Sign In to Follow Application
View All Documents & Correspondence

Changing Riding Mode Of Vehicle

Abstract: A system and method for changing riding mode of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 comprising a handlebar 115 comprising at least once electronic throttle grip 202. Further, based on the change in angle of the at least once electronic throttle grip 202 at least one processor 308 adjusts throttle valve opening using an electric motor actuator in a throttle body of a power unit of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the at least one processor 308 is configured to open the electric motor actuator when predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are achieved. A user can change a riding mode of the vehicle 100 by rotating the at least once electronic throttle grip 202 at least once in a negative direction from zero position to a predetermined angle for a predefined duration of time.

Get Free WhatsApp Updates!
Notices, Deadlines & Correspondence

Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
23 February 2023
Publication Number
35/2024
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
ELECTRICAL
Status
Email
Parent Application

Applicants

TVS Motor Company Limited
Jayalakshmi Estate, No 29 (Old No 8), Haddows Road
TVS Motor Company Limited
TVS Motor Company Limited, “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, India

Inventors

1. Ramasamy Vijaya Velusamy Janarth
TVS Motor Company Limited, “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, India
2. Srinivasamoorthy Madhan
TVS Motor Company Limited, “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, India
3. Raghavendra Prasad
TVS Motor Company Limited, “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, India
4. Datta Rajaram Sagare
TVS Motor Company Limited, “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, India

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, more specifically the present application is related to a system and method for changing riding mode of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle comprises an electronically controlled throttle device which controls an engine throttle valve by driving an electric actuator that has been in actual use. The electronically controlled throttle device adjusts the amount of intake air to an engine (in case of internal combustion engine) and can reduce emission and fuel consumption.

[0003] It is known to provide a vehicle having different types of riding mode which can be operated in different configurations to suit different driving conditions, for example, sport, manual, rain or economy. In each mode, subsystem control parameters such as accelerator grip response and conditions under which changes between gear ratios take place may be modified so as to suit the conditions of the terrain or the particular taste of the user.

[0004] In existing vehicles, a specific button is provided on a right-hand side or left-hand side of the handlebar for changing the riding modes of the vehicle. In some of the vehicles, navigation switch can be used for changing the modes of the vehicle. These additional switches result in additional cost and additional switch development. The ride by wire throttle grip has two directions of rotation from zero position where zero to positive position for normal operation of engine and zero to negative position for cruise cancellation. This will lead to increase in overall cost and weight of the vehicle.

[0005] The handlebar of the vehicle already has multiple switches such as for horn, lights, indicator, etc. and if we add a switch for changing riding mode of the vehicle the handlebar may become crowded. Further, in case of any emergency or panic situation the number of switches may confuse the user and the same may result in an accident.

SUMMARY
[0006] 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.

[0007] In one of the embodiments of the present application, a vehicle comprising: a handlebar comprising a pair of electronic throttles grip; at least one position sensor and at least one processor. The at least one position sensor is configured to detect change in angle of the electronic throttles grip. Further, based on the change in angle of the electronic throttles grip the at least one processor adjusts throttle valve opening using an electric motor actuator in a throttle body of a power unit of the vehicle. Furthermore, the at least one processor is configured to open the electric motor actuator when predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are achieved. A user can change riding mode of the vehicle using the electronic throttle grip by rotating the throttle grip at least once in a negative direction from zero position to a predetermined angle for a predefined duration of time.

[0008] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are speed of the vehicle, engine speed of the vehicle, temperature of the vehicle, disabling cruise control of the vehicle or the combination thereof.

[0009] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the at least one processor of the vehicle can be Engine Control Unit (ECU), Engine Management System (EMS), Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), Engine Control Module (ECM), or the combination thereof.

[00010] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the vehicle comprising a cluster. Further, a notification pertaining to change in riding mode of the vehicle will be displayed on the cluster.

[00011] In one of the embodiments of the present application, if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved, an error message will be displayed on the cluster of the vehicle.

[00012] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the error message can be an audio message, a picture message, a text message, a video message or a combination of thereof.

[00013] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the vehicle will remain in an initial riding mode if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved.

[00014] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the vehicle will come to a default riding mode if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved.

