Asymmetric Engine Mount Configuration for Off-Road Power Unit Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power unit support structures for off-road vehicles require a rectangular sub-frame and struggle to evenly distribute load across engine mounts, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A power unit support structure using three engine mounts, where one mount is positioned farther from the center of gravity and two closer, eliminating the need for a rectangular sub-frame and allowing load equalization, with the engine mounts' attachment bolts oriented in the front-to-back direction to reduce lateral loads and incorporating a U-shaped engine hanger for increased strength and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rectangular sub-frame is used to support the power unit, then the structural stability is improved, but the size of the support structure is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support function into three separate engine mounts positioned at different locations around the crankcase, rather than using a single rectangular sub-frame structure. This segmentation allows each mount to independently support specific portions of the power unit, achieving stability without requiring a large rectangular framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the support functions of multiple engine mounts into a unified configuration that eliminates the need for a separate rectangular sub-frame. The three engine mounts work together as an integrated support system, merging the structural support function directly into the mounting arrangement rather than requiring a distinct sub-frame component.
2Force
If the sub-frame is supported by front and rear engine mounts with one mount between cylinder unit and main frame, then the power unit is supported, but the load on engine mounts cannot be equalized resulting in increased size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mounting configurations to different sides of the crankcase, with one engine mount on one side and two engine mounts on the other side. This asymmetric arrangement tailors the support structure to the local load requirements at each position, allowing optimal load distribution without oversizing the entire support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an asymmetric engine mount arrangement where one side of the crankcase has one engine mount while the other side has two engine mounts. This asymmetric configuration optimizes load distribution by placing more mounts on the side requiring greater support, eliminating the need for symmetric rectangular sub-frame structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a power unit with an engine that transmits drive force forward and backward to front and rear wheels via propeller shafts. The power unit is supported on a vehicle frame by engine mounts provided at three locations. An engine mount on one side of a crankshaft is farther from the center of gravity of the power unit than the other two mounts. This engine mount joins the crank case and the vehicle frame. The two other engine mounts on the other side of the crankshaft are closer to the center of gravity. These engine mounts join the vehicle frame and front and rear ends of an engine hanger that is joined to the crank case and extends forward and backward beyond at least one of a front end and a rear end of the crank case.