WO2022137208A1

WO2022137208A1 - Frame of vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2022137208A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/062293
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ishwar RAJWANI
Original assignee: Hero MotoCorp Limited
Priority date: 2020-12-24
Filing date: 2021-12-24
Publication date: 2022-06-30

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a frame (12) of a two-wheeled vehicle (10), the method comprising: providing a first frame element (202, 502, 504) and a second frame element (204, 604, 602) of the frame (12), wherein the first frame element (202, 502, 5 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602) are made of dissimilar material; positioning an intermediate member (300, 310) between the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602); connecting one end (302, 312) of the intermediate member (300) with one of the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602) by a solid state welding process; and connecting an other end (304, 310), opposite to one end (302, 312), of the intermediate member (300) with other of the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602) by an arc welding process to form at least a portion of the frame (12) of the two-wheeled vehicle (10).

Description

Title: FRAME OF VEHICLE

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly, to a frame structure of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle, particularly vehicle configured to be ridden such as motorcycle, motorized scooter comprises a body frame to support various components such as swing arm, engine, vehicle seat etc. The body frame bears the loads generated by these components. The body frame includes various members, such as a head tube, a down tube, various cross members, brackets or stays. These various members joined together form the body frame, which supports the above mentioned components.

[0003] Conventionally, in order to join these various members to form the body frame, these various members are joined using conventional processes, such welding bolting etc. For example, a cross member is welded to the other parts of the body frame. In such a case, for the cross member and the joints thereof to have sufficient strength, thickness of the cross member and its joint is required to be of at least a predetermined strength. This tends to add to the weight of the body frame.

[0004] In addition to that, in order to join a one component, say, a cross member with another component, say upper frame member, using welding process, it becomes essential that both components be composed of a similar material. This tends to limit the options with regarding to having different material members being used in a single frame body. SUMMARY

[0005] In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a frame of two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The method for manufacturing a frame of a two-wheeled vehicle , the method comprising: providing a first frame element and a second frame element of the frame , wherein the first frame element and the second frame element are made of dissimilar material; positioning an intermediate member between the first frame element and the second frame element ; connecting one end of the intermediate member with one of the first frame element and the second frame element by a solid state welding process; and connecting an other end , opposite to one end , of the intermediate member with other of the first frame element and the second frame element by an arc welding process to form at least a portion of the frame of the twowheeled vehicle .

[0006] Such configuration allows the frame to be manufactured of different material, whereby allowing said frame to made lighter in weight without compromising structural stability. The method of the present invention also allows complex shaped components of the frame to be made from dissimilar material and then joined with other components/sub-components to render manufacturing of said frame economical.

[0007] In an embodiment, the intermediate member is made of material similar to at least one of the first frame element and the second frame element.

[0008] In an embodiment, the solid-state welding process is a friction welding process. Further, the friction welding is performed by displacing at least one of the intermediate member and one of the first frame element and the second frame element relative to one another. [0009] With friction welding process, components of dissimilar material are joined to manufacture the frame or at least a portion of the frame, having reduced weight.

[00010] In an embodiment, wherein the arc welding process is MIG welding.

[00011] In an embodiment, one of the first frame element and the second frame element is accommodated on a jig for connecting the intermediate member.

[00012] In an embodiment, the intermediate member and one of the first frame element and the second frame element is made of ferrous material.

[00013] In an embodiment, the intermediate member and one of the first frame element and the second frame element is made of non-ferrous material.

[00014] Therefore, it is easy for the worker to weld the first element with the second frame element, which is accommodated on a jig or fixture, without disturbing the jig using the MIG welding.

[00015] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention a frame of a two wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The frame of a two wheeled vehicle , comprising a first frame element , a second frame element , wherein the first frame element and the second frame element are made of dissimilar material; and an intermediate member , connecting the first frame element and the second frame element , wherein one end of the intermediate member is connected to one of the first frame element and second frame element by a solid state welding process, and an other end , opposite to one end , of the intermediate member is connected with other of the first frame element and second frame element by an arc welding process.

