TECHNICAE FIEED

[001] Present disclosure relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mounting structure for a vehicle and a method for operating the mounting structure. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the mounting structure that mitigates vibrations generated from a vehicle component and improve noise, vibration, and harshness [NVH] quotient of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[002] The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present disclosure.

[003] In automobiles (herein referred to as vehicles), mounting systems are commonly used to mount a vehicle component to a supporting structure in the vehicle. For example, a mounting system is used to mount an engine onto a chassis of the vehicle. Such a mounting system has an end connected to the engine and another end connected to the chassis.

[004] Due to reciprocating motion of a piston in a combustion chamber of the engine and other moving parts, vibrations are generated and transferred from the engine to the chassis of the vehicle through the mounting system. Such vibrations are further transferred to other components of the vehicle by the chassis that in turn, hamper the overall performance of the vehicle in terms of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness [NVH] levels. Therefore, there is a requirement to prevent or reduce the transfer of the vibrations generated by the engine to the vehicle components.

[005] Some existing mounting systems are designed to reduce the transfer of vibrations from the engine and other moving parts. Such existing mounting systems have elastomer bushes to absorb the vibrations. However, one major drawback associated with such mounting systems is that the mounting systems fail to address the problem of vibrations generated when the engine is started or when the engine is stopped. Accordingly, during the engine start-stop operations, high vibrations are generated and transferred to components of the vehicle, such as to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Further, such vibrations impact driving experience of the vehicle and showcases poor build quality of the vehicle.

[006] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[007] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the system/assembly as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the system/assembly/method 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.

[008] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a mounting structure for mounting a vehicle component assembly in a vehicle is disclosed. The mounting structure comprises a fluid chamber configured to store fluid. The fluid chamber has a first end and a second end. The first end is connectable to a supporting structure in the vehicle. Further, the mounting structure comprises a piston and a piston rod. The piston is disposed within the fluid chamber. The piston rod has an end thereof connected to the piston and the other end extending out of the fluid chamber through the second end. The other end is connectable to the vehicle component. Furthermore, the mounting structure comprises a bypass channel and an actuator. The bypass channel is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber through a first port and a second port. The first port is defined between the first end and the piston, and the second port is defined between the piston and the second end, to allow flow of fluid between the first end and the second end. The actuator is disposed in the bypass channel. The actuator is operated to close the bypass channel to prevent flow of the fluid from the first end to the second end through the bypass channel.

[009] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the piston comprises a plurality of holes defined on a face of the piston and configured to allow flow of fluid within the fluid chamber. [0010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the supporting structure is a chassis of the vehicle.

[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle component assembly is disclosed. The vehicle component assembly comprises a supporting structure, a vehicle component, and a mounting structure mounting the vehicle component onto the supporting structure. The mounting structure comprises a fluid chamber configured to store fluid. The fluid chamber has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the supporting structure. Further, the mounting structure comprises a piston and a piston rod. The piston is disposed within the fluid chamber. The piston rod has an end thereof connected to the piston and another end extending out of the fluid chamber through the second end. The other end is connectable to the vehicle component. Furthermore, the mounting structure comprises a bypass channel and an actuator. The bypass channel is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber through a first port and a second port. The first port is defined between the first end and the piston, and the second port is defined between the piston and the second end, to allow flow of fluid between the first end and the second end. The actuator is disposed in the bypass channel. The actuator is actuatable to prevent flow of fluid from the first end to the second end through the bypass channel.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator includes a valve wherein the valve is connectable to a movable arm of the actuator.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises a control unit configured to operate the actuator based on an operating state of the vehicle component wherein the movable arm displaces the valve from an open position to a closed position to close the bypass channel.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle component is a powertrain assembly of the vehicle.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit upon determining the operation state of the powertrain assembly to a start-stop condition, operates the actuator to close the valve and maintain in a closed position of the valve for a predetermined time period.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit upon expiry of the predetermined time period operates the actuator to open the valve.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined time period ranges from 5 secs to 15 secs.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator is an electromagnetic actuator or an electromechanical actuator.

[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a mounting structure connected to a vehicle component is disclosed. The method comprises determining by a control unit an operating status of the vehicle component and operating an actuator by the control unit for opening a bypass channel in the mounting structure to allow flow of fluid through the bypass channel.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, determining by the control unit a start- stop condition of the vehicle component and actuating the actuator by the control unit for closing the bypass channel to prevent flow of fluid through the bypass channel for imparting resistance to movement of a piston.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle component is an engine.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 [0024] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. 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 description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a supporting structure, a vehicle component, and a mounting structure of a vehicle, in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram illustrating working of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart illustrating method steps for operating the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the Figures, and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. [0031] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a mounting structure for a vehicle component assembly and a method for operating the same. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated by the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the body structure, and the vehicle. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0032] In the present disclosure, the term “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.

[0033] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. 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.

[0034] The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.

[0035] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a vehicle with a vehicle component assembly, however, mounting structure and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The vehicle with the mounting structure illustrated herein throughout the description may refer to “passenger vehicle” or “commercial vehicle”.

[0036] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In Figures 1 to 3, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1, which relates to a vehicle component assembly (200) of a vehicle. The vehicle component assembly (200) comprises a mounting structure (100), a supporting structure, and a vehicle component (140). The vehicle component (140) is mounted on the supporting structure by means of the mounting structure (100). The mounting structure (100) has one end that is connected to the vehicle component (140) and another end that is connected to the supporting structure. The supporting structure may be a chassis (not shown in Figures) of the vehicle. On the chassis, a subframe (120) may be mounted and the vehicle component (140) may be mounted on the subframe 120. The vehicle component (140) may be a powertrain assembly of the vehicle component assembly (200).

[0038] In an embodiment, the vehicle component (140) is an engine, however, the same shall not be considered as limitation, and any other vehicle component may be mounted using the mounting structure (100) on the chassis of the vehicle.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2, the mounting structure (100) is illustrated in more detail. The mounting structure (100) is configured to mount the vehicle component (140) on the chassis. The mounting structure (100) is further configured to dampen vibrations generated by the vehicle component (140), so as to prevent the vibrations from getting transferred to other components of the vehicle. The mounting structure (100) comprises a fluid chamber (10). The fluid chamber (10) is configured to store fluid. The fluid may be, for example, a hydraulic fluid or a pneumatic fluid.

[0040] The fluid chamber (10) has a first end (10a) and a second end (10b). The first end (10a) and the second end (10b) are defined to be end walls of the fluid chamber (10) located on opposite sides of the fluid chamber (10). A first connecting end (15) is coupled to the first end (10a). The first connecting end (15) may be connected to the vehicle component (140). A second connecting end (35) may be connected to the supporting structure. [0041] The mounting structure (100) comprises a piston (20) and a piston rod (30). The piston (20) is disposed in the fluid chamber (10) between the first end (10a) and the second end (10b). In an embodiment, the piston (20) comprises a plurality of holes (70). The plurality of holes (70) is defined on a face of the piston (20) and the plurality of holes (70) is configured to allow flow of fluid within the fluid chamber (10). The fluid flows from one side of the piston (20) to the other side of the piston (20) within the fluid chamber (10). The piston (20) may be made of steel, aluminium, or mild steel etc.

[0042] The piston rod (30) comprises a front end and a rear end. The front end is connected to the piston (20). The rear end extends out through an opening (10c) defined at the second end (10b) of the fluid chamber (10). The piston rod (30) slidably abuts to a periphery of the opening (10c) of the fluid chamber (10). The piston rod (30) has a seal (not shown in figures) provided within the fluid chamber (10) and is configured to prevent fluid leakage from the fluid chamber (10) during movement of the piston rod (30). Further, the piston rod (30) includes the second connecting end (35) that is disposed at the rear end.

[0043] The first connecting end (15) and the second connecting end (35) each have a mounting hole (15a, 35a). The mounting holes (15a, 35a) include rubber bushes (15b, 35b) that are configured to receive a plurality of fasteners to couple the mounting structure (100) with the chassis and with the vehicle component (140). The rubber bushes (15b, 35b) facilitate dampening the vibrations generated by the vehicle component (140).

[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting structure (100) comprises a bypass channel (40). The bypass channel (40) comprises a first port (42) and a second port (44). The bypass channel (40) is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber (10) through the first port (42) and the second port (44). The first port (42) is defined on one side of the piston (20) and the second port (44) is defined on the other side of the piston (20). In an embodiment, the first port (42) is proximal to the first end (10a) and the second port (44) is proximal to the second end (10b). The bypass channel (40) is configured to allow flow of fluid between the first end (10a) and the second end (10b) of the fluid chamber (10). Thus, the bypass channel (40) acts as an additional path for the fluid to flow between the first end (10a) and the second end (10b), in addition to the path provided by the plurality of holes (70).

[0045] The mounting structure (100) comprises an actuator (60). The actuator (60) is disposed in the bypass channel (40). The actuator (60) is positioned between the first port (42) and the second port (44) of the bypass channel (40). The actuator (60) is configured to close the bypass channel (40), to prevent flow of the fluid from the first end (10a) to the second end (10b) of the fluid chamber (10) through the bypass channel (40). The actuator (60) may be a solenoid valve. In an embodiment, the actuator (60) includes a valve (50). The valve (50) is connectable to a movable arm of the actuator (60). The movable arm displaces the valve (50) from an open position to a closed position and vice-versa. In its closed position, the valve (50) blocks the bypass channel (40) and prevents flow of the fluid therethrough. Conversely, in its open position, the valve (50) opens the bypass channel (40) and allows the flow of the fluid therethrough.

[0046] In accordance with an example in which the vehicle component (140) is a powertrain assembly, the valve (50) may be in the closed position when the engine is started and when the engine is stopped. The closure of the valve (50) closes the bypass channel (40), causing prevention of flow of fluid between the first end (10a) and the second end (10b) of the fluid chamber (10) through the bypass channel (40). When the valve (50) is closed, only a small volume of fluid passes between the first end (10a) and the second end (10b), through the plurality of holes (70). The remaining volume of fluid imparts force on the piston (20) thereby offering resistance to movement of the piston (20). Since the movement of the piston (20) is restricted, the movement of the powertrain assembly, which is coupled to the piston (20) through the piston rod (30), is also restricted. Thus, resistance is provided to the vibrations, which are generated by the powertrain assembly during starting and stopping of the engine. Thus, the mounting structure (100) allows dampening of the vibrations.

[0047] Upon elapsing of a predetermined period of time after starting or stopping of the engine, the valve (50) may be opened. The predetermined time period may range, for example, from 5 secs to 15 secs. Accordingly, after expiry of the predetermined time period from starting or stopping of the engine, the valve (50) may be opened, to open the bypass channel (40). The opening of the bypass channel allows flow of fluid between the first end (10a) and the second end (10b) through the bypass channel (40). Thus, a large volume of fluid flows between the first end (10a) and the second end (10b) through the bypass channel (40). As will be appreciated, this fluid flow is in addition to the fluid flowing through the plurality of holes (70).

[0048] During the operating status of the powertrain assembly, i.e., when the engine is running after being started, the frequency of the vibrations generated by the powertrain assembly is high while the amplitude is low. The high frequency-low amplitude vibrations displace the piston (20) minimally within the fluid chamber (10). In such conditions, the actuator (60) operates the valve (50) to its open condition. Thus, large volume of fluid flows through the bypass channel (40) and the remaining fluid imparts a small amount of force on the piston (20), thereby offering a reduced amount of resistance to the movement of the piston (20) (i.e., reduced damping force). The reduced damping force during a running condition of the engine improves the overall NVH performance of the vehicle

[0049] In the above explanation, the valve (50) opening is said to be performed after the expiry of a period of time after starting/stopping of the engine. However, in an embodiment, the opening and closure of the valve (50) may be based on an engine speed. For example, when the engine is running in a speed corresponding to a start-stop condition (e.g., 0-900 rpm) and when gears of transmission are not engaged, the valve (50) is closed. When the engine speed is higher than the aforesaid speed or when the gears of the transmission are engaged, the valve (50) is opened.

[0050] In an embodiment, the actuator (60) may be for example an electromagnetic actuator or an electromechanical actuator. The actuator (60) may be connected to a power source (102) of the vehicle to receive power for actuating the valve (50), as shown in Figure 3.

[0051] The powertrain assembly includes an engine unit, a transmission unit, and a drive shaft etc.

[0052] Referring to Figure 3, the vehicle component assembly (200) comprises a control unit (130) that determines the operating status of the vehicle component (140) and operates the actuator (60) respectively to change the valve (50) position to either the closed position or the opened condition. For example, the control unit (103) upon determining the start-stop condition of the vehicle component (140), operates the actuator (60) to close the valve (50) (if not already closed) or maintain the valve (50) in closed condition (if already closed). The closed position of the valve (50) may be continued for the predetermined time period after starting/stopping. Further, the control unit upon determining end of the predetermined time period operates the actuator (60) to open the valve (50).

[0053] The vehicle component assembly (200) comprises a start-stop switch (101). The start-stop switch (101) may be connected to an ignition system (not shown in figures) of the vehicle component (140) to start or stop the vehicle component (140) [i.e. the powertrain assembly] upon receiving input from a user. The start-stop switch (101) is in connection with a sensing unit (not shown in figures) to provide information in form of signals related to ‘ON’ condition of the engine and ‘OFF’ condition of the engine. In one example, the sensing unit is connected to the control unit (103) so that the control unit (103) can determine the operating state of the vehicle component (140) and actuate the actuator (60) accordingly.

[0054] Further, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating the mounting structure (100) is disclosed. The mounting structure (100) is connected to the vehicle component (140) and the supporting structure. The vehicle component (140) is an engine, and the supporting structure is the chassis. When the engine is in ON condition, the sensing unit detects the engine speed and generates signals based on the engine speed. The sensing unit further supplies the generated signals to the control unit (103). The control unit (103) determines the operating state of the vehicle component (140) based on the signals received from the sensing unit (104). Upon determining operating state of the vehicle component (140), the control unit (103) operates the actuator (60) to actuate the valve (50). The operating state of the vehicle component (140) may be either the operating status of the powertrain assembly of the vehicle component assembly (200) or the start-stop condition of the powertrain assembly of the vehicle component assembly (200). These conditions relate to the engine speed such as the engine speed is in the range of 650 rpm to 1300 rpm in the operating status, drops in the range of 900 rpm to 0 rpm in the stop condition, and rises in the range of 0 rpm to 1100 rpm in the start condition. The engine operating status is an engine idle condition of the vehicle component (140).

[0055] Referring to Figure 4, when the operating status of the powertrain assembly is determined by the control unit (103), the control unit (103) operates the actuator (60) to actuate the valve (50) for opening the bypass channel (40) in the mounting structure (100). The opening of the bypass channel (40) allows flow of fluid between the first end (10a) and the second end (10b) of the fluid chamber (10). When the start-stop condition of the powertrain assembly is determined by the control unit (103), the control unit (103) operates the actuator (60) to actuate the valve (50) for closing the bypass channel (40) in the mounting structure (100). The closing of the bypass channel (40) results in preventing flow of fluid between the first end (10a) and the second end (10b) of the fluid chamber (10). Upon closing the bypass channel (40), a small volume of the fluid flows within the fluid chamber (10) through the plurality of holes (70) to resist movement of the piston (20) for dampening vibrations of the vehicle component (140) in the vehicle component assembly (200).

[0056] In accordance with the present disclosure, the mounting structure (100), as explained in the above paragraphs, is capable to dampen the vibrations generated through the vehicle component (140) in the vehicle component assembly (200). Further, the mounting structure (100) is adapted to improve the overall NVH performance of the vehicle.

[0057] The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0058] Herein, the terms “attached”, “connected”, “interconnected”, “contacting”, “mounted”, “coupled” and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise. [0059] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used herein the expression “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0060] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0061] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

[0062] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0063] EQUIVALENTS:

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.