Integrally Formed Engine Mount Plate for Snowmobile Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional engine mounts for recreational vehicles, such as snowmobiles, are bulky and increase the weight of the vehicle due to the need for additional space and material to support the engine, while also requiring more space for positioning and fastening, which is not ideal for limited spaces and weight reduction.
Innovation Solution
An internal combustion engine design featuring a base plate with integrally formed engine mountings and a cooling system that includes partition ridges and channels for fluid circulation, which also serves to secure the engine to the frame, reducing weight and space requirements by using resilient members for vibration dampening and a compact cooling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional engine mounts are used to support the engine weight and provide vibration dampening, then the engine can be securely mounted to the frame, but the mounting structure becomes bulky and increases the overall weight of the snowmobile
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support for the engine, incorporates vibration dampening elements directly in the mounting structure, and eliminates the need for separate bulky mounting brackets. This merging of functions reduces the overall weight while maintaining mounting strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a structural support base, a vibration dampening system through integrated resilient members, and a mounting interface for the engine. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate components, reducing weight.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional engine mounts with position-adjustable dampers are used, then vibration dampening can be achieved, but additional space is required within the frame for positioning and fastening the mounts
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration dampening function is merged directly into the mounting plate structure through integrally formed resilient members. This eliminates the need for separate adjustable damper components and their associated mounting space, reducing the area required within the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable damper mechanism is extracted from the mounting structure and replaced with integrally formed resilient members that provide vibration dampening as an inherent property of the mounting plate itself, reducing space requirements.
3Strength
If a large mounting plate is used to extend the width of the engine for fastening to the frame, then the engine can be securely mounted, but the mounting plate becomes a large piece of metal that increases the weight of the snowmobile
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate incorporates local reinforcement and integrally formed resilient members at specific locations where mounting strength is required, rather than uniformly increasing the size and weight of the entire plate. This provides secure mounting with minimal weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate utilizes composite construction with integrally formed resilient members that combine rigid structural support with flexible vibration-dampening properties, providing secure mounting without requiring excessive material and weight.
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 solution provides effective vibration dampening and cooling while reducing the overall weight and space requirements of the engine mounts, enhancing the engine's performance and reducing the snowmobile's weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
resilient members for vibration dampening
Implementation Method 2
A resilient member is preferably inserted into the aperture
Implementation Method 3
peripheral wall defining at least one cooling chamber and at least one partition wall inside the at least one cooling chamber for directing cooling fluid inside the at least one cooling chamber
Implementation Method 4
the at least one partition ridge and the at least one partition wall together defining at least one cooling fluid passageway in the at least one cooling chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An internal combustion engine is disclosed. The internal combustion engine includes a crankcase and a mounting plate or base plate connected to the bottom portion of the crankcase. The base plate includes a plurality of engine mountings integrally formed with the base plate for securing the engine to a chassis. The base plate and the crankcase cooperate together to define at least one cooling chamber within the crankcase and cooling fluid passageways within the at least one cooling chamber.