FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (as amended)
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10 and Rule 13]
TITLE: "A SPLIT TYPE STEERING KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY FOR A
VEHICLE"
Name and address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay
house, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.
Nationality: INDIAN
The following specification particularly describes the invention the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a steering knuckle assembly for a vehicle, more particularly embodiments relates to a split type steering knuckle assembly for a front independent suspension system of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
Designing and implementing different parts for different vehicles is always a challenge for every manufacturer in an automotive industry. Many conditions like packaging feasibility, various performance requirements, mounting schemes are the few major concerns in similar parts for different products. In the vehicles having a front independent suspension system, a steering knuckle is used to connect the wheel assembly with strut and lower control arm.
The conventional steering knuckle connects various links of suspension system, brake system and wheels. As shown in the FIGS, la and lb, the conventional knuckle assembly consists of different arms to mount various links. Strut mounting holes are used to attach the suspension strut using a bolt and eccentric pin. Caliper mount holes are used to mount brake caliper on the knuckle. Steering tie rod is mounted on steering knuckle on outer ball joint mounting. Lower ball joint mounting is used to attach suspension lower link to the steering knuckle. The conventional steering knuckle cannot be same for both left hand side and right hand side wheel assemblies of the vehicle due to different position of tie rod connection arm and caliper mounting position. Conventional steering knuckle also cannot be same for different cars due to different positions of mounting locations. Therefore, different steering knuckles are used at right hand side assembly [FIG. la] and left hand side assembly [FIG. lb] locations due to specific positions of steering assembly and brake caliper assembly. Use of different knuckles for same family of vehicles increases the cost as well as complexity in manufacturing processes.
Further, the knuckle assembly consists of a dozen or more parts; hence it is always necessary to design a separate knuckle for left and right side wheel assembly of the vehicle. More specifically, brake caliper mounts on the knuckle from front of the vehicle whereas steering tie rod mounts from the rear side. Hence to satisfy the both mounting requirements, steering and brake caliper, separate knuckle needs to be designed for a vehicle, which increases design time and subsequently cost.

In addition, in the vehicles the front wheel camber setting is one of the important processes during final setting of the wheel geometry on assembly line. Presently this camber setting is achieved by using a bolt and an eccentric pin which are also used to attach strut to knuckle. This increases the number of components in the assembly, and also increases the complexity of the assembly.
In light of the foregoing discussion, it is necessary to develop a split type steering knuckle assembly to overcome the limitations stated above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of assembly as claimed in the present disclosure.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a split type steering knuckle assembly for a vehicle. The assembly comprising a steering knuckle base of predetermined shape having an extended arms at each corner of the base. The steering knuckle base includes; one or more mounting holes provisioned on each of the extended arm, wherein the mounting holes are provisioned for accommodating a steering arm, brake caliper, and a stabilizer link of the vehicle; and atleast one bracket provisioned on two opposite sides of the steering knuckle base in between the extended arms for accommodating a strut mounting arm and a lower ball joint attachment arm of the vehicle. The steering knuckle assembly being capable to be attached on left side wheel assembly and right side wheel assembly of the vehicle.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the strut mounting arm is "L" shaped arm, and said "L" shaped strut mounting arm comprises at least one mounting hole at either ends, and a protrusion at a connecting junction of the "L" shaped strut mounting arm.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the brackets are "U" shaped brackets.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the steering arm, the brake caliper, and the stabilizer link of the vehicle are connected to the extended arms of the steering knuckle base through
fasteners.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the steering knuckle base comprises a through hole for accommodating a wheel bearing of the vehicle.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the strut mounting arm and the lower ball joint attachment arm are casted in single piece. The casted piece of strut mounting arm and the lower ball joint attachment arm comprises a through hole for accommodating a wheel bearing of the vehicle. Further, the casted piece of strut mounting arm and the lower ball joint attachment arm is connected to the brackets of the steering knuckle base through fasteners.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a split type steering knuckle assembly which is symmetrical, and can be used in both left hand side and right hand side wheel assembly of the vehicle.
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a split type steering knuckle assembly which provides the provision for mounting the anti-roll bar mounting in the steering knuckle.
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a split type steering knuckle assembly which has unique single bolt camber setting provision.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an

illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
FIGS, la and lb illustrates conventional steering knuckle assemblies used in right hand side and left hand side wheel assembly of the vehicle respectively.
FIG. 2 illustrates an elevated perspective view of split steering knuckle assembly of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of split steering knuckle showing steering knuckle base and a cast piece of strut mounting arm and lower ball mounting arrangement arm.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of detachable steering arm which serve the purpose of connecting tie rod with steering knuckle assembly.
FIG. 5 illustrates perspective view of steering knuckle assembly with brake caliper, steering arm and anti-roll bar mounting.
Fig. 6 illustrates symmetrical steering knuckle assemblies in right hand side and left hand side wheel assembly of the vehicle.
Fig. 7 illustrates strut mounting with single bolt camber setting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter

which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
To overcome the drawbacks, mentioned in the background the present disclosure provides a split type steering knuckle assembly (27) for a front independent suspension system of the vehicle. The split type steering knuckle assembly (27) is symmetrical to both left side and right side wheel assembly (43A and 43B) of the vehicle. In steering knuckle assembly (27) the tie rod is connected with detachable steering arm and antiroll bar is connected with a stab link. The mounting holes also referred as indexing holes (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) are provided on the knuckle which can be used selectively to use the knuckle on both side of the vehicle.
The split type steering knuckle assembly (27) is also referred as detachable steering knuckle assembly is assembled with two separate cast components, the steering knuckle base (29), and a single cast piece of strut mounting arm (20) and lower ball attachment arm (21). The steering knuckle base (29) remains there in the assembly with different instances as per the hard points requirements for various products. The concept of combination of steering knuckle base (29) with different instances has been attempted to reduce the complexity at assembly line as well as the production cost. Moreover it enhances the possibility of weight reduction as well which facilitate the reduction in C02 emission. The proposed split steering knuckle assembly (27) serves the requirements of every individual product for either side of the vehicle. In addition, antiroll bar mounting provision is provided in the assembly (27) to improve antiroll bar performance.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an innovative way to achieve the camber setting using single eccentric pin. Protrusions (2) provided on knuckle assembly (27) and semi-circular slot is provided on strut bracket (44) acts as a locator of the assembly while eccentric pin is used to attach the strut to knuckle as well as to set the required camber on front wheels.
For a vehicle suspension system, present disclosure comprises of split type steering knuckle assembly (27) with detachable steering arm (32). Therefore, the present disclosure offers the flexibility of using unique steering knuckle assembly (27) which can be used on either sides of the vehicle i.e. in Left Hand side and Right Hand Side wheel assembly. Use of detachable steering arm (32) gives the advantage of using alternative material for weight reduction purpose. Further, the provision of antiroll bar mounting enables to improve its performance with weight reduction opportunity. The single bolt camber setting reduces the assembly time with elimination of one bolt for weight reduction.
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.
FIGS. 2 and 3 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating an elevated perspective view and an exploded view of the steering knuckle assembly (27). As shown in FIG. 3 the assembly (27) consists of two components namely steering knuckle base (29), and cast piece (28) also referred as steering knuckle instant (29) of strut mounting arm (20) and lower ball attachment arm (21).
The steering knuckle base (29) is configured in predetermined shape, and it remains in the assembly with different instances as per the hard point's requirements for various products. The steering knuckle base (29) includes four number of arms (16, 17, 18, and 19) extending radially outwards from each corner of the steering knuckle base (29). A plurality of mounting holes (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) are provided on radially extended arms (16, 17, 18, and 19) of the steering knuckle base (29) for mounting various implements of the vehicle such as brake caliper (35), steering bracket (32), and the anti-roll bar (38). The mounting holes (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) are indexable holes, and are configured such that the implements of the vehicle such as the brake

caliper (35), the steering bracket (32), and the anti-roll bar (38) can be mounted on either sides of the steering knuckle base (29) to suit for both left hand side and right hand side wheel assembly of the vehicle. Further, the steering knuckle base (29) comprises atleast one bracket (B) provisioned on two opposite sides of the steering knuckle base (24) in between the extended arms (16 and 17, 17 and 18) for accommodating a strut mounting arm (20) and a lower ball joint attachment arm (21) of the vehicle. Each of the brackets (B) comprises at least one mounting hole (15 and 16) for connecting the strut mounting arm (20) and the lower ball joint attachment arm (21).
The strut mounting arm (20) and the lower ball joint attachment arm (21) are casted in single piece (28) also referred as steering knuckle instant (28). The steering knuckle instant (28) consists of a circular ring onto which the strut mounting arm (20) and the lower ball joint attachment arm (21) are casted on opposite ends. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the strut mounting arm (20) is a "L" shaped arm, wherein the "L" shaped strut mounting arm (20) comprises at least one mounting hole (1 and 14) at either ends, and a protrusion (2) at a connecting junction of the "L" shaped strut mounting arm (20). The mounting hole (14) is used to connect the strut mounting arm (20) to bracket (B) of the steering knuckle base (29), and the mounting hole (1) and protrusion (2) are used to mount the strut (44). Further, the lower ball joint attachment arm (21) consists of mounting holes (12 and 13), wherein the mounting hole (12) is used to connect the lower ball joint attachment arm (21) to the brackets (B) through mounting hole (11) in the bracket using fasteners, and the mounting hole (12) is provided to connect the lower ball joint.
The two parts of the steering knuckle assembly (27) i.e. the steering knuckle base (29) and the steering knuckle instant (28) are joined together by fastening the strut mounting arm and the lower ball attachment arm (21) to the brackets (B) of the steering knuckle base (29). In addition, the steering knuckle base (29) comprises a through hole (22), and the steering knuckle instant (28) comprises a through hole (23) for wheel bearing fitment. The face (24) of the steering knuckle base (29) is configured for mating components attachments of the vehicle.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a perspective view of detachable steering arm (32) of the steering knuckle assembly (27). The steering arm (32) is

