Cable routing in a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle (100) comprising one or more wheels (150, 185), at least one fender (202) disposed over the one or more wheels (150, 185), at least one vehicle component (204) disposed in proximity of the one or more wheels (150, 185), an electronic component (102), and a cable (206) comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the at least one vehicle component (204) and the second end is connected to the electronic component (102). The cable (206) is routed along the at least one fender (202) in a predetermined manner.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION:CABLE ROUTING IN A VEHICLETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to automotive industry. More particularly, but not exclusively to, a routing of a cable of a vehicle component.BACKGROUND

[0002] Technical advancements in the field of the automotive industry have led to significant improvements in vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. With each passing year, innovations in technology have made vehicles more reliable, user-friendly, and optimized for both mechanical and electrical systems. A crucial advancement area is an integration of electronic components such as speed sensors into motorcycles. Speed sensors, which are commonly located near a wheel hub and in between a disk and a wheel of the vehicle, play a critical role in measuring a speed of the vehicle. Such sensors are crucial for various systems, including anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and traction control. As two wheelers have become more advanced, a need for reliable and accurate sensor data has increased. However, a persistent challenge in a design of such sensors is ensuring a durability and a protection of sensor wirings. Furthermore, in case the wirings get damaged, an accuracy of the sensor data such as the speed of the vehicle is also compromised.

[0003] Traditionally, a routing of cables associated with the sensors have been done externally, often around a fender and a wheel hub area. Such external routings, while functional, have been prone to several issues, including damage to the cables due to environmental factors, friction, and physical wear from contact with the wheel and other moving parts. In particular, exposed wiring is vulnerable to abrasions, impacts, and excessive vibrations that can cause failures in sensor performance or, in worst-case scenarios, lead to complete sensor failure.

[0004] In order to mitigate the aforesaid issues, conventionally, external brackets or cable mounts are used to secure and protect the sensor wiring. The externalbrackets need to be manufactured separately which increases a cost of the vehicle. Furthermore, the external brackets and the cable mounts can create potential maintenance issues, complicating a repair or replacement of the sensors and wirings, and thus, impacting an overall user experience.

[0005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a vehicle, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and other problems of known art.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle.

[0007] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises one or more wheels and at least one fender disposed over the one or more wheels. The vehicle further comprises at least one vehicle component disposed in proximity of the one or more wheels. The vehicle further comprises an electronic component and a cable comprising a first end and a second end. Herein, the first end is connected to the at least one vehicle component and the second end is connected to the electronic component. Further, the cable is routed along the at least one fender in a predetermined manner.It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a vehicle along with the accompanying diagrams. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0010] Figure 2A exemplarily illustrates a side view of a front part of the vehicle of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2B exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a fender of the vehicle of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2C exemplarily illustrates a sectional view of a snap clip, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0014] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosure(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0015] The embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to a two-wheeled vehicle with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate 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.

[0016] Figure. 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (100) includes a frame assembly (not shown) to support different parts of the vehicle (100). In an upper portion of the frame assembly (not shown), a handlebar assembly (115) is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft (not shown). The handlebar assembly (115) is used to steer the vehicle (100) and is connected to a front wheel (185) through the steering shaft (not shown) and a front fork assembly (not shown). An upper portion of the front wheel (185) is covered by a front fender (190) which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft (not shown). Further, the front fork assembly (195) is supported on the front fender (190) by means of a brace fender (not shown).

[0017] In a front portion of the frame assembly (not shown) a fuel tank assembly (120) is arranged immediately behind the handlebar assembly (115) and is disposed over a first power source, for example an internal combustion engine (180). A seat assembly (125) is placed behind the fuel tank assembly (120). The seat assembly (125) includes a front rider seating portion and a pillion rider seating portion. The pillion rider seating portion is placed on the rear part of the frame assembly (not shown), where the rear part of the frame assembly (not shown) is covered by the tail cover assembly (130).

[0018] For the safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlamp assembly (105) that includes a headlamp (110) and front indicator lights (140a) are provided in the front portion of the vehicle (100). On the rear portion of the two wheeled vehicle (100) a tail lamp (not labelled) and rear indicator light (140b) are provided on the rear portion of the tail cover assembly (not shown). Above a tail cover assembly (130) and behind the seat assembly (125) a pillion handle (135) is provided for the pillion rider to grab. An electronic device (102) such as an instrument cluster is provided behind the headlamp assembly (105). The electronic device (102) provides information associated with various parameters such a speed, a tire pressure, a navigation route, and the like for the vehicle (100).

[0019] Suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of the two wheeled vehicle (100) on the road. A front suspension assembly (195) serves as rigidity component for the front portion of the vehicle (100) just like the frame assembly (not shown). The front suspension assembly (195) clamped to the head tube (not shown) through an upper bracket (not labelled) and a lower bracket (not labelled) is capable of being moved to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension system (160), which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the frame assembly (not shown). The rear suspension system (160) comprises of at least one rear suspension (160) preferably disposed centrally in the longitudinal mid plane of the vehicle (100). However, in a vehicle (100) with two rear suspensions, the same may be disposed on the left side and the right side respectively of the vehicle (100).

[0020] The first power source, for example the internal combustion engine (180) is mounted to a front lower portion of the frame assembly (not shown) by means of an engine mounting bracket (not shown). The internal combustion engine (180) is partially covered on the lower side of the internal combustion engine (180) by an engine cover (175). The internal combustion engine (180) is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe connected to the internal combustion engine (180) and a muffler assembly (155) connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler assembly (155) extends rearwards along the right side of the rear wheel (150).

[0021] Further, a swing arm (191) extending rearwards is swingably connected to a lower rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear wheel (150) is rotatably supported at a rear end of the swing arm (191). Power from the internal combustion engine (180) is transmitted to the rear wheel (150) through a power drive mechanism, such as a drive chain, so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel (150). A centre stand (165) is provided in between the front wheel (185) and the rear wheel (150) for parking the vehicle (100).

[0022] A rear fender (145) for covering an upper side of the rear wheel (150) is mounted to a rear portion of the vehicle (100) to prevent mud and water splashed by the rotating rear wheel (150) from entering the muffler assembly (155), theinternal combustion engine (180) and other parts disposed close by. To enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle (100) and to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of the vehicle (100), a plurality of rear covers (not labelled) is attached to a rear portion of the frame assembly (not shown).

[0023] Area below the seat assembly (125) and the fuel tank assembly (120) of the vehicle (100) is covered on both sides by a cover frame assembly (170). The cover frame assembly (170) includes the one or more side covers.

[0024] Figure 2A exemplarily illustrates a side view of a front part of the vehicle (100) of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Referring to Figure 2A, the vehicle (100) comprises the front wheel (185), at least one fender (202), at least one vehicle component (204), the electronic component (102), and a cable (206). With reference to Figure 2A, the at least one fender (202) is a front fender (202). The front fender (202) is disposed above the front wheel (185). The least one vehicle component (204) is disposed in proximity of the one front wheel (185). The cable (206) may comprise a first end and a second end. Herein, the first end may be connected to the at least one vehicle (100) component (204) and the second end is connected to the electronic component. The cable (206) is routed along the at least one fender (202) in a predetermined manner.

[0026] In an embodiment, the electronic component (102) may be an instrument cluster (102). It may be noted that the instrument cluster (102) for the vehicle (100) may be a centralized display panel that provides the rider with key information about a performance and status of the vehicle (102). Typically, the instrument cluster (102) may be located on the handlebar assembly (115) or behind a windshield. The instrument cluster (102) may house various gauges, meters, and digital displays. The instrument cluster (102) displays essential data such as speed, engine RPM (revolutions per minute), fuel level, odometer reading, trip information, and warning indicators (e.g., engine temperature, oil pressure, and battery charge). The instrument cluster (102) may also include additional features like a clock, gear position indicator, and connectivity options for smartphones or navigation systems.

[0027] It may be noted that the at least one fender (202) such as, the front fender (202), and rear fender (not shown) may be a part of a vehicle's bodywork that is designed to cover and protect the one or more wheels (150, 185), particularly one or more tires. For example, the front fender (202) may protect the front wheel (185). A main function of the at least one fender (202) may be to prevent dirt, mud, water, and debris from being kicked up by the one or more wheels (150, 185), which could otherwise damage the vehicle (100) or splash onto a rider of the vehicle (100). Fenders are typically made of metal, plastic, or fiberglass, and are positioned over the front wheel (185) and the rear wheel (150). In an embodiment the at least one vehicle component (204) is positioned on the one or more wheels (150, 185). In an alternate embodiment, the at least one vehicle component (204) is positioned on the at least one fender (202) near to the one or more wheels (150, 185).

[0028] In an embodiment, the at least one vehicle component (204) may be a speed sensor (204). It may be appreciated that the speed sensor (204) may be a device used to measure a rotational speed of the one or more wheels (150, 185), providing real-time data on the speed of the vehicle (102). The speed sensor (204) may be configured to determine a speed of a corresponding wheel (185) of the one or more wheels (150, 185). The cable (206) may be configured to transmit a speed signal associated with the determined speed from the speed sensor (204) to the electronic component (102). The electronic component (! 02) may be configured to render the determined speed based on the transmitted speed signal.

[0029] In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) comprises a suspension (214). With reference to Figure 2A, the suspension (214) is a front suspension. The cable (206) may be routed from the at least one fender (202) is routed along the suspension (214) to the electronic component (102). In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) comprises a wheel support member (209) disposed on the one or more wheels (150, 185). Herein, the at least one vehicle (100) component (204) is disposed on the wheel support member (209). In an embodiment, the cable (206) is routed above the wheel support member (209).

[0030] In an embodiment, a portion of the cable (206) between the at least one fender (202) and the suspension (214) is configured to remain operatively unrestrained to accommodate dynamic movement and prevent undue mechanical stress. That is, the portion of the cable (206) between the at least one fender (202) and the suspension (214) is free. Thus, even when the rider moves the handlebar assembly (115) to steer the vehicle (100), the portion of the cable (206) between the at least one fender (202) and the suspension (214) that is unstrained allows movement of the handlebar assembly (115) without bending the cable (206).

