DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter relates generally to an engine assembly, and more particularly to a crankcase cover assembly for the internal combustion engine for a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0001] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle a body frame extends rearward from a head tube. The body frame acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front portion of the body frame connects a front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). Further, the body frame extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). An internal combustion engine is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.
[0002] Typically, the internal combustion engine is provided with a crankshaft which gets rotated through a piston on combustion of an air-fuel mixture. The crankshaft is disposed in a crankcase which holds the rotating crankshaft. Generally, crankcase is one of the regions with a high temperature and is prone to heat being dissipated from it. In addition to it, a rider as well as service mechanic have difficulty with reference to ease of checking & determining the level of engine oil in the vehicle as well as gauging the contamination quality level of the oil to determine replacement requirement. Delayed replacement or prolonged use of contaminated oil or low oil level can lead to severe durability failure of the engine which can be very costly to repair. The difficulty to access & check the engine oil arises because the rider is unable to properly inspect and check the level as well as condition of the engine oil being used by the vehicle. The rider has to take out a tube from the crankcase each and every time to check the level and condition of the engine oil being used. Such a means of checking oil condition and level might be cumbersome for the rider. Additionally, with prolonged usage, the engine components in close vicinity of the rider foot tend to get heated up & lead to discomfort to the rider. Compact lateral packaging requirement of the vehicle for good handling performance as well as comfortable seating ergonomics demand optimum width of the vehicle. This leads to the foot of the rider typically being disposed close to the hot parts of the engine. Any close proximity or physical contact of the rider foot including footwear leads to heat feel to the rider resulting in discomfort while riding for long durations. Thus, there is a need to adequately protect the heat radiated from the engine components from transferring it to the rider body parts.
[0003] Hence, the present subject matter aims to provide a crankcase cover assembly which prevents the heat being radiated from it to the rider body parts. In addition to it, the present subject matter also provides a much simpler means to check the engine oil condition and level being used by the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled saddle ride-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of a front portion of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a LH side crankcase cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 4 illustrates a right side view of a front portion of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a RH side crankcase cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00010] Typically, a two-wheeled vehicle is provided with an internal combustion engine to provide the vehicle with the required power. The two-vehicle comprises of a frame assembly to provide a support to the vehicle and act as a skeleton. The vehicle body (external fiber/metallic body) and parts are mounted onto the frame structure. Generally, the internal combustion engine is also mounted onto the frame structure.
[00011] Generally, the internal combustion engine comprises of a cylinder bore and a cylinder head. The combustion process occurs in the cylinder head which results in a to-and-fro motion of a piston accommodated in the cylinder bore. The to-and-fro motion of the piston is sent and converted into a rotational motion of a crankshaft which drives the vehicle. Moreover, a crankcase is provided in which the crankshaft is accommodated. Due to its nature of the work done, a lot of heat is dissipated from the crankcase region. Some of the known arts do use a crankcase cover which tries to prevent the dissipation of heat. But such covers being metallic in nature are not completely successful. If a fiber body is used there are chances of it might melting. Generally, the dissipation factor indicates the inefficiency of material to hold energy or behave as an insulating material. The lower is the dissipation factor; the more efficient is the insulator system. Thus, an efficient crankcase cover is required which effectively reduces the heat being dissipated form the crankcase. The engines are generally required to operate under increasingly challenging conditions. The harshness of the ambient environment along with the load applied on the engine produces a great amount of stress on the engine. Thus, the importance of consistent monitoring of the condition of engine oil cannot be ignored. Generally, there is an opening provided in the crankcase through which engine oil is poured. A tube-like structure is provided which is inspected regularly to check the oil condition and level. Such a means of checking is very cumbersome for the rider. Also, currently the condition of engine oil, i.e. the useful life of the oil can also be determined by monitoring the duration of time for which the oil is used and then modifying the same according to the conditions in which the engine is operating. However, the methods discussed above are lengthy and incommodious. In addition to it, the crankcase region being hot results in burning of the rider’s hand when he/she tries to check the engine oil condition and level. Thus, the present subject matter is aimed at providing a crankcase cover which prevents the heat dissipation and radiation to the rider or service mechanic. In addition to it the present subject matter provides a much simpler and easier means for checking the engine oil condition and level.
