Torque Rod Bracket for Utility Vehicle Engine Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility vehicle engine mounting structures face challenges with torque rod flexibility and interference with other components, leading to difficult coupling and increased attachment work, as well as inadequate vibration suppression.
Innovation Solution
A torque rod system is designed with a bracket projecting upward from the engine body, connecting to a frame member above the engine, allowing for greater flexibility and positioning without interference, and incorporating pillow ball joints and rubber damper joints for dynamic coupling and vibration absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the torque rod is coupled to the lower half (crankcase) of the engine body, then the engine mounting structure is stable, but the torque rod has limited flexibility in location and may interfere with other components
Solution Approach 1:
The torque rod is repositioned from the lower half (crankcase) of the engine body to the upper end of the engine body, utilizing the vertical dimension to relocate the component. This dimensional change allows the torque rod to be positioned above the engine body where it does not interfere with other components, thereby improving location flexibility while maintaining its anti-roll function.
2Ease of manufacture
If the torque rod is positioned lower on the engine body, then the structure is simpler, but the attachment work becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The torque rod is pre-positioned at the upper end of the engine body during the design and manufacturing phase, with predetermined mounting positions and attachment points. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex alignment and adjustment during installation, thereby reducing attachment work and installation time while ensuring proper functionality.
3Reliability
If the torque rod is located closer to the engine body center, then the structure is more compact, but the rolling suppression effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A torque rod bracket is introduced as an intermediary component to connect the torque rod to the upper end of the engine body. The bracket serves as a mediator that extends the effective leverage arm for rolling suppression while maintaining a compact overall structure. This intermediary element allows the torque rod to be positioned optimally for anti-roll effectiveness without requiring excessive space.
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 enhances engine stability and vibration suppression, improves riding comfort, and reduces the number of components needed, while allowing for flexible torque rod placement and reduced interference with other components.
Implementation Method 1
The torque rod has each end in an extending direction provided with a pillow ball joint
Implementation Method 2
The torque rod has one end in an extending direction provided with a pillow ball joint and other end provided with a rubber damper joint
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle includes: a chassis frame, a cargo bed, a cabin, and an engine. The utility vehicle further includes: a torque rod bracket fixed to an engine body forming a shell or outline of the engine and projecting upward from an upper end of the engine body; and a torque rod provided at a position higher than the upper end of the engine body and coupling the torque rod bracket and a frame member provided at one end in a vehicle width direction of the engine.