DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a powertrain torque restrictor mounting assembly. More particularly, relates to an adjustable mounting assembly fitted in different variants of vehicles wherein, stiffness of the damper (Engine mount) assembly can be adjusted based on the torque generated by the powertrain.
BACKGROUND OF DISCLSOURE
Engine mounts and engine mounting systems are one of the key aspects many of the automobile manufacturers focus on during vehicle development stage. As the technology is advancing, the powertrain of vehicles have also advanced with increased power, durability and efficiency. Powertrain mounts are generally used to isolate or attenuate the vibrations and noise generated in the engine bay away from the passenger compartment. Powertrain mounts are also used to position the engine in various mounting positions for e.g. horizontal mount, vertical mount etc., and support the powertrain in all loading conditions.
It is also a prerequisite in the automobile manufacturing industry to isolate the engine noise completely from the passenger cabin. Also, the vibrations generated by the powertrain tend to vibrate the vehicle during driving conditions which has to be effectively damped so that none of the vibrations are felt by the passengers.
Powertrain mounting system (Transversely placed) engine system generally consist of Engine side mount (A mount), Transmission side mount (B mount) & Torque restrictor (C mount). The torque restrictor (C mount) is a mount at lower rear end of the engine and it basically stops the movement of engine, especially during accelerating and gear changes. Due to the continuous vibrations generated from the powertrain the rubber bushes tend to wear out over a period of time. The vibrations on the C-mount are generally felt when the engine shakes on start-up, during stopping (key on – off), while clunking and when accelerating or changing gear (tip in – out).
In order to improve the isolation of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characters, the stiffness of the rubber bushings have to be adjusted and this leads to a number of iterations , since there is always conflicting requirement from NVH and durability. This also calls for large varieties of prototypes for optimal stiffness and to achieve adequate value of the mount.
Hence in this regard, there is a need to develop an adjustable mounting assembly for a powertrain torque resistor wherein, the stiffness in linear and non-linear zone of the rubber bushes can be adjusted with ease based on the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) of the powertrain by adjusting the mounting assembly. This adjustable mounting assembly reduces the time and iterations required to calculate the adequate stiffness in the mounting assembly for attenuating the NVH performance of the vehicle.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE
One objective of the present disclosure is to provide an adjustable mounting assembly for various powertrain torque resistor.
Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide stiffness adjustment for the damping assembly for effective Noise, Vibration and Harshness absorption.
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 one embodiment of the present disclosure, an adjustable mounting assembly for a powertrain torque restrictor comprising: a first ring having a first extension rod fixed on the circumference of the first ring; a second ring having a second extension rod fixed on the circumference of the second ring; an elongated element having a stopper and threads are provided on either side of the stopper, wherein one end of the elongated element is threaded on to the first extension rod provided on the first ring and other end of the elongated element is threaded on to the second extension rod provided on the second ring; and at least one first fastener provided on either side of the stopper to arrest the first extension rod and second extension rod movement at predefined locations on the elongated element.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ring and the first extension rod are having internal threads.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second ring and the second extension rod are having internal threads.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first section of the elongated element has right hand threads and a second section of the elongated element has left hand threads.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elongated element is provided with stopper for differentiating between right hand threads and left hand threads.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the stopper provided on the elongated element acts as a stopping means for the first fastener and the second fastener.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first fastener is further secured by a second fastener in order to avoid self-loosening of the first fastener.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first washer having external threads and right hand thread is inserted into the first ring.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second washer having external threads and left hand thread is inserted into the second ring.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a damper assembly of predetermined dimension is fitted into the first ring and the second ring over the first washer and the second washer for dampening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings example constructions of the invention; however, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and product disclosed in the drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates exploded view of the mounting assembly.
Figure 2 illustrates assembled front view of the mounting assembly.
Figure 3 illustrates assembled side view of the mounting assembly.
Figure 4 illustrates perspective view of the elongated element with stopper means.
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 THE 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 disclosure.
It is to be noted at this point that all of the components, whether alone or in any combination, are claimed as being essential to the invention, in particular the details depicted in the drawings and reference numerals in the drawings are as given below.
Figure 1 illustrates exploded view of an adjustable mounting assembly (100) having a first ring (1) fixed with a first extension rod (3), both having internal threads. In one non limiting embodiment the present disclosure the first ring (1) are provided with right hand threads. The first extension rod (3) is fixed to the circumference of the first ring (1) by a method selected from a group comprising but not limiting to welding, soldering and brazing etc. The second ring (2) is fixed with a second extension rod (4) both having internal threads. In one non limiting embodiment the present disclosure the second ring (2) and the second extension rod (4) are provided with left hand threads. The second extension rod (4) is fixed to the circumference of the second ring (2) by a method selected from a group comprising but not limiting to welding, soldering and brazing etc. An elongated element (5) having a first section (10) and second section (11) is placed in-between the first extension rod (3) and the second extension rod (4). The elongated element (5) is provided with the threads on both sides such that it can accommodate the first and second extension rod (3, 4). In one non limiting embodiment the first section (10) has right hand threads and the second section (11) has left hand threads. A stopper (6) is provided on the elongated element (5) to differentiate between the right hand threads and the left hand threads. In one non limiting embodiment the stopper is provided at the centre of the elongated element (5). This elongated element (5) has a central stopper (6) wherein, first section (10) of the elongated element (5) has right hand threads and the second section (11) of the elongated element has left hand threads. The elongated element (5) threads into the first extension rod (3) and the second extension rod (4) respectively. Plurality of first fasteners (7) are provided on both sections (10, 11) of the elongated element (5) for securely fastening the elongated element (5) onto the first extension rod (3) and the second extension rod (4). Plurality of second fasteners (12) is further provided on the elongated element (5) in order to make sure that the first fasteners (7) do not unfasten by self-loosening. The first and second fasteners (7, 12) help to fix the first and second extension rod (3, 4) at a predetermined distance on the elongated element (5) and arrest the movement occurring due to acceleration and gear changes of the vehicle.