used to attach the tie rod outer ball joint to the steering knuckle assembly (27). The steering arm (32) consists of a tie rod (30), one or more mounting holes (33 and 34) at one end of the tie rod (30) for attaching the tie rod (30) to the steering knuckle base (29). Further, at least one hole (31) is provided at other end of the tie rod (30) for accommodating the outer ball joint of the vehicle. The detachable steering arm (32) can be connected to mounting holes provided on the extended arms of the steering knuckle base (29); therefore the same steering knuckle can be used in both left hand side and right hand side wheel assembly of the vehicle.
FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates perspective view of steering knuckle assembly with brake caliper assembly (35), stabilizer link (38) for mounting anti roll bar, and steering arm (32) for mounting tie rod. For the right side wheel assembly (43A) [FIG. 6] of the vehicle, the brake caliper (35) is mounted on the steering knuckle assembly (27) using extended arms (16 and 17) of the steering knuckle base (29). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the brake caliper (35) is bolted to the steering knuckle assembly (27) through mounting holes (3 and 5) using fasteners (36 and 37). The stabilizer link (38) is assembled with steering knuckle assembly (27) by mounting using hole (9) on the extended arm (19) of the steering knuckle base (29) through a ball joint (39). Further, the steering arm (32) is assembled to steering knuckle assembly (27) through mounting holes (7 and 8) on extended arm (18) by using hole (33 and 34) through fasteners (40 and 41) respectively, and an outer ball joint (42) is assembled to the steering arm (32) using hole (31) and outer ball joint threads.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates symmetrical steering knuckle assemblies (27) in right hand side wheel assembly (43A) and left hand side (43B) wheel assembly of the vehicle. In the right hand side wheel assembly (43A) steering knuckle assembly (27), the brake caliper (35A) is fastened to the steering knuckle assembly (27) through mounting holes (3 and 5) using fasteners (36 and 37). The steering arm (32A) is fastened to steering knuckle assembly (27) by aligning the holes (34A and 33A) of the steering arm (32A) with holes (8 and 7) on extended arm (18) respectively. Further, the stabilizer link (38) is connected to steering knuckle assembly (27) by aligning ball joint (39) with hole (9). The steering knuckle assembly (27) used in left hand side wheel assembly (43B) is a mirror assembly of steering knuckle assembly (27) used in right hand side wheel assembly (43A). In the left hand side wheel assembly (43B) steering knuckle assembly (27), the brake caliper (35B) is fastened to

the steering knuckle assembly (27) through mounting holes (9 and 7) using fasteners (36 and 37). The steering arm (32B) is fastened to steering knuckle assembly (27) by aligning the holes (34B and 33B) of the steering arm (32B) with holes (5 and 6) on extended arm (17) respectively. Further, the stabilizer link (38) is connected to steering knuckle assembly (27) by aligning ball joint (39) with hole (3). The steering arms (32A and 32B) are mirror image of each other. Therefore, the single steering arm can be possible in case of particular steering outer ball joint position. As far as steering knuckle assembly (27) concern, the same steering knuckle assembly (27) can be used in both right hand side wheel assembly (43A) and left hand side wheel assembly (43B) of the vehicle.
FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates strut mounting with single bolt camber setting having strut mounting arrangement with single bolt as one embodiment. The strut mounting arm (20) of the proposed steering knuckle assembly is "L" shaped strut mounting arm. The "L" shaped strut mounting arm (20) comprises a mounting hole (1) at its upper end, and a protrusion (2) at a connecting junction of the "L" shaped strut mounting arm (20) for accommodating a strut. The strut (44) is attached to steering knuckle assembly (27) using protrusion (2) and mounting hole (1) with eccentric pin (45). For camber setting, conventionally one bolt and one eccentric pin was used, but in the proposed assembly the purpose is achieved with only eccentric pin (45), and instead of bolt a protrusion (2) is created on steering knuckle assembly (27) itself which eliminates the use of more components in the assembly and contributes in reducing the assembling time in the vehicle.
Advantages:
The present disclosure is to provide a split type steering knuckle assembly which is symmetrical, and can be used in both left hand side and right hand side of the vehicle. This reduces the number of components in the machine, and reduces the assembling complexity and time greatly. This in turn provides economic benefits in the vehicle.
The present disclosure is to provide a split type steering knuckle assembly a split type steering knuckle assembly which provides the provision for mounting the anti-roll bar mounting in the steering knuckle. This eliminates the complex mechanism of connecting the anti-roll bar to the steering knuckle. Thereby reduces the assembly complexity and increases economy benefits.

The present disclosure is to provide a split type steering knuckle assembly a split type steering knuckle assembly which has unique single bolt camber setting provision. This eliminates the use of a combination of eccentric pin and a bolt adjusting the camber.
The present disclosure provide a split type steering knuckle assembly in which can be used for variety of vehicles, the same steering knuckle base can used by keeping the steering knuckle base constant and just varying the cast piece of strut mounting arm and lower ball attachment arm.
Equivalents
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the

recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
1 and 14 Mounting holes in strut connecting arm
2 Provision in strut connecting arm
3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10 Mounting holes on extended arms of the steering knuckle base
11 and 15 Mounting holes in bracket (B) for
connecting the lower ball attachment
arm and strut mounting arm

12 and 13
Mounting holes in the lower bail attachment arm
16,17,18 and 19 Extended arms
20 Strut mounting arm
21 Lower ball attachment arm
22 and 23 Through holes
24 Body of the steering knuckle assembly
25, 26, 36, 37, 40 and 41 Fasteners
27 Steering knuckle assembly
28 Cast piece of lower ball attachment arm and strut mounting arm
29 Steering knuckle base
30 Tie rod
32 Steering arm
31, 33, and 34 Mounting holes
35 Brake caliper
38 Stabilizer link
42 Outer ball joint
43A and 43B Left and right side wheel assembly of vehicle
44 Strut
45 Eccentric pin

We claim:
1. A split type steering knuckle assembly (27) for a vehicle, said assembly comprising:
a steering knuckle base (29) of predetermined shape having an extended arms (16,17,18 and 19) at each corner of the base (29), wherein the steering knuckle base (29) includes:
one or more mounting holes (3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10) provisioned on each of the
extended arm (16,17,18 and 19), wherein the mounting holes (3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10)
are provisioned for accommodating a steering arm (32), brake calliper (35), and a
stabilizer link (38) of the vehicle; and
atleast one bracket (B) provisioned on two opposite sides of the steering
knuckle base (24) in between the extended arms (16 and 17, 17 and 18) for
accommodating a strut mounting arm (20) and a lower ball joint attachment arm (21)
of the vehicle; wherein, the steering knuckle assembly (27) being capable to be attached on left side wheel assembly (43A) and right side wheel assembly (43B) of the vehicle.
2. The steering knuckle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strut mounting arm (20) is a "L" shaped arm.
3. The steering assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the "L" shaped strut mounting arm (20) comprises at least one mounting hole (1 andl4) at either ends, and a protrusion (2) at a connecting junction of the "L" shaped strut mounting arm (20).
4. The steering knuckle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brackets (B) are "U" shaped brackets.
5. The steering knuckle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering arm (32), the brake caliper (35), and the stabilizer link (38) of the vehicle are connected to the extended arms (16,17, 18 and 19) of the steering knuckle base (29) through fasteners.
6. The steering knuckle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering knuckle base (29) comprises a through hole (22) for accommodating a wheel bearing of the vehicle.

7. The steering knuckle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strut mounting arm (20) and the lower ball joint attachment arm (21) are casted in single piece (28).
8. The steering knuckle assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the casted piece (28) of strut mounting arm (20) and the lower ball joint attachment arm (21) comprises a through hole (23) for accommodating a wheel bearing of the vehicle.
9. The steering knuckle assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the casted piece (28) of strut mounting arm (20) and the lower ball joint attachment arm (21) is connected to the brackets (B) of the steering knuckle base (29) through fasteners.
10. A vehicle comprising a steering knuckle assembly as claimed in claim 1.