[00012] In an embodiment, an internal combustion engine comprises of a crankcase to accommodate the rotating crankshaft. A crankcase cover assembly is provided for the crankcase comprising of a LH side crankcase cover and RH side crankcase cover. As per the present subject matter, both the LH side crankcase cover and RH side crankcase cover comprise of a set of glasses embedded in them. A lower coefficient of thermal expansion in the high strength glasses allows higher dimensional stability at temperature extremes. In an embodiment, the LH side crankcase cover comprises a first set of glass cover which includes a first LH side glass cover and a second LH side glass cover. The first LH side glass cover and second LH side glass cover provide a partial transparent view of the crankcase. As per embodiment, the cover may be semi-transparent or translucent. Through such a means a view of the engine oil is visible & enables check of the oil level as well as the visual quality of the engine oil. Thus, through it the rider can make out the level of engine oil present, and because of the transparent view the condition of the engine oil can also be made out by the color. In fact the glass being used is convex in nature which gives a clear zoomed view making it easier for the rider to make out if any impurity or significant pollutant has entered in the engine oil or significant visual quality deterioration of the oil. It is more desirable for the rider to know in advance when he should change the engine oil by quickly monitoring the change in the level of oil deterioration and determining the remaining useful life of the oil.
[00013] The present subject matter indicates when the oil has reached an undesirable deterioration level during the course of engine operation, by checking oil’s color. As a general rule, new and clean oil is amber in color. As engine oil gets darker, it can indicate high heat, contaminants or the presence of additives that cause the oil to darken during the course of normal usage. This starts creating more friction on the engine parts. Every machined surface is susceptible to the increased wear. Also wearing between piston and cylinder will start and eventually re-boring is to be done as liners will be having gap and leaking will start taking place internally. Generally, dark brown or black motor oil can indicate contamination, which can then later be confirmed when the engine is cool by checking the thickness of the oil. Contamination is the most crucial cause of components failure in lubricating systems. Dirt is the main source of contamination and one of the most destructive contaminants, thus a primary culprit in compromising the engine reliability. The presence of contaminants in oil promotes a variety of problems within a lubricating system and also affects the health of the components, for example it accelerates the wearing, ties up the additive compounds, accelerates the formation of additional abrasive contaminants which can also act as catalyst for oxidation, further it leads to loss of power when clearance tolerances are eroded, stabilizes foam when it is created. Cream colored motor oil can indicate moisture, whereas milky or frothy texture often combined with cream color indicates coolant or water contamination. Hence, some engine oil colors indicate problems, for instance, thick and dark oil usually indicates dirt or contaminants. If the engine is exposed to a lot of dust, then dark oil probably means it’s time for an oil change.
[00014] The changes in physical structure also impact the Oil film strength which is a measurement of a lubricant’s strength or its ability to not break under extreme pressure conditions. Oil’s load carrying capacity is also degraded due to physical attributes change. This in turn results in more friction, more wear and increased temperatures; all of which leads to an increase in the rate of oxidation of oil. Further, there are several reactions which happen to the oil, to include, thermal degradation, compressive heating, all of these reactions leads to the breakdown of oil into tar, sludge, varnish, soot, etc. which start depositing on the internals of your engine, such as rings, bearings, cylinder walls, etc. which fall in the course of oil flow. The above substances are actually carbon byproducts, therefore, as these carbon substances continue to deposit, any part which comes in contact with them starts to wear as carbon has the property to become quite hard and/or sticky under certain conditions. Hence, oil is critical to the working of the engine. Use of a good engine oil of correct specification and quality is helpful for the engine to be efficient and also extends the engine life. The oil on one hand lubricates and protects the engine against corrosion and on the other hand it cleans the deposits and contaminants. Thus, through the first LH side glass cover and second LH side glass cover the rider can easily determine the level of engine oil present, and because of the transparent view the condition of the engine oil can also be made out by the color. In fact, the glass being used is convex in nature which gives a clear zoomed view making it easier for the rider to make out if any impurity or significant pollutant has entered in the engine oil or significant visual quality deterioration of the oil. In addition to it a first guard is also attached on the LH side crankcase cover to give a protection to the first set of glass cover and also protect the rider from undesirable heat and radiation effect.
[00015] Similarly, in another embodiment, the RH side crankcase cover comprises of a second set of glass cover attached to it to give a transparent view of the engine oil present. A second guard is also attached to the RH side crankcase cover to protect the second set of glass cover. In addition to the visibility advantages provided by the glass cover, it also prevents a substantial amount of heat from dissipating from the crankcase. Thus, it makes easier for the rider to put his/her feet in that region.
