Integrated mounting of drive unit and steering rack

Abstract

A drive unit includes a mount coupled to an existing structure (e.g., a steering rack) in a vehicle. The steering rack may provide mass damping to the drive unit during operation, thereby providing NVH performance. The mount may include an isolator designed to provide isolation for the component from vibrations generated by the drive unit. Alternatively, the steering rack housing may carry an isolator, and the mount may be coupled to the isolator in the steering rack housing. Using an existing structure in a vehicle, it is possible to reduce the number of components and reduce manufacturing complexity.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The drive unit may include a mounting for securing the drive unit in the vehicle. The mounting may be equipped with an isolator to which the steering rack is secured. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application relates to mounts for drive units, and more particularly to connecting one or more mounts to components within a vehicle, such as a steering rack. The steering rack can be used as a mass damper to absorb vibrations from the drive unit, while the isolator provides isolation of the steering rack from vibrations generated by the drive unit. Furthermore, the steering rack represents a pre-existing structure in the vehicle. Advantageously, the manufacturing complexity and part count of the vehicle can be reduced.

[0004] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an assembly is described. The assembly may include a first mounting member extending from a drive unit. The first mounting member may carry a first isolator configured to be secured with a frame rail. The assembly may also include a second mounting member extending from the drive unit. The second mounting member may carry a second isolator. The assembly may also include a steering rack coupled to the second isolator.

[0005] The assembly may also include a subframe coupled to the drive unit. The assembly may also include a steering rack mount coupled to the subframe. In one or more specific implementations, the steering rack extends through the second mount and through the steering rack mount.

[0006] During operation of the drive unit, the steering rack may be configured to reduce a vibration amplitude of the drive unit. The first isolator may include a first rubber bushing. The second isolator may include a second rubber bushing.

[0007] In one or more implementations, in response to torque applied to the shaft by the drive unit: the first mount is configured to provide a first reaction force in a first direction, and the second mount is configured to provide a second reaction force in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0008] The assembly may further include a third mounting member extending from the drive unit. The third mounting member may carry a third isolator. In one or more specific implementations, the steering rack is coupled to the third isolator.

[0009] The second mounting member may include a first tapered mounting member.The third mounting member may include a second tapered mounting member.

[0010] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an assembly is described. The assembly may include a first mount extending from a drive unit. The first mount may carry a first isolator configured to couple to a frame rail. The assembly may also include a second mount extending from the drive unit. The assembly may also include a steering rack housing. The steering rack housing may carry a second isolator. The assembly may also include a connector coupled to the second isolator and the second mount. The connector may include a bolt.

[0011] The assembly may also include a steering rack at least partially carried within the steering rack housing. The assembly may also include a subframe coupled to the drive unit and the steering rack housing. The assembly may also include a steering rack mounting coupled to the subframe. In one or more specific implementations, the steering rack extends through a second mounting and is coupled to the steering rack mounting. The second mounting may be positioned between the steering rack and the subframe.

[0012] The assembly may also include a third isolator carried by the steering rack housing. The assembly may also include a third mounting member extending from the drive unit and coupled to the third isolator via a second connector. In one or more specific implementations, the steering rack housing is at least partially positioned between the second mounting member and the third mounting member. The steering rack may be configured to reduce a vibration amplitude of the drive unit.

[0013] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a vehicle is described. The vehicle may include a first mount extending from a drive unit. The first mount may carry a first isolator coupled to a frame rail. The assembly may also include a second mount extending from the drive unit. The vehicle may also include a steering rack housing. The vehicle may also include a second isolator coupled to the second mount and the steering rack housing.

[0014] The vehicle may also include a steering rack at least partially carried by the steering rack housing. In one or more specific implementations, the second isolator is carried by the second mount, and the steering rack extends through the second mount and engages the second isolator. The steering rack may be configured to reduce the amplitude of vibration of the drive unit.

[0015] The vehicle may further include a connector. In one or more implementations, the steering rack housing carries the second isolator, and the connector is coupled to the second isolator and the second mount.

[0016] The vehicle may further include a subframe coupled to the drive unit and the steering rack housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 2 An overhead view of a vehicle showing an example of a drive unit in the vehicle is illustrated according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3 An overhead view of a vehicle showing alternative examples of a drive unit in the vehicle is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 A perspective view illustrating an example of a drive unit and a steering rack coupled to the drive unit according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 5 A side view of a drive unit and a steering rack coupled to the drive unit is illustrated, further showing the drive unit coupled to a frame rail, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 A top view of a drive unit and a steering rack coupled to the drive unit according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 7 A perspective view illustrating an alternative example of a drive unit and steering rack according to aspects of the present disclosure showing the drive unit coupled to a steering rack housing.

[0025] Figure 8 A top view of a drive unit and a steering rack coupled to the drive unit according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0026] Fig. 9 An overhead view of an alternative example of a drive unit and a steering rack coupled to the drive unit showing a tapered mount coupled to the steering rack is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.10 A perspective view illustrating an alternative example of a drive unit and multiple mounts within a steering rack housing according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.11 Perspective views of alternative examples of a drive unit and a towing hitch coupled to the drive unit according to aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0029] Fig.12 An overhead view of a drive unit and an axle truss coupled to the drive unit according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] 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.

[0031] The subject technology relates to an assembly that includes a mounting member (e.g., a bracket) that couples a drive unit to various structures in a vehicle. For example, in one or more specific embodiments, one or more mounting members extend from the drive unit at a position that allows the mounting member to be coupled to a steering rack of the vehicle. In addition to the mounting member, the assembly may include an isolator (e.g., a bushing) carried by the mounting member (e.g., positioned in the mounting member). The steering rack may pass through the one or more isolators. Advantageously, the steering rack (representing an existing component of the vehicle) can be used to secure the drive unit and provide benefits such as achieving mass damping of the drive unit, reducing manufacturing complexity, and improving the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance of the vehicle. In addition, the isolator can provide a reaction force to the torque generated by the drive unit, thereby minimizing the impact on the steering rack (e.g., vibration amplitude).

[0032] Based on the repositioning of the mounts, additional mounts and isolators may be repositioned on the drive unit. For example, some mounts may be repositioned and coupled to the frame rails of the vehicle. By repositioning the mounts to couple to the frame rails, the drive unit may provide more commonality or symmetry with another drive unit. In this regard, a vehicle having a front drive unit and a rear drive unit may be relatively similar in terms of the respective locations of the mounts, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.

[0033] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In one or more specific implementations, the vehicle 100 is a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Figure 1 In the example shown, vehicle 100 is a truck. In general, 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. Thus, other specific implementations of 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.

[0034] 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 also include a port 104 (e.g., a charging port) that is designed to receive a cable connector (e.g., a charging port) for delivering power (e.g., alternating current (AC) power). Figure 1 The electric power is converted into direct current (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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 is in the form of an electric motor. In this regard, the vehicle 300 may be referred to as a four-motor vehicle.

[0038] Figure 2 and Figure 3The drive unit configurations shown and described herein should be considered exemplary and non-limiting, and other drive unit configurations are possible. For example, one or more vehicles shown and / or described herein may include a drive unit with a single motor (e.g., located at the front or rear) or multiple drive units with unequal numbers of motors (e.g., a single motor drive unit located at the front and a dual motor drive unit located at the rear).

[0039] Figure 4 A perspective view of an example of a drive unit 410 and a steering rack 412 coupled to the drive unit 410 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The drive unit 410 and the steering rack 412 may be in a vehicle (e.g., Figure 1 The platform 410 may be implemented in the vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1 . The drive unit 410 may include any of the examples of drive units previously described. Thus, the drive unit 410 may take the form of a front drive unit, or alternatively, a rear drive unit. As shown, the platform 410 may include an axle 414. The axle 414 is designed to be coupled to one or more wheels ( Figure 4 4. The drive unit 410 may provide a force (eg, torque) to the shaft 414, thereby driving (eg, rotationally driving) the shaft 414 to drive the wheels. The steering rack 412 may be coupled to the wheels and the steering wheel ( Figure 4 418 (not shown), thereby allowing a user of the vehicle to steer the vehicle by turning the steering wheel. In addition, the subframe 416 may provide a base for the drive unit 410 and the steering rack 412. The drive unit 410 may be coupled (e.g., bolted, welded, or otherwise fastened) to the subframe 416. In addition, the steering rack 412 may be coupled to the subframe 416 via a steering rack mount 418a and a steering rack mount 418b. As shown, the steering rack 412 may pass through each of the steering rack mounts 418a and 418b. In addition, the steering rack housing 413 may carry a plurality of components (e.g., power steering components, electronic controls, etc.) used in conjunction with the steering rack 412. The steering rack housing 413 may be coupled to the drive unit 410.

[0040] The drive unit 410 may include an assembly of multiple components for coupling (e.g., connecting) the drive unit 410 to another component. For example, the drive unit 410 may include a plurality of components for coupling the drive unit 410 to, for example, a frame rail ( Figure 4Although not shown, an additional mount 420a similar to mount 420a may be positioned at an opposite location on drive unit 410. In addition, drive unit 410 may include mount 420b and mount 420c, each of which extends from drive unit 410 to couple with steering rack 412. Advantageously, by using existing components in the vehicle (e.g., steering rack 412), fewer components may be required, which may reduce manufacturing complexity and provide additional space within the vehicle for other components. As a non-limiting example, each of mounts 420a, 420b, and 420c (representative of other mounts shown and / or described herein) may include a metal, such as steel, nickel, aluminum, or a combination thereof.

[0041] During operation, the drive unit 410 may generate torque, thereby generating a reaction force at one or more locations where the drive unit 410 is mounted. As a result, at least some of the torque may be transmitted to the steering rack 412 and / or the aforementioned frame rails. In order to attenuate the energy (e.g., vibration) generated by the torque, the assembly of components may also include an isolator or bushing, which is carried by one of the mounting members 420a, 420b, and 420c. For example, the mounting member 420a may include a cross member ( Figure 4 422a). As a non-limiting example, isolator 422a (representative of additional isolators shown and / or described herein) may include a rubber composite material. Mounting member 420b and mounting member 420c may include isolator 422b and isolator 422c, respectively. Steering rack 412 may engage with isolators 422b and 422c. For example, steering rack 412 may pass through corresponding openings of isolators 422b and 422c. By repositioning mounting members 420b and 420c (e.g., in a manner such that steering rack 412 passes through isolators 422b and 422c), additional clearance areas are created in the spaces previously occupied by mounting members 420b and 420c at their previous respective positions. Advantageously, one or more components may occupy the previous positions of mounting members 420b and 420c.

[0042] Figure 5 A side view of a drive unit 410 and a steering rack 412 coupled to the drive unit 410 is illustrated, further showing the drive unit 410 coupled to a frame rail 424, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The frame rail 424 may include a structure 426 (e.g., an extension) that carries a cross member 428. The cross member 428 may be positioned in an isolator 422a carried by a mount 420a.

[0043] To illustrate the use of mounting member 420a and mounting member 420b, a force diagram is illustrated. For example, during operation of drive unit 410, a force (e.g., torque) provided to shaft 414 may be in the direction of arrow 430. To counteract or react to the force provided to shaft 414 by drive unit 410, mounting member 420a may provide a reaction force in the direction of arrow 432a, and mounting member 420b may provide a reaction force in the direction of arrow 432b. As shown, arrow 432a and arrow 432b represent opposite directions, or at least substantially opposite directions. Mounting member 420c ( Figure 4 4 (shown in FIG. 4 ) can provide a reaction force similar to the reaction force of mount 420b in the direction of arrow 432b. In addition, isolators 422a and 422b can attenuate some of the energy generated due to torque. Advantageously, energy (e.g., vibration) applied to steering rack 412 and frame rail 424 is minimized or avoided.

[0044] Additionally, the steering rack 412 and / or the steering rack housing 413 can provide benefits to the drive unit 410 based on their respective couplings to the drive unit 410. For example, the steering rack 412 and / or the steering rack housing 413 can function as an auxiliary mass damper (e.g., a tuned mass damper) that reduces the amplitude of vibrations generated by the drive unit 410 during operation. Thus, a vehicle using mounts, isolators, and steering racks in the manner described herein can provide dual isolation to the drive unit 410.

[0045] Figure 6 An overhead view of a drive unit 410 and a steering rack 412 coupled to the drive unit 410 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown, the steering rack 412 passes through mounting members 420b and 420c, and further passes through isolators 422b and 422c to be connected to wheels 434a and 434b. In addition, a cross member 428 extends from the frame rail 424 and is inserted into the isolator 422a carried by the mounting member 420a. In addition, a cross member 436 extends from the frame rail 438 and is inserted into the isolator 422d carried by the mounting member 420d, wherein the mounting member 420d is coupled to the drive unit 410. In addition, a steering rack housing 413 is positioned between the mounting members 420b and 420c and passes over the steering rack 412. Advantageously, the mounting members 420b and 420c do not provide obstruction to the steering rack 412 and the steering rack housing 413, and conversely, the steering rack 412 and the steering rack housing 413 do not provide obstruction to the mounting members 420b and 420c.

[0046] Figure 7A perspective view of an example of a drive unit 510 and a steering rack 512 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated, showing the drive unit 510 coupled to a steering rack housing 513. The drive unit 510 and the steering rack 512 may be in a vehicle (e.g., Figure 1 The drive unit 510 may include any of the examples of drive units previously described. Thus, the drive unit 510 may take the form of a front drive unit, or alternatively, a rear drive unit. In addition, the drive unit 510 may include similar features as shown in the previous examples, such as a drive unit designed to couple to one or more wheels ( Figure 7 514 and a subframe 516 providing a base for the drive unit 510 and the steering rack 512. In addition, one or more components of the steering rack 512 may be positioned in or at least partially positioned in the steering rack housing 513.

[0047] The drive unit 510 may include a connector for coupling the drive unit 510 to, for example, a frame rail ( Figure 7 520a). The mounting member 520a may include an isolator 522a. Although not shown, an additional mounting member similar to the mounting member 520a may be positioned at an opposite position on the drive unit 510. In addition, the drive unit 510 may include a mounting member 520b and a mounting member 520c. As shown, the steering rack 512 passes over (e.g., along the Z axis of the Cartesian coordinates) the mounting members 520b and 520c, and therefore, the steering rack 512 is not directly connected to the mounting members 520b and 520c. The steering rack 512 may be secured to the steering rack housing 513 using a steering rack mounting member 518a and a steering rack mounting member 518b. Although in Figure 7 Not shown, but the steering rack 512 may pass beneath the mounts 520b and 520c (eg, along the Z-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system) while remaining not directly coupled to the mounts 520b and 520c.

[0048] In addition, the steering rack housing 513 can carry an isolator 522b and an isolator 522c designed to be connected to the mounting member 520b and the mounting member 520c, respectively. A plurality of connectors can be used to connect the mounting member to the isolator. For example, a connector 536a (partially shown as a dotted line) is connected to the mounting member 520b and extends from the mounting member 520b to the isolator 522b. In addition, a connector 536b (partially shown as a dotted line) is connected to the mounting member 520c and extends from the mounting member 520c to the isolator 522c. As a non-limiting example, each of the connectors 536a and 536b can be in the form of a bolt. Based on the isolators 522a and 522b, the steering rack housing 513 can be isolated from vibration during the operation of the drive unit 510, while also providing mass damping to the drive unit 510 to reduce the amplitude of the vibration generated by the drive unit 510 during operation. Furthermore, due in part to the coupling of the steering rack 512 to the steering rack housing 513 , the mass of the steering rack 512 may also be used for mass damping of the drive unit 510 .

