Hybrid Engine Mount Stiffness Control for Switched-Off Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The separate vibrations and oscillations of the internal combustion engine, when switched off but not rigidly connected to the vehicle body, reduce customer satisfaction due to transmission of vibrations and noise, especially on uneven roads or during specific driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A control electronics system adjusts the stiffness of the engine suspension unit to temporarily rigidly connect the internal combustion engine to the vehicle's sprung mass during electric driving mode, using a fixing unit that can be activated or deactivated to mitigate these vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the internal combustion engine is connected via an engine suspension unit to the vehicle body, then vibrations from the working engine are reduced, but when the engine is switched off it represents an additional mass that triggers separate vibration processes reducing customer satisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamically adjustable engine suspension unit that can change its damping characteristics based on engine operating state. When the engine is switched off during electric driving mode, the suspension unit adjusts its parameters to minimize separate vibrations from the engine mass, rather than maintaining fixed damping characteristics designed for combustion operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control electronics system modifies physical parameters of the engine suspension unit (such as damping coefficients or stiffness) in response to engine power output changes. This parameter adjustment allows the suspension to adapt to different engine states, reducing vibrations both when the engine is working and when it is switched off.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine suspension unit has a damping effect tailored to minimize vibration transmission, then vibrations from the working engine are reduced, but the engine mass remains free to trigger separate vibration processes
Solution Approach 1:
The control electronics system continuously monitors engine operating conditions and adjusts the engine suspension unit's damping characteristics in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures the suspension provides appropriate stabilization for the engine mass regardless of whether the engine is operating or switched off, maintaining position stability while minimizing vibration transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine suspension unit is designed to perform multiple functions: minimizing vibration transmission during engine operation and stabilizing engine position when switched off. The control electronics system enables the same suspension unit to adapt its characteristics to fulfill both functions across different operating modes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for an engine. In one example, a method includes adjusting a stiffness of an engine suspension unit in response to outputs from the engine and the electric motor. The stiffness increases as an engine power output decreases.