[00016] Therefore, the present invention allows frame elements of different materials to be joined. As such, one of the frame elements, such as the first frame element and the second frame element are composed of steel material, whereas the other may be composed of another material, such as aluminum material. Therefore, the present invention allows the weight of the frame to be reduced by allowing various frame elements to be composed of different materials, and materials that are less heavy than others.

[00017] In an embodiment, the intermediate member is made of similar material to that of at least one the first frame element and the second frame element.

[00018] In an embodiment, the intermediate member and at least one of the first frame element and the second frame element are made of ferrous material.

[00019] In an embodiment, at least one of the first frame element and the second frame element is made of non-ferrous material.

[00020] With friction welding process, components of dissimilar material are joined to manufacture the frame or at least a portion of the frame, having reduced weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00021] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[00022] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00023] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a frame of the exemplary two wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00024] Figure 3 illustrates a view of a frame elements before joining, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00025] Figure 4 illustrates a view of the frame element with one end of an intermediate member joined, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [00026] Figure 5 illustrates a view of the frame element with both ends of the intermediate member joined, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00027] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a pivot plate of the frame, of the exemplary two wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00028] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the Figure. 6;

[00029] Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view along A-A in the Figure 7 ; and

[00030] Figure 9 illustrates a sectional view along B-B in the Figure 7;

[00031] Figure 10 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing the pivot plate of the exemplary two wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00032] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00033] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[00034] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[00035] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

[00036] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, frame body and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all- terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[00037] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.

[00038] The term “solid state welding process” used therein indicates a welding process in which two or more components/members/elements of the frame are connected by relative movement with one another and subsequent application of convergent pressure. Such welding process may fuse two or more components without requirement of a filler material, while limiting such fusing to be by application of pressure and relative movement during melting portions of such two or more components. The terms “solid state welding process” and “arc welding” are interchangeably used through the description. [00039] The term “arc welding process” used therein indicates a welding process in which a filler material is continuously fed between two or more components to be joined thereabout. Such filler material may be configured to melt and join said two or more components, while the filler material may also be responsible for producing arc between such two or more components to be joined. The terms “arc welding process” and “MIG welding” are interchangeably used through the description.

[00040] Referring to Figure 1, a vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The vehicle (10) referred to herein, embodies a two wheeled motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (10) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as scooters, three-wheeled vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00041] The vehicle (10) comprises one or more body parts, such as a frame (12), a handle bar (14), a front wheel (16), a rear wheel (18), an engine (200), also known as the power unit (200), a headlight (22), and a fuel tank (24). The frame (12) supports the engine (200) in middle portion of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the engine (200) provides necessary power required to drive the rear wheel (18) of the vehicle (10). Alternatively, the engine (200) may provide necessary power to the drive the front wheel (16), or both the front wheel (16) and the rear wheel (18) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the invention. The rear wheel (18) is linked to the engine (200) through a transmission mechanism (not numbered). The fuel tank (24) provides necessary fuel to the engine (200) to generate power within the vehicle (10).

[00042] Referring to Figure 2, the vehicle (10) comprises the frame (12). The frame (12) is formed by integrally joining number of components and members. In the illustrated example, the frame (12) having a specific construction is disclosed. Alternatively, the frame (12) may have different body frame constructions generally associated with motorcycles, without limiting the scope of the invention. [00043] The frame (12) comprises a head tube (124), a lower frame member (125) and an upper frame member (126). The head tube (124) includes an upper portion (124a), and a lower portion (124b). The upper frame member (126) extends downward and rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10) from the head tube (124). In particular, the upper frame member (126) extends downward and rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10) from the upper portion (124a) of the head tube (124). The upper frame member (126) supports the fuel tank (114).

[00044] The lower frame member (125) extends downward and rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10) from the head tube (124), and is disposed below the upper frame member (126). In particular, the upper frame member (126) extends downward and rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (10) from the upper portion (124a) of the head tube (124), and is positioned under and at an angle with respect to the upper frame member (126). The lower frame member (125) is connected to a pivot plate (600) at the other end. Alternatively, one or more frame member is connected to the pivot plate to connect to the other end of the upper frame member (126). The lower frame member (125) supports the power unit (110) (shown in Figure 1). The head tube (124) is a cylindrical member which supports the steering assembly (104) and the front ground engaging member (16). The steering shaft (not shown) is rotatably supported on the head tube (124). A front fork is inclined at an inclination angle substantially similar to that of the head tube (124).

[00045] The frame (12) comprises a left seat rail member (123), also referred to as a first seat rail member (123) and a right seat rail member (127), and also referred to as a second seat rail member (127). The left seat rail member (123) and the right seat rail member (127) extend rearwards from the upper frame member (126). The left seat rail member (123) and the right seat rail member (127) support the seat (116) of the vehicle (10).

[00046] The frame (12) comprises a left sub frame member (131), also referred to as a first sub frame member (131), and a right sub frame member (133) also referred to as a second sub frame member (133). The left sub frame member (131) extends between the left seat rail member (123) and a first cross member (170). The right sub frame member (133) extends between the right seat rail member (127) and the first cross member (170). The left sub frame member (131) and the right sub frame member (133) provides support for the left seat rail member (123) and the right seat rail member (127) respectively.

[00047] Referring now to Figure 3, and Figure 4, the frame (12) of the vehicle (10) further includes a first frame element (202), and a second frame element (204). The first frame element (202) has a first end portion (202a). Likewise, the second frame element (204) has a second end portion (204a). An intermediate member (300) having a first end (302) and a second end (304), is used for joining the first frame element (202), and the second frame element (204).

[00048] In an embodiment, considering that the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) are to be connected at one location of the frame (12), for the sake of simplicity in explanation. The first frame element (202) is rigidly positioned and/or held in a jig, while the intermediate member (300) is connected to the second frame element (204) using the solid state welding process. Alternatively, the first frame element (202) may also be held in at least one of a robotic line or a frame suspender. As shown in Figure 3, the first end (302) of the intermediate member (300) is joined to the second end portion (204a) of the second frame element (204) using a solid state welding process. In an embodiment, the first end (302) of the intermediate member (300) is joined to the second end portion (204a) of the second frame element (204) using a friction welding process. More specifically, the first end (302) of the intermediate member (300) is joined to the second end portion (204a) of the second frame element (204) using the friction welding process forming a butt joint. In an example, the intermediate member (300) is composed of steel material and at least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is composed of non-ferrous material. In another example, the intermediate member (300) is composed of steel material and least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is composed of Aluminum (Al). In yet another example, the intermediate member (300) is composed of steel material and least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is composed of Magnesium (Mg).

[00049] On the other hand, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is joined to the first end portion (202a) of the first frame element (202) using a welding process other than friction welding process. In an embodiment, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is joined to the first end portion (202a) of the first frame element (202) using a arc welding process. Specifically, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is joined to the first end portion (202a) of the second frame element (204) using spot welding process. Alternatively, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is joined to the first end portion (202a) of the first frame element (202) using MIG welding process.

[00050] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is joined to the first end portion (202a) of the first frame element (202) using a friction welding process. In the same embodiment, the first end portion (302) of the intermediate member (300) may be joined to the second end portion (204a) of the second frame element (204) using a welding process other than friction welding process. The intermediate member (300) is composed of a material different from at least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204). In one embodiment, the intermediate member (300) is composed of a material different from the first frame element (202). Alternatively, the intermediate member (300) is composed of a material different from the second frame element (204).

[00051] In an embodiment, at least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is composed of a ferrous material. In an embodiment, at least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is composed of steel material. In an example, the first frame element (202) is composed of steel material and the second frame element (204) is composed of non-ferrous material such as aluminum. In another example, the second frame element (204) is composed of steel material and the first frame element (202) is composed of nonferrous material such as aluminum. Alternatively, the second frame element (204) may be composed of zinc material.

[00052] In light of the foregoing, the present invention provides frame elements, such as the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204), that are joined using friction welding and conventional welding processes. Therefore, the present invention allows frame elements of different materials to be joined. As such, one of the frame elements, such as the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) are composed of steel material, whereas the other may be composed of another material, such as aluminum material. Therefore, the present invention allows the weight of the frame to be reduced by allowing various frame elements to be composed of different materials, and materials that are less heavy than others.

[00053] Without limiting the scope of the invention, the invention is now explained with the example of a pivot plate (600).

[00054] Referring now to Figure 6, the frame (12) of the vehicle (10) includes a down tube element (500) having a first down tube member (502), and a second down tube member (504). The second down tube member (504) may be positioned at an angle with respect to the first down tube member (502). The first down tube member (502) includes a first end portion (502a) thereof. Likewise, the second down tube member (504) includes a first end portion (502b). For sake of simplicity, the first down tube member (502) including the first end portion (502a) and the second down tube member (504) including the first end portion (502b) are collectively referred to as “the lower frame member (125)”.

[00055] The frame (12) of the vehicle (10) further includes a plate member (600) having a first top portion (602), a second top portion (604), and a body portion (606). In an example, the plate member (600) [or interchangeably referred to as “pivot plate (600)”] is embodied as a pivot plate. For sake of simplicity, the plate member (600) and its components/portions are collectively referred to as “the pivot plate (600)”. [00056] As shown in Figure 63 and Figure 7, the frame (12) of the vehicle (10) includes an intermediate member (300). In the disclosed embodiment, there are two intermediate members, therefore it can be stated that the intermediate member (300) includes a first intermediate member (300), and a second intermediate member (310). The first intermediate member (300) includes a first end (302) and a second end (304). In the same manner, the second intermediate member (310) includes a first end (312) and a second end (314).

[00057] In an embodiment, considering that the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600) are to be connected at one location of the frame (12), for sake of simplicity in explanation. The lower frame (126) is rigidly positioned and/or held in a jig, while the intermediate member (300) is connected to the pivot plate (600) using the solid-state welding process. Alternatively, the lower frame (125) may also be held in at least one of a robotic line or a frame suspender. The intermediate member (300) along with the pivot plate (600) is then connected to the lower frame (126) using the arc welding process between the intermediate member (300) and the lower frame member (125). Alternatively, the intermediate member (300) and the pivot plate (600) is connected using the arc welding process and then is connected with the lower frame (126) using the solid-state welding process.

[00058] Turning now to Figures 7, 8 and 9 to illustrate the present embodiment in which the pivot plate (600) and the lower frame member (125) are connected at two location of the frame. As indicated in Figure 7, each of the first intermediate member (300), and the second intermediate member (310) have a hollow cylindrical profile. Alternatively, the first intermediate member (300), and the second intermediate member (310) may have same, similar or different profile, without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.

[00059] The second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to at least one of the first top portion (602), a second top portion (604) using the solid- state welding process such as, friction welding process. Specifically, the second end (304) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to the first top portion (602), using friction welding process and the second end (314) of the intermediate member (310) is connected to the second top portion (604) using friction welding process. Such solid-state welding process is employed for connecting the intermediate member (300) with the plate member (600) due to difference in material composition, indicating that the intermediate member (300) and the pivot plate (600) are made of dissimilar (or different) material.

[00060] On the other hand, the first end (302) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to at least one of the first end portion (502a) and the first end portion (502b) using the arc welding process, such as Metal Inert Gas welding (also referred to as MIG welding), which is other than the friction welding process. In an embodiment, the first end (302) of the intermediate member (300) is connected to at least one of the first end portion (502a) and the first end portion (502b) using a spot welding process.

