Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to the field of automobile engineering and electromechanical systems thereof, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting that can be used in two-wheelers, wherein the system installation need not require any type of modification to the engine since it is mounted externally on the vehicle.

BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION:
[002] In the rich tapestry of advancements within the two-wheeler industry, the conventional method of gear shifting using the foot pedal has persisted, presenting riders with challenges and limitations. Conventional gear-shifting mechanisms, reliant on foot movement, often pose challenges in certain riding scenarios. The need to lift the foot to engage the gear lever can be cumbersome, particularly in heavy traffic or when executing intricate maneuvers. Foot-operated gear shifting can pose significant challenges for handicapped riders, primarily due to mobility limitations in the lower extremities.
[003] Following are some of the key challenges that riders may face with traditional foot-operated gear shifting:
- Limited Lower Limb Mobility: Physically disabled riders with limited or no mobility in their legs may find it challenging to operate foot controls, including the gear shifter. The physical movement required to shift gears with the foot can be difficult or impossible for individuals with certain disabilities.
- Balance Issues: Shifting gears using the foot often involves adjusting body weight and balance, which can be problematic for riders with balance issues. Maintaining stability while manipulating foot controls may pose a safety risk for riders.
- Foot Coordination Challenges: Precise coordination of foot movements is crucial for smooth gear shifting. Riders facing difficulty in coordinating foot actions may struggle with the precise control needed for effective gear changes.
- Fatigue and Discomfort: Continuous use of foot controls, especially in traffic or during long rides, can lead to fatigue and discomfort for riders. The repetitive motion required for gear shifting may exacerbate physical challenges and impact the overall riding experience.
- Adaptive Issues: Traditional motorcycles are designed with foot-operated controls as the standard. Adapting these bikes to accommodate hand-operated controls or other customized solutions for riders may require modifications that are not always straightforward or easily achievable.
- Safety Concerns: For riders who may struggle with foot controls, safety concerns arise, particularly during critical moments such as quick stops, starts, or emergency maneuvers. The delay or difficulty in shifting gears with the foot can impact the rider’s ability to respond swiftly to challenging road conditions.
[004] Recognizing these pain points, a hand/thumb-operated gear-shifting system is required to provide riders with a more intuitive and efficient way to shift gears. The applicant has conducted a worldwide prior art patent search in order to elucidate the characterizing features of the present invention. Following are some of the cited closest patent prior arts:
[005] One of the cited WO patents prior art 2,016,199,156 A1 to LML LTD [IN] titled “an engine with motorized gear shifting and low force actuation clutch for two-wheelers” discloses a motorized gear shifting mechanism consisting of, a DC motor powered by the vehicle's power source, an electronic unit to control the power supply to the motor, a pair of micro switches - one for upward shift and one for a downward shift, conveniently located at the handlebar through which the operator signals the electronic unit to effect upward / downward gear shift; a set of sensors to monitor the gear shift movement and generate a signal for the control unit to switch off the motor driven by the motor and a geared transmission mechanism for connecting the motor with the gear shift linkage of the engine; soft actuation clutch.
[006] Another US prior art patent document 24,508,408 A to ROSS JAMES D [US] “push forward shifter assemblies” discloses a shifter assembly comprises a mounting plate configured to be mounted onto a motor vehicle adjacent to a floorboard. A pivot assembly is connected to the mounting plate. The shifter assembly also comprises a first shifter lever comprising a pedal portion configured to accept a first shifter pedal and a linkage portion coupled for pivotal movement with respect to the pivot assembly. A linkage assembly comprising first and second end portions is coupled to the linkage portion of the first shifter lever at the first-end portion and is pivotally coupled to a shifter spline at the second-end portion. The motor vehicle is upshifted by pivoting the first shifter lever in a forward direction and downshifted by pivoting a second shifter lever secured to the shifter spline in a forward direction.
[007] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting that overcomes problems prevalent in the prior art, since unlike feet, which are engaged in various tasks during two-wheeler operation, the thumb remains relatively free and accessible on the handlebar.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
[009] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting.
[010] An object of the present invention is to provide a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting that can be used in two-wheelers, wherein the system installation need not require any type of modification to the engine since it is mounted externally on the vehicle.
[011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting that enables riders to seamlessly shift gears with a simple thumb movement.
[012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting that ensures a smooth and timely transition between gears.
[013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting that is conceptualized to provide riders with a more intuitive and efficient way to shift gears.
[014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting that is advantageous in situations that demand quick and precise gear changes such as navigating through congested traffic or negotiating challenging terrains.
[015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting that reduces reliance on foot movement which is translated into enhanced stability and controls.
[016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting, wherein the riders can maintain a finger grip on the handlebars, reducing the risk of imbalance during critical riding situations. Additionally, the intuitive nature of thumb operation minimizes the likelihood of mis-shifts, contributing to a safer overall riding experience.
[017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting that is rider-friendly, safe, economical, and simple in structure and installation.
[018] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[019] The present invention provides a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting.
[020] In one aspect of the present invention, the system includes a prime mover, a switch, at least four relays, a connecting shaft, a linkage shaft. The system is mounted to a vehicle engine and/or chassis (vehicle body). The switch is mounted to a left or right handlebar of the vehicle.
[021] In another aspect of the present invention, the prime mover receives electric power from a power source. The prime mover includes a DC motor. The switch receives gear-shifting inputs from a rider. The switch moves in up-down manner or in left right manner or in any other known switching manner. The system is electrically connected to an ignition switch of the vehicle.
[022] In another aspect of the present invention, the relays (R1, R2, R3, R4) control a power supply to the prime mover. The two relays (R1, R2) actuate the prime mover to rotate in a clockwise direction. The relays (R3, R4) actuate the prime mover to rotate in an anticlockwise direction.
[023] In another aspect of the present invention, the connecting shaft dynamically connects the prime mover with a linkage shaft which is connected to a gear shifter of the two wheeled vehicle. The linkage shaft is connected to the connecting shaft by means of a ball joint. The linkage shaft is connected to the gear shifter by means of a ball joint.
[024] In another aspect of the present invention, the system is applicable to all gear boxes in any device excluding those devices comprising reverse gear.
[025] The present invention also provides a method for shifting the gear in the two wheeled vehicle using said system. The method includes an initial step of switching ON the system when the ignition switch of the two wheeled vehicle is turned ON.
[026] At next step, the input is received from the rider through the switch for gear-shifting when the switch is moved in up or down or in left or right manner by the rider.
[027] At next step, the prime mover is actuated through the relays (R1, R2) as per input received to rotate in the clockwise direction thereby the connecting shaft connected thereto pushes down the gear shifter by means of the linkage shaft to change the status of gear. At another alternative step, the prime mover is actuated through the relays (R3, R4) as per input received to rotate in the anticlockwise direction thereby the connecting shaft connected thereto pulls-up the gear shifter by means of the linkage shaft to change the status of the gear. The gears are shifted by moving the gear shifter in a manner decided by the manufacture of the two wheeled vehicle through the handlebar mounted switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[028] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
[029] FIG. 1 shows a front-side view of a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting, in accordance with the present invention;
[030] FIG. 2 shows a backside view of FIG. 1;
[031] FIG. 3 shows a side view (right) of FIG. 1;
[032] FIG. 4 shows a view of FIG. 2 with an engine;
[033] FIG. 5 shows a circuit diagram for the system of FIG. 1; and
[034] FIG. 6 shows a flow chart for a method for shifting the gear in the two-wheeled vehicle using the system of FIG. 1;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[035] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[036] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or are common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[037] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[038] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[039] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, the present invention provides a thumb-operated electronic system for gear shifting.
[040] From herein afterward, the system is to referred as a system (100).
[041] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the system (100) includes a prime mover (110), a switch, four relays-based controlling modules (R1, R2, R3, R4), a connecting shaft (150), and a linkage shaft (160).
[042] The system (100) is mounted to a vehicle engine (220). In some embodiments, the system (100) is mounted to the chassis (vehicle body). The four relays (R1, R2, R3, R4) are installed in a space below a rider seat. The prime mover (110) is fixed to a vehicle engine or vehicle body as per convenience and vehicle aesthetics. The present system (100) is useful for all types of two-wheeled vehicles. The system installation need not require any type of modification to the engine since it is mounted externally on the vehicle. The switch is mounted to the left or right handlebar of the vehicle. The switch receives gear-shifting inputs from a rider. The switch moves in an up-down manner or in a left-right manner or in any other known switching manner. In some vehicles, the switch is button or lever type.
[043] It is possible for a person skilled in the art after reading and understanding the present invention, to implement an AI or IoT model with the present invention, wherein the gears are operated/shifted from a remote location using electronic devices.
[044] The prime mover (110) receives electric power from a power source (120). The system (100) uses a vehicle's power source or a separate inbuilt power source. In some embodiments, the power source may be connected to a solar panel. The prime mover (110) includes a DC motor. The DC motor is capable of running in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions. based on the electric current received. The system (100) is electrically connected to an ignition switch (230) of the vehicle. The system (100) gets turned ON when the ignition switch is ON. When the ignition system is turned OFF, the system (100) is in OFF or non-working mode.
[045] Referring now to FIG. 5, the relays (R1, R2, R3, R4) control a power supply to the prime mover (110). The two relays (R1, R2) actuate the prime mover (110) to rotate in a clockwise direction. The relays (R3, R4) actuate the prime mover (110) to rotate in an anticlockwise direction.
[046] The connecting shaft (150) is in dynamic connection with the prime mover (110). The connecting shaft (150) is pivoted to the prime mover body. The connecting shaft (150) receives a motion from the prime mover (110) by means of a transition mechanism. The transition mechanism comprises meshing gears. In some embodiments the connecting shaft (150) is directly mounted to the shaft of the prime mover (110). Another end of the connecting shaft (150) is fixed to the linkage shaft (160) by means of a ball joint (170). The ball joint (170) ensures smooth dynamic connection between the shafts (150 and 160). The connecting angle between the connecting shaft (150) and the linkage shaft (160) lies between 80 to 110 degrees.
[047] Another end of the linkage shaft (160) is connected to the gear shifter (210) of the two-wheeled vehicle. The connecting angle between the linkage shaft (160) and the gear shifter (210) lies between 80 to 110 degrees. The connecting shaft (150) and the gear shifter (210) are configured parallel to each other. The linkage shaft (160) is connected to the gear shifter (210) by means of a ball joint (180).
[048] The present invention also provides a method (200) for shifting the gear in the two-wheeled vehicle using the system (100). Referring now to FIG. 6, the method (200) includes an initial step 310 of switching ON the system (100) when the ignition switch (230) of the two wheeled vehicle is turned ON.
[049] At next step 320, the input is received from the rider through the switch for gear-shifting. For that the rider needs to move the switch up or down or in left or right manner.
[050] At next step 330a, the prime mover (110) is actuated through the relays (R1, R2) as per input received to rotate in the clockwise direction. Thereupon the connecting shaft (150) pushes down the gear shifter (210) by means of the linkage shaft (160) to change the status of gear.
[051] At another alternative step 330b, the prime mover (110) is actuated through the relays (R3, R4) as per input received to rotate in the anticlockwise direction. Thereupon the connecting shaft (150) pulls-up the gear shifter (210) by means of the linkage shaft (160) to change the status of the gear. The gears are shifted by moving the gear shifter (210) in a manner decided by the manufacture of the two wheeled vehicle through handlebar mounted switch.
[052] In another aspect of the present invention, the system (100) is applicable to all gear boxes in any device excluding those comprising reverse gear. The present invention is not limited to automobile engineering. It is possible for a person skilled in the art to implement the proposed system (100) with or without few modifications therein for other applications too such as for example industrial gear boxes, etc.
[053] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:WE CLAIMS:

1) A thumb-operated electronic system (100) for gear shifting in two-wheeled vehicles, the system (100) comprises:
- a prime mover (110) that receives electric power from a power source (120);
- a switch that receives gear-shifting inputs from a rider;
- at least four relays (R1, R2, R3, R4) that control a power supply to the prime mover (110); wherein the two relays (R1, R2) actuate the prime mover (110) to rotate in a clockwise direction and the relays (R3, R4) actuate the prime mover (110) to rotate in an anticlockwise direction;
- a connecting shaft (150) that dynamically connects the prime mover (110) with a linkage shaft (160) which is connected to a gear shifter (210) of the two-wheeled vehicle.

2) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is mounted to a vehicle engine (220) and/or chassis (vehicle body).

3) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch is mounted to a left or right handlebar of the vehicle.

4) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is electrically connected to an ignition switch (230) of the vehicle.

5) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linkage shaft (160) is connected to the connecting shaft (150) by means of a ball joint (170).

6) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linkage shaft (160) is connected to the gear shifter (210) by means of a ball joint (180).

7) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch moves in an up-down manner or in a left-right manner, or in any other known switching manner.

8) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is applicable to all gear boxes in any device excluding those devices comprising reverse gear.

9) A method (200) for shifting the gear in the two-wheeled vehicles using the thumb-operated electronic system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method (200) comprises steps of:
- switching ON the system (100) when the ignition switch (230) of the two-wheeled vehicle is turned ON;
- receiving the input from the rider through the switch for gear-shifting when the switch is moved in up or down or in left or right manner by the rider; and
- actuating the prime mover (110) through the relays (R1, R2) as per input received to rotate in the clockwise direction thereby the connecting shaft (150) connected thereto pushes down the gear shifter (210) by means of the linkage shaft (160) to change the status of gear; OR actuating the prime mover (110) through the relays (R3, R4) as per input received to rotate in the anticlockwise direction thereby the connecting shaft (150) connected thereto pulls-up the gear shifter (210) by means of the linkage shaft (160) to change the status of the gear.

10) The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the gears are shifted by moving the gear shifter (210) in a manner/sequence decided by the manufacture of the two-wheeled vehicle through the handlebar mounted switch.