Isolation bushing with consistent multi-part cover

Abstract

The isolator includes a plurality of lobes that increase the total volume of the material used to form the isolator. The isolator may be surrounded by several covers for constraining the isolator and allowing additional material to be provided by lobes. The assembly of isolator and cover may be secured to an object (e.g., a drive unit or subframe) using lobes and corresponding openings in the cover.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] Isolators or bushings are used to isolate components in a vehicle. For example, a drive unit in a vehicle includes one or more isolators for isolating one or more components from vibrations generated by the drive unit. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application relates to isolators, and more particularly to isolators covered by a clamshell cover. The clamshell cover can constrain the isolator in a general position. Additionally, using the clamshell cover, increased volume can be increased to include lobes that serve as fastening points for the isolator. Beneficially, the increased volume of the bushing can enhance noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance.

[0004] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an isolator is described. The isolator may include a first lobe including a first opening oriented in a first direction. The isolator may further include a second lobe including a second opening. The isolator may further include a body including a third opening oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The first lobe and the second lobe may be integrally formed with the body.

[0005] The body, the first lobe, and the second lobe may include rubber. The second lobe may be oriented in the second direction. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction. The first opening and the second opening may be configured to receive corresponding fasteners to secure the isolator to the drive unit. The third opening may be configured to receive the structure. The isolator may be configured to isolate the structure from vibrations caused by the drive unit.

[0006] The isolator may further include: a metal ring integrated with the body. The metal ring may surround the opening. The metal ring may be positioned between the first lobe and the second lobe.

[0007] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an isolator assembly is described. The isolator assembly may include an isolator. The isolator may include a body. The isolator may further include a first lobe extending from the body. The isolator may further include a second lobe extending from the body. The isolator assembly may further include a first cover. The isolator assembly may further include a second cover. The first cover and the second cover may be combined to surround the body, the first lobe and the second lobe.

[0008] The first cover may include a first set of extensions that at least partially cover the first lobe and the second lobe. The second cover may include a second set of extensions that at least partially cover the first lobe and the second lobe. The first lobe may include a first lobe opening. The second lobe may include a second lobe opening. The first set of extensions may include a first opening aligned with the first lobe opening. The first set of extensions may further include a second opening aligned with the second lobe opening. The second set of extensions may further include a third opening aligned with the first lobe opening. The second set of extensions may further include a fourth opening aligned with the second lobe opening.

[0009] The body may further include a first curved surface. The first cover may include a first curved wall that is consistent with the first curved surface. The body may include a second curved surface. The second cover may include a second curved wall that is consistent with the first curved surface. The body may further include a flat surface. The first cover may further include a first sidewall that at least partially covers the flat surface. The second cover may further include a second sidewall that at least partially covers the flat surface. Based in part on the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the first cover and the second cover may be configured to constrain the isolator at two angles.

[0010] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a vehicle is described. The vehicle may include a drive unit. The vehicle may further include a subframe configured to carry the drive unit. The vehicle may further include an isolator assembly coupled to the subframe. The isolator assembly may include an isolator. The isolator may include a body. The isolator may further include a first lobe extending from the body. The isolator may further include a second lobe extending from the body. The isolator assembly may include a first cover. The isolator assembly may further include a second cover. The first cover and the second cover may be combined to surround the body, the first lobe, and the second lobe.

[0011] The first cover may include a first set of extensions that at least partially cover the first and second lobes. The second cover may include a second set of extensions that at least partially cover the first and second lobes. The first lobe may include a first lobe opening. The second lobe may include a second lobe opening. The first set of extensions may include a first opening aligned with the first lobe opening. The first set of extensions may additionally include a second opening aligned with the second lobe opening. The second set of extensions may additionally include a third opening aligned with the first lobe opening. The second set of extensions may additionally include a fourth opening aligned with the second lobe opening. The isolator assembly may additionally include a first hole defined by the first set of extensions, the first lobe opening, and the second set of extensions. The first hole may be configured to receive a first fastener and a first top hat bushing. The isolator assembly may additionally include a second hole defined by the first set of extensions, the second lobe opening, and the second set of extensions. The second hole may be configured to receive a second fastener and a second top hat bushing.

