Claims:1. A cornering light assembly (100) for a two-wheeler vehicle comprising:
a housing (108) adapted to be installed at a front portion of the two-wheeler vehicle;
a light source fixed to the housing (108) and adapted to illuminate an area ahead of the two-wheeler vehicle;
an orientation sensor (106) fixed inside the light source and adapted to detect a lean angle of the two-wheeler vehicle, wherein the lean angle is indicative of an angle by which the two-wheeler vehicle leans while taking a turn; and
a control unit (114) operably coupled to the orientation sensor (106) and the light source and adapted to activate the light source when a value of the detected lean angle exceeds a predefined threshold value such that the light source illuminates a corner of the turn while the two-wheeler vehicle leans.

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined threshold value is five degrees.

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (114) is coupled to a Direct Current (DC) power source.

4. The assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a reflector sheet (104) adapted to capture and direct light towards the corner.

5. The assembly 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein the reflector sheet (104) is made of a polycarbonate material and an aluminum sheet.

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a reset switch adapted to calibrate the orientation sensor (106).

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the orientation sensor (106) is a gyroscope sensor.

8. A two-wheeler vehicle comprising:
a pair of cornering light assemblies, wherein the cornering light assembly (100) comprising:
a housing (108) adapted to be installed at a front portion of the two-wheeler vehicle;
a light source fixed to the housing (108) and adapted to illuminate an area ahead of the two-wheeler vehicle;
an orientation sensor (106) fixed inside the light source and adapted to detect a lean angle of the two-wheeler vehicle, wherein the lean angle is indicative of an angle by which the two-wheeler vehicle leans while taking a turn; and
a control unit (114) operably coupled to the orientation sensor (106) and the light source and adapted to activate the light source when a value of the detected lean angle exceeds a predefined threshold value such that the light source illuminates a corner of the turn while the two-wheeler vehicle leans.

9. The two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein:
a first cornering light assembly (100) of the pair is mounted at a right side of the front portion and adapted to illuminate as the two-wheeler vehicle takes a right-hand turn; and
a second cornering light assembly (100) of the pair is mounted at a left side of the front portion and adapted to illuminate as the two-wheeler vehicle takes a left-hand turn. , Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to automotive lighting systems, and more particularly, to a cornering light assembly for a two-wheeler vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Light assemblies have been conventionally known to be used in vehicles, for illuminating a path the vehicle is taking. One type of light assembly is a cornering assembly which illuminates a portion of the road at the corner. Such light assemblies are used in four wheelers and uses an actuator to swivel the light bulb to direct the light at the corner. This helps in illuminating the curved paths, thereby helping identify course of the road, potholes and obstacles present on the path corners earlier and more easily in darkness.

There are various limitations associated with implementing the same technology in two wheelers. For instance, compacting the cornering light for implementation in two-wheeler makes the light assembly complex. Moreover, incorporation of such a light assembly warrant redesigning of front fascia of the two-wheeler as well as electrical/ lighting system of the two-wheeler making the two-wheeler further complex. Such a redesigning also increases an overall production cost of the two-wheelers.

To overcome some of the problems and shortcoming of the prior art, there is a need for developing a cornering light assembly for a two-wheeler vehicle.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to the aspects of cornering light assembly for two-wheelers. The cornering light assembly is a self-contained unit and is retrofittable that does not warrant redesigning of the two-wheeler.

In an embodiment, a cornering light assembly for a two-wheeler vehicle is disclosed. The cornering light assembly includes a housing adapted to be installed at a front portion of the two-wheeler vehicle. A light source is fixed to the housing and is adapted to illuminate an area ahead of the two-wheeler vehicle. An orientation sensor is fixed inside the housing and adapted to detect a lean angle of the two-wheeler vehicle. The lean angle is indicative of an angle by which the two-wheeler vehicle leans while taking a turn. A control unit, housed in the housing, is operably coupled to the orientation sensor and the light source. The control unit is adapted to activate the light source when a value of the detected lean angle exceeds a predefined threshold value such that the light source illuminates a corner of the turn while the two-wheeler vehicle leans.

In an embodiment, a two-wheeler vehicle is disclosed, including a pair of the cornering light assemblies. Each of the pair of the cornering light assemblies include a housing adapted to be installed at a front portion of the two-wheeler vehicle. A light source is fixed to the housing and is adapted to illuminate an area ahead of the two-wheeler vehicle. An orientation sensor is fixed inside the housing and adapted to detect a lean angle of the two-wheeler vehicle. The lean angle is indicative of an angle by which the two-wheeler vehicle leans while taking a turn. A control unit, housed in the housing, is operably coupled to the orientation sensor and the light source. The control unit is adapted to activate the light source when a value of the detected lean angle exceeds a predefined threshold value such that the light source illuminates a corner of the turn while the two-wheeler vehicle leans.

The proposed cornering light assembly helps in extending extra illumination towards the bends on curved roads while taking turn by a two-wheeler vehicle, thereby increasing visibility to the driver to avoid inconvenience and also prevent skidding of the two-wheeler or accidents. Further, the cornering light assembly is simple in construction and can be installed in any two-wheeler vehicle without making major changes in the assembly.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a cornering light assembly for a two-wheeler vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the cornering light assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 3 illustrates different views of a control unit of the cornering light assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

The present disclosure relates to a cornering light assembly 100 for a two-wheeler vehicle. The cornering light assembly 100 is adapted to illuminate an area ahead of it while the two-wheeler vehicle takes a turn, thereby conveniently making the obstacles and paths clearer to the driver on corners. In one example, the cornering light assembly 100 may be installed in a two-wheeler vehicle. Further, the two-wheeler may include a pair of the cornering light assemblies. Out of the pair, one may be termed as a first cornering light assembly and the other one may be termed as a second cornering light assembly. The first cornering light assembly of the pair may be mounted at a right side of the front portion of the two-wheeler vehicle and the second cornering light assembly of the pair may be mounted at a left side of the front portion.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate various aspects of a cornering light assembly 100 for a two-wheeler vehicle. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates the assembled cornering light assembly 100, while Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the cornering light assembly 100. The cornering light assembly 100 includes a housing 108, a light source, an orientation sensor 106, a lens 102 and a control unit 114. The housing 108 is adapted to be installed at a front portion of the two-wheeler vehicle. In one example, the housing 108 may be installed at any portion of the two-wheeler vehicle as per requirement and two-wheeler vehicle design.

In one example, cornering light assembly 100 includes a light source (not shown) is fixed to the housing 108 and may include LED bulbs or any other light emitting source as per requirement and availability. The lens 102 is fixed on the exterior face of the cornering light assembly 100. In addition, the cornering light assembly 100 may include an orientation sensor 106 is fixed inside the housing 108 and is adapted to detect a lean angle of the two-wheeler vehicle. The lean angle of the two-wheeler vehicle is indicative of an angle by which the two-wheeler leans while taking a turn. In one example, the orientation sensor 106 may be a gyroscope. In another example, the orientation sensor 106 may be any sensor which fulfils the requirement of sensing the lean angle of the two-wheeler vehicle.

The cornering light assembly 100 also includes a control unit 114 that may be operably connected to the orientation sensor 106 via an orientation sensor PCB 110. Referring now to Figure 3 that depicts different views of the control unit 114. Parts (A), (B), (C), and (D) of Figure 3 represent a top view, an isometric view, a front view, and a side view of the control unit 114 respectively. The control unit 114 may be operably connected to the light source via a PCB. The control unit 114 may derive power from a Direct Current (DC) power source. The cornering light assembly 100 may include a reflector sheet 104, which is adapted to capture and direct light towards the corner of the path via the lens 102 while the two-wheeler vehicle leans. In one example, the reflector sheet 104 may be made up of a polycarbonate material and an aluminum sheet. However, the reflector sheet 104 may be composed of other materials which support in capturing and directing light.

In one embodiment, the cornering light assembly 100 may include a reset switch which is adapted to calibrate the orientation sensor 106 whenever required. Calibration of the orientation sensor 106 is required to avoid any error and accurately calculate the lean angle when the two-wheeler vehicle leans. This reset switch may be automatic or may be manually operated. In yet another embodiment, there may not be a need for a reset switch, and the cornering light assembly may be calibrated manually.

The operation of the cornering light assembly 100 is now described. When the two-wheeler vehicle is moving and is in upright position (when the two-wheeler is driving on a straight path), the orientation is detected as zero by the orientation sensor, until the two-wheeler vehicle starts leaning towards left or right. In the upright position, none of the first cornering light assembly or the second cornering light assembly are activated and both of them remain in switched off mode. If the two-wheeler vehicle leans towards the right, the control unit 114 is adapted to activate the first cornering light assembly when a value of the detected lean angle by the orientation sensor exceeds a predefined threshold value. Similarly, the control unit 114 is adapted to activate the second cornering light assembly when the two-wheeler vehicle leans towards the left, and the value of the detected lean angle by the orientation sensor exceeds the predefined threshold value. In one example, the predefined threshold value may be five degrees. However, the predefined threshold value may vary based on different two-wheeler vehicles, and other requirements. The light sources in the first cornering light assembly or the second cornering light assembly illuminate once the control unit activates either of the first and second cornering light assemblies.

The proposed cornering light assembly helps in extending extra illumination towards the bends on curved roads while taking turn by a two-wheeler vehicle, thereby increasing visibility to the driver to avoid inconvenience and also prevent skidding of the two-wheeler or accidents. Further, the cornering light assembly is simple in construction and can be installed in any two-wheeler vehicle due to its retrofittable nature.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.