Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a fender structure for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a brace fender structure for the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles are provided with front fork that connects a front wheel, an upper bracket and a lower bracket of the vehicle. The front fork provides necessary cushioning for front side of the vehicle during travelling, thereby facilitating easy steering operation.
[003] One of the primary requirements of the front fork is to have optimum structural stiffness with a lower weight to facilitate easy steering operation. Higher weight of front fork will lead to higher steering inertia causing undesired steering response. To meet such a requirement, an inner tube size and thickness of the front fork are optimized for optimum stiffness with lowest possible weight. Also, to keep the weight on lower side, the front fork inner tube size is optimized to have smallest size possible. However, smaller front fork size will have poor lateral, longitudinal and torsional stiffness of the front fork, which is detrimental to handling and cushioning requirements of the vehicle.
[004] In order to compensate the lower stiffness of the front fork, a brace fender is provided to stiffen the structure. Conventionally, provision for the brace fender mounting is provided on outer tube of the front fork and the brace fender will connect with the front fork through fasteners. At least two mountings are typically provided on either side of the front fork for better clamping and anti-rotation. The mountings are provided on the same plane for ensuring uniform structural stiffness behavior. Upon mounting of the brace fender, the fender assembly of the vehicle is mounted as a sandwich construction.
[005] However, due to style requirements and manufacturing feasibility of fender parts, the fender is proposed to be a split-type construction. This means that the fender mounting on front fork along front side of vehicle and along rear side of vehicle shall not be on the same plane. This will also means that the brace fender front side mountings and rear side mountings shall not be on the same plane. This will lead to complex stiffness behavior of the front fork and poor durability. Moreover, in split-type construction of the fender, the same brace fender may not be applicable. As such, design changes and mounting challenges are paramount in conventional brace fenders.
[006] In view of the above, there is a need for a brace fender structure for a vehicle, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, a brace fender structure for a vehicle is disclosed. The brace fender structure comprises a body member mounted to a fork assembly of the vehicle and adapted to support a fender of the vehicle. The body member comprises a front portion adapted to be mounted onto a front side of the fork assembly and a rear portion adapted to be mounted onto a rear side of the fork assembly, wherein width of the front portion of the body member is larger than width of the rear portion of the body member.
[008] In an embodiment, a first lip portion is provided on a front edge of the front portion of the body member, wherein the first lip portion extends downwardly from the body member for improving longitudinal stiffness of the body member.
[009] In an embodiment, a first recess is provided at a central portion of the front edge of the front portion. The first recess is adapted to reduce lateral and torsional stiffness of the body member.
[010] In an embodiment, a second lip portion is provided on a rear edge of the rear portion of the body member. The second lip portion extends downwardly from the body member for improving longitudinal stiffness of the body member.
[011] In an embodiment, a second recess is provided at a central portion of the rear edge of the rear portion. The second recess is adapted to reduce lateral and torsional stiffness of the body member.
[012] In an embodiment, one or more dimples are provided on a central surface of the body member. The one or more dimples are adapted to improve longitudinal and torsional stiffness of the body member.
[013] In an embodiment, the one or more dimples comprises a first dimple extending longitudinally on the central surface of the body member and located proximal to a left end surface of the central surface, a second dimple extending longitudinally on the central surface of the body member and located proximal to a right end surface of the central surface and a third dimple. The third dimple extends diagonally from the front portion to the rear portion and is located between the first dimple and the second dimple.
[014] In an embodiment, the front portion comprises a right end adapted to be mounted to the front side of a right-side fork of the fork assembly and a left end adapted to be mounted to the front side of a left-side fork of the fork assembly. The rear portion comprises a right end adapted to be mounted to the rear side of the right-side fork of the fork assembly and a left end adapted to be mounted to the rear side of a left-side fork of the fork assembly. Each of the right ends and the left ends of the front portion and the rear portion of the body member are provided with a weld nut for fastening the body member onto the fork assembly.
[015] In an embodiment, the body member is adapted to engage with an inner surface of the fender.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] 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 vehicle, in accordance with exemplary an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a schematic view of a fork assembly provided with a fender of the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a schematic view of a brace fender structure mounted to the fork assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of the brace fender structure mounted to the fork assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the brace fender structure supporting the fender, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the brace fender structure supporting the fender, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the brace fender structure, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the brace fender structure, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the brace fender structure, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle can be a multi-wheeled vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the vehicle 200 is a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 200 comprises an internal combustion engine 210 that is adapted to provide motive force required for movement of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine 210 is preferably a single-cylinder engine. The vehicle 200 has a front wheel 212, a rear wheel 214, a frame member (not shown), a seat 216 and a fuel tank 218. In an embodiment, the seat 216 includes a rider seat (not shown) and a pillion seat (not shown). The frame member includes a head pipe (not shown), a main tube (not shown), a down tube (not shown), and a seat rail (not shown). The head pipe supports a steering shaft 220 (shown in Figures 2 and 4) and a fork assembly 202 attached to the steering shaft 220 through a lower bracket 222 (shown in Figures 2 and 4). The fork assembly 202 supports the front wheel 212. In an embodiment, the fork assembly 202 is a telescopic suspension unit, configured to cushion the front side of the vehicle 200 during travelling and thereby ease the handling of the vehicle 200. In the present embodiment, the fork assembly 202 is a front fork of the vehicle 200. In the present embodiment, the fork assembly 202 includes a right-side fork 206 (for e.g. shown in Figure 2-6) mounted to a right side of the front wheel 212 and a left-side fork 208 (for e.g. shown in Figures 2-6) mounted to a left side of the front wheel 212. The fork assembly 202 may be provided with mountings 202c (for e.g. shown in Figures 2-4) for facilitating mounting of the fender 204. In an embodiment, each of the mounting 202c are threaded holes provided on the fork assembly 202. In another embodiment, the mounting 202c may be provided on an outer tube of the fork assembly 202.
[019] A handlebar 224 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft 220 for turning the vehicle 200. A headlight 226, a visor guard 236 and instrument cluster 228 are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe. The frame member comprises the down tube that may be positioned in front of the engine 210 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe. The main tube of the frame member is located above the engine 210 and extends rearward from head pipe.
[020] The fuel tank 218 is mounted on the main tube. Seat rails are joined to main tube and extend rearward to support the seat 216. A rear swing arm (not shown) is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 214 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm. Generally, the rear swing arm is supported through two rear shock absorbers 238 on either side of the vehicle 200 or through a mono rear suspension (not shown). A taillight unit 240 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 200 and at the rear of the seat 216 or the pillion seat 216b. A grab rail 230 is also provided to the seat rails. The rear wheel 214 is arranged below the seat 216 rotates by the motive force of the engine 210 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown).
[021] Further, a rear fender 232 is disposed above the rear wheel 214. An exhaust pipe 234 of the vehicle 200 extends vertically downward from the engine 210 and then extends below the engine 210, longitudinally along length of the vehicle 200 before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 214.
[022] Further, the upper portion of the front wheel 212 is covered by a fender 204 mounted to the fork assembly 202. The fender 204 is mounted to the fork assembly 202 through a brace fender structure 100 (shown in Figures 4-9) which will be described in detail in description pertaining to Figures 7-9. In an embodiment, the fender 204 is a split-type fender comprising a front member 204a (as shown in Figures 2, 5 and 6) and a rear member 204b (as shown in Figure 2, 5 and 6).
[023] Referring to Figure 7 in conjunction with Figures 1-3, the brace fender structure 100 mounted on the fork assembly 202 is depicted. The brace fender structure 100 is adapted to improve overall stiffness of the fork assembly 202, consequently improving handling of the vehicle 200.
[024] The brace fender structure 100 comprises a body member 102 mounted to the fork assembly 202. The body member 102 is adapted to support the fender 204 (i.e. the front fender), thereby enhancing durability of the fender 204 and the fork assembly 202. In an embodiment, the body member 102 is defined with a curved profile corresponding to the profile of the fender 204 in order to facilitate flush mounting of the fender 204 onto the body member 102. In the present embodiment, the body member 102 is adapted to be mounted onto an inner surface 204c (shown in Figures 5 and 6) of the fender 204.
[025] Further, the body member 102 comprises a front portion 104 adapted to be mounted onto a front side 202a (as shown in Figures 2 and 3) of the fork assembly 202 and a rear portion 106 adapted to be mounted onto a rear side 202b (as shown in Figures 2 and 3) of the fork assembly 202. In the present embodiment, the front side 202a of the fork assembly 202 pertains to the surface facing towards the front side of the vehicle 200, while the rear side 202b of the fork assembly 202 pertains to the surface facing towards rear side of the vehicle 200.
[026] Further, the front portion 104 comprises a right end 104a mounted to the front side 202a of the right-side fork 206 and a left end 104b mounted to the front side 202a of the left-side fork 208. Also, the rear portion 106 comprises a right end 106a mounted to the rear side 202b of the right-side fork 206 and a left end 106b mounted to the rear side 202b of a left-side fork 208. In the present embodiment, each of the right ends 104a, 106a and the left ends 104b, 106b of the body member 102 are provided with a weld nut 132 (as shown in Figure 9). The weld nut 132 is capable of receiving a fastener (not shown) through each of the right ends 104a, 106a and the left ends 104b, 106b. The fastener thereafter engages with mountings 202c, thereby fastening the body member 102 onto the fork assembly 202.
[027] Further, the front portion 104 and the rear portion 106 (as shown in Figures 7-9) extend as arms from a central portion 126 of the body member 102. The extension is such that, width W1 of the front portion 104 is larger than width W2 of the rear portion 106 of the body member 102. Such a construction enables mounting of the front member 204a and the rear member 204b to be aligned at a different plane, thereby simplifying stiffness behavior of the fork assembly 202, while also enhancing durability of the fender 204. In another embodiment, dimensions of the width W1 of the front portion 104 and the width W2 of the rear portion 106 can be considered as per design feasibility and requirement of the fender 204.
[028] Referring to Figure 8 in conjunction with Figures 1-7, the body member 102 comprises a first lip portion 108 provided on a front edge 110 (shown in Figure 7) of the front portion 104. The first lip portion 108 extends downwardly from the body member 102. Such an extension distributes the stresses acting on the body member 102 longitudinally, thereby improving longitudinal stiffness of the body member 102 at the front portion 104. In the present embodiment, the first lip portion 108 is a rim member that is extending downwardly from the front edge 110. In an embodiment, dimensions of the downward extension of the first lip portion 108 is selected so as to obtain optimum longitudinal stiffness of the body member 102, while ensuring minimal material usage. Further, a first recess 112 (also shown in Figure 7) is provided at a central portion of the front edge 110 for reducing lateral and torsional stiffness of the body member 102. In an embodiment, dimensions of the first recess 112 are considered as per lateral and torsional stiffness requirements of the body member 102. In an embodiment, the downward extension of the first lip portion 108 is lateral to the surface of the body member 102.
[029] Referring to Figure 9 in conjunction with Figures 1-8, the body member 102 comprises a second lip portion 114 provided on a rear edge 116 (shown in Figure 7) of the rear portion 106. The second lip portion 114 extends downwardly from the body member 102 for improving longitudinal stiffness of the body member 102 at the rear portion 106. Such an extension distributes the stresses acting on the body member 102 longitudinally, thereby improving longitudinal stiffness of the body member 102. In the present embodiment, the second lip portion 114 is a rim member that is extending downwardly from the rear edge 116. In an embodiment, dimensions of the downward extension of the second lip portion 114 is selected so as to obtain optimum longitudinal stiffness of the body member 102, while ensuring minimal material usage. Further, a second recess 118 is provided at a central portion of the front edge 110 for reducing lateral and torsional stiffness of the body member 102. In an embodiment, dimensions of the second recess 118 are considered as per lateral and torsional stiffness requirements of the body member 102. In an embodiment, the downward extension of the second lip portion 114 is lateral to the surface of the body member 102.
[030] Additionally, the body member 102 comprises one or more dimples 120, 122, 124 on a central surface 126 of the body member 102. The central surface 126 may be the surface between the front portion 104 and the rear portion 106 of the body member 102. The one or more dimples 120, 122, 124 improve longitudinal and torsional stiffness of the body member 102. The one or more dimples 120, 122, 124 comprises a first dimple 120, a second dimple 122 and a third dimple 124. The first dimple 120 extends longitudinally on the central surface 126 and is located proximal to a left end surface 128 of the central surface 126. The second dimple 122 extends longitudinally on the central surface 126 of the body member 102 and is located proximal to a right end surface 130 of the central surface 126. Further, the third dimple 124 extends diagonally from the front portion 104 to the rear portion 106 and located between the first dimple 120 and the second dimple 122. In an embodiment, the dimples 120, 122, 124 may be elongated depressions or indentations formed on the central surface 126. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the dimples 120, 122, 124 are considered as per design feasibility and requirement of the body member 102.
[031] In an embodiment, during assembly the right ends 104a, 106a are aligned to mountings 202c provided on the front side 202a and rear side 202b respectively, of the right-side fork 206. Thereafter, the left ends 104b, 106b are aligned to the mountings 202c provided on the front side 202a and rear side 202b respectively, of the left-side fork 208. Subsequently, the front member 204a is aligned to the ends 104a, 104b of the front portion 104. Upon alignment, the fastener is inserted through the mountings 202c and the ends 104a, 104b thereby fastening the front member 204a with the front portion 104. The rear member 204b is subsequently aligned to the weld nuts 132 provided at the ends 106a, 106b of the rear portion 106. Upon alignment, the fastener is inserted through the mountings 202c and the ends 106a, 106b thereby fastening the rear member 204b with the rear portion 104. Thus, at least two mountings are provided for mounting the fender 204 onto the fork assembly 202, thereby ensuring ease of assembly, enhancing durability and preventing rotation or misalignment of the fender 204. In an embodiment, the fender 204 is mounted as a sandwich mounting with the brace fender structure 100 on the fork assembly 202.
[032] 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 claimed aspect of the width W1 of the front portion 104 being larger than the width W2 of the rear portion 106 ensures that the fender 204 is mounted at different planes on the fork assembly 202, thereby simplifying stiffness behavior of the fork assembly 202, consequently improving handling characteristics of the vehicle 200. Moreover, the first lip portion 108 and the second lip portion 114 enhances longitudinal stiffness of the body member 102. Additionally, the dimples 120, 122, 124 provide the intended lateral, longitudinal and torsional stiffness of the body member 102, thereby enhance durability and performance of the brace fender structure 100 and thus the fork assembly 202. Further, the weld nut 132 enables the operator to remove the fender 204 from the fork assembly 202 without the requirement of dismantling wheel assembly of the vehicle 200. Also, the right ends 104a, 106a and the left ends 104b, 106b ensure to provide at least two mountings 202c for the fork assembly (i.e. the right-side fork 206 and the left-side fork 208), thereby ensuring ease of assembly, better clamping and anti-rotation of the brace fender structure 100. Further, the first recess 112 and the second recess 118 reduce weight of the brace fender structure 100.

Reference numerals
100 Brace fender structure
102 Body member
104 Front portion of the body member
104a Right end of the front portion
104b Left end of the front portion
106 Rear portion of the body member
106a Right end of the rear portion
106b Left end of the rear portion
108 First lip portion
110 Front edge of the front portion
112 First recess
114 Second lip portion
116 Rear edge of the rear portion
118 Second recess
120, 122, 124 One or more dimples
126 Central surface of the body member
128 Left end surface of the central surface
130 Right end surface of the central surface
132 Weld nut
200 Vehicle
202 Fork assembly
202a Front side of the fork assembly
202b Rear side of the fork assembly
202c Mountings on fork assembly
204 Fender
206 Right-side fork
208 Left-side fork
210 Internal combustion engine
212 Front wheel
214 Rear wheel
216 Seat
218 Fuel tank
220 Steering shaft
222 Lower bracket
224 Handlebar
226 Headlight
228 Instrument cluster
230 Grab rail
232 Rear fender
234 Exhaust pipe
236 Visor guard
238 Rear shock absorbers
240 Taillight
 
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A brace fender structure (100) for a vehicle (200), the brace fender structure (100) comprising:
a body member (102) mounted to a fork assembly (202) of the vehicle (200) and adapted to support a fender (204) of the vehicle (200), the body member (102) comprising a front portion (104) adapted to be mounted onto a front side (202a) of the fork assembly (202) and a rear portion (106) adapted to be mounted onto a rear side (202b) of the fork assembly (202),
wherein width (W1) of the front portion (104) of the body member (102) is larger than width (W2) of the rear portion (106) of the body member (102).