[00016] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction.
[00017] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) includes a frame assembly (105) that extends from a head tube (105A), which is disposed in the front portion of said vehicle (100), towards a rear portion of the vehicle (100). Said frame assembly (105) extends in longitudinal direction F-R of said vehicle (100). Said frame assembly (105) may further comprise a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. An engine assembly (110) is fixedly mounted to said frame assembly (105).
[00018] A front portion of a swing arm (115) is swingably connected to said frame assembly (105) and a rear portion of said swing arm (115) rotatably supports a rear wheel (120). Said rear wheel (120) is functionally coupled to said engine assembly (110) through a transmission system. The transmission system (not shown) includes a chain drive/belt drive, a variable gear ratio system, or an automatic type transmission. A rear fender (125) disposed upwardly of said rear wheel (120) covers at least a portion of said rear wheel (120). Further, said swing arm (115) is coupled to said frame assembly (105) through one or more rear suspension(s) (not shown). In the present embodiment, a mono-shock type rear suspension connects said swing arm (115) to said frame assembly (105). Similarly, a pair of front forks (130) supports a front wheel (135) and is steerably supported by said head tube (105A). A handlebar assembly (140) is connected to an upper portion of said pair of front forks (130). Further, a front fender (145) covers at least a portion of said front wheel (135) and said front fender (145) is mounted to said front forks (130).
[00019] A fuel tank assembly (150) is mounted to said frame assembly (105) and is disposed rearwardly of said handlebar assembly (140). A seat assembly (155) including a rider seat is disposed rearwardly of a fuel tank assembly (150) and is supported by said frame assembly (105). Said seat assembly (155) may include a pillion seat. Further, a pair of rider foot pegs (165) mounted to said frame assembly (105) of said vehicle (100) that enable in supporting rider foot.
[00020] Further, said engine assembly (110) includes an air-fuel supply system (not shown) that supplies air and fuel to said engine assembly (110). An exhaust pipe (not shown) extends from said engine assembly (110) towards a muffler (not shown) that is disposed adjacently of said rear wheel (120). Plurality of panels (170) covers at least a portion of said frame assembly (105) and one or more vehicle parts.
[00021] Furthermore, said vehicle (100) includes various electrical and electronic systems including a starter system (not shown), a headlamp (175), a vehicle control unit, and a tail lamp (180). In addition, the vehicle includes safety systems including a synchronous braking system (not shown), and an anti-lock braking system. In furtherance to it, the present subject matter is applicable for a two-wheeled vehicle and three-wheeled vehicle. Hence, the term vehicle has been used interchangeably in the application which comprises of both two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicle.
[00022] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of a front portion of said exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Said engine assembly (110) comprises of a cylinder block (200) to accommodate a reciprocating piston. The piston is attached to a crankshaft accommodates in a crankshaft. In an embodiment, said engine assembly (110) comprises of a crankcase cover assembly (205) provided to cover the crankcase and accommodate the rotating crankshaft (not shown). In an embodiment, said crankcase cover assembly (205) comprises a LH side crankcase cover (210) and a RH side crankcase cover (shown in Fig. 4). As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, said LH side crankcase cover assembly (205) comprises a first set of glass cover (215 & 220) embedded in it. Said first set of glass cover (215 & 220) enables a transparent view of the engine oil to let the rider check its level and condition. In addition to it, said first set of glass covers (215 & 220) also prevent heat from dissipating from said crankcase cover assembly (205) & minimize the radiation of the heat. In another embodiment, at least one of said first set of glass cover (215 & 220) may be used depending on the requirement & disposition of the rider foot. As per aspect of the present invention, the transparent cover may be an arc of the circle or full circle or can be any other shape like a rectangle etc.
[00023] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of said LH side crankcase cover (210) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, said LH side crankcase cover (210) includes said first set of glass cover (215 & 220) embedded in it. In an embodiment, said first set of glass cover (215 & 220) comprises of a first LH side glass cover (215) and a second LH side glass cover (220). Said first set of glass cover (215 & 220) enables the rider to inspect the condition and level of engine oil. Said first set of glass cover (215 & 220) is a convex type which gives an enlarged clear view allowing the rider to check if any pollutant has entered or the extent to which the oil has deteriorated in terms of color of the engine oil. In an embodiment, said first set of glass cover (215 & 220) also prevents the heat from dissipating and radiating thereby allowing the rider to put his/her feet safely in that region. In an embodiment, said LH side crankcase cover (210) also comprises of a first guard (305) attached to it around the periphery of said first set of glass cover (215 & 220). Said first guard (305) is provided to protect said first set of class cover (215 & 220).
[00024] Fig. 4 illustrates a right side view of a front portion of said exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, said engine assembly (110) is provided with said crankcase cover assembly (205) provided to accommodate the rotating crankshaft (not shown). In an embodiment, said crankcase cover assembly (205) comprises a RH side crankcase cover (405). As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, said RH side crankcase cover assembly (405) comprises a second set of glass cover (410) embedded in it. Further, said second set of glass cover (410) enables a transparent view of the engine oil to let the rider check its level and condition. In addition to it, said second set of glass cover (410) also prevents heat from dissipating from said crankcase cover assembly (205).
[00025] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of said RH side crankcase cover (405) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, said RH side crankcase cover (405) comprises said second set of glass cover (410) embedded in it. In an embodiment, said second set of glass cover (410) enables the rider to inspect the condition and level of engine oil. Said second set of glass cover (410) is a convex type which gives an enlarged clear view allowing the rider to check if any pollutant has entered. In an embodiment, said second set of glass cover (410) also prevents the heat from dissipating allowing the rider to put his/her feet safely in that region. In an embodiment, said RH side crankcase cover (405) also comprises of a second guard (505) attached to it around the periphery of said second set of glass cover (410). Said second guard (505) is provided to protect said second set of glass cover (410). As per an aspect of the invention, the heat & radiation suppressing transparent cover may be used on at least any one sides of the engine.
[00026] Thus, the present subject matter presents a crankcase cover assembly (205) comprising of a first set of glass cover (215 & 220) and a second set of glass cover (410) attached to its left hand side and right hand side respectively. The glass covers allow a transparent view of the engine oil for the rider to check its condition and level. In addition to it, the glass covers also allow the rider to check if any pollutant has entered and minimize heat dissipation from that region.
[00027] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.
List of Reference Signs

100 Saddle type Vehicle
105 Frame assembly
105A Head tube
110 Engine assembly
115 Swing arm
120 Rear wheel
125 Rear fender
130 Front forks
135 Front wheel
140 Handlebar assembly
145 Front fender
150 Fuel tank assembly
155 Seat assembly
165 Rider foot pegs
170 Panels
175 Headlamp
180 Tail lamp
200 Cylinder block
205 Crankcase Cover Assembly
210 LH side crankcase cover
(215, 220) First set of glass cover
215 First LH side glass cover
220 Second LH side glass cover
305 First Guard
405 RH side crankcase cover
410 Second set of glass cover
505 Second Guard
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. An Engine assembly (110) for a vehicle (100) comprising:
a cylinder block (200) comprising a cylinder to accommodate a reciprocating piston for combustion of fuel;
a crankcase comprising a crankshaft to convert reciprocatory motion of said piston to a rotational motion; and
a crankcase cover assembly (205) provided to cover and accommodate said crankcase, and wherein said crankcase cover assembly (205) comprises a set of transparent covers (215, 220, 410) embedded on at least one of a LH (left hand) side crankcase cover (210) and a RH (right hand) side crankcase cover (405) of said crankcase cover assembly (205).
2. The engine assembly (110) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein at least one of said LH side crankcase cover (210) & said RH side crankcase cover (405) includes at least one of a first set of transparent covers (215 & 220) or second set of transparent cover (405) embedded in it.
3. The engine assembly (110) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said first set of transparent covers (215 & 220) comprises of a First LH side glass cover (215) and a second LH side glass cover (220).
4. The engine assembly (110) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said LH side crankcase cover (210) comprises of a first guard (305) attached to said LH side crankcase cover (210) around the periphery of said first set of glass cover (215, 220).
5. The engine assembly (110) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said RH side crankcase cover (405) comprises of a second guard (505) attached to said RH side crankcase cover (405) around the periphery of said second set of glass cover (410).
6. The engine assembly (110) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein at least one of said first set of glass cover (215, 220) & second set of transparent cover (410) is one of transparent, semi-transparent or translucent type.
7. The engine assembly (110) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein at least one of said first set of glass cover (215, 220) & second set of transparent cover (410) has profile of an arc of the circle, full circle, square, oval or rectangle type.
8. The engine assembly (110) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein at least one of said first set of glass cover (215, 220) & second set of transparent cover (410) is of convex type.