[00015] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the riding mode of the vehicle is interlinked with the at least one processor, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), cluster and controllers to change performance of the vehicle.

[00016] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the predetermined angle ranges from -5 degrees to -20 degrees.

[00017] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the predefined duration of time ranges from 0.5 microsecond to 2 second.

[00018] In one of the embodiments of the present application, if the user rotates the throttle grip in a negative direction twice in a predefined time interval the riding mode of the vehicle can be changed to a different riding mode. Further, the predefined time interval ranges from 2 seconds to 5 seconds.

[00019] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the vehicle can be an Internal Combustion (IC) engine, Electric Vehicle (EV) or a Hybrid Vehicle (HV).

[00020] In one of the embodiments of the present application, a method for changing a riding mode of a vehicle using a pair of electronic throttles grip is disclosed. Igniting, power unit of the vehicle and after that inspecting the vehicle using at least one position senor, change in angle of an electronic throttles grip. Further, checking, using at least one processor, if predetermined conditions of a throttle valve opening are achieved or not. Furthermore, if the predetermined conditions of a throttle valve are achieved then adjusting, throttle valve opening using an electric motor actuator in a throttle body of the power unit of the vehicle. Accordingly, a user is able to change the riding mode of the vehicle by rotating the throttle grip at least once in a negative direction from zero position to a predetermined angle for a predefined duration of time.

[00021] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are speed of the vehicle, engine speed of the vehicle, temperature of the vehicle, disabling cruise control of the vehicle or the combination thereof.

[00022] In one of the embodiments of the present application, a pair of electronic throttles grip are changing driving mode of the vehicle by rotating the throttle grip at least once in a negative direction from zero position to a predetermined angle for a predefined duration of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES:
[00023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain features of the invention.

[00024] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle as per one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00025] Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a handlebar of the vehicle as per one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00026] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram to illustrate connection between different components of the vehicle as per one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[00027] Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method of operation of a vehicle as per one of the embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00028] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of a motor in accordance with the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.

[00029] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the claimed subject matter. Instead, the proper scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by the appended claims. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various 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.

[00030] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, disposed, etc.) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer those two elements are directly connected to each other.

[00031] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal hatches in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically specified.

[00032] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 includes a frame assembly (not shown) to support different parts of the vehicle 100. In an upper portion of the frame assembly (not shown), a handlebar 115 is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft (not shown). The handlebar 115 is used to steer the vehicle 100 and is connected to a front wheel 185 through the steering shaft (not shown) and a front fork assembly (not shown). An upper portion of the front wheel 185 is covered by a front fender 190 which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft (not shown). Further, the front fork assembly (195) is supported on the front fender 190 by means of a brace fender (not shown).

[00033] In a front portion of the frame assembly (not shown) a fuel tank assembly 120 is arranged immediately behind the handlebar assembly 115 and is disposed over a power source, for example an internal combustion engine 180 in case of internal combustion engine based vehicle or a motor in case of electronic vehicle. A seat assembly 125 is placed behind the fuel tank assembly 120. The seat assembly 125 includes a front user seating portion and a pillion user seating portion. The pillion user seating portion is placed on the rear part of the frame assembly (not shown), where the rear part of the frame assembly (not shown) is covered by the tail cover assembly (not labelled).

[00034] For the safety of the user and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlamp assembly 105 that includes a headlamp 110 and front indicator lights 140a are provided in the front portion of the vehicle 100. On the rear portion of the two wheeled vehicle 100 a tail lamp (not labelled) and rear indicator light 140b are provided on the rear portion of the tail cover assembly (not shown). Above a tail cover assembly 130 and behind the seat assembly 125 a pillion handle135 is provided for the pillion user to grab.

[00035] Suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of the two wheeled vehicle 100 on the road. A front suspension assembly 195 serves as rigidity component for the front portion of the vehicle 100 just like the frame assembly (not shown). The front suspension assembly 195 clamped to the head tube (not shown) through an upper bracket (not labelled) and a lower bracket (not labelled) is capable of being moved to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension system 160, which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the frame assembly (not shown). The rear suspension system 160 comprises of at least one rear suspension 160 preferably disposed centrally in the longitudinal mid plane of the vehicle 100. However, in a vehicle 100 with two rear suspensions, the same may be disposed on the left side and the right side respectively of the vehicle 100.