[0012] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an isolator is described. The isolator may include a drive unit. The isolator may include a body. The body may include an opening. The body may further include several walls surrounding the opening. The wall may include one or more non-parallel portions. The isolator may further include a first lobe extending from the body. The first lobe may include a first lobe opening. The isolator may further include a second lobe extending from the body. The second lobe may include a second lobe opening. The wall may include a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall may define a void in the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures.

[0014] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle according to aspects of the present disclosure is described.

[0015] Figure 2 An overhead view of a vehicle showing an example of a drive unit of the vehicle is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 An overhead view of a vehicle showing an alternative example of a drive unit for the vehicle is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 An exploded view of an isolator assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 5 A perspective view illustrating an isolator assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 Description of various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 5 The line 6-6 in Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the isolator assembly shown in .

[0020] Figure 7 Description of various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 5 The line 7-7 in Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the isolator assembly shown in FIG.

[0021] Figure 8 A perspective view illustrating a drive unit and an isolator assembly integrated with the drive unit according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 9 A side view illustrating a drive unit and isolator assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig.10A partial cross-sectional view illustrating an alternative example of an isolator assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.11 A partial cross-sectional view illustrating yet another example of an isolator assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.12 A side view illustrating an alternative example of a bushing according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The specific embodiments set forth below are intended to be descriptions of various configurations of the subject technology, and are not intended to represent the only configuration in which the subject technology can be practiced. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specific embodiments. The specific embodiments include specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and understood by those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid confusion with the concepts of the subject technology.

[0027] The subject technology relates to an isolator or bushing having modifications designed to increase the volume of material used to form the isolator. In one or more specific embodiments, the isolator includes a body (e.g., a bushing body) having lobes extending from the body. The lobes may represent additional material used to additionally isolate one or more structures from vibrations (e.g., vibrations from a drive unit). In addition, each of the lobes may include an opening or through-hole designed to receive a fastener and secure the isolator. Beneficially, the lobes may contribute to NVH performance while also providing a method (e.g., an opening) for securing the bushing. The isolator may be part of an assembly that includes a pair of covers (e.g., clamshell covers) that surround or at least partially surround the isolator including the body and the lobes. In one or more specific embodiments, the covers are used to constrain the body and lobes of the isolator while also having a shape to accommodate the lobes, thereby allowing for additional isolator material.

[0028] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is described. In one or more specific implementations, the vehicle 100 is a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Figure 1 In the example shown, the vehicle 100 is a truck. In general, the vehicle 100 may take the form of any motor vehicle, including motor vehicles having an internal combustion engine and / or one or more electric motors. In this regard, other specific implementations of the vehicle 100 may include land-based vehicles, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a sedan (e.g., a sedan, a hatchback), a van, or a commercial truck.

[0029] The vehicle 100 may include a battery pack 102. The battery pack 102 may be coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to one or more power systems of the vehicle 100 to provide power to the one or more power systems. The vehicle 100 may further include a port 104 (e.g., a charging port) that is designed to receive a cable connector (e.g., a charging port) for transferring power (e.g., AC power). Figure 1 The electric power is converted into DC power to charge the battery pack 102. The vehicle 100 may include a chassis 108 for supporting the battery pack 102 and various other components of the vehicle 100 ( Figure 1 ), such as, as a non-limiting example, a suspension.

[0030] The battery pack 102 may be coupled to a drive unit 110a and a drive unit 110b, also referred to as a front drive unit and a rear drive unit, respectively. Each of the drive units 110a and 110b may include, for example, a motor, an inverter, a gearbox, and a differential. Figure 1 In the example shown, each of the drive units 110a and 110b is in the form of an electric motor. In this regard, each of the drive units 110a and 110b can use energy (e.g., electrical energy) stored in the battery pack 102 for propulsion, so as to drive (e.g., rotationally drive) the wheels of the vehicle 100.

[0031] Figure 2 and 3 Vehicles are shown having changes in their respective drive units. Figure 2 and 3 The vehicle shown and described in the drawings may include a vehicle 100 ( Figure 1 Any features shown and described in ).

[0032] Figure 2 An overhead view of a vehicle 200 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated, showing an example of a drive unit of the vehicle 200. As shown, the vehicle 200 includes a drive unit 210a and a drive unit 210b, also referred to as a front drive unit and a rear drive unit, respectively. Each of the drive units 210a and 210b may include a single motor, such as an electric motor. In this regard, the vehicle 200 may be referred to as a dual motor vehicle.

