Adjustable Exhaust Mount for Vibration Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust system mounting methods fail to adequately compensate for temperature expansion and vibrations, leading to play and misalignment issues between the exhaust system and the vehicle's underbody, particularly with modern vehicles that have covers for tail pipes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mount with a support and mounting mandrel system, where the support consists of two plates with fixable sections and openings that allow for precise alignment and attachment to the exhaust system or underbody, and a mandrel with different sections for penetration through exhaust system rubbers, enabling easy adjustment and secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple O-rings with hooks are used for mounting the exhaust system, then the installation is simple and cost-effective, but the play between the exhaust system and the vehicle's underbody becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into two separate components: a support fixed to the exhaust system and a mounting mandrel fixed to the vehicle's underbody. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the support provides a stable base while the mandrel enables precise alignment and secure fixation, thereby reducing play while maintaining installation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The support acts as an intermediary element between the exhaust system and the mounting mandrel. It provides a standardized interface that facilitates precise alignment and secure connection, bridging the gap between simple O-ring mounting and precision alignment requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If the play between exhaust system and underbody is decreased, then the alignment accuracy improves, but the complexity of arranging and aligning suspension points increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the mounting function into a support (on exhaust system) and mounting mandrel (on underbody), the system achieves precise alignment without requiring complex integrated suspension points. Each component has a simplified, specialized function that together provides high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mandrel features a tapered section with varying diameter that changes along its length. This parameter change allows for easy alignment and secure fixation - the smaller diameter facilitates insertion through the support's opening while the larger diameter provides stable mounting, achieving precision without complexity
3Ease of operation
If a two-plate support structure with openings larger than the mandrel is used, then the ease of alignment and installation improves, but the structural rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The support's opening allows the mounting mandrel to be inserted and aligned freely, providing ease of operation. The tapered geometry of the mandrel then provides progressive rigidity as it is secured, achieving both ease of alignment and structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure has different local properties: the plates provide overall structural support while the openings provide localized flexibility for alignment. The mounting mandrel has a tapered section that provides localized flexibility during insertion but transitions to a rigid fixed connection when secured, combining ease of operation with structural rigidity
Data Source
AI summary
A mount (100) for an exhaust system includes a support (110) configured for being fixed to a component of the exhaust system (200) or an underbody of a vehicle, and a mounting mandrel supported by the support (110). The support (110) has a first plate (111) and a second plate (112) spaced apart from the first plate (111). The first plate (111) and the second plate (112) each include a fixing section (113, 114) for fixing the support (110) to a component of the exhaust system (200) or an underbody of a vehicle. The first plate (111) and the second plate (112) each includes an opening (115, 116). The mounting mandrel (120) includes a first section (121) configured for penetrating through an exhaust system rubber (300). The mounting mandrel (120) has a second section (122) that passes through the openings (115, 116) in the first and second plates (111, 112).