Abstract: A system and method using a mount assembly for attaching a powertrain to a structural member of a vehicle. The mount assembly includes a first compliant member, a second compliant member, a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, a pressure compliant membrane, electro-magnetorheological switch and a magnetorheological fluid. A fluid conduit interconnects the first fluid chamber with the second fluid chamber to allow a fluid to pass from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The pressure compliant membrane seals the aperture in the second fluid chamber. The electro-magnetorheological switch is activated to generate an electric field in the fluid conduit to change the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid to achieve a first stiffness profile of the mount assembly. The electro-magnetorheological switch is deactivated to remove the electric field in the fluid conduit to change the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid to achieve a second stiffness profile of the mount assembly.

Abstract: A system and method using a mount assembly for attaching a powertrain to a structural member of a vehicle. The mount assembly includes a first compliant member, a second compliant member, a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, a third fluid chamber, a pressure compliant membrane, and a valve. A fluid conduit interconnects the first fluid chamber with the second fluid chamber to allow a fluid to pass from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The third fluid chamber has an opening in communication with the second fluid chamber and a vent port. The pressure compliant membrane seals the opening between the second fluid chamber and the third fluid chamber. The valve selectively seals the vent port in the third fluid chamber. A first stiffness profile of the mount assembly is selected by actuating the valve to open the vent port. A second stiffness profile of the mount assembly is selected by actuating the valve to close the vent port.

Abstract: A system and method using a mount assembly for attaching a powertrain to a structural member of a vehicle. The mount assembly includes a first compliant member, a second compliant member, a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, a pressure compliant membrane, electro-magnetorheological switch and a magnetorheological fluid. A fluid conduit interconnects the first fluid chamber with the second fluid chamber to allow a fluid to pass from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The pressure compliant membrane seals the aperture in the second fluid chamber. The electro-magnetorheological switch is activated to generate an electric field in the fluid conduit to change the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid to achieve a first stiffness profile of the mount assembly. The electro-magnetorheological switch is deactivated to remove the electric field in the fluid conduit to change the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid to achieve a second stiffness profile of the mount assembly.

Abstract: A system and method using a mount assembly for attaching a powertrain to a structural member of a vehicle. The mount assembly includes a first compliant member, a second compliant member, a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, a pressure compliant membrane, electro-magnetorheological switch and a magnetorheological fluid. A fluid conduit interconnects the first fluid chamber with the second fluid chamber to allow a fluid to pass from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The pressure compliant membrane seals the aperture in the second fluid chamber. The electro-magnetorheological switch is activated to generate an electric field in the fluid conduit to change the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid to achieve a first stiffness profile of the mount assembly. The electro-magnetorheological switch is deactivated to remove the electric field in the fluid conduit to change the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid to achieve a second stiffness profile of the mount assembly.

Abstract: A system and method using a mount assembly for attaching a powertrain to a structural member of a vehicle. The mount assembly includes a first compliant member, a second compliant member, a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, a third fluid chamber, a pressure compliant membrane, and a valve. A fluid conduit interconnects the first fluid chamber with the second fluid chamber to allow a fluid to pass from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The third fluid chamber has an opening in communication with the second fluid chamber and a vent port. The pressure compliant membrane seals the opening between the second fluid chamber and the third fluid chamber. The valve selectively seals the vent port in the third fluid chamber. A first stiffness profile of the mount assembly is selected by actuating the valve to open the vent port. A second stiffness profile of the mount assembly is selected by actuating the valve to close the vent port.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain mount includes a housing and first and second compliant members coupled to and cooperating with the housing. An inertia track assembly cooperates with the first compliant member to form a first fluid chamber and second fluid chamber with the second compliant member. The inertia track assembly includes at least first and second channels for conducting fluid between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. An air chamber in the inertia track assembly cooperates with a decoupler disposed therein. A switching apparatus is operatively connected to the housing and selectively positionable relative to the inertia track assembly. The switching apparatus includes an actuator with a plunger having a first portion positionable relative to the second channel and a second portion synchronously positionable relative to the air chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain mount includes a housing and first and second compliant members coupled to and cooperating with the housing. An inertia track assembly cooperates with the first compliant member to form a first fluid chamber and second fluid chamber with the second compliant member. The inertia track assembly includes at least first and second channels for conducting fluid between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber. An air chamber in the inertia track assembly cooperates with a decoupler disposed therein. A switching apparatus is operatively connected to the housing and selectively positionable relative to the inertia track assembly. The switching apparatus includes an actuator with a plunger having a first portion positionable relative to the second channel and a second portion synchronously positionable relative to the air chamber.

Abstract: A system for managing noise and vibration in a vehicle includes a housing defining an internal cavity. A compliant member is attached to the housing and further defines the internal cavity. A magnet is operatively fixed to the housing in the cavity and has a magnetic field. A coil is positioned in the cavity and is configured so that there is relative movement between the coil and the magnet in the magnetic field in response to movement of the compliant member relative to the housing. A resistor is in electrical communication with the coil to form an electrical circuit. Relative movement of the coil in the magnetic field induces a current in the circuit that creates an opposing magnetic field, thereby reducing transmitted dynamic forces.

Abstract: A powertrain mounting system for a vehicle powertrain includes a first powertrain mount that exhibits a first gradual rate of change of static stiffness when under load. The mounting system also includes a second powertrain mount that exhibits a second gradual rate of change of static stiffness when under load. The first gradual rate of change of static stiffness is related to the second gradual rate of change of static stiffness by a static equilibrium torque balance equation of respective displacements at the first and the second powertrain mounts. The static equilibrium torque balance equation is based in part on a spatial arrangement of the first and the second powertrain mounts relative to the powertrain. A method of designing the powertrain mounting system determines the first and second gradual rates of change of static stiffness under load to achieve efficient energy management.

Abstract: A vehicle engine mount system comprises a housing and an inertia track assembly that forms a first fluid chamber with an upper compliant member and a second fluid chamber with the second end of the housing. The inertia track assembly has first and second passageways therethrough for conducting fluid between the first and second fluid chambers. The first passageway has a substantially greater flow resistance than the second. First and second switches are coupled to the first and second passageways, respectively, for selectively enabling the first and second switches to control fluid displacement between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A powertrain mounting system for a vehicle powertrain includes a first powertrain mount that exhibits a first gradual rate of change of static stiffness when under load. The mounting system also includes a second powertrain mount that exhibits a second gradual rate of change of static stiffness when under load. The first gradual rate of change of static stiffness is related to the second gradual rate of change of static stiffness by a static equilibrium torque balance equation of respective displacements at the first and the second powertrain mounts. The static equilibrium torque balance equation is based in part on a spatial arrangement of the first and the second powertrain mounts relative to the powertrain. A method of designing the powertrain mounting system determines the first and second gradual rates of change of static stiffness under load to achieve efficient energy management.

Abstract: A system for managing noise and vibration in a vehicle includes a housing defining an internal cavity. A compliant member is attached to the housing and further defines the internal cavity. A magnet is operatively fixed to the housing in the cavity and has a magnetic field. A coil is positioned in the cavity and is configured so that there is relative movement between the coil and the magnet in the magnetic field in response to movement of the compliant member relative to the housing. A resistor is in electrical communication with the coil to form an electrical circuit. Relative movement of the coil in the magnetic field induces a current in the circuit that creates an opposing magnetic field, thereby reducing transmitted dynamic forces.

Abstract: A powertrain mounting system with a decoupled hydraulic bushing device as a torque reacting element. An elastic element of the bushing mount vibrates in response to powertrain pitch torque. At high vibration amplitude of the elastic element, high hydraulic damping is provided via a main liquid reservoir, bounce inertia track and bellowed secondary liquid reservoir, with a decoupler fluid passage being passively disabled. At low vibration amplitude of the elastic element, minimal hydraulic damping is provided via a decoupler system.

Abstract: A vehicle engine mount system comprises a housing and an inertia track assembly that forms a first fluid chamber with an upper compliant member and a second fluid chamber with the second end of the housing. The inertia track assembly has first and second passageways therethrough for conducting fluid between the first and second fluid chambers. The first passageway has a substantially greater flow resistance than the second. First and second switches are coupled to the first and second passageways, respectively, for selectively enabling the first and second switches to control fluid displacement between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber.