Claims:We Claim:

1. A tip insert assembly (100) for a leaf spring arrangement (200), the assembly (100) comprising:
a first tip insert (1) disposed on one side of at least one leaf spring (201b) of the leaf spring arrangement (200);
a second tip insert (2) disposable on other side opposite to the one side of the at least one leaf spring (201b), wherein the second tip insert (2) includes a threaded portion (3) extending to the one side of the at least one leaf spring (201b) through a hole (6) defined in the at least one leaf spring (201b),
Wherein, the threaded portion (3) of the second tip insert (2) threadingly engages with a receiving portion (5) of the first tip insert (1).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first tip insert (1) includes a body portion (4), defining an engaging surface in one side and a distal surface on other side.

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second tip insert (2) includes a base portion (11), defined with an engaging surface and a distal surface.

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the engaging surface of the first tip insert (1) contacts the at least one leaf spring (201b) on one side.

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the engaging surface of the second tip insert (2) contacts a surface of the at least one leaf spring (201b) on the other side.

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the receiving portion (5) of the first tip insert (1) is defined with a collar, wherein the collar extends from the engaging surface of the first tip insert (1).

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the collar defined in the receiving portion (5) of the first tip insert (1) is configured to seat in the hole (6) defined in the at least one leaf spring (201b).

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the receiving portion (5) of the first tip insert (1) is defined with a threaded-bore, and wherein the threaded-bore (5) axially aligns with the hole (6) defined in the at least one leaf spring (201b).

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving portion (5) of the first tip insert (1) is defined with an internal threaded region, to threadingly receive and secure the threaded portion (3) of the second tip insert (2).

10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the threaded portion (3) extends from the engaging surface of the base portion (11) in the second tip insert (2).

11. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first tip insert (1) is defined with a plurality of protuberances (7) on the distal surface of the body portion (4).

12. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of protuberances (7) of the first tip insert (1) engages on one side of an other leaf spring (201a) of the leaf spring arrangement (200), to define a clearance region (10).

13. A vehicle suspension system having a leaf spring arrangement (200), including a tip insert assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13] TITLE: “THREADED TIP INSERTS FOR LEAF SPRING ARRANGEMENT”
Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED; of Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk,
Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India.
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure relates in general to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to suspension systems employed in vehicles. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a threaded tip insert assembly for a leaf spring arrangement in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Vehicles are generally employed with suspension systems in order to absorb shocks arising from road undulations, banking of the roads or terrain during vehicular movement and the like. Conventionally, coil springs are employed in passenger vehicles in order to absorb shocks produced during movement of the vehicles and provide comfort to passengers in the vehicles. Such conventional suspension assemblies or coil springs are ineffective when there is a requirement of higher loads transportation by the vehicle. Also, repair and maintenance of the coil springs may generally be tedious and cumbersome.
Suspension assemblies for the vehicles have evolved over a period of time and, leaf spring arrangements have been widely incorporated in the vehicles to cope with demand for transportation of heavy loads along with ease in maintenance and serviceability. In this regard, vehicles such as, but not limited to, trucks, buses, pick-up trucks, and other similar commercial vehicles employ leaf spring arrangement for suspension. The leaf spring arrangement, in general, may include a number of leaf springs being stacked one above the other. Ends of such stack of the leaf springs may be connected underneath the chassis of the vehicle, to absorb shocks encountered by the vehicle. Each leaf spring in the leaf spring arrangement, however, may be subjected to wear at a point of contact between each of the leaf springs. Such wear at the end of the leaf springs may either lead to failure of the leaf spring arrangement or may be required for frequent maintenance.
Conventionally, the leaf spring arrangements are provided with tip insert s at the end of each leaf springs, in order to avoid damages due to wear and also to mitigate noise arising due to metal to metal contact. Several configurations of known tip insert s have been developed and employed in the leaf spring arrangements. Such known tip insert s, include snap-fitting arrangement, such that the tip insert s are snap fitted to the leaf spring through a to a hole defined at end of each of the leaf spring, on either side, in order to reduce frictional movement between each of the leaf springs during operation. However, over a period of time the snap fit