In a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ring (1) is bigger than the second ring (2). The dimension of the first ring (1) is bigger so as to provide better adjustment to the stiffness of the damper assembly (15).
A first washer (13) with external threads (9) having right hand threads is inserted into the first ring (1). Since the internal threads (8) provided on the first ring (1) are of right hand threads, the first washer (13) neatly threads into the first ring (1). A damper assembly (15) of required dimension is fitted into the first ring (1) over the first washer (13). Similarly, a damper assembly (15) of required dimension is fitted into the second ring (2) over the second washer (14).
Plurality of first fasteners (7) is provided on the elongated element (5) in order to fasten the first ring (1) and the second ring (2). Plurality of second fasteners (12) is provided on the elongated element (5) over the first fasteners (7) in order to avoid self-loosening of the fasteners.
Figures 2 and 3 illustrates assembled front view and assembled side view of the mounting assembly (100) wherein, the damper assembly (15) are suitable inserted into the first ring (1) and the second ring (2). The elongated element (5) is suitable threaded into the first extension rod (3) and the second extension rod (4). A stopper (6) provided at the centre of the elongated element (5) differentiates between the right hand thread and the left hand thread. The stopper (6) further acts as an end barrier to the second fasteners (12). The length adjustment of the mounting assembly (100) can be carried out by tightening and loosening of the first and second fasteners (7, 12) based on the stiffness requirement of the damper assembly (15). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the meeting junction of the threads from either sides of the elongated element (5) is considered as the stopper (6).
The damper assembly (15) used in the first ring (1) is having a bigger dimension than the damper assembly (15) provided in the second ring (2). The damper assembly (15) provided on the first ring (1) comprises of two rubber pillars molded to the outer sleeve and inner metal which is made up of aluminium to provide centre attachment at cradle side. Rubber is molded front and rear side with appropriate gap with inner pillar to make sure controlled movement of the powertrain in various loading condition.

