rear view and a front view of a single cowl 300 respectively used to designed to IHB assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter.

Figure 4 illustrates a core cavity assembly 400, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrates core-cavity extraction of the single cowl 300, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter.

Figure 6a and 6b illustrates a self-illuminated tact switch assembly hereafter referred to as a tact switch assembly and a sensor assembly, respectively, integrated with the IHB assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter.

Figure 7 illustrates a system block diagram 700 of the IHB assembly 100 with a single controller, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter.

Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram 800 of the IHB assembly 100 with single control module for controlling multiple components, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter.

Figure 9a to 9f illustrates a throttle position sensor integration with the IHB assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Figure 1a and 1b illustrates a front view and a user perspective view of the IHB assembly (100) respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter. In one embodiment, the IHB assembly (100) may be used in two-wheelers or three wheelers. Further the IHB assembly may comprising a set of components. Further, the set of components may comprise a compact and sleek headlamp assembly (101), a Self-illuminated tact switch assembly hereafter referred to as a tact switch assembly (106 (a), 106 (b)), a lever holder assembly (105(a), 105 (b)), a grip assembly (103 (b)), a sensor assembly (103 (a)), a sequential blinking assembly (102), an electronic instrument cluster (107) and driver PCB (703). Further, the IHB may also comprise a mirror with a sequential blinker assembly (LH-RH). Further, the set of components are assembled on the single cowl (300).
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a split cowl (200). Existing motorbikes use the split cowl (200) to build the handlebar assembly. The split cowl (200) may comprise a front cowl (201) and a rear cowl (202). Thus, the split cowl (200) comprises two separate parts which are required to be integrated together to form a complete handlebar assembly. Such a split cowl (200) has limitations including, but not limited to, requirement of additional assembly time, maintenance, adhesion processes, and the like. In case either of the front cowl (201) or the rear cowl (202) is damaged, the handlebar assembly will remain incomplete until exactly same cowl is again designed and manufactured.

Figure 3a and Figure 3b illustrates a rear view and a front view of the single cowl (300) respectively used to design to the IHB assembly (100), in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter. In order to overcome the limitations of the split cowl (200), the single cowl (300) is implemented to design the IHB assembly (100). The single cowl (300) is a discrete structure without a front and rear spilt cowl. The single cowl (300) is configured to aggregate and package all the parts including, but not limited to, the set of components. Further, the set of components may comprise a compact and sleek headlamp assembly (101), a tact switch assembly (106 (a), 106 (b)), a lever holder assembly (105(a), 105 (b)), a grip assembly (103 (b)), a sensor assembly (103 (a)), a sequential blinking assembly (705,706), an electronic instrument cluster (107). Further, the set of components are assembled on the single cowl (300).

Further, in another embodiment, the compact and sleek headlamp assembly (101) may be as disclosed in the Indian patent application number 202021019611, incorporated herein by reference. The compact and sleek headlamp assembly (101) may comprise a high beam module, a low beam module, and a DRL.

Further, in another embodiment, the tact switch assembly (106 (a), 106 (b)) may be as disclosed in the Indian patent application number 202021019613, incorporated herein by reference. The tact switch assembly (106 (a), 106 (b)) may comprise a left hand (LH) switch (605) and a right hand (RH) switch (606). Further, the left hand (LH) switch (605) and the right hand (RH) switch (606) are assembled on the left-hand side and right-hand side of the single cowl (300) respectively.

Further, the lever holder assembly (105) comprises LH-RH lever holder assembly may assemble on the left-hand side and right-hand side of the single cowl (300) respectively.

Further in another embodiment, the grip assembly (103 (b)) may be assembled on the left hand (LH) side of the single cowl (300).

Further, in another embodiment, the sensor assembly (103 (a)) may be as disclosed in the Indian patent application number 202021018107, incorporated herein by reference. The sensor assembly (103 (a)) comprise a throttle position sensor which is integrated to right hand (RH) of the single cowl (300). Further, the sensor assembly may comprise a damper weight for controlling the throttle position sensor.

