DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle. More particularly, to a suspension assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Typically, vehicles are provided with a suspension assembly. The suspension assembly includes a spring and a damper unit. The suspension assembly absorbs energy released during different riding conditions, and especially during bumpy ride conditions. The spring typically absorbs energy generated due to road disturbances. Further, the absorbed energy is released during spring extension, which in turn is further absorbed by the damper unit, thereby aiding in avoiding unsettled motion of the vehicle. Thus, the suspension assembly typically aid in minimizing the vibrations experienced by a user when the vehicle is ridden over uneven surfaces.
[0002] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The present invention is described with reference to an exemplary embodiment of a suspension assembly for a vehicle. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
[0004] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. It should be appreciated that the following figures may not be drawn to scale.
[0005] Descriptions of certain details and implementations follow, including a description of the figures, which may depict some or all of the embodiments described below, as well as a discussion of other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts presented herein. An overview of embodiments of the invention is provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the drawings.
[0006] Figure 1 illustrates a magnified view of a suspension assembly (108), and a side view of a vehicle (101), where few parts are omitted from the figures, as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
[0007] Figure 2a illustrates a perspective top side view of an asymmetric preload adjuster (115), as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
[0008] Figure 2b illustrates a side view of the asymmetric preload adjuster (115), as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
[00010] Typically, the vehicles being provided with a suspension assembly. The suspension system includes a helical spring, and a damper unit. The damper unit includes a piston, and a cylinder. The piston is movable within the cylinder along a cylinder wall. The cylinder being filled with a fluid. Importantly, the suspension assembly is constructed such that one end is attached to a frame assembly of the vehicle, while another end is attached to a swing arm of the vehicle. The suspension assembly being designed and assembled such that the helical spring being always under compression. Pre load being used to maintain a user’s height that is the initial position of the suspension assembly with the weight of the vehicle and the user acting on it. Importantly, the difference between the fully extended length of the suspension assembly, and the length compressed by weight of the vehicle and the user is called “total sag”. The total sag being set to optimize the initial position of the suspension assembly to avoid bottoming out or topping out under normal riding conditions. Generally, the bottom out occurs when the suspension assembly is compressed to the point where it mechanically cannot compress any more whereas the topping out occurs when the suspension assembly extends fully and cannot mechanically extend any more. Therefore increasing preload increases the initial force in the helical spring thereby reducing the total sag. Further, decreasing preload decreases the initial force in the helical spring thereby increasing total sag. The sag is adjusted within the suitable range depending upon road conditions and users’ riding style. Less sag improves turning ability but reduces overall stability while more sag improves overall stability but may reduce turning performance. Therefore, adjusting the sag within proper limits is the critical aspect yet overlooked thing due to the user’s unawareness and complexity in preload adjustment feature. Typically, a preload adjuster being provided, which is mounted to the damper to manually adjust the preload. The pre load adjuster is operatively connected to the damper, and it is desirable to provide more space to access the preload adjuster to accurately adjust the preload.
[00011] It is observed that the energy of road shocks causes the helical spring to oscillate, this oscillation are restricted to a predetermined level by the damper. The damper absorbs different amount of energy depending on the vehicle driving pattern and road conditions. The damper uses fluid friction to absorb the helical spring energy. In other words, the damper works like an oil pump wherein it forces the fluid through orifices in the piston. This action generates hydraulic friction, which converts kinetic energy to heat energy as it reduces unwanted motion. However, this phenomena increases the temperature of the fluid. The heat transfer occurs when there has temperature difference when the damper absorbs shock on road and change the kinetic energy into heat energy. Further, the heat from the fluid transferred to an outer body of the damper which damages the fluid seals resulting into leakage of the fluid from the damper, which in turns increases the maintenance costs of the vehicle. Attempt at correcting this problem using conventional suspension have focused on increasing the outer body size of the damper. However, increase in the size of the outer body of the damper increases the weight and mass of the suspension assembly. Further, this action change the position of the preload adjuster and limits the space available to access the preload adjuster such that it becomes difficult to access the preload adjuster. More specifically, since the preload adjuster is surrounded with frame tubes, access to the preload adjuster for manual adjustment through a standard tool is affected such that it is difficult to access the adjustment slots provided in the preload adjuster. However, this can be addressed by increasing the height of the slots in the preload adjuster but this action poses a challenge while manufacturing preload adjusters as a welding torch tends to foul with the slots during welding of an inner ring on a base of the preload adjuster. Alternatively, said issue can be addressed using a customized tool for preload adjustment which includes training of servicemen in all the authorized service centers. In addition, for local or unauthorized service stations it is even difficult to reach out and to train such mechanics. Therefore, there is a need for an improved suspension assembly for a vehicle overcoming all the above problems as well as overcoming problems of the known art.
[00012] It is an object of the present invention to a preload adjuster which provides ease of accessibility, and manufacturability while utilizing conventional helical spring and damper unit.
[00013] To this end, the present invention discloses a suspension assembly comprising a damper, and a cushioning member. The cushioning member disposed around said damper. An asymmetric preload adjuster being operatively attached to a portion of said damper. The said asymmetric preload adjuster includes a primary member, and a secondary member. The secondary member being attached to said primary member.
[00014] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said primary member being configured to have an outer collar. The outer collar includes a first portion, and a second portion. The first portion having a predetermined height (H1) when measured from a bottom surface of said primary member. The second portion having a predetermined height (H2) when measured from said bottom surface of said primary member. The first portion circumferentially covers a major sector of said primary member. The second portion circumferentially covers a minor sector of said primary member. The first portion being configured to have two or more slots of predetermined depth H3 adapted to receive a tool for preload adjustment.
[00015] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said height H1 of said first portion ranges from 15 to 25 milli meters, wherein said height H1 being greater than said height H2 of said second portion and the depth H3 of said slots provided in the first portion.
[00016] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said major sector forms a predetermined angle greater than 230 degrees.
[00017] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said minor sector forms a predetermined angle greater than 110 degrees.
[00018] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein said secondary member being configured to have a ring shaped structure such that an upper surface of said secondary member being configured to have two or more notches adapted to engage with a cam surface provided on said damper to obtain variable preload characteristics.
[00019] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein an outer diameter of said primary member ranges from 60 to 75 milli meters.
[00020] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a ratio of said outer diameter of said primary member to said height H1 of said first portion member ranges from 3 to 3.5.
[00021] As per an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a ratio of said outer diameter of said primary member to said height H2 of said second portion ranges from 6 to 7.
[00022] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00023] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[00024] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
[00025] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[00026] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[00027] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal hatches in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically specified.
[00028] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[00029] Figure 1 illustrates a magnified view of a suspension assembly (108), and a side view of a vehicle (101), where few parts are omitted from the figures, as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. The invention will be described by taking a saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle as an example through the specification. The vehicle (101) has, for example, a frame assembly (102) to support different parts of said vehicle (101). The frame assembly (102) includes a head pipe (103), one or more down frame member (104), a first frame member (105A), a second frame member (105B), a junction box (106), one or more rear tubes (116), and a pair of left seat rail (not shown) and right seat rail (107R). The head pipe (103) supports a steering shaft (not shown) rotatably in a certain range. Further, a suspension assembly (108) is provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle (101) on the road. Further, as per illustrated embodiment, the suspension assembly (108) is a rear side suspension assembly. The suspension assembly (108) is operatively connected to the frame assembly (102). As per preferred embodiment, the suspension assembly (108) is of direct mount mono-shock configuration that uses a single damper (110). The damper (110) being configured to have an upper eyelid (112), and a bottom eyelid (113). The upper eyelid (112) being attached to the junction box (106), while the bottom eyelid (113) of the damper (110) is attached to a swing arm (109). An outer surface of the damper (110) being provided with one or more cam portions (110A). The cam portions (110A) being configured to engage with a notch (not shown) provided on an asymmetric preload adjuster (115). The asymmetric preload adjuster (115) is operatively attached to the damper (110) to adjust the preload. A cushioning member (111) disposed coaxially around said damper (110). As per preferred embodiment the cushioning member (111) includes a helical spring, and the like.
[00030] Figure 2a illustrates a perspective top side view of the asymmetric preload adjuster (115), as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. Figure 2b illustrates a side view of the asymmetric preload adjuster (115), as per embodiment, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter. For sake of brevity, Figure 2a, and Figure 2b will be discussed together. The asymmetric pre load adjuster (115) is a cam type preload adjuster. As per preferred embodiment, the asymmetric pre load adjuster have five level of adjustments which can adjusted based on the required preload conditions. The asymmetric preload adjuster (115) includes a primary member (115A), and a secondary member (201). The secondary member (201) being attached to said primary member (115A). As per preferred embodiment, the secondary member (201) being welded to the primary member (115A). An outer diameter (B) of the primary member (115A) ranges from 60 to 75 milli meters. The primary member (115A) being configured to have an opening (115B) to mount said asymmetric preload adjuster (115) to the damper (110) (as shown in figure 1). The primary member (115A) being configured to have an outer collar (202). The outer collar (202) includes a first portion (202A), and a second portion (202B). The first portion (202A) of the outer collar (202) having a predetermined height (H1), while the second portion (202B) of said outer collar (202) having a predetermined height (H2) when measured from said bottom surface (115AA) of said primary member (115A). As per an embodiment, the height (H1) of said first portion ranges from 15 to 25 milli meters. The said first portion (202A) being configured to have two or more slots (202C) of a predetermined depth (H3). The slots (202C) are adapted to receive a standard tool (not shown) for preload adjustment. As per preferred embodiment, the number of slots (202C) ranges from 2 to 7. Preferably, the height (H1) of the first portion (202A) being greater than the height (H2) of said second portion (202B) and the depth (H3) of the slots (202C). As per an embodiment, the height (H2) of the second portion (202B) ranges from 7 milli meter to 14 milli meter. A ratio of said outer diameter (B) of said primary member (115A) to said height (H1) of the first portion (202A) ranges from 3 to 3.5. Further, a ratio of said outer diameter (B) of said primary member (115A) to said height (H2) of the second portion (202B) ranges from 6 to 7. The first portion (202A) circumferentially covers a major sector of said primary member (115A). The major sector forms a predetermined angle (A1) greater than 230 degrees. The second portion (202B) circumferentially covers a minor sector of said primary member (115A). The minor sector forms a predetermined angle (A2) greater than 110 degrees. The secondary member (201) being stitched welded to said primary member (115A) in said minor sector. As per alternate embodiment, the secondary member (201) can be full weld or tack welded to the primary member (115A) based on strength optimization. The secondary member (201) being configured to have a ring shaped structure. An upper surface of said secondary member (201) being configured to have two or more notches (201A) adapted to engage with said cam surface (110A) (as shown in figure 1) provided on said damper (110) (as shown in figure 1) to obtain variable preload characteristics.
[00031] According to the present invention, the height H2 of the second portion covering minor sector being less than the height H1 of the first portion thereby it provides ease of manufacturing while welding the secondary member to the primary member. In other words, the minor sector is a weld sector to provide more space for welding torch which facilitate its movement while doing welding operation.
[00032] According to the present invention, the first portion having slots being configured to have the height H1 greater than height H2 of the second portion thereby it provides ease of accessibility while doing preload adjustment using conventional tools without a need to develop customized tools. In other words, the first portion covering the major sector is a preload adjustment sector as more space being provided for the tool while doing preload adjustment without dismantling the suspension assembly from the vehicle.
[00033] According to the present invention, the asymmetric preload adjuster being configured to have the second portion, wherein height of the second portion being less than rest of the portion of the asymmetric preload adjuster thereby it reduces the overall weight of the suspension assembly. Further, the asymmetric preload adjuster can be used with conventional dampers, and springs. Therefore, the asymmetric preload adjuster does not interfere with any surrounding part.
[00034] The above-described embodiments, and particularly any “preferred” embodiments, are possible examples of implementations and merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

List of Reference
101 Vehicle
102 Frame assembly
103 Head tube
104 Down tubes
105A First frame member
105B Second frame member
106 Junction box
107R Seat rails
108 Suspension assembly
109 Swing arm
110 Damper
110A Cam portion
111 Spring/Cushioning member
112 Upper eyelid
113 Bottom eyelid
115 Preload adjuster
115A Primary member
115AA Bottom surface
115B Opening
116 Rear tubes
201 Secondary member
202 Outer collar
202A First portion
202B Second portion
202C Slots
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A suspension assembly (108) for a vehicle (101) comprising :
a damper (110); and
a cushioning member (111), said cushioning member (111) disposed around said damper (110),
wherein an asymmetric preload adjuster (115) being operatively attached to a portion of said damper (110), and
wherein said asymmetric preload adjuster (115) includes
a primary member (115A), and
a secondary member (201),
wherein said secondary member (201) being attached to said primary member (115A).

2. The suspension assembly (108) for a vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said primary member (115A) being configured to have an outer collar (202), said outer collar (202) includes
a first portion (202A) having a predetermined height (H1) when measured from a bottom surface (115AA) of said primary member (115A), and
a second portion (202B) having a predetermined height (H2) when measured from said bottom surface (115AA) of said primary member (115A),
wherein said first portion (202A) circumferentially forms a major sector of said primary member (115A), and said second portion (202B) circumferentially forms a minor sector of said primary member (115A),
wherein said first portion (202) being configured to have two or more slots (202C) of a predetermined depth (H3) adapted to receive a tool for preload adjustment.

3. The suspension assembly (108) for a vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said height (H1) of said first portion (202A) ranges from 15 milli meter to 25 milli meter, wherein said height (H1) being greater than said height (H2) of said second portion (202B) and said depth (H3) of said slots (202C) provided in said first portion (202A).

4. The suspension assembly (108) for a vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said major sector forms a predetermined angle (A1) greater than 230 degrees.

5. The suspension assembly (108) for a vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said minor sector forms a predetermined angle (A2) greater than 110 degrees.

6. The suspension assembly (108) for a vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondary member (201) being configured to have a ring shaped structure wherein an upper surface of said secondary member (201) being configured to have two or more notches (201A), said two or more notches (201A) being adapted to engage with a cam surface (110A), said cam surface (110A) being provided on said damper (110) to obtain variable preload characteristics.

7. The suspension assembly (108) for a vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outer diameter (B) of said primary member (115A) ranges from 60 milli meter to 75 milli meter.

8. The suspension assembly (108) for a vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ratio of said outer diameter (B) of said primary member (115A) to said height (H1) of said first portion (201A) ranges from 3 to 3.5.

9. The suspension assembly (108) for a vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ratio of said outer diameter (B) of said primary member (115A) to said height (H2) of said second portion (201B) ranges from 6 to 7.

10. A vehicle (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle (101) includes
a frame assembly (102);
a suspension assembly (108) as claimed in any of the preceding claims,
wherein said suspension assembly (108) includes an upper eyelid (112), and a bottom eyelid (113),
wherein said upper eyelid (112) being connected to said frame assembly (102), wherein said bottom eyelid (113) being connected to a swing arm (109).