[00036] The power source, for example the internal combustion engine 180 is mounted to a front lower portion of the frame assembly (not shown) by means of an engine mounting bracket (not shown). The internal combustion engine 180 is partially covered on the lower side of the internal combustion engine 180 by an engine cover 175. The internal combustion engine 180 is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe connected to the internal combustion engine 180 and a muffler assembly 155 connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler assembly 155 extends rearwards along the right side of the rear wheel 150.

[00037] Further, a swing arm 200 extending rearwards is swingably connected to a lower rear portion of the vehicle 100. The rear wheel 150 is rotatably supported at a rear end of the swing arm 200. Power from the internal combustion engine 180 is transmitted to the rear wheel 150 through a power drive mechanism, such as a drive chain, so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel 150. A center stand 165 is provided in between the front wheel 185 and the rear wheel 150 for parking the vehicle 100.

[00038] A rear fender 145 for covering an upper side of the rear wheel 150 is mounted to a rear portion of the vehicle 100 to prevent mud and water splashed by the rotating rear wheel 150 from entering the muffler assembly 155, the internal combustion engine 180 and other parts disposed close by. To enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle 100 and to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of the vehicle 100, a plurality of rear covers (not labelled) is attached to a rear portion of the frame assembly (not shown).

[00039] Area below the seat assembly 125 and the fuel tank assembly 120 of the vehicle 100 is covered on both sides by a cover frame assembly 170. The cover frame assembly 170 includes the one or more side covers.

[00040] The straddle-type vehicle 100 hereinafter referred to as “vehicle” may be a two-wheeler or a three-wheeler or a four-wheeler or the like. Further, the vehicle 100 may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), an electric vehicle (EV), Internal Combustion (IC) engine-driven vehicle, or the like. According to an aspect, the vehicle 100 may have a chassis 102 that may be the main support structure of the vehicle 100 and may bear all the stresses of the components assembled in the vehicle 100.

[00041] Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a handlebar 115 of the vehicle 100. The handlebar 115 comprising at least one electronic throttle grip 202 and a locking mechanism 204 to lock-unlock the vehicle 100. The locking mechanism 204 can be a key lock mechanism or a key fob locking mechanism or electronic locking mechanism or the like. The at least one electronic throttle grip 202 is a throttle grip which can be rotated in both positive and negative direction from zero position and when the throttle is released from positive / negative position it returns to zero position because of spring force. When the throttle grip 202 is rotated from zero to positive side it provides output voltage with respect to the angle rotated from zero position and when the throttle grip 202 is rotated in the negative direction from zero position it produces output voltage for reverse direction.

[00042] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the positive direction rotation of the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 is used to perform normal operation of the engine of the vehicle 100 and the negative direction of rotation of the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 is used to deactivate cruise control mode, park assist or change riding mode of the vehicle 100.

[00043] The vehicle 100 comprises at least one processor 308. The at least one processor 308 of the vehicle 100 can be Engine Control Unit (ECU), Engine Management System (EMS), Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), Engine Control Module (ECM), or the combination thereof. In the present application the term at least one processor is used herein interchangeably with the term EMS ECU. Further, the vehicle 100 with internal combustion engine, in general uses carburettor (or) Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for controlling air-fuel mixture. The EFI system has a central ECU, to which all the sensors and actuators of the vehicle 100 are connected. The sensors used in the fuel injection system, monitors the intake and exhaust parameters of the engine. Similarly, actuators control with various parameters such as quantity of fuel delivered to the engine, exhaust heater etc. The EFI ECU also enables On Board Diagnostics (OBD) for identifying and communicating failures related to the emission control system and a limp home operational mode for suboptimal performance of the vehicle 100 upon identification of one or more noncritical failures.

[00044] The vehicle 100 may comprises sensors such as but not limited to at least one position senor, air speed sensor, inclination sensor (e.g., a tilt sensor), speed sensor, revolution per minute (or other rotary data) of the pedal crank or the wheels, torque at the motor or wheel, battery statistics, communication links between the controller and other external communication devices, charging state of the charger, etc.

