Utility Vehicle Power Unit Mounting Structure Torque Rod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mounting structures for power units in utility vehicles fail to effectively support the running torque generated by the output shaft, leading to vibrations and movement issues during operation.

Innovation Solution

A mounting structure featuring a body part with an output shaft extending in the frontward and rearward directions, supported by first and second attaching members with dampers, and a torque rod that restricts rolling in the vehicle width direction, with attaching members positioned to absorb and convert torque into a force perpendicular to the vehicle width, ensuring effective torque support and vibration suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional attaching members are arranged with intervals in the frontward and rearward directions, then the power unit can be mounted to the vehicle body frame, but the running torque of the output shaft cannot be effectively supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque support capabilityVSAvoidmounting structure configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a torque rod that extends in the vehicle width direction (lateral dimension) to counteract the running torque of the output shaft. This adds a new dimensional approach to torque support, moving beyond the conventional frontward-rearward arrangement of attaching members. The torque rod's lateral extension creates a moment arm that effectively resists the rotational torque force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The torque rod acts as an intermediary component between the power unit body and the vehicle body frame. It mediates the torque transmission by converting the rotational torque from the output shaft into lateral forces that are transmitted to the frame through the torque rod's attaching members, thereby protecting the conventional attaching members from direct torque loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the body side attaching part of the torque rod is positioned on the extension line of the first damper's compression axis, then torque support is improved, but the structural arrangement becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque support efficiencyVSAvoidstructural arrangement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the body side attaching part of the torque rod specifically on the extension line of the first damper's compression axis. This localized positioning optimizes the torque rod's effectiveness in supporting running torque while maintaining flexibility in other areas of the mounting structure. The specific positioning creates a favorable geometric relationship for force transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If attaching members are positioned to absorb and convert torque into perpendicular force, then vibration suppression is enhanced, but the mounting structure design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration levelVSAvoidmounting structure design

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful running torque and vibrations into beneficial perpendicular forces through strategic positioning of the torque rod and its attaching members. By positioning the body side attaching part on the damper's compression axis extension line, the torque rod transforms rotational torque into lateral forces that are effectively absorbed by the damper system, converting harmful vibrations into controlled force transmission.

Inventive Principle:

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

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

The proposed mounting structure effectively supports the running torque, suppresses vibrations, and enhances ride comfort by converting torque into a force that minimizes vehicle width direction vibrations, while also optimizing the arrangement space for the engine and transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a first attaching member provided with a first damper and attaching a lower end part of the body part to a vehicle body frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a second attaching member provided with a second damper and attaching a lower end part of the body part to a vehicle body frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9499037B2Mounting structure for power unit of utility vehicle and utility vehicle employing same mounting structure

Publication Date: 2016.11.22 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD

AI summary

A mounting structure for a power unit of a utility vehicle. The power unit includes: a body part; an output shaft extending in frontward and rearward directions through the body part; a first attaching member provided with a first damper and attaching a lower end part of the body part to a vehicle body frame of the utility vehicle; and a torque rod located in an upper part of the body part and constructed between the body part and the vehicle body frame so as to restrict rolling of the body part in vehicle width directions. A body side attaching part of the torque rod, attached to the body part, is located on an extension line of a compression axis direction of the first damper in side view of the power unit.