Further, in another embodiment, the sequential blinking assembly (705, 706) may be as disclosed in the Indian patent application number 202021019609, incorporated herein by reference. The sequential blinking assembly (705, 706) may comprises an indicator assembly (705) and a mirror blinker assembly (706). Further, the indicator (705) may comprise a left indicator and a right indicator may assemble on the left-hand side and right-hand side of the single cowl (300) respectively. Further the blinker may comprise LH-RH blinkers. Further, the LH-RH blinkers may assemble on right hand mirror (102) and left hand mirror of the single cowl (300).

Further, in another embodiment, the electronic instrument cluster (107) may be as disclosed in the Indian patent application number 202021019610, incorporated herein by reference. The electronic instrument cluster (107) may an LCD assembly (104), a supply battery, a supply, a microcontroller, a plurality of control switches, an ignition switch, a Bluetooth module.

Further, in another embodiment the driver PCB (703) of the IHB assembly is matched with the direction of core-cavity assembly in order to assemble the driver PCB on the single cowl (300) of the IHB assembly (100). The single cowl (300) facilitates in ease of Actuator Sensor signal Modulation (ASM) as additional fixture is not required for ASM. Further, the driver PCB (703) may be configured to integrate all these assemblies in the IHB assembly, thereby eliminating the requirement of individual electronic circuitry for each of the multiple electronic parts in the handlebar assembly of the existing systems.

Figure 4 illustrates a core cavity assembly (400), in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter. The core-cavity assembly (400) may comprise a cavity plate (401), a core plate (402), a cavity (403), a molded part (404) and a core (405). The core (405) is an extended or male portion of the mould or die which creates the internal plastic or casting part surface. The cavity (403) is a depression or female portion of the mould or die which creates the external plastic or casting part surface. In one embodiment, the IHB assembly (100) comprises a driver PCB in the single cowl (300) (shown in figure 7) which may rest with one additional slider (not shown in figure). The direction of core-cavity assembly (400) is matched with the driver PCB in order to assemble the driver PCB on the single cowl (300) of the IHB assembly (100).
Figures 5a and 5b illustrates core-cavity extraction of the single cowl (300), in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter. As can be seen, various tooling directions of the core-cavity assembly (400) in the single cowl (300) are illustrated. The single cowl (300) with the core cavity assembly (400) may be manufactured as per the tooling directions. The tooling directions may comprise slider direction (501), core direction (502) and cavity direction (503) as illustrated. The tooling directions may be configured for extraction of the core cavity assembly (400). The slider direction (501), the core direction (502) and the cavity direction (503) may be projected sideways, upwards, and downwards respectively.

Figure 6a and 6b illustrates LH-RH switches and a throttle position sensor assembly, respectively, integrated with the IHB assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter. Referring to figure 6a, the tact switch assembly (106 (a), 106 (b)) may comprise a left hand (LH) switch (605) and a right hand (RH) switch (606). Further, the left hand (LH) switch (605) and the right hand (RH) switch (606) are assembled on the left-hand side and right-hand side of the single cowl (300) respectively. Further, the left hand switch (605) may comprise a pass knob (601), a left blinker knob (602), a horn knob (603), and a HB/LB knob (604).
Further, the right hand switch (605) may comprise reset knob (607), a drive knob (608), a right blinker knob (609) and a start knob (610). Referring to figure 6b, the sensor assembly (103 (a)) comprise a throttle position sensor which is integrated to right hand (RH) of the single cowl (300). Further, the sensor assembly may comprise a damper weight for controlling the throttle position sensor (103), to avoid damage of TPS, in case of fall down of vehicle or bike. An anticlockwise direction (indicated as (611)) of an integrated throttle position sensor may be used for accelerating the vehicle.

Now, referring to figure 7, a system block diagram (700) of the IHB assembly (100) with a single controller is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter. The IHB assembly (100) may comprise an input connector assembly (701), an LCD assembly (702), a driver PCB (703), tell-tale indicator assembly (704), a indicator assembly (705), a mirror blinker assembly 706 and sleek and compact head lamp assembly (707). The driver PCB (703) may be configured to integrate all these assemblies in the IHB assembly (100) using the single cowl (300) design as described above, thereby eliminating the requirement of individual electronic circuitry for each of the multiple electronic parts in the handlebar assembly of the existing systems.
As shown in figure 7, the input connector (701) may be configured to provide inputs at least from CAN H, CAN L, speed signal, ignition key, battery, fuel switch, HB switch, pass switch, right and left hand blinker switches, engine kill to the driver PCB (703). The driver PCB 703 may comprise power supply, head lamp driving circuit, indicator/ Mirror sequential LED and blinker driving circuit, tell-tale driving circuit, Bluetooth module, CAN circuit, switch sensing circuit, fuel circuit, speed circuit, etc. The CAN circuit may comprise a single microcontroller configured to process outputs from all these circuits and accordingly operate the LCD assembly (702), the tell-tale indicator assembly (704), the indicator assembly (705) on the handlebar, the mirror blinker assembly (706) on the handlebar and the head lamp assembly 707 on the handlebar.

In one embodiment, the electronic instrument cluster (107) may comprise an LCD assembly (104), a supply battery, a supply, a microcontroller, a plurality of control switches, an ignition switch, and a Bluetooth module. Further, the LCD assembly (104,702) may display signs, symbols and values for kill switch, side stand, low battery, service reminder, mobile signal, call, Bluetooth, message, navigation, caller name, ODO, trip, speed, RPM, fuel, gear, RTC, etc. The tell-tale indicator assembly (704) may comprise indicators for right and left turn, high beam, MIL, ISG fault, ISG start, etc. Further, in another embodiment, the sequential blinking assembly (705, 706) may comprise an indicator assembly (705) and a mirror blinker assembly (706). Further, the indicator assembly (705) may comprise right indicator and left indicator. The mirror blinker assembly (706) may comprise right and left blinker. Further, the sleek and compact head lamp assembly (707) may comprise DRL, low beam, high beam and such like. The microcontroller in the CAN circuit on the driver PCB (703) communicates with the LCD assembly (702) via LCD interface and with the head lamp and blinker assembly with their corresponding interfaces. The tell-tale indicator assembly (704) may receive digital output from the microcontroller.

Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram (800) of the IHB assembly (100) with a single control module (800) controlling multiple components of the IHB assembly (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the CAN circuit may comprise a CAN transceiver (805) (configured to receive a CAN input (803)), a digital input signal conditioning unit (806) (configured to receive a digital input (804)), a switch input (807), a setup button input (808), a Bluetooth interface (809), a microcontroller (810), a supply voltage (801), and a power supply (802). The supply voltage (801) may be configured to supply voltage to the power supply (802) of the IHB assembly (100). The power supply (802) may be further configured to supply power to the components of the CAN circuit as well as the assemblies including the LCD assembly (702), the tell-tale indicator assembly 704, the indicator assembly 705 on the handlebar, the mirror blinker assembly 706 on the handlebar and the head lamp assembly 707 on the handlebar.

Further, referring figure 8, the microcontroller (810) may receive inputs from the CAN transceiver (805), the digital input signal conditioning unit (806), the switch input (807), the setup button input (808), and the Bluetooth interface (809). The microcontroller (810) may process the inputs according to a scheduler (811) and generate the corresponding outputs by communicating with the LCD assembly (702) via LCD interface and with the compact and sleek head lamp assembly (707) and the blinker assembly (706) with their corresponding interfaces. The tell-tale indicator assembly (704) may receive digital output from the microcontroller (810). Therefore, the single microcontroller (810) is configured to control multiple components. It should be noted here that the scheduler (811) in the microcontroller (810) may be programmed to perform scheduling of tasks associated with each of the components depending upon the priority assigned to each task by the scheduler (811) and or inputs received from the driver. For example, in real time, the scheduler may analyse the present conditions and depending on the priority may switch the task. Alternatively, the task may be triggered based on the manual input received from the driver and/or passenger in the vehicle. Further, the priority of the task assigned may be overridden by other tasks depending upon the circumstances/scenario/criticality associated to the tasks. The tasks may include switching on one or more indicator assemblies to display navigation instructions, switching of headlamp to HB/LB/DRL.

In one embodiment, all the electronic functions in the IHB assembly (100) may be controlled and operated via a single ECU or the single microcontroller, thereby reducing the requirement of various parts and components, overall assembly cost, maintenance cost and time of assembly. Moreover, the IHB assembly (100) is less complex and has a sleek design and all the electronic components may be assembled at a single instance rather than purchasing parts from various suppliers and then assembling.

Figure 9a to 9f illustrates a throttle position sensor assembly, integration with the IHB assembly in accordance with an embodiment of a present subject matter. Referring to figure 9a, the IHB assembly (100) may comprise a single cowl (901), a throttle grip assembly (902), a counterweight (903), a rotor (904), a magnet (905), a screw (906), a torsion spring (907) and a PCB (908). The rotor (904) may enable the throttle grip assembly (902) to rotate in clockwise and counter clockwise direction. The torsion spring (907) enables maintain the throttle grip assembly (902) in its state of rest. Further, the magnet (905) is installed on the rotor (904), when the rotor (904) rotates, the magnet (905) results into change in magnetic flux. This change in magnetic flux is captured by the PCB (908) or in depth Hall IC/ sensor placed next to the rotor (904). Further, the PCB (908) converts the magnetic flux into electric signal and send the signal to the microcontroller (810) which controls the speed of the vehicle. It must be noted that the IHB assembly (100) does not have a handlebar rod. Instead, the throttle grip assembly (902) is directly connected to the single cowl (901).
Further, figure 9b illustrates the throttle grip assembly (902) with the single cowl (901).
Further, figure 9c illustrates the rotor assembly (904, 905) with throttle grip assembly (902). Further, the screw (906) is configured to assemble the rotor (904) and the magnet (905).
Further, figure 9d illustrates the torsion spring assembly (907) with the rotor assembly (904, 905).
Further, figure 9e illustrates the PCB (908) assembled with the single cowl (901).
Further, figure 9f illustrates the counterweight (903) assembly with the single cowl (901).

The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.

Although implementations of the headlamp assembly for a motor vehicle have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations of the integrated handlebar assembly for a motor vehicle.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An integrated handlebar assembly (100) for an automobile, comprising:
a single cowl (300), wherein the single cowl (300) is discrete structure;
a set of components, wherein the set of components comprises a compact and sleek headlamp assembly (101), a tact switch assembly (106 (a), 106 (b)), a lever holder assembly (105(a), 105 (b)), a grip assembly (103 (b)), a sensor assembly (103 (a)), a sequential blinking assembly (705,706), an electronic instrument cluster (107), and driver PCB (703), wherein the set of components are assembled on the single cowl (300);
a single control module (800) is configured to control each component from the set of components.

2. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compact and sleek headlamp assembly (101) comprising a high beam module, a low beam module, and a DRL.

3. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tact switch assembly (106 (a), 106 (b)) comprises a left hand (LH) switch (605) and a right hand (RH) switch (606), wherein the left hand (LH) switch (605) and the right hand (RH) switch (606) are integrated on the left-hand side and right-hand side of the single cowl (300) respectively.

4. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the left hand switch (605) comprises a pass knob (601), a left blinker knob (602), a horn knob (603), and a HB/LB knob (604).

5. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the right hand switch (606) comprises reset knob (607), a drive knob (608), a right blinker knob (609) and a start knob (610).

6. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever holder assembly (105(a), 105 (b)) comprises left hand lever holder (105(b)) and right hand lever holder (105(a)) assembled on the left-hand side and right-hand side of the single cowl (300) respectively.

7. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grip assembly (103 (b)) is integrated to left hand (LH) side of the single cowl (300).

8. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly (103 (a)) comprise a throttle position sensor which is integrated to right hand (RH) of the single cowl (300).

9. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a LH-RH mirrors (102 (b), 102 (a)) are mounted on the single cowl (300).

10. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sequential blinking assembly (705, 706) comprises an indicator assembly (705) and a mirror blinker assembly (706), wherein the indicator assembly (705) comprise a left indicator and a right indicator may assemble on the left-hand side and right-hand side of the single cowl (300) respectively and the blinker may comprise LH-RH blinkers may assemble on right hand mirror (102 (a)) and left hand mirror (102 (b)) of the single cowl (300).

11. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic instrument cluster (107) comprises an LCD assembly (104), a supply battery, a supply, a microcontroller, a plurality of control switches, an ignition switch, a Bluetooth module. Gear indication etc

12. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the single control module (800) comprises a CAN transceiver (805), a digital input signal conditioning unit (806), a switch input (807), a setup button input (808), a Bluetooth interface (809), a microcontroller (810), a supply voltage (801), and a power supply (802).

13. The integrated handlebar assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driver PCB (703) configured to integrate the set of components of the IHB assembly (100) through single electronic circuitry.

Dated this 08th Day of June 2020

Priyank Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
IN/PA- 1454