[00045] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram to illustrate connection between different components of the vehicle 100. More specifically, 300 in figure 3 is showing how different components of the vehicle 100 such as the at least one processor 308, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) 304, cluster 306, sensors and controllers are connected. In the present application the term cluster is used herein interchangeably with the term speedometer. ABS is a piece of safety system that prevents the wheels 150, 185 of the vehicle 100 from locking up under emergency, panic, or harsh braking conditions. More specifically, in ABS system the wheels 150, 185 from locking up during braking, thereby maintaining tractive contact with the road surface and allowing the user of the vehicle cluster 306 100 to maintain more control over the vehicle 100. The cluster 306 is used to display necessary vehicle 100 information such as Revolutions Per Minute (RPM), speed, gear indication, vehicle ride mode, fuel level, tell-tales, other homologation requirements through Controller Area Network (CAN) or Local Interconnect Network (LIN) or hardwire communication. In addition to that smart connect Bluetooth features such as navigation, calls, messages, music streaming etc. The has inbuilt drives to interface switch inputs four-way navigation switch, brake switch, hazard switch, turn signal lamp switch, sensor input and to drive body control and light control functions such as Transport Layer Security (TSL), Hazard, brake lamp etc of the vehicle 100. Further, based on the angle of the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 rotation the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 provide output voltage to EMS ECU 308 of the vehicle 100.

[00046] The vehicle 100 comprising at least one position senor which is configured to detect change in angle of the at least one electronic throttle grip 202. Further, based on the change in angle of the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 the at least one processor 308 adjusts throttle valve opening using an electric motor actuator in a throttle body of a power unit of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the at least one processor 308 is configured to open the electric motor actuator when predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are achieved. A user can change a riding mode of the vehicle 100 by rotating the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 at least once in a negative direction from zero position to a predetermined angle for a predefined duration of time.

[00047] The predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening of a vehicle 100 can be such as but not limited to speed of the vehicle 100, engine speed of the vehicle 100, temperature of the vehicle 100, disabling cruise control of the vehicle 100 or the combination thereof. The cruise control mode is commonly provided for highway driving and is settable by the user of the vehicle 100. More specifically, in the conventional art by pressing a button when the vehicle is at the desired speed. Further, additional buttons are also provided for incremental speed variation whilst the cruise control mode is set. Generally, cruise control mode cannot be enabled at less than a predetermined speed such as 40 kph, to avoid use in non-highway driving, such as in a city environment.

[00048] The cluster or speedometer 306 will be displaying the current riding mode in which the vehicle 100 is running. Further, the cluster 306 will also reflect change in the riding mode of the vehicle 100. In one of the embodiments of the present application, if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved, an error message will be displayed on the cluster 306. The error message can be an audio message, a picture message, a text message, a video message or a combination of thereof. In one of the embodiments of the present application, the error message will be transmitted to the smart wearables of the user also.

[00049] In one of the embodiments of the present application, if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved, the vehicle 100 will remain in an initial riding mode i.e., the riding mode of the vehicle 100 in which the vehicle 100 was running before rotating the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 at least once in a negative direction for changing the mode of the vehicle 100.

[00050] In one of the embodiments of the present application, if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved, the vehicle 100 will come to a predetermined riding mode. More specifically, a specific riding mode of the vehicle 100 was predetermined which will become default for the vehicle 100, if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved.

[00051] Some of the riding modes of vehicle 100 are Rain mode, Economical mode, City mode, Sport mode, Park Assist mode, or the like. The riding modes of the vehicle 100 are purpose-built as per the characteristics of the vehicle 100. The Engine Control Module controls the vehicle 100 main components such as the transmission, engine, steering, suspension, brakes, or the like. It has different power maps for different riding conditions. Further, riding modes also alter the throttle response, suspension stiffness, steering feel, and traction control. Furthermore, the riding mode of the vehicle 100 is connected with the at least one processor 308, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) 304, cluster 306 and controllers to change performance of the vehicle 100 depending upon the riding mode of the vehicle 100 selected by the user.

[00052] In one of the embodiments of the present application, a user can change riding mode of the vehicle 100 by rotating the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 at least once in a negative direction from zero position to a predetermined angle for a predefined duration of time. Further, the predetermined angle of the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 ranges from -5 degrees to -20 degrees. Furthermore, the predefined duration of time of the rotation of the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 ranges from 0.5 microsecond to 2 second. More specifically, if the user keeps rotating the at least one electronic throttle grip in negative direction there are chances that the user may be decelerating the vehicle 100. In order to differentiate this activity and to provide safer ride to the user it is required to rotate the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 at least once in a negative direction for a blip i.e., almost from 0.5 microsecond to 2 second to understand that the user is trying to change the riding mode of the vehicle 100.

[00053] In one of the embodiments of the present application, if the user rotates the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 in a negative direction twice in a predefined time interval the riding mode of the vehicle 100 can be changed to a different riding mode. In one of the embodiments of the present application, the predefined time interval for changing the riding mode of the vehicle 100 ranges from 2 seconds to 5 seconds. More specifically, if the user rotates the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 in a negative direction at least twice between a time interval ranges from 2 seconds to 5 seconds, the riding mode of the vehicle will change to some predetermined mode such as sports mode, rainy mode, or the like. For example, if a user of the vehicle 100, rotate the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 in a negative direction for a blip the mode of the vehicle 100 will change to city mode. However, if the user rotates the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 in a negative direction at least twice in a predefined time interval (i.e., from 2 seconds to 5 seconds) the mode of the vehicle 100 will change to sports mode. Accordingly, the user of the vehicle 100 is not required to change the mode of the vehicle 100 with buttons this will provide better focus of the user on the road and will reduce the overall cost of the vehicle 100 as switch to change the mode of the vehicle 100 is not required. Further, the same will also reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. Furthermore, this will provide some additional space on the handlebar 115 and will make the handlebar 115 of the vehicle 100 less crowded.

[00054] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the vehicle 100 can be an Internal Combustion (IC) engine, Electric Vehicle (EV) or a Hybrid Vehicle (HV).

[00055] Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method of operation of a vehicle 100. More specifically, the method for changing a riding mode of a vehicle 100 using at least one electronic throttle grip 202 comprises igniting 400 at least one power unit of the vehicle 100. Further, inspecting change in angle of the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 using at least one position senor. Furthermore, checking 402 if predetermined conditions of a throttle valve opening are achieved or not using at least one processor 308 and adjusting 404, throttle valve opening using an electric motor actuator in a throttle body of the power unit of the vehicle 100 if predetermined conditions of a throttle valve opening are achieved. Accordingly, changing 406, the riding mode of the vehicle 100 by a user by rotating the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 in a negative direction from zero position to a predetermined angle for a predefined duration of time.

[00056] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the vehicle 100 will keep checking if the throttle valve opening is achieved or not, if the predetermined conditions of a throttle valve opening are not achieved.

[00057] In one of the embodiments of the present application, after the ignition of the vehicle 100 is switched ON, the vehicle 100 verifies whether the negative throttle blip is applied by the user (i.e., rotating the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 in reverse direction from zero position). When the negative throttle blip is applied by the user if a cruise control mode of the vehicle 100 is active the vehicle 100 will disable the cruise control mode and the user needs to apply negative throttle grip once again to switch the riding mode of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 will change the riding mode only after predetermined riding mode change conditions are achieved. If the cruise control mode is not active the vehicle 100 will switch the riding mode of the vehicle 100 if user applies negative throttle.

[00058] In the vehicle 100, the riding mode of the vehicle 100 is interlinked to ABS and EMS performance. Where the throttle map is selected among different map charts and ABS operation frequency is fine tuned to adopt the specific functionality. Throttle map is a chart which varies injection, throttle opening response time and throttle opening percentage based on ride mode, engine load and several other engine and vehicle parameters.