[0049] Figure 8 An overhead view of a drive unit 510 and a steering rack 512 coupled to the drive unit 510 is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, mounts 520b and 520c are adjusted / repositioned so that the steering rack 512 passes over mounts 520b and 520c to connect to wheels 534a and 534b. In addition, isolators 522b and 522c may be completely or at least substantially embedded in the steering rack housing 513. Isolator 522b is coupled to mount 520b via connector 536a, and isolator 522c is coupled to mount 520c via connector 536b.

[0050] In addition, cross member 528 extends from frame rail 524 and is inserted into isolator 522a carried by mounting member 520a. In addition, cross member 536 extends from frame rail 538 and is inserted into isolator 522d carried by mounting member 520d, wherein mounting member 520d is coupled to drive unit 510.

[0051] Fig. 9 An overhead view of an alternative example of a drive unit 610 and a steering rack 612 coupled to the drive unit 610 is illustrated, showing a tapered mount coupled to the steering rack 612, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The drive unit 610 and the steering rack 612 may be used in a vehicle (e.g., Figure 1100). The drive unit 610 may include a mounting member 620a and a mounting member 620d, and may also include an isolator 622a and an isolator 622d respectively carried by the mounting member 620a and the mounting member 620d. The drive unit 610 may also include a mounting member 620b and a mounting member 620c, and an isolator 622b and an isolator 622c respectively carried by the mounting member 620b and the mounting member 620c. As shown, each of the mounting members 620b and 620c may take the form of a tapered mounting member. For example, each of the mounting members 620b and 620c is connected to the drive unit 610. However, further away from the drive unit 610 (e.g., along the Y axis of the Cartesian coordinate system). The mounting members 620b and 620c then extend outward or open away from each other (e.g., along the X axis). Advantageously, any loads applied to the steering rack 612 by the mounts 620b and 620c are directed away from the center of the steering rack 612 , thereby reducing excitation of the steering rack 612 at or near the center of the steering rack 612 .

[0052] Fig.10 A perspective view of an alternative example of a drive unit 710 and a plurality of mountings within a steering rack housing 713 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The drive unit 710 and the steering rack housing 713 may be located in a vehicle (e.g., Figure 1 100). Similar to the previous example, the drive unit 710 may include a mounting member 720a and an isolator 722a carried by the mounting member 720a. The mounting member 720a and the isolator 722a may represent one or more additional mounting members and isolators, respectively. The drive unit 710 may also include a mounting member 720b and a mounting member 720c located in or at least partially located in the steering rack housing 713. In addition, the mounting member 720b and the mounting member 720c may carry the isolator 722b and the isolator 722c, respectively. The steering rack 712 may pass through the steering rack housing 713 and through the corresponding opening of each of the isolators 722b and 722c. By accommodating the steering rack 712, a plurality of mounting members and isolators, the steering rack housing 713 may be provided as a subassembly connected to the drive unit 710.

[0053] Fig.11 1 illustrates an overhead view of a drive unit 810 and a towing hitch 840 coupled to the drive unit according to aspects of the present disclosure. The drive unit 810 and the towing hitch 840 may be mounted on a vehicle (e.g., Figure 1100). Similar to the previous example, the drive unit 810 may include a mount 820a and a mount 820d, and an isolator 822a and an isolator 822d carried by the mount 820a and the mount 820d, respectively. The drive unit 810 may also include a mount 820b and a mount 820c, and an isolator 822b and an isolator 822c carried by the mount 820b and the mount 820c, respectively.

[0054] The towing hitch 840 is designed to secure various objects to a vehicle, such as a trailer or a mobile camper (as non-limiting examples). The towing hitch 840 may include a crossbar 842 connected to the frame rails 824 and 838. In addition, the crossbar 842 may pass through the mounting members 820b and 820c, and in particular, through the isolators 822b and 822c. Thus, the drive unit 810 may be coupled to the towing hitch 840, and the towing hitch 840 may provide mass damping for the drive unit 810 to reduce the amplitude of vibrations generated by the drive unit 810.

[0055] Fig.12 1 and 10. A perspective view of an alternative example of a drive unit 910 and an axle truss 950 coupled to the drive unit 910 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The drive unit 910 and the axle truss 950 may be used in a vehicle (e.g., Figure 1 100). Similar to the previous example, the drive unit 910 may include a mount 920a and an isolator 922a carried by the mount 920a. The mount 920a and the isolator 922a may represent one or more additional mounts and isolators, respectively. The drive unit 910 may also include a mount 920b and a mount 920c, and an isolator 922b and an isolator 922c carried by the mount 920b and the mount 920c, respectively.

[0056] The axle truss 950 may be fixed around the axle 952 and provide reinforcement for the axle 952. The axle truss 950 may include a rod 954 that passes through the mounting member 920b and the mounting member 920c, and in particular, through the corresponding openings of the isolator 922b and the isolator 922c. Therefore, the drive unit 910 may be coupled to the axle truss 950, and the axle truss 950 may provide mass damping for the drive unit 810 to reduce the amplitude of vibration generated by the drive unit 910.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 construction, this construction, another construction, some constructions, one or more constructions, 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 constructions of the subject technology. The disclosures associated with such phrases may be applicable to all constructions or one or more constructions. 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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..."

[0063] 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. A component, comprising: a first mounting member extending from the drive unit, the first mounting member carrying a first isolator, the first isolator being configured to be secured with a frame rail; a second mounting member extending from the drive unit, the second mounting member carrying a second isolator; and A steering rack is coupled to the second isolator.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a subframe coupled to the drive unit; and A steering rack mount is coupled to the subframe, wherein the steering rack extends through the second mount and through the steering rack mount.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: During operation of the drive unit, the steering rack is configured to reduce an amplitude of vibrations of the drive unit.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first isolator includes a first rubber bushing, and The second isolator includes a second rubber bushing.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: In response to the torque applied to the shaft by the drive unit: The first mount is configured to provide a first reaction force in a first direction, and the second mount is configured to provide a second reaction force in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

6. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a third mount extending from the drive unit, the third mount carrying a third isolator, wherein the steering rack is coupled to the third isolator.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein: The second mounting member includes a first tapered mounting member, and The third mounting member includes a second tapered mounting member.

8. A component, comprising: a first mount extending from the drive unit, the first mount carrying a first isolator configured to couple with a frame rail; a second mounting member extending from the drive unit; a steering rack housing carrying a second isolator; and A connector is coupled to the second isolator and the second mount.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the connector comprises a bolt.

10. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a steering rack at least partially carried within the steering rack housing.

11. The assembly of claim 10, further comprising a subframe coupled to the drive unit and the steering rack housing.

12. The assembly of claim 11 further comprising a steering rack mount coupled to the subframe, wherein the steering rack extends through the second mount and is coupled to the steering rack mount.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein: The second mount is positioned between the steering rack and the subframe.

14. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a third isolator, the third isolator being carried by the steering rack housing; and A third mount extends from the drive unit and is coupled to the third isolator via a second connector, wherein the steering rack housing is at least partially positioned between the second mount and the third mount.

15. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the steering rack is configured to reduce a vibration amplitude of the drive unit.

16. A vehicle, comprising: a first mounting member extending from the drive unit, the first mounting member carrying a first isolator coupled to the frame rail; a second mounting member extending from the drive unit; Steering rack housing; and A second isolator is coupled to the second mount and the steering rack housing.

17. The vehicle of claim 16, further comprising a steering rack at least partially carried by the steering rack housing, wherein: The second isolator is carried by the second mounting member, and The steering rack extends through the second mount and engages the second isolator.

18. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein: The steering rack is configured to reduce a vibration amplitude of the drive unit.

19. The vehicle of claim 16, further comprising a connector, wherein: The steering rack housing carries the second isolator, and The connector is coupled to the second isolator and the second mount.

20. The vehicle of claim 16, further comprising a subframe coupled to the drive unit and the steering rack housing.

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