may loosen and the tip insert may drop-off from the leaf spring arrangement, thereby subjecting the leaf spring arrangement vulnerable to damages.
Additionally, with advent of technology, efforts have been made to develop assemblies that secure the tip insert s between each of the leaf springs in the leaf spring arrangement. One such known arrangement include a metal plate and a rubber backing, where the metal plate along with the rubber backing may be secured on the known leaf springs by a riveting process. In such riveting process, a rivet may be positioned in a hole defined in the metal plate and corresponding hole in the leaf spring for securement of the assemblies. However such assemblies, requires a skilled operator for securement of the tip insert s. Also riveting renders a permanent joint which cannot be easily dis-assembled.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:
One or more shortcomings of conventional tip insert assemblies are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the threaded tip insert 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, a tip insert assembly for a leaf spring arrangement is disclosed. The assembly includes a first tip insert, disposed on one side of at least one leaf spring of the leaf spring arrangement. Further, a second tip insert is disposable on other side opposite to the one side of the at least one leaf spring, wherein the second tip insert includes a threaded portion extending to the one side of the at least one leaf spring through a hole defined in the at least one leaf spring. The threaded portion of the second tip insert threadingly engages with a receiving portion of the first tip insert.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first tip insert includes a body portion, defining an engaging surface in one side and a distal surface on other side. Whereas, the second tip insert includes a base portion, defined with an engaging surface and a distal surface.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the engaging surface of the first tip insert contacts the at least one leaf spring on one side. Also, the engaging surface of the second tip insert contacts a surface of the at least one leaf spring on the other side.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving portion of the first tip insert is defined with a collar, wherein the collar extends from the engaging surface of the first tip insert. The collar defined in the receiving portion of the first tip insert is configured to seat in the hole defined in the at least one leaf spring.
In an embodiment, the receiving portion of the first tip insert is defined with a threaded-bore such that, the threaded-bore axially aligns with the hole defined in the at least one leaf spring. Also, the receiving portion of the first tip insert is defined with an internal threaded region, to threadedly receive and secure the threaded portion of the second tip insert.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the threaded portion extends from the engaging surface of the base portion in the second tip insert.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first tip insert is defined with a plurality of protuberances on the distal surface. The plurality of protuberances of the first tip insert engages on one side of an other leaf spring of the leaf spring arrangement, to define a clearance region.
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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
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 drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a leaf spring arrangement for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the leaf spring arrangement about a sectional plane A-A of Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the leaf spring arrangement of Figure 1.
Figures 4a illustrates a top view of a first tip insert, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4b illustrates a sectional view of the first tip insert along section plane B-B in Figure 4a.
Figure 5a illustrates a top view of a second tip insert, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5b illustrates a sectional view of the second tip insert along section plane C-C in Figure 5a.
Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of the third tip insert, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure..
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative assembly embodying the principles 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 mechanisms and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the tip insert assembly, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the tip insert assembly of the present disclosure may be employed in a suspension system having a leaf spring arrangement, which may be incorporated in vehicle ranging from passenger vehicles to commercial vehicles.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such device. In other words, one or more elements in the mechanism proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device.
Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a tip insert assembly for a leaf spring arrangement. The assembly comprises a first tip insert, disposed on one side of at least one leaf spring of the leaf spring arrangement. Further, a second tip insert is disposable on other side opposite to the one side of the at least one leaf spring, wherein the second tip insert includes a threaded portion extending to the one side of the at least one leaf spring through a hole defined in the at least one leaf spring. The threaded portion of the second tip insert threadingly engages with a receiving portion of the first tip insert.
Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures illustrating a tip insert assembly for a leaf spring arrangement. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure, since the tip insert assembly may also be used with other components of a suspension system where such need arises. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure.
Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a side view of a leaf spring arrangement (200). The leaf spring arrangement (200) may be coupled underneath a chassis of vehicle [not shown in Figures]. The leaf spring arrangement (200) may be

configured to absorb vibrations and shocks that may be experienced by the vehicle. Further, the leaf spring arrangement (200), coupled underneath the chassis of the vehicle, may be positioned along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. This configuration of positioning the leaf spring arrangement (200) may assist in dampening vertical forces that may be exerted during vehicle travel.
Further referring to Figure 1, the leaf spring arrangement (200) may include at least one leaf spring (201b), that may be connected to the chassis of the vehicle. Leaf springs in the leaf spring arrangement (200) may, however, be increased in numbers based on requirement for bearing load on the vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, two-pairs of leaf springs are employed in the leaf spring arrangement (200), where each leaf spring in the two-pairs of leaf spring arrangement (200) may be stacked one above the other and be held by a clamp member (12). Also, at least one-pair of the leaf springs in the leaf spring arrangement (200) may be defined with an eye-section (13) on either end, for connecting the leaf spring arrangement (200) with the chassis of the vehicle. In an embodiment, a tip insert assembly (100) may be positioned between each of the leaf springs in the leaf spring arrangement (200) at a tip portion on either ends.
Referring now to Figure 2, which illustrate sectional view of the leaf spring arrangement (200) along with the tip insert assembly (100), about a sectional plane A-A of Figure 1. The tip insert assembly (100) may be centrally placed at the ends of each leaf spring, for restricting frictional contact between each leaf spring in the leaf spring arrangement (200). In an embodiment, the at least one leaf spring (201b) of a pair of leaf spring may be defined with a hole (6) in order to receive and accommodate the tip insert assembly (100) between the pair of leaf springs, as best seen in Figure 3. The tip insert assembly (100) may include a first tip insert (1) and the second tip insert (2), which may be disposable on either sides of one of the leaf springs in the pair of leaf springs, in order to dampen vibrations and/or shocks experienced by the leaf spring arrangement (200).
In the illustrative embodiment, the tip insert assembly (100) may be suitably positioned on one side of the at least one leaf spring (201b), for correspondingly dampening other leaf spring (201a) in the leaf spring arrangement (200). Further, the tip insert assembly (100) may be disposed on either side of the at least one leaf spring (201b). The tip insert assembly (100) may include a first tip insert (1) and a second tip insert (2). The first tip insert (1) may be disposed on one side of the at least one leaf spring (201b), while the second tip insert (2) may be

disposable on other side which is opposite to the one side of the at least one leaf spring (201b). It may be noted that, the one side of the at least one leaf spring (201b) and the other side of the at least one leaf spring (201b) may be parallel to the chassis of the vehicle. This arrangement of the tip insert assembly (100) may aid in dampening the vertical forces experienced by the leaf spring arrangement (200), during vehicle travel.
The first tip insert (1) of the tip insert assembly (100) may be defined with a body portion (4), as best seen in Figures 4a and 4b. In an embodiment, the body portion (4) may be defined with profiles including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, elliptical and the like, however, the body portion (4) is illustrated with a circular profile, as such a profile should not be construed as a limitation. The body portion (4) may defined a predetermined thickness in order to separate each of the leaf spring in the pair of leaf springs. The predefined thickness of the body portion (4) may be dependent on factors including, but not limited to, load to be borne by the leaf spring arrangement (200), material of tip insert assembly (100), grade of surface finish of the leaf springs in the leaf spring arrangement (200), and the like. The body portion (4) may be further defined with an engaging surface and a distal surface. The engaging surface may be adapted to engage with the one side of the at least one leaf spring (201b), when disposed on the at least one leaf spring (201b). Whereas, the distal surface may be positioned away from the one side of the at least one leaf spring (201b).
Further, the first tip insert (1) may be defined with a receiving portion (5), on the engaging surface of the body portion (4). The receiving portion (5) may be coaxially aligned with the hole (6) of the at least one leaf spring (201b) in the leaf spring arrangement (200). In an embodiment, the receiving portion (5) of the first tip insert (1) may be adaptably aligned with the hole (6) of the at least one leaf spring (201b). For example, as seen in Figure 4b, the receiving portion (5) of the first tip insert (1) may be a collar, which may extend from the engaging surface of the body portion (4). The collar may be dimensioned to snugly fit into the hole (6) of the at least one leaf spring (201b). Additionally, the collar may be defined with a threaded region, for threadingly engaging the first tip insert (1) with the second tip insert (2). Also, the receiving portion (5) of the first tip insert (1) may be configured with a threaded-bore [not shown in Figures]. The threaded bore may extend from the engaging surface of the body portion (4) and may be proximal to the distal surface of the body portion (4). These configurations of the receiving portion (5) may be configured to receive and accommodate at