[00059] The riding mode of the existing vehicle is varied using a dedicated switch which increases cost and additional interface circuit hence instead of using a separate switch the same function can be inter linked to any other safety mechanism. The ride by wire throttle grip has two directions of rotation from zero position where zero to positive position for normal operation of engine and zero to negative position for cruise cancel and ride mode change request. For safety purpose ride mode is allowed to change only in close throttle condition and cruise control mode is in deactivated state. Hence if the cruise control mode of the vehicle 100 is active, the same will be deactivated first by applying negative throttle cruise and negative throttle should be applied once again to change the riding mode of the vehicle 100.

[00060] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 mechanism consists of at least one position sensor which senses and produces output voltage based on throttle angle. The at least one electronic throttle grip 202 is constructed in a manner that it can be rotated in positive and negative direction. When the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 is rotated from zero position to positive position the output voltage is varied linearly with respect to linear change in throttle angle and when the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 is rotated in negative direction it produces corresponding voltage.

[00061] In one of the embodiments of the present application, based on the output voltage from at least one electronic throttle grip 202 the EMS ECU 308 senses the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 angle. Based on the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 operating angle the EMS ECU 308 will adjust the throttle valve opening using an electric motor actuator in the throttle body along with position detection to verify whether the necessary throttle opening has been achieved and for closed loop control.

[00062] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the user can change the riding mode of the vehicle 100 through the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 by rotating the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 at least once in a negative direction from zero position. The EMS ECU 308 senses negative throttle rotation based on output voltage of the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 and allows riding mode of the vehicle 100 to be changed if other riding mode change predetermined conditions (404) are achieved. Further, the changed riding mode of the vehicle 100 will be displayed on the cluster 306 of the vehicle 100. However, if other riding mode change predetermined conditions 404 are not achieved the cluster 306 of the vehicle 100 will display mode change error in order to indicate the user and the vehicle 100 will remain in the previous or default riding mode.

[00063] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the ride by the at least one electronic throttle grip 202 consists of two directions of rotation from zero position, one at positive side from zero position and one at negative side from zero position. The riding mode of the vehicle 100 is interlinked with EMS ECU 308, ABS 304, cluster 306, sensors, several controllers to change performance of the vehicle 100 by varying throttle map and ABS operation.

[00064] In one of the embodiments of the present application, considering the safety of the user and the vehicle 100, the change in riding mode of the vehicle 100 is not allowed if throttle is not closed since it is interlinked with EMS 308 or ABS 304 and even other controller performance. Hence using negative throttle blip (zero to negative position) at least once the riding mode of the vehicle 100 can be changed if other riding mode change predetermined conditions are achieved.

[00065] In one of the embodiments of the present application, considering the safety of the user and the vehicle 100 if a cruise control mode of the vehicle 100 is active the riding mode of the vehicle 100 cannot be changed with a single negative throttle blip (zero to negative position). Accordingly, for the safety purpose, the riding mode of the vehicle 100 is allowed to change only in close throttle condition and when the cruise control mode of the vehicle 100 is in deactivated state. Hence if the cruise control mode of the vehicle 100 is active, the same will be deactivated first by applying negative throttle cruise and negative throttle should be applied once again to change the riding mode of the vehicle 100. Accordingly, removal of ride mode switch, interface circuit and close throttle for customer safety is also achieved using negative throttle blip for changing the riding mode of the vehicle 100.

[00066] In one of the embodiments of the present application, the riding mode change of the vehicle 100 can also be implemented without considering the cruise control mode change of the vehicle 100. So, when the negative throttle blip is applied the riding mode of the vehicle 100 will be changed if other riding mode change predetermined conditions are achieved.

[00067] In view of the above, the 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.

[00068] The above-described embodiments, and particularly any “preferred” embodiments, are possible examples of implementations and merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[00069] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. It should be appreciated that the following figures may not be drawn to scale.

[00070] Descriptions of certain details and implementations follow, including a description of the figures, which may depict some or all of the embodiments described below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts presented herein. An overview of embodiments of the invention is provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.

