Perpendicular Adapter for Cramped Engine Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cramped installation spaces, existing adapters and assembly mounts face challenges in connecting components with different geometries, leading to difficulties in arranging them perpendicularly, which is necessary for efficient use of space, especially in vehicles with powerful engines where standard mounts cannot be directly installed.

Innovation Solution

An adapter with a coupling part featuring perpendicular fastening devices, including a central non-rotatable nut and a support arm with through holes, allows for offset connections, enabling perpendicular arrangement of components to optimize space usage, and can be easily assembled using standard tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard assembly mounts are used directly, then the mounting process is simple, but they cannot be installed in cramped spaces with powerful engines due to geometric constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to cramped installation spacesVSAvoidcomplexity of adapter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter enables perpendicular mounting by transitioning from a single-plane connection to a three-dimensional arrangement. The first and second fastening devices are arranged perpendicular to each other, allowing the adapter to connect components in different spatial dimensions, thereby solving the geometric constraints of cramped installation spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a coupling part with perpendicular fastening devices, and a support arm with additional fastening capability. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining adaptability to various mounting configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If components are arranged perpendicularly to optimize space, then space utilization improves, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall height of assembled componentsVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first nut is pre-positioned in the coupling part before the support arm is attached. This preliminary action ensures that the bore alignment is already prepared, so when the support arm is installed and the second fastening device is inserted, the components align automatically, simplifying the assembly process despite the perpendicular arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the first and second components. It provides the perpendicular fastening devices that enable space-optimized arrangement while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized fastening mechanisms and pre-aligned bore structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If mass-produced assembly mounts are used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but they lack the geometric flexibility needed for specific installation situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidgeometric adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various assembly mounts and components. The perpendicular fastening devices and support arm configuration allow it to adapt to different geometric requirements while maintaining a standardized design that can be mass-produced, thus achieving both cost-effectiveness and geometric flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2559910B1Adapter, use of same and aggregate bearing with adapter
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 VIBRACOUSTIC GMBH
  • EP2559910B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2559910B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2559910B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The adapter has a coupling element (1) that includes attachment portions (2,3) which are arranged perpendicular to each other. The attachment portions are provided with screws (4,5) which are inserted in internal thread of mounting assembly. The attachment portion (2) has opening through which a threaded bolt of mounting assembly is inserted. A support arm (9) includes dome-shaped recess (15) which encloses the periphery of coupling element. An independent claim is included for a mounting assembly.