[0033] Figure 3 An overhead view of a vehicle 300 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated, showing an alternative example of a drive unit for the vehicle 300. As shown, the vehicle 300 includes a drive unit 310a and a drive unit 310b, also referred to as a front drive unit and a rear drive unit, respectively. Each of the drive units 310a and 310b may include two motors, each of which takes the form of an electric motor. In this regard, the vehicle 300 may be referred to as a four-motor vehicle.

[0034] Figure 4 1 illustrates an exploded view of an isolator assembly 420 according to aspects of the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, isolator assembly 420 (representative of one or more isolator assemblies shown and / or described herein) is designed to separate (e.g., Figure 1 , 2 One or more components of the vehicles 100, 200, 300 shown in Figures 1 and 3 are isolated from vibrations caused by one or more drive units of the vehicle.

[0035] Isolator assembly 420 may include isolator 422 or bushing. Isolator 422 may include body 424 (e.g., bushing body), convex angle 426a and convex angle 426b. As shown, body 424 includes a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical structure partially defined by curved surface 428 and flat surface 430, wherein flat surface 430 forms a circular or substantially circular surface partially defined by dotted lines. Convex angles 426a and 426b or ears may extend from body 424 in opposite or substantially opposite directions. However, body 424 and convex angles 426a and 426b may be formed integrally together by a material (e.g., rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) or a compound including one or more of the above materials. The phrase "integrally formed" refers to two or more structures formed together by the same material and the same method. For example, as non-limiting examples, body 424 and lobes 426a and 426b may be formed by a molding operation (eg, injection molding) or by a three-dimensional printing operation.

[0036] The separator 422 may include several openings or through holes. For example, the separator 422 may include a structure ( Figure 4 4 (not shown), thereby allowing the isolator 422 to be coupled to the structure at the opening 432. As shown, the opening 432 includes a generally rectangular opening with several grooves. However, this is exemplary, and the opening 432 may include different shapes (e.g., circular) and may include fewer grooves (including no grooves) or more grooves. In addition, the salient corners 426a and salient corners 426b may include openings 434a and openings 434b, respectively. Openings 434a and 434b are designed to receive one or more components. This will be discussed further below.

[0037] Opening 432 may include a three-dimensional space extending in either direction of double-headed arrow 436a. In addition, each of opening 434a and opening 434b may include a three-dimensional space extending in either direction of double-headed arrow 436b and double-headed arrow 436c, respectively, wherein each of double-headed arrows 436b and 436c extends in a different direction compared to the direction of double-headed arrow 436a. For example, double-headed arrow 436a may be vertical relative to each of double-headed arrows 436b and 436c. In this regard, opening 432 may be oriented in one direction (e.g., in the direction of double-headed arrow 436a), and each of openings 434a and 434b may be oriented in different directions (e.g., in the directions of double-headed arrow 436b and double-headed arrow 436c, respectively). Therefore, opening 432 may be vertically oriented relative to each of openings 434a and 434b.

[0038] In one or more specific implementations, the isolator 422 is subjected to a torque that causes displacement (e.g., deflection) of the isolator 422. Alternatively or in combination, the isolator 422 is subjected to vibration from the vehicle. However, in either case, the isolator 422 can provide a reaction force, thereby minimizing the forces applied to the structure within the opening 432 and other structures coupled to the structure. This will be shown below. In addition, the lobes 426a and 426b provide material in addition to the material of the body 424 to additionally resist the forces applied to the structure within the opening 432, thereby allowing the isolator 422 to additionally resist displacement and / or vibration. Beneficially, a user of a vehicle including the isolator assembly 420 may experience less vibration during operation of the vehicle.

[0039] The isolator assembly 420 may further include a cover 440a and a cover 440b. Based on their respective shapes, each of the covers 440a and 440b may be referred to as a clamshell cover. The covers 440a and 440b are designed to surround or at least partially surround the isolator 422. In this regard, each of the covers 440a and 440b includes a shape that is consistent with or at least partially consistent with the shape of the isolator 422. For example, the cover 440a may include a curved wall 442a, the curvature of which is consistent with or at least partially consistent with the curvature of the curved surface 428 (e.g., a curved cylindrical surface) of the isolator 422. In addition, the cover 440a may include an extension 444a and an extension 444b (defining a set of extensions), wherein the extensions 444a and 444b are consistent with or at least partially consistent with the shapes of the convex corners 426a and convex corners 426b, respectively. Similarly, cover 440b may include curved wall 442b having a curvature that conforms or at least partially conforms to the curvature of curved surface 428 of isolator 422. Additionally, cover 440b may include extensions 446a and 446b (defining a set of extensions), wherein extensions 446a and 446b conform or at least partially conform to the shape of lobes 426a and lobes 426b, respectively.

[0040] Extensions 444a, 444b, 446a, and 446b may include openings designed to align with the openings of convex corners 426a and 426b. For example, extensions 444a and 444b include openings 448a and 448b, respectively, and extensions 446a and 446b include openings 450a and 450b, respectively. When the corresponding openings of convex corners 426a and 426b, extensions 444a and 444b, and extensions 446a and 446b are aligned, one or more structures may pass through the openings. For example, bushings 452a, 452b, 452c, and 452d may pass through corresponding openings, as shown by arrows. As a non-limiting example, each of bushings 452a, 452b, 452c, and 452d may be referred to as a top hat bushing.

[0041] Based in part on the respective curved walls and extensions, covers 440a and 440b may constrain isolator 422 including body 424 and convex corners 426a and 426b in one direction (e.g., the Z axis in Cartesian coordinates). In addition, each of covers 440a and 440b includes sidewalls 454a and 454b, respectively. Sidewalls 454a and 454b may constrain isolator 422 including body 424 and convex corners 426a and 426b in another direction (e.g., the Y axis in Cartesian coordinates). Thus, covers 440a and 440b may constrain isolator 422 to at least two different degrees.

[0042] Figure 5 A perspective view of an isolator assembly 420 is illustrated showing several components of the isolator assembly 420 assembled together, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Covers 440a and 440b can surround the isolator 422, including the lobes 426a and 426b of the isolator 422, thereby constraining the isolator 422. Sidewalls 454a and 454b can provide additional restraint to the isolator 422 while not obstructing the opening 432 of the isolator 422.

[0043] Additionally, when the isolator assembly 420 is assembled, the lobes 426a and 426b, the extensions 444a and 444b, and the corresponding openings ( Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the corresponding openings can form openings 456a and openings 456b (each shown as a dashed line). For clarity, openings 456a and openings 456b can each be referred to as a hole defined by a collection of openings. In addition, bushings 452a and bushings 452b can be positioned in openings 456a and openings 456b, respectively. Although in Figure 5 452c and 452d (both in Figure 4 ) can be positioned in openings 456a and 456b, respectively. Bushings 452a, 452b, 452c, and 452d can be in the form of hollow bushings, thereby allowing fasteners ( Figure 5 ) through bushing 452a and bushing 452c, and another fastener ( Figure 5 The lobes 426a and 426b define extended fastening points of the isolator 422, in part because the openings 456a and 456b pass through the lobes 426a and 426b, respectively.

[0044] Figure 6 Description of various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 5 The line 6-6 in Figure 5 4. A partial cross-sectional view of the isolator assembly 420 shown in FIG. Bushings 452a, 452b, 452c, and 452d are inserted into the isolator assembly 420. As shown in the enlarged view, bushing 452a includes a flange 460a and a shaft 462a extending from the flange 460a. Similarly, bushing 452c includes a flange 460c and a shaft 462c extending from the flange 460c. Shafts 462a and 462c are positioned in openings 456a.

[0045] The size of bushings 452a, 452b, 452c, and 452d may be based in part on the size of convex angles 426a and 426b. For example, shaft 462a and shaft 462c may include size 466a and size 466c, respectively, wherein size 466a and 466c are equal or approximately equal. Sizes 466a and 466c are selected so that when bushings 452a and 452c are interested in opening 456a, shafts 462a and 462c may contact each other and provide at least some compression to convex angle 426a through flange 460a and flange 460c. At this point, covers 440a and 440b may be separated by a gap to allow compression of convex angle 426a. In other words, covers 440a and 440b may not contact each other. It should be appreciated that lobe 426b and bushings 452b and 452d may include similar features and relationships as shown and / or described with respect to lobe 426a and bushings 452a and 452c, respectively.

[0046] When in use, the isolator assembly 420 is designed to resist one or more forces, such as torque. In this regard, the isolator assembly 420 can limit or prevent the force from being transmitted to the structure ( Figure 6 432). For example, the body 424 of the isolator 422 can undergo displacement while one or more forces are applied and provide a reaction force to the applied one or more forces, thereby limiting the force applied to the object connected to the isolator 422 at the opening 432. In addition, when one or more forces are applied, the lobes 426a and 426b can also undergo at least some displacement and provide additional reaction forces. In addition, when one or more forces are applied, the covers 440a and 440b can constrain or at least partially constrain the body 424 and the lobes 426a and 426b.

[0047] Figure 7 Description of various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 5 The line 7-7 in Figure 5 4 is a cross-sectional view of an isolator assembly 420 shown in FIG. As shown, covers 440a and 440b engage several surfaces of isolator 422. For example, sidewall 454a of cover 440a and sidewall 454b of cover 440b respectively engage surfaces of isolator 422 to constrain the isolator. Figure 6 As shown, side walls 454a and 454b may additionally engage surfaces of lobes 426a and 426b, thereby constraining lobes 426b and 426a.

[0048] Figure 6 and 7Covers 440a and 440b are shown conforming or at least partially conforming to the shape of isolator 422. Beneficially, by providing covers 440a and 440b as conforming covers, isolator assembly 420 may forgo materials such as adhesives to secure covers 440a and 440b to isolator 422.

[0049] Figure 8 A perspective view illustrating a drive unit 410 and an isolator assembly 420 integrated with the drive unit 410 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The drive unit 410 may include one motor or two motors. The isolator assembly 420 may be coupled (e.g., bolted) to the subframe 470 via fasteners 471a and fasteners 471b. The drive unit 410 may also be coupled to the subframe 470 by, for example, bolting the drive unit 410 to the subframe 470. Thus, the subframe 470 may carry the drive unit 410 and the isolator assembly 420. Although a single isolator assembly is shown for use with the drive unit 410, several additional isolator assemblies similar to the isolator assembly 420 may be used with the drive unit 410. Alternatively, the isolator assembly 420 may be coupled to the drive unit 410.

[0050] Fig. 9 4 is a side view illustrating a drive unit 410 and an isolator assembly 420 according to aspects of the present disclosure, which additionally shows the isolator assembly 420 coupled to a frame rail 472. As shown, fasteners 471a and fasteners 471b pass through lobes 426a and lobes 426b, respectively. Frame rail 472 may be a vehicle (e.g., Figure 1 4 and 5. Thus, the drive unit 410, the isolator assembly 420, and the subframe 470 may be integrated with the vehicle. To couple the frame rail 472 with the drive unit 410, the frame rail 472 may include a rod 474 and a cross member 476, wherein the cross member 476 is positioned in the opening 432 of the isolator 422.

[0051] During operation, the drive unit 410 may provide torque in either direction of the bidirectional arrow 477. Due in part to the fact that the isolator assembly 420 acts as an intermediary device between the drive unit 410 and the frame rail 472, the torque provided by the drive unit 410 may be applied to the isolator assembly 420. However, the isolator assembly 420, and in particular the isolator 422, may be displaced while also providing a reaction force to resist or at least partially resist the torque applied by the drive unit 410. Additionally, the lobes 426a and 426b provide the isolator 422 with additional material that may be used to resist the applied torque, thereby minimizing or preventing the torque from being applied to the frame rail 472. Beneficially, the torque and the associated effects of the torque (e.g., undesired movement of the frame rail 472) are minimized or eliminated by the isolator assembly 420.

[0052] Fig.10 and 11 An alternative example of an isolator assembly is shown and described. Although not explicitly stated, Fig.10 and 11 The isolator assembly shown and described in the Figure 4-9 The isolator assembly 420 shown in FIG. 4 has several, if not all, features shown and described. In addition, Fig.10 and 11 At least some of the features shown and / or described in the Figure 4-9 Isolator assembly 420 is shown in FIG.

