Claims:
1. A variable length torque strut (100), the torque strut (100) comprising,
a first mount (10) connectable to a first rod (12), wherein at least a portion of the first rod (12) is defined with a plurality of flanges (14);
a second mount (20) connectable to a second rod (22), wherein at least a portion of the second rod (22) is defined with a plurality of slots (24) complementing the plurality of flanges (14) of the first rod (12);
wherein the plurality of flanges (14) defined on the first rod (12) is receivable in the plurality of slots (24) in the second rod (22) for varying a length of the torque strut (100), and
a stopper (30) structured to be engageable between the first rod (12) and with the second rod (22) for restricting a relative movement between the first rod (12) and the second rod (22) beyond a threshold limit.
2. The torque strut (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first end (12a) of the first rod (12) is connectable to the first mount (10) and a second end (12b) is defined with the plurality of flanges (14).

3. The torque strut (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first end (22a) of the second rod (22) is connectable to the second mount (20) and a second end (22b) of the second rod (22) is defined with the plurality of slots (24) complementing the plurality of flanges (14).

4. The torque strut (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of flanges (12) is provided with at least one dampening member (16).

5. The torque strut (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one dampening member (16) is manufactured by a material which is at least one of rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and Polyurethane.
6. The torque strut (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first mount (10) is defined with a first mounting hole (11) defined about a horizontal axis (A-A) of the torque strut (100).

7. The torque strut (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second mount (20) comprises a second mounting hole (21) defined about a vertical axis (B-B) of the torque strut (100).

8. The torque strut (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first mount (10) and the second mount (20) are provided with at least one of grommet, eyelet, bush member, and dampeners.

9. The torque strut (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second end (22b) of the second rod (22) is defined with a collar (26) to detachably receive the stopper (30).

10. A vehicle comprising a variable length torque strut as claimed in claim 1.

, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to a torque strut for connecting powertrain of a vehicle to a chassis of a vehicle body. Further, embodiments of the disclosure disclose a variable length torque sturt for connecting the powertrain to the chassis to prevent toggling of the powertrain during operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
In general, vehicles such as including passenger vehicles, light duty vehicles, pick-up trucks, buses, and trucks etc, comprises several torque struts. The torque strut is used for connecting an engine unit along with a transmission unit or powertrain to a chassis of the vehicle. Since the powertrain develops twisting forces and vibrations, it is mandatory to firmly connect the powertrain to the chassis of the vehicle. In addition, these torque struts dampen engine vibrations, to transmit as little vibration as possible to the chassis /body of the vehicle.
Typically, the torque strut comprises a rigid fixed length rod connectable to a small mounting bush at one end and a big mounting bush at the other end. The small mounting bush may be connected to the powertrain while the big mounting bush may be connected to the chassis/vehicle body. During, Key in Key off (KIKO), and at sudden acceleration/deceleration of the engine, the powertrain rolls around a torque roll axis, while the torque strut mounted rotates around big mounting bush which is connected to the chassis/vehicle body. Thus, a path of motion is followed by the small mounting bush due to vibrations generated by the powertrain which is different from the path of motion followed by the torque strut about the big mounting bush. This results in arresting of roll by the conventional torque strut and leads to excessive stress and strain build up on the torque strut.
Although, the conventional torque struts perform as a roll arrestor, however fixed length of the torque strut, restricts to withstand heavy external forces, rolling and torque generated during sudden acceleration /deceleration of the engine. Further, if a length of the torque strut is not sufficient, then this would lead to toggling of the powertrain, thereby causing damage to the powertrain and other powertrain mounts.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more above limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of system of 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.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a variable length torque strut is disclosed. The torque sturt comprises a first mount that is connectable to a first rod. Further, at least a portion of the first rod is defined with a plurality of flanges. The torque strut comprises a second mount connectable to a second rod and at least a portion of the second rod is defined with a plurality of slots complementing the plurality of flanges of the first rod. The plurality of flanges is defined on the first rod is receivable in the plurality of slots in the second rod for varying a length of the torque strut. Further, a stopper is structured so as to be engageable between the first rod and with the second rod for restricting a relative movement between the first rod and the second rod beyond a threshold limit.
In an embodiment, the first rod includes a first end and a second end. The first end is connectable to the first mount and the second end is defined with the plurality of flanges.
In an embodiment, the second rod is defined with a first end and a second end such that the first end is connectable to the second mount and a second end of the second rod is defined with the plurality of slots complementing the plurality of flanges.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of flanges of the first rod is provided with at least one dampening member.
In an embodiment, the at least one dampening member is manufactured by a material which is at least one of rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and Polyurethane.
In an embodiment, the first mount is defined with a first mounting hole that is defined about a horizontal axis of the torque strut.
In an embodiment, the second mount comprises a second mounting hole that is defined about a vertical axis of the torque strut.
In an embodiment, the first mount and the second mount of the first rod and the second rod are provided with at least one of grommet, eyelet, bush member, and dampeners.
In an embodiment, at least the portion of the second end of the second rod is defined with a collar to detachably receive the stopper.
Further, the present disclosure discloses a vehicle comprising a variable length torque strut.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

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 an exploded view of a variable length torque strut, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the torque strut of Figure 1 in assembled condition; and

Figure. 3 illustrates a schematic view of the torque strut connected to a powertrain and chassis of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
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

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 forms 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 mechanism 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 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.

In the present disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a setup, device or process that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or process. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Torque struts are generally used for connecting an engine unit along with a transmission unit or powertrain to a chassis of the vehicle. Since, the powertrain develops twisting forces and vibrations, it is mandatory to firmly connect the powertrain to the chassis of the vehicle. In addition, these torque struts dampen engine vibrations, so as to transmit as little vibration as possible to the chassis /body of the vehicle. Rigid fixed rod length of the torque strut does not provide flexibility during operational conditions and the rolling motion or torque roll of the engine is profound and, in some cases may lead to fracture of the rod and further damage the powertrain and powertrain mounts. Accordingly, the present disclosure disclose a variable torque strut for a vehicle. The torque strut of the present disclosure is suitable for connecting a powertrain with a vehicle body. Further, the torque strut of the present disclosure comprises a first mount connectable to a first rod and a second mount connectable to a second rod. The first mount and the second mount are connectable to the powertrain and the vehicle body, respectively. Additionally, the first rod is defined with plurality of the flanges and the second rod is defined with plurality of slots complementing the plurality of the flanges. Such that the first rod is receivable in the plurality of slots of the second rod thereby allowing variation of a length of the torque strut. This variable length of the torque strut enables reduction in effects of toggling and/or rolling condition of the vehicle caused during key in key out (KIKO) of an engine, sudden acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle. Thus, preventing damage to the powertrain of the vehicle during a toggling and/or rolling condition. Accordingly, the variable length torque strut of the present disclosure is configured to overcome the problems associated with the conventional torque struts.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2 which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating a variable length torque strut (100) that connects a powertrain (200) of a vehicle to a vehicle body for the purpose of arresting rolling and/or toggling of the powertrain during sudden acceleration, braking of the vehicle, and during KIKO of an engine.
The torque strut (100) comprises a first mount (10) that is connectable to a first rod (12). At least a portion of the first rod (12) is defined with a plurality of flanges (14). The first rod (12) is defined with an elongated structure having a first end (12a) and a second end (12b). The first end (12a) is connectable to the first mount (10) and the second end (12b) is defined with the plurality of flanges (14). Each of the plurality of flanges (14) are protruding from a surface of the first rod (12) and extends longitudinally along a horizontal axis (A-A) of the first rod (12). In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges (14) are disposed in a spaced apart configuration from each other and are defined radially along a circumference of the at least a portion of the second end (12b) of the first rod (12). In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges (14) may have a shape that is at least one of cube shape, rectangular shape, pyramid shape, cylindrical shape, cone shape, tetrahedron shape, ellipsoid shape, and any shape. Further, the configuration of one of the plurality of flanges may have a surface and a corresponding surface area such that each face may be planar or non-planar throughout the length and width of the face. Non-limiting examples of non-planar faces are wavy faces or curved faces. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of flanges (14) may be defined with rectangular shape of with a suitable length, width, and height. In an embodiment, the plurality of flanges (14) may have a distal end (14a) and a proximal end (14b) and, each of the plurality of flanges (14) is provided with at least one dampening member (16). The at least one dampening member (16) may be provided on the distal end (14a) and the proximal end (14b) of the plurality of flanges (14). In an embodiment, the at least one dampening member (16) is manufactured by a material which is at least one of rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and Polyurethane.

The torque strut (100) further includes a second mount (20) that is connectable to a second rod (22). The second rod (22) is having a first end (22a) and a second end (22b). Further, at least a portion of the second rod (22) is defined with a plurality of slots (24). In an embodiment, the first end (22a) of the second rod (22) is connectable to the second mount (20) and a second end (22b) of the second rod (22) is defined with the plurality of slots (24). The plurality of slots (24) are defined such that they complement the plurality of flanges (14) defined on the first rod (12). The plurality of flanges (14) defined on the first rod (12) is receivable in the plurality of slots (24) in the second rod (22) for to and fro movement of first and second rods (12, 22) thereby allowing for variable length of the torque strut (100). In an embodiment, the second end (12b) of the first rod (12) is positioned opposite to the second end (22b) of the second rod (22) along horizontal axis (A-A), thereby connecting the first rod (12) and the second rod (22). Further, the variable length movement of the first rod (12) within the second rod (22) wherein the motion occurs in a horizontal direction along the axis A-A such that the plurality of flanges (14) is slidable within the plurality of slots (24). Further, a length of the plurality of slots (24) may be longer with respect to the length of the plurality of flanges (14) to allow the movement of the plurality of the flanges (14) to have a to and fro movement. In an embodiment, the variable length of the torque sturt (100) can be varied by varying the length of plurality of flanges (14). In another embodiment, variable length of the torque sturt (100) can be varied by varying the length of plurality of slots (24).
The torque strut (100) of the present disclosure further comprises a stopper (30) that is structured to be engageable between the first rod (12) with the second rod (22). In an embodiment, the stopper (30) may be provided on the first rod (12). Further, at least the portion of the second end (22b) of the second rod (22) is defined with a collar (26) to detachably receive the stopper (30). In an embodiment, once the plurality of flanges (14) is receivable in the plurality of slots (24) of the second rod (22), the stopper (30) provided on the first rod (12) is detachably accommodated by the collar (26) of the second rod (22) thereby locking the first rod (12) and the second rod (22). More specifically, the stopper (30) is engageable between the first rod (12) and the second rod (22) to restrict a relative movement between the first rod (12) and the second rod (22) beyond a predetermined threshold limit. In an embodiment, the threshold limit can be determined based on a rolling motion of the powertrain which is a function of the powertrain properties such as a mass, centre of gravity, moment of inertia and torque generated by the engine of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the stopper (30) is receivable on at least a portion of the second end (22b) of the second rod (22) by at least one of snap fitting, press fitting, threaded fitting, by using fasteners, and any other suitable means to detachably engage the first rod (12) and the second rod (22). In another embodiment, the stopper (30) is at least one a ring which is press fitted on the collar (26), or a clamp with mounting bolt arrangement.
In an embodiment, the first mount (10) of the first rod (12) comprises a first mounting hole (11). The first mounting hole (11) is defined about a horizontal axis (A-A) of the torque strut (100). Further, the second mount (20) may comprise a second mounting hole (21) which is defined about a vertical axis (B-B) of the torque strut (100). The vertical axis is B-B is perpendicular to horizontal axis A-A. In an embodiment, the first mount (10) and the second mount (20) are provided with at least one of a grommet, an eyelet, a bush member, and dampeners. The first mounting hole (11) may be enclosed by the bush member and is connectable to the powertrain (200) of the vehicle. Further, the second mounting hole may be enclosed by a bush member and is connectable to the vehicle body. In an embodiment, the size of the first mounting hole (11) is smaller with respect to the size of the second mounting hole (21). Referring Figure 1, the first mount (10) may be rotatable about another horizontal axis C-C perpendicular to A-A and the second mount (20) may be rotatable about the vertical axis B-B. In an embodiment, the horizontal axis A-A, the vertical axis B-B perpendicular to A-A and another horizontal axis C-C are perpendicular to each other.

Further, as illustrated in Figure 3, the variable length torque strut (100) of the present disclosure is connects the powertrain (200) and the vehicle body. As shown, the torque strut (100) may be configured at vicinity of the chassis of the vehicle such that the first mount (10) is connected to the powertrain (200) and the second mount (20) is connected to the chassis. In embodiment, the torque strut (100) is in an assembled condition, wherein the first rod (12) is receivable in the second rod (22).

In an operative configuration, to allow varying the length of the toque strut (100), initially the first mount (10) is connectable to the first rod (12) at the first end (12a) and the second mount (20) is connectable to the second rod (22) at the first end (22a). Secondly, the plurality of flanges (14) defined on at least a portion of the second end (12b) of the first rod (12) is slidably receivable by plurality of slots (24) defined on at least a portion of the second end (22b) of the second rod (22) along the horizontal axis (A-A). Further, the stopper (30) is provided to engage between the first rod (12) and with the second rod (22) thereby restricting the relative movement between the first rod (12) and the second rod (22) beyond the threshold limit. Each of the plurality of the flanges (14) are provided with dampening members (16) at distal and proximal ends (14a, 14b) to prevent metal to metal contact of the plurality of flanges (14) with the stopper (30) and the plurality of slots (24) thereby dampening vibrations during sliding movement of the plurality of the flanges (14) within the plurality of the slots (24). Later, the first mount (10) and the second mount (20) are connectable to the powertrain (200) and the vehicle body, respectively. When the vehicle is subjected to sudden acceleration or deceleration and KIKO of the engine, the powertrain (200) rolls about a torque roll axis and the torque strut (100) rotates about the second mount (20) which is connectable to the vehicle body. Thus, a path of motion travelled by the first mount (10) and corresponding to path of motion travelled by a mounting point (not shown in figures) on the powertrain (200) is different as a centre of rotation of the first mount (10) is different with respect to a centre of rotation of the powertrain (200). In scenario such as, rapid acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle may lead to toggling of the powertrain. Also, during such scenarios, vibrations generated traverse to the vehicle body thereby causing damage to the vehicle operation. Thus, when the powertrain (200) is subjected to rolling, the plurality of flanges (14) provided on first rod (12) slides within the plurality of slots (24) provided on second rod (22) enables variation of the length of the torque strut (100) and thus preventing toggling of the powertrain. Moreover, the variable torque strut (100) withstands the powertrain torque by providing improved vibration absorption and aids in securing mounting of the powertrain (200) within the vehicle body.

Further, the present disclosure discloses a vehicle comprising a variable length torque strut (100) as mentioned above.

In an embodiment, the first rod (12) and the second rod (22) may be manufactured by at least one of a metal, composite material and any other suitable material.

In an embodiment, at least one of first rod (12) and the second rod (22) is at least one solid body, a semi-hollow-body and hollow body such that the first rod (12) and the second rod (22) are connectable to each other.

In an embodiment, the torque strut (100) according to present disclosure provides a cost-effective solution for securing and connecting the powertrain (200) to the vehicle body/chassis.

In an embodiment, the size, configuration of the components of torque strut (100) may be varied according to the application requirement.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides the torque strut (100) that is simple, robust, and compact.

In an embodiment, the torque strut (100) of the present disclosure provides improved vibration absorption during rolling and/or toggling of the powertrain (200).

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.”
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.

REFERRAL NUMERALS
Reference Number Description
100 Variable length torque strut
10 First Mount
11 First mounting hole
12a First end of the first rod
12b Second end of the first rod
14 Plurality of Flanges
14a Distal end
14b Proximal end
16 Dampening members
20 Second mount
21 Second mounting hole
22 Second rod
22a First end of the second rod
22b Second end of the second rod
24 Plurality of slots
26 Collar
30 Stopper
A-A Horizontal axis
B-B Vertical Axis perpendicular to A-A
C-C Another horizontal Axis perpendicular to A-Ad
200 Powertrain