Power Unit Mounting Structure for Utility Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mounting structures for power units in utility vehicles transmit engine vibrations as vertical forces to the chassis frame, degrading ride quality by causing the chassis to vibrate vertically.

Innovation Solution

A mounting structure for the power unit with the engine and transmission positioned on one side, where the lower ends of the engine and transmission are mounted to the chassis frame using a front and rear damper mechanism, transmitting vibration forces as rolling motions along the lengthwise direction, and a torque rod restricts rolling in the widthwise direction to minimize vertical vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mounting mechanisms are arranged with intervals in the vehicular widthwise direction, then the power unit can be securely mounted to the chassis frame, but vertical vibrations are transmitted to the chassis frame degrading ride quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidvertical vibration transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the arrangement dimension of mounting mechanisms from widthwise distribution to lengthwise distribution. By positioning mounting mechanisms at the front and rear of the power unit along the vehicle's length, the vibration transmission direction is shifted from vertical to longitudinal rolling motion, thereby reducing vertical vibrations transmitted to the chassis frame while maintaining mounting security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful vertical vibrations into beneficial rolling motions along the vehicle's lengthwise direction. By orienting the mounting mechanisms along the length, engine vibrations cause the power unit to roll rather than vibrate vertically, transforming a harmful effect into a motion that does not degrade ride quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If multiple mounting portions are arranged with vehicular lengthwise intervals, then mounting security is improved, but the structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple mounting functions into integrated front and rear mounting mechanisms. Each mechanism simultaneously provides secure mounting and vibration isolation through damper integration, reducing the overall structural complexity compared to multiple separate mounting portions distributed along the length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a torque rod is added to restrict rolling, then ride quality is further improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling vibration suppressionVSAvoidmounting structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The torque rod serves as an intermediary component that connects the power unit to the chassis frame to restrict rolling motion. By introducing this single intermediate element, the patent achieves additional vibration suppression without significantly increasing overall structural complexity, as the torque rod integrates seamlessly with the existing mounting mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration significantly reduces vertical vibrations transmitted to the chassis frame, enhancing ride quality by converting engine vibrations into rolling motions and suppressing vibrations through the use of dampers and a torque rod, resulting in a smoother ride for passengers.

Implementation Method 1

a front mounting mechanism with a damper and a rear mounting mechanism with a damper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

transmitting force caused by engine vibrations is transmitted to the chassis frame as force for rolling the chassis frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy dissipation: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 3

A torque rod for restricting the power unit from rolling in the vehicular widthwise direction is stretched between the power unit and the chassis frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8727063B1Mounting structure of a power unit for a utility vehicle

Publication Date: 2014.05.20 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD

AI summary

In a mounting structure of a power unit for a utility vehicle, the power unit includes an engine and a transmission coupled onto one side of the engine in a vehicular lengthwise direction. A lower end substantially at the center of the engine in a vehicular widthwise direction and a lower end substantially at the center of the transmission in the vehicular widthwise direction are mounted to an upper surface of a chassis frame by a front mounting mechanism with a damper and a rear mounting mechanism with a damper.