least a portion of the second tip insert (2), for securing the tip insert assembly (100) on either side of the at least one leaf spring (201b).
The second tip insert (2) of the tip insert assembly (100) may be defined with a base portion (11), as best seen in Figures 5a and 5b. The second tip insert (2) may include a base portion (11), where the base portion (11) may be defined with the engaging surface and the distal surface. The engaging surface of the base portion (11) may engage the other side of the at least one leaf spring (201b), when the second tip insert (2) may be disposed in the leaf spring arrangement (200). The engaging surface of the second tip insert (2) may be positioned opposite to the engaging surface of the first tip insert (1) on the other side of the at least one leaf spring (201b). Also, the engaging surface of the second tip insert (2) and the engaging surface of the first tip insert (1) may be positioned on two-parallel planes relative to the surfaces of the at least one leaf spring (201b). This configuration of the first tip insert (1) and the second tip insert (2) may firmly grip the at least one leaf spring (201b) on either side, thereby severing the purpose of absorbing any vibrations that may be transmitted by the leaf spring arrangement (200).
Further referring to Figure 5b, the second tip insert (2) may be defined with a threaded portion (3), which may extend from the engaging surface of the base portion (11). The threaded portion (3) of the second tip insert (2) may be adapted to be inserted into the hole (6) of the at least one leaf spring (201b). Additionally, length of the threaded portion (3) may be defined by factors including, but not limited to, thickness of the at least one leaf spring (201b), dimensions of the first tip insert (1), and the like. The length of the threaded portion (3) may be dimensioned such that, the threaded portion (3) may either extend beyond the thickness of the at least one leaf spring (201b) or may be equal to the thickness of the at least one leaf spring (201b). Additionally, the threaded portion (3) may threadingly engage with at least a portion of the receiving portion (5) of the first tip insert (1). This threading engagement between the threaded portion (3) and the receiving portion (5) may securely join of the first tip insert (1) with the second tip insert (2) or vice-versa.
Upon threadeably engaging the first tip insert (1) and the second tip insert (2), the tip insert assembly (100) may be secured on either side of the at least one leaf spring (201b). Further, another leaf spring (201a) from the leaf spring arrangement (200) may be engaged with either of the first tip insert (1) and the second tip insert (2). In the illustrative embodiment, the other leaf spring (201a) may be engaged with the distal surface of the first tip insert (1) or the second

tip insert (2), for stacking on the at least one leaf spring (201b). The engagement of the other leaf spring (201a) with the first tip insert (1) and the second tip insert (2) may be surface engagement and may be subjective to the weight of the other leaf spring (201a) or subsequent leaf springs stacked thereon. In an embodiment, the first tip insert (1) and the second tip insert (2) may include a plurality of protuberances (7) [best seen in figures 4b and 5b] on the distal surface for suitable engagement with the other leaf spring (201a) of the leaf spring arrangement (200). The plurality of protuberances (7) may be configured to define a clearance region (10) between the other leaf spring (201a) and respective distal surfaces of the first tip insert (1) and the second tip insert (2). The clearance region (10) may provide sufficient gap to reduce frictional contact between the other leaf spring (201a) and respective distal surface of the first tip insert (1) and the second tip insert (2). Due to this clearance gap, wear of the first tip insert (1) and the second tip insert (2) may be avoided. Also, the other leaf spring (201a) may be devoid of the hole (6), to reduce factors including, but not limited to, manufacturing-lead-time, cost of operation, material wastage, ease in assembling, and the like. This way, the at least one leaf spring (201b) in the leaf spring arrangement (200) that may be defined with the hole (6) may be engaged by the engaging surface of the first tip insert (1) and the second tip insert (2) on either side, respectively.
In an embodiment, the second tip insert (2) positioned at the bottom of the leaf spring arrangement (200) may be devoid of the plurality of protuberances (7), as best seen in Figure 6. Also, the base portion (11) of such second tip insert (2) may be reduced in dimension. This way, material requirement for manufacturing of the second tip insert (2) and manufacturing time may be reduced, thereby rending economical significance in manufacturing.
In an embodiment, the tip insert assembly (100) may be made of material including, but not limited to, soft metals, alloys and any polymeric material. Further, polymers such as, but not limited to, PTFE may be employed for manufacturing of the tip insert materials, as such materials may be inexpensive and may be machined or cast to requisite dimensions.
In an embodiment, the tip insert assembly (100) may be adaptably positioned between each of the leaf springs in order to obviate inadvertent drop-off of the tip insert assembly (100).
In an embodiment, the first tip insert (1) and the second tip insert (2) may include a protrusion layer (8), which may be externally positioned on at least one flat surface (9), to impart similar functions as that of the plurality of protuberances (7).

In an embodiment, the tip insert assembly (100) may also be a dampener assembly.
In an embodiment, due to the configuration of the tip insert assembly (100), necessity of machining or casting a hole in each of the leaf spring may be avoided and also, may eliminate any error or defect that may form during such process of producing the hole in the leaf springs.
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

Particulars Numeral
Tip insert assembly 100
Leaf spring arrangement 200
other leaf spring 201a
One leaf spring 201b
first tip insert 1
second tip insert 2
threaded portion 3
body portion 4
collar portion 5
Hole 6

protuberance 7
protrusion 8
flat surface 9
clearance region 10 5
base portion 11
clamp member 12
Eye-section 13