Utility Vehicle Powertrain Mounting for Transmission Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility vehicles for off-road and recreational use lack a mounting system for automatic transmission powertrains that provides easy access for servicing and supports multiple engine options while maintaining stability during transmission service or removal.
Innovation Solution
A utility vehicle automatic transmission powertrain mounting system featuring a diamond-shaped configuration of four isolators, including a front isolator, pair of mid isolators, and rear upper isolator, which are strategically positioned on the vehicle frame to support the engine and transmission, allowing for easy access and stability during servicing or removal, and accommodating various engine and transmission configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the transmission is mounted directly ahead or behind the engine or integrated into the engine crankcase, then the powertrain occupies less space, but access for servicing and repair becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The powertrain mounting system is divided into separate mounting points: engine mounting points and transmission mounting points. The transmission is mounted on the frame independently from the engine, allowing the transmission to be accessed and serviced separately without removing the engine, thus resolving the contradiction between compact space occupation and ease of repair.
2Ease of repair
If the transmission is mounted independently from the engine, then access for servicing is improved, but the device complexity and number of mounting components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the vehicle and simultaneously serve as mounting structures for both the engine and transmission. This universal use of frame members reduces the need for separate complex mounting systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining independent transmission access for servicing.
3Ease of manufacture
If the engine and transmission are mounted together as a modular assembly, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but adaptability to multiple engine options is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses separate engine mounting points and transmission mounting points on the frame. This segmentation allows different engine options to be mounted to the same frame using the same engine mounting points, while the transmission remains mounted independently. This resolves the contradiction by enabling manufacturing simplicity through standardized mounting points while maintaining versatility for multiple engine configurations.
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 system enables easy access and support for servicing or replacing the transmission, ensuring stability for the engine and compatibility with multiple engine options, enhancing maintenance efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
A utility vehicle automatic transmission powertrain mounting includes a front isolator on a first frame member of a rear portion of a utility vehicle frame, which may be connected to a front portion of an engine. The powertrain mounting also includes a pair of mid isolators, each mid isolator on a second inclined frame member of the rear portion of the utility vehicle frame, each mid isolator connected to an adapter plate between the engine and an automatic transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle automatic transmission powertrain mounting includes a front isolator under an internal combustion engine, a pair of mid isolators under an adapter plate between the internal combustion engine and an automatic transmission, and a rear isolator over the automatic transmission. Each of the isolators is on a frame member of a rear portion of an off road or recreational utility vehicle frame. The utility vehicle powertrain mounting may be used with multiple engine options on off road or recreational utility vehicles having powertrains behind the seats and under the cargo bed. The utility vehicle powertrain mounting provides easy access to service, repair or replace the transmission, and provides support and stability for the engine during transmission work.