[00061] In an example, the intermediate member (300) is composed of ferrous material and least one of the down tube element (500) and the plate member (600) is composed of non-ferrous material. In another example, the intermediate member (300) is composed of steel material and least one of the down tube element (500) and the plate member (600) is composed of Aluminum (Al). In yet another example, the intermediate member (300) is composed of steel material and least one of the down tube element (500) and the plate member (600) is composed of Magnesium (Mg).

[00062] Further, in another example, the intermediate member (300) is composed of sheet metal, and the plate member (600) is composed of non-ferrous material. In another example, the intermediate member (300) is composed of steel material and the plate member (600) is composed of Aluminum (Al). In yet another example, the intermediate member (300) is composed of steel material and the plate member (600) is composed of Magnesium (Mg).

[00063] As such, the intermediate member (300) is composed of a material different from at least one of the down tube element (500) and the plate member (600), while ensuring that material of the intermediate member (300) is same as one of the down tube element (500) of the lower frame member (125) and the plate member (600). In one embodiment, the intermediate member (300) is composed of a material different from the down tube element (500), while such material being similar to the plate member (600). Alternatively, the intermediate member (300) is composed of a material different from the plate member (600), while such material being similar to the down tube element (500).

[00064] In an embodiment, at least one the first down tube member (502), and the second down tube member (504) is composed of a ferrous material. In an embodiment, at least one of first down tube member (502), and a second down tube member (504) is composed of steel material. In an example, the first frame element (202) is composed of steel material, a ferrous allow, such as steel.

[00065] Referring now to Figure 6 which is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing the frame (12) of the vehicle (10), according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[00066] The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.

[00067] At block 001, the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600) of the frame (12) which are to be assembled, are suitably positioned and aligned. In the present invention, the lower frame member (125) referring to the down tube element (500), is positioned and held in the jig (not shown in Figures). The jig is configured to hold other components of the frame (12) including, but not limited to, the head tube (124), the lower frame member (125) and the upper frame member (126), while the intermediate member (300) and the pivot plate (600) referred to as the pivot plate (600) is sub-assembled away from the jig. [00068] At block 002, the intermediate member (300) is selected such that the intermediate member (300) can be aligned and suitably positioned between the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600). The intermediate member (300) is either concentrically or coaxially or circumferentially relatively to the lower frame member (126) and the pivot plate (600). On positioning the intermediate member (300), selectively connecting with at least one of the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600) is performed, as in block 003. Such connection may be performed by considering factors such as, but not limited to, material of each of the intermediate member (300), the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600).

[00069] For example, in case the intermediate member (300) and the lower frame (126) are made of similar material and while the second component (500) is made of a dissimilar material, then preferably, the intermediate member (300) and the pivot plate (600) are connected first using the solid-state welding process. The solid-state welding process is initially carried out as relative movement between two components of dissimilar material is to be performed, which may not be feasible to move the lower frame (126) positioned in the jig. However, such aspect of the present invention is not a limitation, as in case when the intermediate member (300) and the lower frame (126) are of dissimilar material, then the intermediate member (300) can be displaced relative to the lower frame (126), being positioned in the jig, for connecting using the solid-state welding process. In any event, one end of the intermediate member (300) is connected with at least one of the lower frame (126) and the pivot plate (600) by the solid-state welding process.

[00070] At block 004, another end of the intermediate member (300), which is away from the one end being connected using the solid-state welding process, is connected to remaining of the lower frame (126) and the pivot plate (600) by the arc welding process. Such connection, for instance, is performed by first connecting the intermediate member (300) and the pivot plate (600) using the solid-state welding process, and then connecting the intermediate member (300) with the lower frame member (125) using the arc welding process. Alternatively, the intermediate member (300) can be directly connected to the lower frame member (125) using the arc welding process first, and then the pivot plate (600) can be connected to an other end of the intermediate member (300) using the solid-state welding process, by displacing the pivot plate (600) relative to the intermediate component (300) connected with the lower frame member (125). In the present embodiment, as seen in Figures 5A and 5B, as there are two portions of the pivot plate (600), being connected to the down tube elements (500) (i.e. the lower frame member (125), connecting the intermediate member (300) with the pivot plate (600) and then to the down tubes (500) is preferred.

[00071] In light of the foregoing, the present invention provides frame elements, such as the down tube element (500) of the lower frame member (125), and the plate member (600), that are joined using friction welding and arc welding processes. Therefore, the present invention allows frame elements of different materials to be joined. As such, one of the frame elements, such as the down tube element (500), and the plate member (600) are composed of steel material, whereas the other may be composed of another material, such as aluminum material. Therefore, the present invention allows the weight of the frame to be reduced by allowing various frame elements to be composed of different materials, and materials that are less heavy than others.

[00072] Accordingly, the present invention allows a vehicle to have a pivot plate to be composed of a stronger material, light weight material, or any other material, since choice of material for the pivot plate remains independent of choice of material of other elements of the frame that are to be connected to the pivot plate.

[00073] It may herein be noted that although the present description and associated drawings, illustrate and explain the present invention in the context of a pivot plate, the present invention may, without any limitation, finds application in various other elements of the vehicle.

[00074] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[00075] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method for manufacturing a frame (12) of a two-wheeled vehicle (10), the method comprising: providing a first frame element (202, 502, 504) and a second frame element (204, 604, 602) of the frame (12), wherein the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602) are made of dissimilar material; positioning an intermediate member (300, 310) between the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602); connecting one end (302, 312) of the intermediate member (300) with one of the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602) by a solid state welding process; and connecting an other end (304, 310), opposite to one end (302, 312), of the intermediate member (300) with other of the first frame element (202, 502, 504) and the second frame element (204, 604, 602) by an arc welding process to form at least a portion of the frame (12) of the two-wheeled vehicle (10).

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate member (300) is made of material similar to at least one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204).

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solid-state welding process is a friction welding process.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the friction welding is performed by displacing at least one of the intermediate member (300) and one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) relative to one another. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arc welding process is Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding. The method as claimed in claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is accommodated on a jig for connecting the intermediate member (300). The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate member (300) and one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is made of ferrous material. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate member (300) and one of the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) is made of non-ferrous material. A frame (12) of a two wheeled vehicle (10), comprising: a first frame element (202); a second frame element (204), wherein the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (204) are made of dissimilar material; and an intermediate member (300), connecting the first frame element (202) and the second frame element (600), wherein one end of the intermediate member (300) is connected to one of the first frame element (202) and second frame element (204) by a solid state welding process, and an other end (304), opposite to one end (302), of the intermediate member (300) is connected with other of the first frame element (202) and second frame element (204) by an arc welding process. 10. A frame body (12) of a vehicle (10), the frame body (200) comprising: a head tube (124) configured to accommodate the steering assembly (104), an upper frame member (126) configured to accommodate at least one of the fuel tank (24), a lower frame member (125) connected to and extending from the head tube (124), wherein the lower frame member (126) is made of a first material; a pivot plate (600), connectable to the lower frame member (126) and made of a second material, wherein the first material is dissimilar to the second material; and an intermediate member (300), positioned between the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600), wherein one end of the intermediate member (300) is connected with one of the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600) by a solid state welding process, wherein an other end, opposite to one end, of the intermediate member (300) is connected with remaining of the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600) by arc welding process.

11. The two wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the intermediate member (300) is made of similar material to that of at least one the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600).

12. The two wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the solid state welding process is performed by displacing at least one of the intermediate member (300) and one of the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600) relative to one another..

13. The two wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein one of the lower frame member (125) and the pivot plate (600) is accommodated on a jig, for connecting with the intermediate member (300).