Exhaust Mount Bracket Geometry for Controlled Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle exhaust systems experience unintended displacement due to external forces during driving conditions like water wading or driving over bumps, causing them to move out of their designed position, which existing elastomeric isolators fail to adequately manage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of frame brackets with complementary engaging portions that limit the exhaust system's displacement by defining specific maximum allowable distances, allowing the exhaust to rotate about a frame hanger while engaging with the isolator to prevent excessive movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If elastomeric isolators are used to connect exhaust systems to reduce noise and vibration, then noise and vibration reduction is improved, but the exhaust system may experience unintended displacement beyond designed position
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator is segmented into multiple functional zones: an elastomeric body for vibration isolation and bracket portions (frame bracket and exhaust bracket) for positional constraint. This segmentation allows the isolator to simultaneously provide noise/vibration reduction and prevent excessive displacement by distributing these functions to different segments of the same component.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator combines elastomeric material properties (for vibration isolation) with rigid bracket structures (for positional limiting). This composite approach integrates the beneficial properties of both soft elastomeric materials and rigid structural elements into a single component that addresses both noise reduction and position stability requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the exhaust system is allowed to rotate freely about the frame hanger for flexibility, then adaptability to driving conditions is improved, but the exhaust system may move to unintended positions causing functional issues
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator system provides dynamic positional control through its bracket design. The bracket portions allow rotation within a controlled range by maintaining engagement between the frame bracket and exhaust bracket, enabling the exhaust system to adapt to driving conditions while preventing movement beyond predetermined limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the bracket portions (distance between engagement points, bracket orientation) is specifically designed to change the rotational characteristics of the isolator. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the system allows sufficient rotation for adaptability while constraining the range to prevent unintended positioning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively restricts the exhaust system's displacement within predetermined limits, maintaining its designed position even under severe driving conditions, thereby ensuring proper function and reducing noise and vibration.
Implementation Method 1
an isolator connecting the exhaust to a body of the vehicle via the frame hanger such that the exhaust rotates about the frame hanger
Implementation Method 2
an engaging portion having a shape complementary to a shape of the isolator and that engages with an outer surface of the isolator to limit a travel of the exhaust system relative to the mount
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an exhaust, a frame hanger connected to a body of the vehicle, and an isolator connecting the exhaust to a body of the vehicle via the frame hanger such that the exhaust rotates about the frame hanger. The vehicle further includes a first frame bracket having a fixing portion fixed to the body of the vehicle and an engaging portion located near the isolator at a first distance. The first distance defines a first maximum allowable displacement of the exhaust as it rotates in a first direction about the frame hanger. The vehicle may include a second frame bracket having an engaging portion located adjacent to the isolator at a second distance opposite to the first frame bracket. The second distance may define a second maximum allowable displacement of the exhaust as it rotates in a second direction about the frame hanger.