[00071] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[00072] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
, Claims:We Claim:

1. A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a handlebar (115), the handlebar (115) comprising at least one electronic throttle grip (202);
at least one position senor, the at least one position sensor is configured to detect change in angle of the at least one electronic throttle grip (202); and
at least one processor (308);
wherein based on the change in angle of the at least one electronic throttle grip (202) the at least one processor (308) adjusts throttle valve opening using an electric motor actuator in a throttle body of a power unit of the vehicle (100),
wherein the at least one processor (308) is configured to open an electric motor actuator when predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are achieved,
wherein a user can change a riding mode of the vehicle (100) by rotating the at least one electronic throttle grip (202) at least once in a negative direction from zero position to a predetermined angle for a predefined duration of time.

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are speed of the vehicle (100), engine speed of the vehicle (100), temperature of the vehicle (100), disabling cruise control of the vehicle (100) or the combination thereof.

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one processor (308) of the vehicle (100) can be Engine Control Unit (ECU), Engine Management System (EMS), Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), Engine Control Module (ECM), or the combination thereof.

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) comprising a cluster (306) wherein the riding mode change will be displayed on the cluster (306).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved, an error message will be displayed on the cluster (306).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the error message can be an audio message, a picture message, a text message, a video message or a combination of thereof.

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) will remain in an initial riding mode if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved.

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) will come to a default riding mode if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved.

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the riding mode of the vehicle (100) is connected with the at least one processor (308), Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) (304), cluster (306) and controllers to change performance of the vehicle (100).

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle ranges from -5 degrees to -20 degrees.

11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined duration of time ranges from 0.5 microsecond to 2 second.

12. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein if the user rotates the electronic throttle grip (202) at least once in a negative direction twice in a predefined time interval the riding mode of the vehicle (100) can be changed to a different riding mode wherein the predefined time interval ranges from 2 seconds to 5 seconds.

13. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) can be an Internal Combustion (IC) engine, Electric Vehicle (EV) or a Hybrid Vehicle (HV).

14. A method for changing a riding mode of a vehicle (100) using at least one electronic throttle grip (202), the method comprises steps of:
igniting (400), power unit of the vehicle (100);
inspecting, using at least one position senor, change in angle of the at least one electronic throttle grip (202);
checking (402), using at least one processor (308), predetermined conditions of a throttle valve opening are achieved, and
adjusting (404), throttle valve opening using an electric motor actuator in a throttle body of the power unit of the vehicle (100); and
changing (406), the riding mode of the vehicle (100) by a user by rotating the at least one electronic throttle grip (202) at least once in a negative direction from zero position to a predetermined angle for a predefined duration of time.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are speed of the vehicle (100), engine speed of the vehicle (100), temperature of the vehicle (100), disabling cruise control of the vehicle (100) or the combination thereof.

16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one processor (308) of the vehicle (100) can be Engine Control Unit (ECU), Engine Management System (EMS), Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), Engine Control Module (ECM), or the combination thereof.

17. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein displaying (406) change in riding mode of the vehicle (100) on a cluster (306) of the vehicle (100).

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein displaying an error message on the cluster (306) when the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved wherein the error message can be an audio message, a picture message, a text message, a video message or a combination of thereof.

19. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the vehicle (100) will remain in an initial riding mode if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved.

20. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the vehicle (100) will come to a default riding mode if the predetermined conditions of the throttle valve opening are not achieved.

21. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein predetermined angle ranges from -5 degrees to -20 degrees.

22. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the predefined duration of time ranges from 0.5 microsecond to 2 second.

23. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein if the user rotates the electronic throttle grip (202) in a negative direction twice in a predefined time interval the riding mode of the vehicle (100) can be changed to a different riding mode wherein the predefined time interval ranges from 2 seconds to 5 seconds.

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202341012499-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [23-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-23
2 202341012499-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [23-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-23
3 202341012499-FORM 18 [23-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-23
4 202341012499-FORM 1 [23-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-23
5 202341012499-DRAWINGS [23-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-23
6 202341012499-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [23-02-2023(online)].pdf 2023-02-23
7 202341012499-Request Letter-Correspondence [06-03-2024(online)].pdf 2024-03-06
8 202341012499-Power of Attorney [06-03-2024(online)].pdf 2024-03-06
9 202341012499-Covering Letter [06-03-2024(online)].pdf 2024-03-06
10 202341012499-FORM 3 [27-05-2024(online)].pdf 2024-05-27