Serpentine Belt System Bracket Mounting for Engine Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current serpentine belt systems for automotive engines are not universal due to variations in cylinder head designs, leading to space inefficiencies and aesthetic issues, as they often require mounting on the cylinder head and do not accommodate various engine components compactly.
Innovation Solution
A compact serpentine belt system design that mounts components off the engine block using a series of brackets and spacers, allowing for a universal kit that fits within the engine block envelope, with an adaptable tensioner system providing bearing support in multiple directions and optional components like air conditioning and power steering units, and a unique attachment configuration for the tensioner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If serpentine belt systems mount to the cylinder head, then the components can be supported, but the system becomes non-universal due to cylinder head design variations and extends beyond the engine block envelope
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mounting function from the cylinder head and relocates it to the engine block. By removing the dependency on cylinder head mountings, the system achieves universality across different engine designs while containing all components within the engine block envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mounting dimension from cylinder head attachment to engine block integration. This dimensional shift allows the serpentine belt system to be universally applicable across different engine configurations while maintaining a compact footprint within the engine block boundaries.
2Ease of manufacture
If serpentine belt system components extend beyond the engine block envelope, then mounting is simplified, but the design becomes less compact and less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the serpentine belt system components with the engine block structure. By integrating the mounting system into the engine block itself rather than extending outward, the design achieves a compact, unified appearance while maintaining ease of installation through the universal engine block mounting interface.
3Device complexity
If a single bearing arrangement is used in the tensioner, then the structure is simpler, but the longevity and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a double bearing arrangement in the tensioner that provides preemptive support in multiple directions. This redundant bearing configuration cushions against misalignment and lateral forces before they can cause damage, significantly extending the tensioner's service life and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A serpentine belt system for use in connection with an engine block for an automotive engine is disclosed. A spacer, which is preferably a pair of brackets, is provided for mounting on the face of the engine block, and the water pump is mounted on the spacer brackets and does not need to be attached to the engine block. A bridge bracket is secured to the spacer brackets, and other elements of the automotive system, such as the air conditioner compressor and alternator, may be secured to the bridge bracket. A tensioner housing is mounted on and supported by the air conditioner compressor and the spacer member.