The smaller damper assembly (15) used in the second ring (2) is a small rubber bush which is attached to the inner metal of the second ring (2) and has a central hole for suitable fitment of the required parts.

Figure 4 illustrates perspective view of the elongated element (5) with stopper (6) wherein, the first section (10) of the elongated element (5) comprises of right hand threads which aid in threading into the first extension rod (3). The second section (11) of the elongated element (5) comprises of left hand threads which aid in threading into the second extension rod (4). A stopper (6) is provided at the centre of the elongated element (5) in order to differentiate between the right hand thread and the left hand thread. The stopper (6) further acts as an end barrier on the elongated element (5) which restricts the movement of the first fastener (7) and the second fastener (12). Since the mounting assembly (100) is fitted in between transmission and cradle side bracket, it is exposure to continuous shocks and vibration with various frequencies. In order to ensure, distance constant and avoid loosening phenomenon of the first extension rod (3), the second extension rod (4) and the elongated element (5) plurality of fasteners (7, 12) are provided with opposite threads which will cross tighten each other and maintain same distance. A common arrangement helps to optimise the mounting system performance by adjusting the length as per vehicle requirement. It will also ensure the proper positioning of the mounting assembly (100) which might be dislocated from its original position due to vehicle build tolerances.

Based on the loading conditions and the stiffness requirements for a particular vehicle, the mounting assembly (100) can be suitably calibrated. The first fastener (7) and the second fastener (12) can be adjusted for increasing the lateral length of the first extension rod (3) and the second extension rod (4). Tightening and loosening of the fasteners (7, 12) can adjust the stiffness of the damper assembly (15) provided on the first ring (1) and the second ring (2). Hence, the particular mounting assembly (100) can be easily adjusted to various loading and stiffness conditions. This saves a lot of manufacturing costs as well as test time in conducting various stiffness and loading test iterations.

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.

REFERRAL NUMERALS
Mounting Assembly 100
First Ring 1
Second Ring 2
First extension rod 3
Second extension rod 4
Elongated element 5
Stopper 6
First Fastener 7
Internal threads 8
External threads 9
First section 10
Second section 11
Second fastener 12
First washer 13
Second washer 14
Damper Assembly 15

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An adjustable mounting assembly (100) for a powertrain torque restrictor comprising:
a first ring (1) having a first extension rod (3) fixed on the circumference of the first ring (1);
a second ring (2) having a second extension rod (4) fixed on the circumference of the second ring (2);
an elongated element (5) having a stopper (6) and threads are provided on either side of the stopper (6), wherein
one end of the elongated element (5) is threaded on to the first extension rod (3) provided on the first ring (1) and other end of the elongated element (5) is threaded on to the second extension rod (4) provided on the second ring (2); and
at least one first fastener (7) provided on either side of the stopper (6) to arrest the first extension rod (3) and second extension rod (4) movement at predefined locations on the elongated element (5).

2. The adjustable mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first ring (1) and the first extension rod (3) are having internal threads (8).

3. The adjustable mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the second ring (2) and the second extension rod (4) are having internal threads (8).

4. The adjustable mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a first section (10) of the elongated element (5) has right hand threads and a second section (11) of the elongated element (5) has left hand threads.

5. The adjustable mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the elongated element (5) is provided with stopper (6) for differentiating between right hand threads and left hand threads.

6. The adjustable mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the stopper (6) provided on the elongated element (5) acts as a stopping means for the first fastener (7) and the second fastener (12).

7. The adjustable mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first fastener (7) is further secured by a second fastener (12) in order to avoid self-loosening of the first fastener (7).

8. The adjustable mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a first washer (13) having external threads (9) and right hand thread is inserted into the first ring (1).

9. The adjustable mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a second washer (14) having external threads (9) and left hand thread is inserted into the second ring (2).

10. The adjustable mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a damper assembly (15) of predetermined dimension is fitted into the first ring (1) and the second ring (2) over the first washer (13) and the second washer (14) for dampening.
Dated this 28th day of February, 2014
GOPINATH A S
IN/PA 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT