Claims:CLAIMS
1. A stand arrangement (102) for a two-wheeled vehicle (202), comprising:
a stand (104) having a first end (106) and a second end (108), the stand (104) at the first end (106) defining a U-shaped cross-section providing two side portions (110, 112) at the first end (106) of the stand (104); and
a retracting arrangement (114) comprising:
a first bracket (116) fixedly fastened to a chassis (138) of the two-wheeled vehicle (202);
a second bracket (118) fastened to the first bracket (116), to define a gap with the first bracket (116) when fastened to the second bracket (118); and
an actuator (120) having a body and an output shaft (122), the body of the actuator (120) being supported with the first bracket (116),
wherein:
one of the two side portions (110, 112) of the stand (104) is disposed in the gap between the first bracket (116) and the second bracket (118),
the output shaft (122) of the actuator (120) extends out of the first bracket (116) and passes through an aperture in said one of the two side portions (110, 112) of the stand (104), to pivotally support the stand (104) from the first end (106) of the stand (104) with respect to the chassis (138), to allow for disposing the stand (104) in a stowed position and a deployed position with respect to the chassis (138), and
the actuator (120) is configured to cause automatic retracting of the stand (104) from the deployed position to the stowed position at a start of a drive of the two-wheeled vehicle (202) based on predefined criteria.
2. The stand arrangement (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined criteria include:
determining if a speed of the two-wheeled vehicle (202) is above a predefined threshold; and
checking if the stand (104) is in deployed position when it is determined that the speed of the two-wheeled vehicle (202) is above the predefined threshold.
3. The stand arrangement (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a speed of actuation and a trigger point of a start and an end of actuation to automatically move the stand (104) by the actuator (120) is controlled based on a Pulse-width modulation, PWM, signal obtained from a microcontroller (208) of the two-wheeled vehicle (202), wherein the microcontroller (208) is at least one of: a part of circuitry of the actuator (120) itself or a part of a vehicle control unit, VCU, (204) that is communicatively coupled to the actuator (120).
4. The stand arrangement (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first bracket (116) has a substantially U-shaped profile with two extending arms (124, 126) fixedly fastened to the chassis (138) and an intermediate portion (128) connecting the two extending arms (124, 126), and wherein the intermediate portion (128) has an opening to house the body of the actuator (120) therein, with the output shaft (122) of the actuator (120) extending outwardly therefrom.
5. The stand arrangement (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second bracket (118) has a substantially L-shaped profile with a first arm (130) and a second arm (132), and wherein the first bracket (116) further comprises a flange (134) extending from the intermediate portion (128) of the first bracket (116), such that the first arm (130) of the second bracket (118) is fastened to the flange (134) of the first bracket (116).
6. The stand arrangement (102) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second arm (132) of the second bracket (118) has an aperture complementary to the aperture in said one of the two side portions (110, 112) of the stand (104) and other of the two side portions (110, 112) of the stand (104) has an aperture complementary to the aperture in the second arm (132) of the second bracket (118), and wherein the output shaft (122) of the actuator (120) pass through the aperture in the second arm (132) of the second bracket (118) and extends into the aperture in the said other of the two side portions (110, 112) of the stand (104).
7. The stand arrangement (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stand (104) has a unibody construction independent of any welded parts.
8. The stand arrangement (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stand (104) has a hollow profile.
9. The stand arrangement (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stand (104) has a reinforcement region (136) proximal to the second end (108) thereof.
10. The stand arrangement (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (120) includes a servo motor (212) configured to actuate a rotational movement of the output shaft (122) thereof between two angular positions corresponding to the stowed position and the deployed position of the stand (104).
11. The stand arrangement (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (120) includes a DC motor (214) and a limit switch (216) associated with the DC motor (214), and wherein the DC motor (214) is configured to actuate a rotational movement of the output shaft (122) thereof, and wherein the limit switch (216) is configured to limit the rotational movement of the output shaft (122) of the actuator (120) between two angular positions corresponding to the stowed position and the deployed position of the stand (104).
12. The stand arrangement (102) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a tensioning member configured to retain the stand (104) in the stowed position, when retracted by the actuator (120) thereto.
13. A method (600) of operation of a stand arrangement (102) for a two-wheeled vehicle (202), the method (600) comprising:
determining if a speed of the two-wheeled vehicle (202) is above a predefined threshold;
checking if the stand (104) is in a deployed position at a start of a ride of the two-wheeled vehicle (202);
obtaining a pulse-width modulation, PWM, signal from a microcontroller (208) of the two-wheeled vehicle (202) when the speed is above the predefined threshold and the stand (104) is in the deployed position; and
controlling an actuator (120) of the stand arrangement (102) to cause automatic retracting of the stand (104) from the deployed position to a stowed position based on the obtained PWM signal; and further turning OFF the actuator (120) of the two-wheeled vehicle (202) when the stowed position is reached, and a limit switch (216) of the two-wheeled vehicle (202) is closed.
14. The method (600) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method (600) further comprises using the obtained PWM signal to concurrently control a speed of actuation and a trigger point of a start and an end of actuation to automatically move the stand (104) from the deployed position to the stowed position at the start of the drive of the two-wheeled vehicle (202).
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
STAND ARRANGEMENT FOR TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF

2. APPLICANT(S)
a) Name :SIMPLEENERGY PRIVATE LIMITED
b) Nationality :India
c) Address :NO. 56/S, RATHIKSHA, 3RD MAIN, 3RD CROSS, KAVERI LAYOUT, BETTAHALLI CROSS, BENGALURU (BANGALORE) URBAN, KARNATAKA, 560097

3. PREAMBLE TO DESCRIPTION

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of two-wheeled vehicles and, more specifically, to a stand arrangement for a two-wheeled vehicle (e.g., an electric scooter) and a method of operation of the stand arrangement for the two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Generally, a stand is provided in a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a motor bike or a scooter, for the support of the two-wheeled vehicle when the two wheeled vehicle is not in motion or parked on a roadside or in a stationary position. The conventional stand may have either a horizontal position (i.e., in a stowed or a retracted position) or a vertical position (i.e., a deployed or an extended position) depending on the state of the two-wheeled vehicle. When the two-wheeled vehicle is in the stationary position, the conventional stand lies the deployed position, conversely, when the two-wheeled vehicle is in the motion, the conventional stand lies in the retracted position. Typically, both, the deployed and retracted position of the conventional stand is controlled manually by an operator (or a user) of the two-wheeled vehicle. In certain scenarios, an operator, such as a user, of the two-wheeled vehicle may forget to set the position of the conventional stand while starting to drive the two-wheeled vehicle. This may cause interruptions in operation of the two-wheeled vehicle at the start of the drive, and a new user may be confused of the reason of interruption. In some exemplary cases, this may also increase a risk of accident.
Currently, there are some conventional methods and arrangements of automatically setting the position of the conventional stand when the two-wheeled vehicle comes to a stop after a course of motion or to be parked on the roadside. However, the conventional methods and arrangements are based on a conventional motor driven circuit that further includes a large number of electric components resulting in a complex circuit, which is not desirable, especially for electric two-wheelers that runs on battery instead of fossil fuel. The conventional motor driven circuit consumes a lot of power and is cost intensive as well. Moreover, the conventional stand includes a large number of welded components resulting in a bulky stand not suited for operation for electric two-wheelers. Thus, there exists a technical problem of structural complexity, manufacturing complexity, as well as operational complexity associated with automation of the position of the conventional stand.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional stand arrangements and methods of automatically setting the position of the conventional stand of the two-wheeled vehicle, such as an electric scooter or bike.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure provides a stand arrangement for a two-wheeled vehicle and a method of operation of the stand arrangement for the two-wheeled vehicle. The present disclosure provides a solution to the existing problem of structural complexity, manufacturing complexity, as well as operational complexity associated with automation of the position of the conventional stand of a two-wheeled vehicle at the start of a drive or when such two-wheeled vehicle comes to a stop after a course of motion. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in the prior art and provides an improved stand arrangement for a two-wheeled vehicle, such as an electric scooter, and a method of operation of the stand arrangement for the two-wheeled vehicle.
One or more objectives of the present disclosure are achieved by the solutions provided in the enclosed independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the dependent claims.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a stand arrangement for a two-wheeled vehicle, comprising a stand having a first end and a second end, the stand at the first end defining a U-shaped cross-section providing two side portions at the first end of the stand. The stand arrangement for the two-wheeled vehicle further comprises a retracting arrangement comprising a first bracket fastened to a chassis of the two-wheeled vehicle, a second bracket fastened to the first bracket, to define a gap with the first bracket when fastened to the second bracket and an actuator having a body and an output shaft, the body of the actuator being supported with the first bracket. The one of the two side portions of the stand is disposed in the gap between the first bracket and the second bracket. The output shaft of the actuator extends out of the first bracket and passes through an aperture in said one of the two side portions of the stand, to pivotally support the stand from the first end of the stand with respect to the chassis, to allow for disposing the stand in a stowed position and a deployed position with respect to the chassis. The actuator is configured to cause automatic retracting of the stand from the deployed position to the stowed position at a start of a drive of the two-wheeled vehicle based on predefined criteria.
The present disclosure provides an improved stand arrangement for the two-wheeled vehicle. The disclosed stand arrangement includes an automatic retrieving stand with simplified structure, which is easy to manufacture due to its low-complexity structural without any compromise in mechanical strength to support the two-wheeled vehicle in upright position. Moreover, in a case, if a user (or an operator) of the two-wheeled vehicle forgets to take the stand up (or in the stowed position), the stand is automatically retracted by the actuator when the speed of two-wheeled vehicle increases beyond a predefined threshold value and the stand is already in the deployed position. Although, the stand may be deployed manually to keep the two-wheeled vehicle in an upright position but can be retrieved automatically in the stowed position by the actuator. Thus, the stand may also be referred to as an intelligent stand (or i-stand) that enhances ease of use, safety and prevents interruptions in operating the two-wheeled vehicle at the start of the drive, especially for a new user. In some exemplary cases, the stand may also reduce the risk of accident, for example, due to a user error. In this way, the stand provides safety and accident protection with smart controls. Moreover, the stand has the unibody construction and does not include any welded parts and hence, manifests simplicity and light weight as well, which reduces the power usage of battery of the two-wheeled vehicle, such as an electric scooter.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of operation of a stand arrangement for a two-wheeled vehicle. The method comprises determining if a speed of the two-wheeled vehicle is above a predefined threshold and checking if the stand is in a deployed position at a start of a ride of the two-wheeled vehicle. The method further comprises obtaining a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal from a microcontroller of the two-wheeled vehicle when the speed is above the predefined threshold and the stand is in the deployed position and controlling an actuator of the stand arrangement to cause automatic retracting of the stand from the deployed position to a stowed position based on the obtained PWM signal.
The disclosed method provides an automatic retrieval of the stand in the stowed position when the two-wheeled vehicle is at the start of the drive and hence, prevents any interruption during the operation of the two-wheeled vehicle. Moreover, the method enhances protection of a user (specifically, a new user) of the two-wheeled vehicle. Additionally, the method achieves all the advantages and technical features of the stand arrangement for the two-wheeled vehicle.
It is to be appreciated that all the aforementioned implementation forms can be combined.
It has to be noted that all devices, elements, circuitry, units, and means described in the present application could be implemented in the software or hardware elements or any kind of combination thereof. All steps which are performed by the various entities described in the present application, as well as the functionalities described to be performed by the various entities, are intended to mean that the respective entity is adapted to or configured to perform the respective steps and functionalities. Even if, in the following description of specific embodiments, a specific functionality or step to be performed by external entities is not reflected in the description of a specific detailed element of that entity that performs that specific step or functionality, it should be clear for a skilled person that these methods and functionalities can be implemented in respective software or hardware elements, or any kind of combination thereof. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Additional aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative implementations construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1A is a perspective view that illustrates various exemplary components of a stand arrangement for a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 1B is an illustration of a stand arrangement attached to a chassis of a two-wheeled vehicle in a deployed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 1C is an illustration of a stand arrangement attached to a chassis of a two-wheeled vehicle in a stowed position, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 1D is a side view that illustrates a deployed position of a stand of a stand arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 1E is a side view that illustrates a stowed position of a stand of a stand arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates various exemplary components of a circuitry of a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3A is a side view of a stand arrangement in a retrieved position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3B is a front view of a stand arrangement in a retrieved position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of a stand arrangement in a retrieved position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a stand arrangement in a deployed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of a stand arrangement in a deployed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a stand arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of operation of a stand arrangement for a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view that illustrates various exemplary components of a stand arrangement for a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1A, there is shown a perspective view 100A of a stand arrangement 102 for a two-wheeled vehicle.
The stand arrangement 102 for the two-wheeled vehicle comprises a stand 104 having a first end 106 and a second end 108, where the stand 104 at the first end 106 defines a U-shaped cross-section providing two side portions 110, 112 at the first end 106 of the stand 104. The stand arrangement 102 is a kind of electro-mechanical automatic retrieving stand that enhances ease-of-use, safety, and prevents interruptions in operating the two-wheeled vehicle at the start of a drive. The two-wheeled vehicle may be a two-wheeled electric vehicle (EV), such as an electric scooter or an electric bike. The stand 104 of the stand arrangement 102 includes the first end 106 and the second end 108. The stand 104 at the first end 106 makes the U-shaped cross-section (represented by a dotted arrow) providing the two side portions, such as a first side portion 110 and a second side portion 112. The U-shaped cross section provides compactness to the stand 104 of the stand arrangement 102.
The stand arrangement 102 for the two-wheeled vehicle further comprises a retracting arrangement 114 comprising a first bracket 116 fixedly fastened to a chassis of the two-wheeled vehicle. In one implementation, the first bracket 116 may be fixedly fastened by welding to the chassis of the two-wheeled vehicle. However, it is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that other ways of fixedly fastening of the first bracket 116 to the chassis may be employed, without limiting the scope of the disclosure. The retracting arrangement 114 further comprises a second bracket 118 fastened to the first bracket 116, to define a gap with the first bracket 116 when fastened to the second bracket 118. For instance, the second bracket 118 may be detachably fastened to the first bracket 116. The retracting arrangement 114 further comprises an actuator 120 having a body and an output shaft 122, the body of the actuator 120 being supported with the first bracket 116. The retracting arrangement 114 is configured to pivotally support the stand 104 to a chassis (shown in FIGs. 1B and 1C) of the two-wheeled vehicle. The retracting arrangement 114 comprises the first bracket 116 fixedly fastened (e.g., welded) to the chassis of the two-wheeled vehicle in order to provide a mechanical strength to the stand 104. The retracting arrangement 114 further comprises the second bracket 118 that has a L-shaped cross-section in order to define the gap with the first bracket 116 when fastened to the first bracket 116. Moreover, the first bracket 116 and the second bracket 118 may be portions of a single bracket assembly. The retracting arrangement 114 further comprises the actuator 120 that has the body and the output shaft 122. The first bracket 116 provides a U-shaped housing to the body of the actuator 120 and hence, mechanically supports the body of the actuator 120.
The one of the two side portions 110, 112 of the stand 104 is disposed in the gap between the first bracket 116 and the second bracket 118. More specifically, the first side portion 110 at the first end 106 of the stand 104 is disposed in the gap between the first bracket 116 and the second bracket 118 for providing compact arrangement.
The output shaft 122 of the actuator 120 extends out of the first bracket 116 and passes through an aperture in said one of the two side portions 110, 112 of the stand 104, to pivotally support the stand 104 from the first end 106 of the stand 104 with respect to the chassis, to allow for disposing the stand 104 in a stowed position and a deployed position with respect to the chassis, and the actuator 120 is configured to cause automatic retracting of the stand 104 from the deployed position to the stowed position at a start of a drive of the two-wheeled vehicle based on predefined criteria. The output shaft 122 of the actuator 120 extends outwards from the first bracket 116 and passes through the aperture of the first side portion 110 of the stand 104. The output shaft 122 of the actuator 120 pivotally supports the stand 104 at the first end 106 of the stand 104 with respect to the chassis and allows disposing of the stand 104 in the stowed position (described in detail, for example, in FIG. 1E) and in the deployed position (described in detail, for example, in FIG. 1D) with respect to the chassis. The actuator 120 is configured for automatically retracting the stand 104 from the deployed position to the stowed position at the start of the drive of the two-wheeled vehicle based on the pre-defined criteria. Generally, an actuator may be defined as an individual device or a part of a machine that enables physical movement of the machine by conversion of energy, such as conversion of electrical, or air, or hydraulic energy into mechanical energy. The electronic components of the actuator 120 that cause automatic retraction of the stand 104 from the deployed position to the stowed position is described in detail, for example, in FIG. 2.
In accordance with an embodiment, the predefined criteria include determining if a speed of the two-wheeled vehicle is above a predefined threshold and checking if the stand 104 is in deployed position when it is determined that the speed of the two-wheeled vehicle is above the predefined threshold. The pre-defined criteria for automatic retraction of the stand 104 includes determining if the speed of the two-wheeled vehicle is above the predefined threshold value (e.g., 10 Kilometre pr hour (Kmph)). When it is determined that the speed of the two-wheeled vehicle is above the predefined threshold, thereafter, checking that the stand 104 is in the deployed position, consequently, the actuator 120 causes automatic retraction of the stand 104 from the deployed position to the stowed position at the start of the drive of the two-wheeled vehicle. The determination about the speed of the two-wheeled vehicle can be made by use of a vehicle control unit (VCU), described in detail, for example, in FIG. 2.
In accordance with an embodiment, the first bracket 116 has a substantially U-shaped profile with two extending arms 124, 126 fixedly fastened (e.g., welded) to the chassis and an intermediate portion 128 connecting the two extending arms 124, 126, and wherein the intermediate portion 128 has an opening to house the body of the actuator 120 therein, with the output shaft 122 of the actuator 120 extending outwardly therefrom. The first bracket 116 has the substantially U-shaped profile with the two extending arms, such as a first extending arm 124 and a second extending arm 126. In one implementation, both the first extending arm 124 and the second extending arm 126 may be welded to the chassis for providing mechanical strength to the stand 104. However, other ways of fixedly fastening the first extending arm 124 and the second extending arm 126 to the chassis may also be used. The first bracket 116 further includes the intermediate portion 128 that connects the first extending arm 124 and the second extending arm 126. Furthermore, the intermediate portion 128 has the opening to house (or capture) the body of the actuator 120 with the output shaft 122 of the actuator 120 that extends outwardly therefrom.
In accordance with an embodiment, the second bracket 118 has a substantially L-shaped profile with a first arm 130 and a second arm 132, and wherein the first bracket 116 further comprises a flange 134 extending from the intermediate portion 128 of the first bracket 116, such that the first arm 130 of the second bracket 118 is fastened to the flange 134 of the first bracket 116. The second bracket 118 has the substantially L-shaped profile with the first arm 130 and the second arm 132. Moreover, the first bracket 116 further comprises the flange 134 that extends from the intermediate portion 128 of the first bracket 116 in such way that the first arm 130 of the second bracket 118 is fastened to the flange 134 of the first bracket 116. By virtue of the L-shape of the second bracket 118, the movement of the stand 104 is restricted at both the positions (i.e., the stowed position and the deployed position). This in turn ensures that if the actuator 120 is off after the actuation, the stand 104 will be able to retain its position where originally it is. Consequently, this in turn reduce the power consumption of the actuator 120 as the actuator 120 does not use power all the time despite of during the actuation.
In accordance with an embodiment, the second arm 132 of the second bracket 118 has an aperture complementary to the aperture in said one of the two side portions 110, 112 of the stand 104 and other of the two side portions 110, 112 of the stand 104 has an aperture complementary to the aperture in the second arm 132 of the second bracket 118, and wherein the output shaft 122 of the actuator 120 passes through the aperture in the second arm 132 of the second bracket 118 and extends into the aperture in the said other of the two side portions 110, 112 of the stand 104. The second arm 132 of the second bracket 118 has the aperture complementary to the aperture of the second side portion 112 of the stand 104. Moreover, the first side portion 110 of the stand 104 has the aperture complementary to the aperture in the second arm 132 of the second bracket 118. The output shaft 122 of the actuator 120 passes through the aperture in the second arm 132 of the second bracket 118 and extends into the aperture of the first side portion 110 of the stand 104.
In accordance with an embodiment, the stand 104 has a unibody construction independent of any welded parts. The stand 104 has the unibody construction and does not include any welded parts resulting in a simplified and light weight stand. The stand 104 is an aluminium casted stand in contrast a conventional stand which is a tubular stand with multiple welding components that increases complexity and weight.
In accordance with an embodiment, the stand 104 has a hollow profile. The stand 104 has the hollow profile with a U-shaped cross section. The U-shaped cross section results in a compact design of the stand 104.
In accordance with an embodiment, the stand 104 has a reinforcement region 136 proximal to the second end 108 thereof. The stand 104 further includes the reinforcement region 136 close to the second end 108 of the stand 104. The reinforcement region 136 has a tapered shape and provides structural strength to the stand 104.
In accordance with an embodiment, the stand arrangement 102 further comprises a tensioning member configured to retain the stand 104 in the stowed position, when retracted by the actuator 120 thereto. The stand arrangement 102 further comprises the tensioning member (e.g., a spring or other tensioning means) that is configured to retain the stand 104 in the stowed position retracted by the actuator 120 when the two-wheeled vehicle is in motion. The tensioning member is configured to hold the stand 104 in the stowed position and not letting the stand 104 fall down. The tensioning member holds the stand 104 by virtue of a holding torque. Generally, the holding torque is a value of an externally applied torque which a motor can resist to stay at a particular position. In the stand arrangement 102, the tensioning member is doing the job of holding the stand 104 in the particular position and provides a cost-effective solution over the use of the motor which has higher cost.
Thus, the stand arrangement 102 for the two-wheeled vehicle has low-complexity mechanical structure, and includes an automatic retrieving stand (i.e., the stand 104). For example, in a case, if a user (or an operator) of the two-wheeled vehicle forgets to take it up (or in the stowed position), the stand 104 is automatically retracted by the actuator 120 when the speed of two-wheeled vehicle increases beyond a predefined threshold value (e.g., 10Kmph) and the stand 104 is already in the deployed position. Although, the stand 104 may be deployed manually to keep the two-wheeled vehicle in an upright position but can be retrieved automatically in the stowed position by the actuator 120. Thus, the stand 104 may also be referred to as an intelligent stand (or i-stand) that enhances ease of use, safety and prevents interruptions in operating the two-wheeled vehicle at the start of the drive, especially for a new user. In some exemplary cases, the stand 104 may also reduce the risk of accident, for example, due to a user error. In this way, the stand 104 provides safety and accident protection with smart controls. Moreover, the stand 104 has the unibody construction and does not include any welded parts and hence, manifests simplicity and light weight.
FIG. 1B is an illustration of a stand arrangement attached to a chassis of a two-wheeled vehicle in a deployed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is described in conjunction with elements from FIG. 1A. With reference to FIG. 1B, there is shown an illustration 100B that includes a chassis 138, a floorboard 140 and surrounding elements 142 of the two-wheeled vehicle (of FIG. 1A). Each of the stand arrangement 102 and the surrounding elements 142 is represented by a dashed box, which is used for illustration purpose only.
The illustration 100B depicts mechanical attachment of the stand 104 of the stand arrangement 102 (of FIG. 1A) to the chassis 138. In addition to the mechanical attachment of the stand 104 to the chassis 138, the stand 104 is further connected to the surrounding elements 142 of the two-wheeled vehicle. Moreover, the chassis 138 is further attached to the floorboard 140 of the two-wheeled vehicle.
FIG. 1C is an illustration of a stand arrangement attached to a chassis of a two-wheeled vehicle in a stowed position, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1C is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A, and 1B. With reference to FIG. 1C, there is shown a front view 100C that illustrates mechanical attachment of the stand 104 (of FIG. 1A) to the chassis 138 of the two-wheeled vehicle.
FIG. 1D is a side view that illustrates a deployed position of a stand of a stand arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1D is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A, 1B, and 1C. With reference to FIG. 1D, there is shown a side view 100D that illustrates the deployed position of the stand 104 (of FIG. 1A). The stand 104 is set in the deployed position when the two-wheeled vehicle comes to a stop after a course of motion or parked on a roadside.
FIG. 1E is a side view that illustrates a stowed position of a stand of a stand arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1E is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. With reference to FIG. 1E, there is shown a side view 100E that illustrates the stowed position of the stand 104 (of FIG. 1A). The stand 104 is set in the stowed position when speed of the two-wheeled vehicle is found greater than the predefined threshold value (e.g., 10Kmph). The stand 104 is automatically retracted in the stowed position by the actuator 120 on determination of the speed (> 10Kmph) of the two-wheeled vehicle. The stowed position may also be referred to as a retrieved position of the stand 104. In the stowed position, the stand 104 touches a floorboard side cover 144. The floorboard side cover 144 lies aside of the floorboard 140 of the two-wheeled vehicle.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates various exemplary components of a circuitry of a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A-1E. With reference to FIG. 2, there is shown a block diagram 200 of a two-wheeled vehicle 202 that includes the actuator 120 of the retracting arrangement 114 of the stand arrangement 102 (of FIG. 1A). The two-wheeled vehicle 202 further includes a vehicle control unit (VCU) 204 and a power system 206. The VCU 204 includes a microcontroller 208 and a memory 210. The actuator 120 includes a servo motor 212. In an implementation, the actuator 120 includes a direct current (DC) motor 214 and a limit switch 216.
The two-wheeled vehicle 202 corresponds to the two-wheeled vehicle that includes the stand arrangement 102 (of FIG. 1A). The two-wheeled vehicle 202 includes an automatic retrieving stand (i.e., the stand 104). The stand 104 is automatically retrieved in the stowed position (shown in FIG. 1E) by use of the actuator 120 when speed of the two-wheeled vehicle become larger than the predefined threshold value (e.g., 10Kmph). The automatic retrieval of the stand 104 is controlled by the actuator 120.
The vehicle control unit (VCU) 204 includes suitable logic, circuitry, or interfaces that is configured to monitor and optimize the performance of the power system 206. The vehicle control unit 204 may also be referred to as an electronic control unit (ECU) or a motor controller unit (MCU).
The power system 206 is configured to provide a power backup to the various components of the two-wheeled vehicle 202. In an example, the two-wheeled vehicle 202 is an electric vehicle then the power system 206 is configured to provide a required voltage for the various components of the two-wheeled vehicle 202. The power system 206 corresponds to power electronic device or a battery that is communicatively coupled to the vehicle control unit 204.
The microcontroller 208 of the vehicle control unit 204 includes suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces that is configured to execute a set of instructions stored in the memory 210. Examples of the microcontroller 208 includes, but are not limited to, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) processor, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processor, an Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing (EPIC) processor, a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) processor, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a state machine, and/or other processors or circuits.
Examples of implementation of the memory 210 may include, but are not limited to, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Flash memory, a Secure Digital (SD) card, Solid-State Drive (SSD), and/or CPU cache memory.
The servo motor 212 includes suitable logic, circuitry, and/or interfaces that is configured for precise control of linear or angular position. The servo motor 212 may be either an AC servo motor or a DC servo motor depending on an input power supply. The servo motor 212 may also be referred to as a linear actuator or a rotary actuator.
The DC motor 214 may also be referred to as a rotating electrical machine that is designed to operate at direct current (DC) power supply and produce mechanical energy (or rotation) as output.
It is to be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the two-wheeled vehicle 202 may also include other suitable sensors, components or systems, but these are not described here for sake of brevity.
In accordance with an embodiment, a speed of actuation and a trigger point of a start and an end of actuation to automatically move the stand 104 by the actuator 120 is controlled based on a Pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal obtained from a microcontroller 208 of the two-wheeled vehicle 202, wherein the microcontroller 208 is at least one of: a part of circuitry of the actuator 120 itself or a part of a vehicle control unit VCU 204 that is communicatively coupled to the actuator 120. The microcontroller 208 is configured to generate the PWM signal which is further used for electrical actuation of the two-wheeled vehicle 202. The electrical actuation of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 includes the speed of actuation, the trigger point of the start of a drive and the end of actuation that further causes the actuator 120 to move the stand 104 in the stowed position. In the two-wheeled vehicle 202, the microcontroller 208 is a part of the vehicle control unit 204 that is communicatively coupled to the actuator 120. However, in another implementation, the microcontroller 208 may be a part of the actuator 120 itself.
In accordance with an embodiment, the actuator 120 includes a servo motor 212 configured to actuate a rotational movement of the output shaft 122 thereof between two angular positions corresponding to the stowed position and the deployed position of the stand 104. In an implementation, the electrical actuation of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 may be obtained by use of the servo motor 212. The servo motor 21 may have an internal position sensor. The servo motor 212 may be pivoted with a side stand groove which further actuates the rotational movement of the output shaft 122 of the actuator 120 between two angular positions. The two angular positions of the output shaft 122 correspond to the deployed and retrieved (or stowed) positions of the stand 104 which is controlled by the microcontroller 208. The speed of actuation and delays can also be controlled through the PWM signal that is generated and controlled by the microcontroller 208. Along with the predefined angle of rotation of the output shaft 122 of the actuator 120, the stand 104 is also designed in such a way that the stand 104 has mechanical stopping in the stowed position as well as in the deployed position.
In accordance with an embodiment, the actuator 120 includes a DC motor 214 and a limit switch 216 associated with the DC motor 214, and wherein the DC motor 214 is configured to actuate a rotational movement of the output shaft 122 thereof, and wherein the limit switch 216 is configured to limit the rotational movement of the output shaft 122 of the actuator 120 between two angular positions corresponding to the stowed position and the deployed position of the stand 104. The DC motor 214 does not have inbuilt position sensor, therefore, the limit switch 216 is used in association with the DC motor 214. The DC motor 214 is configured to actuate the rotational movement of the output shaft 122 of the actuator 120, and the limit switch 216 is configured to limit the angular positions of the output shaft 122 of the actuator 120. The limit switch 216 opens and closes by the motion and contact of side stand itself and once the contact is sensed by the limit switch 216, the limit switch 216 will send the signal to the vehicle control unit 204 in order to start or stop the DC motor 214 accordingly. Moreover, the use of the limit switch 216 in association with the DC motor 214 provides energy efficiency to the DC motor 214 as the limit switch 216 consumes less power of the DC motor 214 (i.e., a single switch is sufficient) in comparison to a conventional actuator of a conventional two-wheeled vehicle. Additionally, the use of the limit switch 216 in association with the DC motor 214 reduces the manufacturing cost of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 as it (i.e., the limit switch 216) provides simplicity to the two-wheeled vehicle 202 as well. When the limit switch 216 is open (when open it means that the stand 104 is already in deployed position) and speed of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 is more than the 10 Kmph, if this condition satisfies, then, the vehicle control unit 204 operates the DC motor 214 in such a way that the DC motor 214 keeps the stand in the stowed position until the limit switch 216 is closed again. When the limit switch 216 is closed (when closed it means that the stand 104 is in the stowed position), then, an electrical signal is sent by the VCU 204 by the microcontroller 208 to make the DC motor 212 off. The DC motor 214 with the limit switch 216 provides a cost-effective electrical actuation of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 over the use of the servo motor 212 for the same function.
FIG. 3A is a side view of a stand arrangement in a retrieved position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A-1E, and 2. With reference to the FIG. 3A, there is shown a side view 300A of the stand 104 (of FIG. 1A) of the the stand arrangement 102 in the retrieved position.
The side view 300A of the stand 104 of the stand arrangement 102 iillustrates the first bracket 116 and the second bracket 118 of the retracting arrangement 114 of the stand arrangement 102 (of FIG. 1A). The first bracket 116 may also be referred to as a lower bracket. The second bracket 118 may also be referred to as an upper bracket. The second bracket 118 has the L-shaped cross section in order to define a gap with the first bracket 116 when fastened to the first bracket 116. The first bracket 116 and the second bracket 118 may be portions of a single bracket assembly. The first bracket 116 and the second bracket 118 can be made up of a steel sheet metal.
FIG. 3B is a front view of a stand of a stand arrangement in a retrieved position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A-1E, and 2. With reference to the FIG. 3B, there is shown a front view 300B of the stand 104 (of FIG. 1A) of the stand arrangement 102 in the retrieved position.
The front view 300B of the stand 104 of the stand arrangement 102 iillustrates that the stand 104 has the unibody construction due to which the stand 104 manifests high mechanical strength. Moreover, the stand 104 is an aluminum casted stand by virtue of which the stand 104 manifests light weight and low cost as well. The length of the stand 104 from the first end 106 till the second end 108 appears to be in the range of 255 millimeter (mm)-260mm in the front view 300B.
FIG. 3C is a top view of a stand arrangement in a retrieved position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3C is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A-1E, and 2. With reference to the FIG. 3C, there is shown a top view 300C of the stand 104 of the stand arrangement 102 (of FIG. 1A) in the retrieved position.
The top view 300C of the stand 104 of the stand arrangement 102 iillustrates that the stand 104 has the U-shaped cross section at the first end 106. Moreover, the actuator 120 is housed in between the two extending arms, such as the first extending arm 124 and the second extending arm 126. The length of the stand 104 from the first end 106 till the second end 108 appears to be in the range of 255 millimeter (mm)-260mm in the top view 300C.
FIG. 4A is a front view of a stand arrangement in a deployed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A-1E, 2, and 3A-3C. With reference to the FIG. 4A, there is shown a front view 400A of the stand 104 (of FIG. 1A) of the stand arrangement 102 in the deployed position.
The stand 104 is set in the deployed position manually by a rider (or a user or an operator) when the two-wheeled vehicle 202 is stationary or parked on a roadside. The setting of the stand 104 in the deployed position is not kept automatic as it is cost intensive, and prone to miscalculations, and increases risk of too many automations hampering ease of use. However, the setting of the stand 104 in the retrieved position (or the stowed position) is automatic in order to avoid any interruption (e.g., an accident) and to enhance protection of the rider during the operation of the two-wheeled vehicle. Therefore, automation of the stand 104 for the retrieved position (or the stowed position) is performed. This automation is performed by the microcontroller 208 of the actuator 120 comprised by the retracting arrangement 114 of the stand arrangement 102 of the two-wheeled vehicle 202. Additionally, the stand 104 is also designed in such a way that the stand 104 has mechanical stopping in the stowed position as well as in the deployed position.
FIG. 4B is a side view of a stand arrangement in a deployed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A-1E, 2, 3A-3C, and 4A. With reference to the FIG. 4B, there is shown a side view 400B of the stand 104 (of FIG. 1A) ofthe stand arrangement 102 in the deployed position.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a stand arrangement in a stowed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A-1E, 2, 3A-3C, 4A, and 4B. With reference to the FIG. 5, there is shown exploded view 500 of the stand arrangement 102 in the stowed position.
The exploded view 500 of the stand arrangement 102 illustrates various components, such as the first end 106 and the second end 108 of the stand 104, the retracting arrangement 114, the first bracket 116, the second bracket 118, the actuator 120, the output shaft 122 of the actuator 120, the first extending arm 124, the second extending arm 126, and the reinforcement region 136, of the stand 104. The first end 106 makes the U-shaped cross-section with the first side portion 110 and the second side portion 112. All the aforesaid components of the stand arrangement 102 have been described in detail, for example, in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of operation of a stand arrangement for a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A-1E, and 2. With reference to FIG. 6, there is shown a method 600 of operation of the stand arrangement 102 for the two-wheeled vehicle 202. The method 600 includes 602-to-608 steps. The stand arrangement 102 of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 is configured to execute the method 600.
A method (i.e., the method 600) of operation a stand arrangement 102 for a two-wheeled vehicle 202, the method 600 comprising:
determining if a speed of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 is above a predefined threshold;
checking if the stand 104 is in a deployed position at a start of a ride of the two-wheeled vehicle 202;
obtaining a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal from a microcontroller 208 of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 when the speed is above the predefined threshold and the stand 104 is in the deployed position; and
controlling an actuator 120 of the stand arrangement 102 to cause automatic retracting of the stand 104 from the deployed position to a stowed position based on the obtained PWM signal, and further turning OFF the actuator 120 of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 when the stowed position is reached, and a limit switch of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 is closed. For instance, the VCU 204 senses that the stowed position is reached, and the limit switch 216 of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 is closed. Thereafter, the VCU 204 sends a power off signal to turn OFF the actuator 120 (e.g., the DC motor 214 may then be turned OFF automatically optimizing (i.e., lowering) overall power consumption).The method 600 is used for operation of the stand arrangement 102 (of FIG. 1A) of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 (of FIG. 2). The method 600 provides automatic retrieval of the stand 104 in the stowed position (or the retrieval position) from the deployed position when the two-wheeled vehicle 202 is at the start of the drive based on the predefined criteria.
At step 602, the method 600 comprises determining if a speed of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 is above a predefined threshold. The method 600 includes determining if the speed of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 is above the predefined threshold value (e.g., 10 Kilometre pr hour (Kmph)).
At step 604, the method 600 further comprises checking if the stand 104 is in a deployed position at a start of a ride of the two-wheeled vehicle 202. After finding the speed of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 above the predefined threshold (i.e., 10Kmph), the method 600 further includes checking that the stand 104 is in the deployed position at the start of the ride of the two-wheeled vehicle 202.
At step 606, the method 600 further comprises obtaining a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal from the microcontroller 208 of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 when the speed is above the predefined threshold and the stand 104 is in the deployed position. When it is determined that the speed of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 is above the predefined threshold, and checked that the stand 104 is in the deployed position, thereafter, the microcontroller 208 of the vehicle control unit 204 of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 generates the PWM signal for setting the position of the stand 104 in the stowed position.
At step 608, the method 600 further comprises controlling the actuator 120 of the stand arrangement 102 to cause automatic retracting of the stand 104 from the deployed position to a stowed position based on the obtained PWM signal. The generated PWM signal is used to control the actuator 120 for automatic retraction of the stand 104 from the deployed position to the stowed position at the start of the drive of the two-wheeled vehicle 202. When the stowed position of the stand 104 is reached and the limit switch 216 is closed, this information is sensed by the VCU 204 and consequently, the VCU 204 sends a power off signal to turn off the DC motor 214 resulting into energy saving of the DC motor 214.
In accordance with an embodiment, the method 600 further comprises using the obtained PWM signal to concurrently control a speed of actuation and a trigger point of a start and an end of actuation to automatically move the stand 104 from the deployed position to the stowed position at the start of the drive of the two-wheeled vehicle 202. The microcontroller 208 is configured to generate the PWM signal which is further used for electrical actuation of the two-wheeled vehicle 202. The electrical actuation of the two-wheeled vehicle 202 includes the speed of actuation, the trigger point of the start of the drive and the end of actuation that further causes the actuator 120 to move the stand 104 in the stowed position. The steps 602 and 608 are only illustrative, and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.
Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "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. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments. The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". It is appreciated that certain features of the present disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure.