Vehicle Powertrain Mounts for Vibration Isolation and Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with side-by-side seating lack effective vibration isolation and efficient power transmission systems, leading to discomfort and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design featuring a frame supported by ground engaging members, with a prime mover and transmission assembly isolated by mounts, and a CVT unit that includes a gearbox with a drive clutch and driven clutch, providing power to both front and rear drive units through a system of drive shafts and pulleys, along with a damping member to reduce vibration transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the prime mover and transmission are rigidly mounted to the frame, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but vibration and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mounts as intermediary elements between the prime mover/transmission assembly and the frame. These mounts serve as mediators that allow power transmission while simultaneously isolating vibrations. The mounts are specifically designed to permit movement in the direction normal to the vertical plane passing through the vehicle centerline, thereby decoupling the harmful vibrations from the frame while maintaining functional power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mounting system into multiple independent mounts (at least two mounts) that collectively support the prime mover and transmission assembly. This segmentation allows each mount to independently handle vibration isolation in different directions, providing comprehensive vibration isolation while maintaining overall structural integrity and power transmission capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple mounts are used to isolate the assembly, then vibration isolation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounts are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they support the weight of the prime mover and transmission assembly, transmit power from the assembly to the frame, and isolate vibrations in the lateral direction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite using multiple mounts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the CVT assembly is isolated from the frame, then comfort is improved, but power transmission reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounts are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to be flexible in the lateral direction (normal to the vertical plane) for vibration isolation, while maintaining sufficient stiffness in the power transmission direction. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt its rigidity based on the direction of force, ensuring reliable power transmission while providing comfort through vibration isolation.
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 enhances vehicle stability and performance by isolating vibrations and optimizing power transmission, resulting in improved comfort and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of mounts supporting the assembly isolate the assembly from the frame
Implementation Method 2
The transmission is operatively coupled to the prime mover and at least one of the plurality of ground engaging members to propel the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle (100) is disclosed. The vehicle may include an operator area (130) including side-by-side seating. The vehicle may further include a prime mover (700) and a transmission (706) operatively coupled to at least one ground engaging member of the vehicle. The prime mover may be a diesel engine and the transmission may include a CVT (714). The prime mover and the transmission may be assembled together and supported by a frame (150) of the vehicle through a plurality of mounts (830, 832, 834, 836).