[0031] Figure 2B exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a fender of the vehicle (100) of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2C exemplarily illustrates a sectional view of a snap clip, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Referring to Figures 2B and 2C in combination, the cable (206) is fastened to an interior region (210) of the at least one fender (202) via one or more fastening means (208). The interior region (210) may be a region between the at least one fender (202) and a corresponding wheel of the one or more wheels (150, 185). The one or more fastening means (208) may be one or more brackets, glues for holding the cable (206), one or more screws, and the like. The one or more fastening means (208) may be integrated into the interior region (210) of the at least one fender (202) in order to reduce a part count during a manufacture of the vehicle (100).

[0033] In an embodiment, the one or more fastening means (208) may be integrated into the at least one fender (202) at the interior region (210), and the one or more fastening means (208) may be one or more snap clips (208). Each snap clip (208) of the one or more snap clips (208) may comprise an opening (212) adapted to receive the cable (206). The snap clips may be of flexible materials so as to allow easy placement of the cable (206) within the opening (212).

[0034] The disclosed vehicle thus provided enhanced cable protection. The disclosed vehicle eliminates a need for external cable mounts or harnesses by integrating the cable routing directly into the interior region of the at least one fender. The disclosed cable routing ensures that the is securely contained within the fender, preventing damage of the cable from external factors such as abrasion,impacts, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions like moisture, dirt, or extreme temperatures.

[0035] The disclosed vehicle minimizes wear and tear of the cable that typically results from vibration, friction, or movement of the vehicle. The cable is safeguarded within the fender, reducing a risk of cuts, frays, or disconnections, and ultimately extending a lifespan of both the cable and the vehicle component (such as, the speed sensor).

[0036] Unlike conventional solutions that use external brackets or cable mounts, the disclosed vehicle provides the one or more fasting means that are integrated within the interior region of the fender. Thus, a need of manufacturing sperate brackets is eliminated. Moreover, accessing the cable during servicing is easier than the conventional solution that use brackets. Furthermore, as external components such as the external brackets or the cable mounts are eliminated, a visual appeal of the vehicle is maintained, avoiding any bulkiness or unsightly additions that can disrupt a vehicle's overall aesthetic.

[0037] The disclosed vehicle ensures that the cable follows a well-planned and secure routing path, free from excessive bends or tight comers that can stress the cable and increase a likelihood of failure. Thus, a risk of electrical malfunctions or signal intermptions are minimized and the at least one vehicle component operates with maximum accuracy.

[0038] As the cable routing is integrated into the fender, a need for additional external parts is eliminated, potentially lowering manufacturing costs. Fewer components enable less assembly time and fewer chances for errors during production, making the disclosed vehicle both cost-effective and efficient for manufacturers.

[0039] Further the disclosed routing of the cable ensures that the at least one vehicle component consistently provides accurate data to the electronic component of the vehicle. Therefore, an overall performance of the vehicle, particularly in safety-critical functions like traction control and automatic brakingsolution (ABS) is enhanced. Also, as the cable is routed into the fender, the cable is shielded from environmental hazards such as road debris, water, and dirt.

[0040] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the disclosure.

[0041] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0042] 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.

[0043] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claim

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A vehicle (100), comprising:one or more wheels (150, 185);at least one fender (202) disposed over the one or more wheels (150, 185);at least one vehicle component (204) disposed in proximity of the one or more wheels (150, 185);an electronic component (102); anda cable (206) comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the at least one vehicle component (204) and the second end is connected to the electronic component (102), andthe cable (206) is routed along the at least one fender (202) in a predetermined manner.

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cable (206) is fastened to an interior region (210) of the at least one fender (202) via one or more fastening means (208), and wherein the interior region (210) is a region between the at least one fender (202) and a corresponding wheel of the one or more wheels (150, 185).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more fastening means (208) are integrated into the at least one fender (202) at the interior region (210), and the one or more fastening means (208) are one or more snap clips (208).

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a suspension (214), the cable (206) routed from the at least one fender (202) is routed along the suspension (214) to the electronic component (102).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of the cable (206) between the at least one fender (202) and the suspension (214) is configured to remain operatively unrestrained to accommodate dynamic movement and prevent undue mechanical stress.

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a wheel support member (209) disposed on the one or more wheels (150, 185), wherein the at least one vehicle component (204) is disposed on the wheel support member (209).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one vehicle component (204) is positioned on one of:the one or more wheels (150, 185), andthe at least one fender (202) near to the one or more wheels (150, 185).

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cable (206) is routed above the wheel support member (209).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic component (102) is an instrument cluster.

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle component (204) is a speed sensor (204), andthe speed sensor (204) is configured to determine a speed of a corresponding wheel of the one or more wheels (150, 185),the cable (206) is configured to transmit a speed signal associated with the determined speed from the speed sensor (204) to the electronic component (102), andthe electronic component (102) is configured to render the determined speed based on the transmitted speed signal.

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