[0053] Fig.10 A partial cross-sectional view of an alternative example of an isolator assembly 520 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The isolator assembly 520 may include an isolator 522 having a body 524, a salient 526a, and a salient 526b. As a non-limiting example, the isolator 522 may include an opening 532 in the form of a circular opening. The isolator assembly 520 may additionally include a cover 540a and a cover 540b that surround or at least partially surround the isolator 522. The isolator assembly 520 may additionally include a ring 580 integrated with the isolator 522. In one or more specific implementations, the ring 580 includes a metal ring, such as steel (as a non-limiting example). As shown, the ring 580 surrounds the opening 532. The ring 580 is designed to provide additional support to the isolator 522 to resist applied torque.

[0054] Fig.11 A partial cross-sectional view of yet another example of an isolator assembly 620 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The isolator assembly 620 may include an isolator 622 having a body 624, a salient 626a, and a salient 626b. The body 624 may include a rectangular body (e.g., a square body). The isolator 622 may include an opening 632 in the form of a rectangular opening (e.g., a square opening). The isolator assembly 620 may additionally include a cover 640a and a cover 640b that surround or at least partially surround the isolator 622. As shown, the covers 640a and 640b may conform to the shape of the body 624 and the salient 626a and 626b.

[0055] Fig.12A side view of an example of an isolator 722 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The isolator 722 may include a body 724, a cam 726a, and a cam 726b. As a non-limiting example, the isolator 722 may include an opening 732 in the form of a rectangular opening. Although not shown, the isolator 722 may be part of an isolator assembly that includes one or more covers that are designed to surround or at least partially surround the isolator 722, similar to the previous examples. In addition, each of the cams 726a and 726b may include an opening 734a and an opening 734b, respectively, wherein each of the openings 734a and 734b is designed to receive one or more top hat bushings and fasteners ( Fig.12 not shown).

[0056] The body 724 may include several walls with gaps or spaces between the walls. For example, the body 724 may include a wall 782a, a wall 782b, and a wall 782c, which represent additional walls in the body 724. The walls 782a, 782b, and 782c may be characterized as having several non-parallel or diagonal portions. In addition, the walls 782a, 782b, and 782c may be combined to surround the opening 732. In this regard, the opening 732 may be referred to as a central opening.

[0057] Additionally, voids 784, representing several additional voids, may be formed in body 724. As shown, voids 784 are located between walls 782a and 782b, and thus may be defined in part by walls 782a and 782b. Voids 784 may include openings or spaces that do not include any material (e.g., material used to form separator 722).

[0058] A force (e.g., torque, shear force) applied to the isolator 722 in either direction of the bidirectional arrow 785 may cause movement of the wall 782a and / or the wall 782b. However, each of the walls 782a and 782b may generally move freely within the body 724 based on the gap 784. Beneficially, the isolator 722 may experience additional displacement based on the movement of the walls 782a and 782b and the gap 784 between the walls 782a and 782b. In addition, the amount of force that the isolator 722 may experience may be partially defined by the thickness of each of the walls 782a and 782b. In this regard, the size of the walls 782a and 782b may be adjusted and effectively adjusted to resist a predetermined amount of force. By using a formation method such as three-dimensional printing (as a non-limiting example), the isolator 722 may be manufactured to resist a predetermined amount of force.

[0059] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" preceding a series of items, together with the terms "and" or "or" used to separate any items, modifies the entire list, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase "at least one" does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows for a meaning that includes at least one of any of these items, and / or at least one of any combination of these items, and / or at least one of each of these items. By way of example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0060] When an element is referred to herein as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it should be understood that the element may be directly connected to the other element, or there may be intervening elements between the elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, it should be understood that there are no intervening elements in the "direct" connection between the elements. However, the presence of a direct connection does not exclude other connections that may have intervening elements.

[0061] The predicates "configured to," "operable to," and "programmed to" do not imply any specific tangible or intangible modification of the subject matter, but are intended to be used interchangeably. In one or more specific implementations, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or component may also mean that the processor is programmed to monitor and control the operation or that the processor is operable to monitor and control the operation. Likewise, a processor configured to execute code may be interpreted as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code.

[0062] Phrases such as an aspect, this aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, a specific implementation, this specific implementation, another specific implementation, some specific implementations, one or more specific implementations, an embodiment, this embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, this configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject technology, this disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof, etc. are for convenience and do not imply that the disclosures associated with such phrases are necessary for the subject technology, or that such disclosures are applicable to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosures associated with such phrases may be applicable to all configurations or one or more configurations. The disclosures associated with such phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, and this is similarly applicable to other aforementioned phrases.

[0063] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including," "having," and the like are used in the specification or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," as interpreted when "comprising" is used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0064] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to serve the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. No claim element should be interpreted under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "means for..." or, in the case of a method claim, the element is stated using the phrase "step for..."

[0065] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but to conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein elements mentioned in the singular are not intended to represent "one and only one", unless specifically so stated, but "one or more". Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. Male pronouns (e.g., his) include female and neutral (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings (if any) are used only for convenience and do not limit the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An isolator, comprising: a first lobe including a first opening oriented in a first direction; a second lobe including a second opening; and A body includes a third opening oriented in a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the first lobe and the second lobe are integrally formed with the body.

2. The isolator of claim 1, wherein the body, the first lobe, and the second lobe comprise rubber.

3. The isolator of claim 1, wherein the second lobe is oriented in the second direction. The isolator according to claim 3 , wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

5. The isolator according to claim 1, wherein: The first opening and the second opening are configured to receive corresponding fasteners to secure the isolator to the drive unit, The third opening is configured to receive a structure, and The isolator is configured to isolate the structure from vibrations caused by the drive unit.

6. The isolator of claim 1, further comprising a metal ring integral with the body, wherein the metal ring surrounds the opening.

7. The isolator of claim 6, wherein the metal ring is positioned between the first lobe and the second lobe.

8. An isolator assembly, comprising: An isolator, the isolator comprising: main body; a first lobe extending from the body; and a second lobe extending from the body; and a first cover; and A second cover, wherein the first cover and the second cover are combined to surround the body, the first lobe, and the second lobe.

9. The isolator assembly of claim 8, wherein: The first cover comprises a first set of extensions at least partially covering the first and second lobes, and The second cover includes a second set of extensions that at least partially cover the first and second lobes.

10. The isolator assembly of claim 9, wherein: The first lobe includes a first lobe opening, The second lobe includes a second lobe opening, and The first set of extensions includes: a first opening aligned with the first lobe opening; and A second opening is provided, the second opening being aligned with the second lobe opening.

11. The isolator assembly of claim 10, wherein the second set of extensions comprises: a third opening aligned with the first lobed opening; and A fourth opening is aligned with the second lobe opening.

12. The isolator assembly of claim 8, wherein: The body further includes a first curved surface, and The first cover includes a first curved wall conforming to the first curved surface.

13. The isolator assembly of claim 12, wherein: The body includes a second curved surface, and The second cover includes a second curved wall conforming to the first curved surface.

14. The isolator assembly of claim 13, wherein: The body further comprises a flat surface, The first cover also includes a first side wall at least partially covering the planar surface, and The second cover also includes a second sidewall at least partially covering the planar surface.

15. The isolator assembly of claim 14, wherein the first cover and the second cover are configured to constrain the isolator at two angles based in part on the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

16. A vehicle comprising: Drive unit; a subframe configured to carry the drive unit; an isolator assembly coupled to the subframe, the isolator assembly comprising: An isolator, the isolator comprising: main body; a first lobe extending from the body; and a second lobe extending from the body; and a first cover; and A second cover, wherein the first cover and the second cover are combined to surround the body, the first lobe, and the second lobe.

17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein: The first cover comprises a first set of extensions at least partially covering the first and second lobes, and The second cover includes a second set of extensions that at least partially cover the first and second lobes.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein: The first lobe includes a first lobe opening, The second lobe includes a second lobe opening, and The first set of extensions includes: a first opening aligned with the first lobe opening; and A second opening is provided, the second opening being aligned with the second lobe opening.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the second set of extensions comprises: a third opening aligned with the first lobed opening; and A fourth opening is aligned with the second lobe opening.

20. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the isolator assembly further comprises: a first aperture defined by the first set of extensions, the first lobe opening, and the second set of extensions, wherein the first aperture is configured to receive a first fastener and a first top hat bushing; and A second aperture is defined by the first set of extensions, the second lobe opening, and the second set of extensions, wherein the second aperture is configured to receive a second fastener and a second top hat bushing.

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