2. The brace fender structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a first lip portion (108) provided on a front edge (110) of the front portion (104) of the body member (102), wherein the first lip portion (108) extends downwardly from the body member (102) for improving longitudinal stiffness of the body member (102).

3. The brace fender structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a first recess (112) is provided at a central portion of the front edge (110) of the front portion (104), the first recess (112) being adapted to reduce lateral and torsional stiffness of the body member (102).

4. The brace fender structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a second lip portion (114) provided on a rear edge (116) of the rear portion (106) of the body member (102), wherein the second lip portion (114) extends downwardly from the body member (102) for improving longitudinal stiffness of the body member (102).

5. The brace fender structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a second recess (118) is provided at a central portion of the rear edge (116) of the rear portion (106), the second recess (118) being adapted to reduce lateral and torsional stiffness of the body member (102).

6. The brace fender structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising one or more dimples (120, 122, 124) on a central surface (126) of the body member (102), the one or more dimples (120, 122, 124) improve longitudinal and torsional stiffness of the body member (102).

7. The brace fender structure (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more dimples (120, 122, 124) comprises:
a first dimple (120) extending longitudinally on the central surface (126) of the body member (102) and being located proximal to a left end surface (128) of the central surface (126);
a second dimple (122) extending longitudinally on the central surface (126) of the body member (102) and being located proximal to a right end surface (130) of the central surface (126); and
a third dimple (124) extending diagonally from the front portion (104) to the rear portion (106) and located between the first dimple (120) and the second dimple (122).

8. The brace fender structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the front portion (104) comprises a right end (104a) adapted to be mounted to the front side (202a) of a right-side fork (206) of the fork assembly (202) and a left end (104b) adapted to be mounted to the front side (202a) of a left-side fork (208) of the fork assembly (202), and
the rear portion (106) comprises a right end (106a) adapted to be mounted to the rear side (202b) of the right-side fork (206) of the fork assembly (202) and a left end (106b) adapted to be mounted to the rear side (202b) of a left-side fork (208) of the fork assembly (202).

9. The brace fender structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the right ends (104a, 106a) and the left ends (104b, 106b) of the front portion (104) and the rear portion (106) of the body member (102) are provided with a weld nut (132) for fastening the body member (102) onto the fork assembly (202).

10. The brace fender structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body member (102) is adapted to engage with an inner surface of the fender (204).

Dated this 30th day of June 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471