DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a powertrain mounting arrangement, more particularly relates to a powertrain mounting frame arrangement for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE
A powertrain consists of a system of mechanical parts in a vehicle that first produces energy, which in turn then converts it in order to propel the vehicle. The power which is generated from the engine is transferred to the transmission and through specific gear ratios, slows it and transmits it as torque. The driveshaft gathers this torque and is transmitted to the wheels of the car, which, when applied to road, moves the vehicle. The powertrain mainly consists of an engine, a transmission and a driveshaft.
Powertrains using petrol as combustible fuel are lighter, compacter and develop lesser torque (considering displacement being same), they also generate less noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) when compared with bulky diesel engines. The petrol engines can be easily and compactly mounted onto the powertrain frame. Whereas, in cases where a bulkier diesel engine has to be mounted on the powertrain frame, there exists a lot of problems, the size of the diesel engines are relatively larger in comparison with the petrol engines and cannot be easily compacted. Hence, size of the sub frame has to be increased; this results in packaging constraints in the engine compartment and also redesigning of the sub frame is required which can sustain the noise, vibration and harshness abuses from a diesel head.
Further, the existing powertrain mounting arrangement is complex and leads to very compact packaging due to which there is no space vacant inside the engine compartment. This compactness causes temperatures to increase and leads to further increase of temperature of components to their critical temperature which may further damage the components. The weight of the entire powertrain is also considerably increased and hence the support and mounting frame have to be reinforced this leads to designing the entire frame from scratch and involves design and development costs.
Since the powertrain will be mounted at the rear end of a vehicle it is necessary to develop an improved powertrain mounting arrangement to overcome the above mentioned problems.

OBJECTIVE OF THE DISCLOSURE
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a powertrain mounting arrangement of a rear engine vehicle which is simple in construction and cost effective.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a powertrain mounting arrangement of a rear engine vehicle which eliminates the use of sub frame to mount the powertrain to the chassis of the vehicle body.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a powertrain mounting arrangement for a rear engine vehicle in which the powertrain is directly mounted on to the vehicle long member which aids in reducing the number of components required and to increase the compartment space.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, a powertrain mounting frame for a vehicle comprising: at least one mounting bracket is provided on each of a chassis long member wherein, the mounting bracket is fixed at a predetermined location on the chassis long member for mounting the powertrain on to the chassis long member; plurality of reinforcement members provided to the chassis long member of the vehicle to withstand stresses and loads generated by the powertrain; the mounting bracket acts as a top stop plate for a suspension member fixed to the chassis long member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the reinforcement members are chosen from a group comprising baffle plates, side wall plates, tubular members.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least one support arm bracket is provided on the powertrain of the vehicle for mounting the powertrain on to the mounting bracket.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least one rubber damper is provided between the mounting bracket and the support arm bracket to absorb the vibrations generated during vehicle movement.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the support arm mounting is fixed on to the mounting bracket using fastening means such as screws, bolts, rivets.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the predetermined location of fixing the mounting bracket on the chassis long member depends on the final mount position of the powertrain and support arm mounting bracket which has to be fastened to the chassis long member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting bracket is chosen from a group comprising L-shaped bracket, U-shaped bracket, Z-shaped bracket.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting bracket is fixed at a predetermined location on the chassis long member by bolting, riveting, welding, crimping, brazing, and blazing.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a method of assembling powertrain mounting frame for a vehicle steps acts of: fixing at least one mounting member on each of a chassis long member at a predetermined location on the chassis long member for mounting the powertrain on to the chassis long member; providing plurality of reinforcement members to a chassis long member of the vehicle to withstand stresses and loads generated by the powertrain; fixing the mounting bracket to the chassis long member which acts as a top stop plate for a suspension member.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates top perspective view of the powertrain mounting frame having substantially parallel long members.

Figure 2 illustrates enlarged top perspective view of one part of the powertrain mounting frame showing a chassis long member.

Figure 3 illustrates perspective view of the long member with a support arm bracket fixed to the mounting bracket.

Figure 4 illustrates front perspective view of the powertrain mounting frame with reinforcement members added inside the hollow channels of the chassis long member.

Figure 5 illustrates perspective view of the mounting bracket fixed to the chassis long member along with suspension member.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.
Figure 1 illustrates top perspective view of the powertrain mounting frame (100) having substantially parallel chassis long members (2). The chassis long member (2) is nothing but the extended BIW (body in white) member over which the engine bay and body of the vehicle are fastened. The chassis long member (2) are placed substantially parallel to each other, which has a central gap between the chassis long members (2) wherein the powertrain (3) of the vehicle will be placed as shown in the figure. The powertrain (3) of the vehicle consists of an engine (8), a drive shaft (9), headers (10) and transmission assembly (11) which are all assembled together and mounted within this gap provided between the chassis long members (2). The chassis long member (2) has a mounting bracket (1) fixed to it at a predetermined position on the chassis long member (2).

Figure 2 illustrates top view of one part of the powertrain mounting frame (100) showing a chassis long member (2) with a mounting bracket attached to it. The chassis long member (2) has plurality of reinforcement members (4) placed at calculated locations within the hollow channel of the chassis long member (2). Since the powertrain is a diesel head, the entire weight, torque produced, noise, vibration and harness is considerably increased. Hence, the chassis long member (2) on to which the powertrain (3) has to be mounted is reinforced by the aid of additional reinforcement members (4) like baffle plates, side wall plates, tubular members etc. from the Figure 2, a mounting bracket (1) positioned at a predetermined location is fixed to the side wall of the chassis long member (2) by at least one of bolting, riveting, welding, crimping, brazing, and blazing. This forms a strong bond between the chassis long member (2) and the mounting bracket (1) which can effectively withstand the weight of the powertrain (3). The reinforcement members (4) placed within the chassis long member (2) provides additional strength to the entire powertrain mounting frame (100).

Figure 3 illustrates top perspective view of mounting bracket (1) and the support arm bracket (6) which is fixed to the powertrain (3) of the vehicle. The support arm bracket (6) when it is being mounted on to the mounting bracket (1) has rubber dampers (7) provided between them to absorb the vibration and harshness generated by the powertrain (3). The support arm bracket (6) is fixed to the engine (8) having driveshaft (9). During the mounting process of the powertrain (3) onto the mounting bracket (1) of the chassis long member (2), the support arm bracket (6) provided on the chassis long member (2) is placed such that the fastening holes provided on each bracket coincide to fasten the members together. The fastening of the support arm bracket (6) with the mounting bracket (1) is carried out by long fastening members which hold the powertrain (3) onto the chassis long member firmly. The mounting bracket (1) is chosen from a group comprising L-shaped bracket, U-shaped bracket, Z-shaped bracket.

Figure 4 illustrates front perspective view of the powertrain mounting frame (100) with reinforcement members (4) added inside the hollow channels (12) of the chassis long member (2). Since the entire weight of the powertrain (3) is being carried by the chassis long member (2), it is very important that the chassis long member (2) is capable of withstanding the heavy stresses generated from the powertrain (3) and also to carry the entire weight of the vehicle body which comes on the chassis of the vehicle. From the figure, the chassis long member (2) is having baffle plates placed at intricate positions within the hollow channels (12) of the chassis long member (2). The mounting bracket (1) is fixed to the chassis long member (2) and the support arm bracket (6) fixed to the powertrain (3) held firmly within the engine bay of the vehicle. The powertrain (3) assembly consists of an engine (8), drive shaft (9), header (10) and transmission assembly (11) which are assembled and fixed to the powertrain mounting frame (100) provided in the engine bay of the vehicle. The powertrain mounting frame (100) is developed for a rear engine vehicle and the space in the rear side of the vehicle is considerably less. Hence, the powertrain mounting frame (100) is designed in such a way that it can house the powertrain (3) and also withstand the additional stresses, strain and torque generated by the diesel engine.

Figure 5 illustrates perspective view of the mounting bracket (1) fixed to the chassis long member (2). A suspension member (5) is also fixed to the underbelly of the chassis long member (2) wherein, the mounting bracket (1) acts as a top plate for the suspension member (2). The reinforcement members (4) provided within the hollow channels (12) of the chassis long member (2) aid in additional load carrying capacity of the entire powertrain mounting frame (100). The suspension member (5), especially the rear wheel suspension member (5) is installed in such a manner that, the chassis long member (2) not only withstands the weight of the powertrain (3) but also withstands the upward downward forces generated by the suspension member (5) fixed to the chassis long member (2).

Advantages

The overall NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), durability, performance and space within the engine bay have improved significantly.

Since there is no sub frame required, within the engine compartment, majority of the packaging constraints are removed and hence it improves the aero thermal performance of the vehicle.

Accessibility in terms of manufacturing and servicing is improved.

Stiffness of the BIW member is increased as the powertrain mounting frame is welded to the BIW.

Since there is no sub frame fixed to the powertrain mounting frame, weight reduction of 4 kgs (approx.) is achieved in comparison with the old mounting system.

Also, cost for manufacturing the powertrain mounting frame is considerably reduced and utilizes easy manufacturing techniques.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 Powertrain mounting frame
1 Mounting bracket
2 Chassis long member
3 Powertrain
4 Reinforcement members
5 Suspension member
6 Support arm bracket
7 Rubber damper
8 Engine
9 Drive shaft
10 Headers
11 Transmission Assembly
12 Hollow channels
,CLAIMS:1. A powertrain mounting frame (100) for a vehicle comprising:
at least one mounting bracket (1) is provided on each of a chassis long member (2) wherein, the mounting bracket (1) is fixed at a predetermined location on the chassis long member (2) for mounting the powertrain (3) on to the chassis long member (2);
plurality of reinforcement members (4) provided to the chassis long member (2) of the vehicle to withstand stresses and loads generated by the powertrain (3);
the mounting bracket (1) acts as a top stop plate for a suspension member (5) fixed to the chassis long member (2).

2. The powertrain mounting frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reinforcement members (4) are chosen from a group comprising baffle plates, side wall plates, and tubular members.

3. The powertrain mounting frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one support arm bracket (6) is provided on the powertrain (3) of the vehicle for mounting the powertrain (3) on to the mounting bracket (1).

4. The powertrain mounting frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one rubber damper (7) is provided between the mounting bracket (1) and the support arm bracket (6) to absorb the vibrations generated during vehicle movement.

5. The powertrain mounting frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support arm mounting (6) is fixed on to the mounting bracket (1) using fastening means such as screws, bolts, rivets.

6. The powertrain mounting frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined location of fixing the mounting bracket (1) on the chassis long member (2) depends on the final mount position of the powertrain (3) and support arm bracket (6) which has to be fastened to the chassis long member (2).

7. The powertrain mounting frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (1) is chosen from a group comprising L-shaped bracket, U-shaped bracket, Z-shaped bracket.

8. The powertrain mounting frame (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (1) is fixed at a predetermined location on the chassis long member (2) by bolting, riveting, welding, crimping, brazing, and blazing.

9. A method of assembling a powertrain mounting frame (100) for a vehicle steps acts of:
fixing at least one mounting bracket (1) on each of a chassis long member (2) at a predetermined location on the chassis long member (2) for mounting the powertrain (3) on to the chassis long member (2);
providing plurality of reinforcement members (4) to a chassis long member (2) of the vehicle to withstand stresses and loads generated by the powertrain (3);
fixing the mounting bracket (1) to the chassis long member (2) which acts as a top stop plate for a suspension member (5).