Abstract: Methods of attenuating vibration transfer to a body of a vehicle using a dynamic mass of the vehicle via minimizing a particular angular frequency of a wheel. One method includes receiving vehicle information over a time interval and determining, based on the vehicle information, an instantaneous angular velocity that corresponds to a particular angular frequency of the wheel. This method includes generating a gain-and-phase-compensated actuator drive command to counteract a vibration that occurs at the particular angular frequency of the wheel, which is based on the instantaneous angular velocity, and communicating the gain-and-phase-compensated actuator drive command to a hydraulic mount assembly that supports the dynamic mass. This method includes actuating an actuator of the hydraulic mount assembly in response to the gain-and-phase-compensated actuator drive command in order to minimize the vibration transfer to the body due to the vibration that occurs at the particular angular frequency of the wheel.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly includes a mount body defining a cavity. A powertrain includes a dynamic mass, and a structure that supports the dynamic mass. The assembly is attached to the structure and supports the dynamic mass. A first plate is fixed relative to the mount body inside the cavity to separate the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first plate defines a plurality of first passages that fluidly connects the first and second chambers. A decoupler is disposed between the first and second chambers. An actuator is coupled to the first plate. The decoupler is movable in response to actuation of the actuator. The decoupler abuts the first plate when in a locked position to prevent fluid communication through the first passages. The decoupler is movable relative to the first plate when in an unlocked position to allow fluid communication through the first passages.

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: Methods of attenuating vibration transfer to a body of a vehicle using a dynamic mass of the vehicle via minimizing a particular angular frequency of a wheel. One method includes receiving vehicle information over a time interval and determining, based on the vehicle information, an instantaneous angular velocity that corresponds to a particular angular frequency of the wheel. This method includes generating a gain-and-phase-compensated actuator drive command to counteract a vibration that occurs at the particular angular frequency of the wheel, which is based on the instantaneous angular velocity, and communicating the gain-and-phase-compensated actuator drive command to a hydraulic mount assembly that supports the dynamic mass. This method includes actuating an actuator of the hydraulic mount assembly in response to the gain-and-phase-compensated actuator drive command in order to minimize the vibration transfer to the body due to the vibration that occurs at the particular angular frequency of the wheel.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount assembly includes a mount body defining a cavity. A powertrain includes a dynamic mass, and a structure that supports the dynamic mass. The assembly is attached to the structure and supports the dynamic mass. A first plate is fixed relative to the mount body inside the cavity to separate the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first plate defines a plurality of first passages that fluidly connects the first and second chambers. A decoupler is disposed between the first and second chambers. An actuator is coupled to the first plate. The decoupler is movable in response to actuation of the actuator. The decoupler abuts the first plate when in a locked position to prevent fluid communication through the first passages. The decoupler is movable relative to the first plate when in an unlocked position to allow fluid communication through the first passages.

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 hydraulic mount apparatus includes a housing defining a cavity. The apparatus also includes an annular member disposed in the cavity. The annular member is secured to the housing to split the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. The apparatus further includes a pressure relief apparatus coupled to the housing. The pressure relief apparatus is configured to allow fluid communication between the first and second chambers in response to a predetermined pressure threshold being reached in at least one of the first and second chambers. A suspension system including a shock absorber and a link is coupled to the shock absorber. The suspension system further includes the hydraulic mount apparatus coupled to one of the shock absorber and the link.

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 hydraulic mount apparatus includes a housing defining a cavity. The apparatus also includes an annular member disposed in the cavity. The annular member is secured to the housing to split the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. The apparatus further includes a pressure relief apparatus coupled to the housing. The pressure relief apparatus is configured to allow fluid communication between the first and second chambers in response to a predetermined pressure threshold being reached in at least one of the first and second chambers. A suspension system including a shock absorber and a link is coupled to the shock absorber. The suspension system further includes the hydraulic mount apparatus coupled to one of the shock absorber and the link.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for a damper having a jounce shock. The damper includes a top mounting portion adapted to couple the damper to a vehicular frame and a bottom mounting portion adapted to couple the damper to a vehicular suspension system. The damper further includes a damper tube assembly disposed between the top mounting portion and the bottom mounting portion. The damper tube assembly includes a jounce shock system and a rod having a first piston and a second piston. The rod is movable within the damper tube assembly from a first position to a second position, and the second piston engages the jounce shock system as the rod approaches the second position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a damper having a jounce shock. The damper includes a top mounting portion adapted to couple the damper to a vehicular frame and a bottom mounting portion adapted to couple the damper to a vehicular suspension system. The damper further includes a damper tube assembly disposed between the top mounting portion and the bottom mounting portion. The damper tube assembly includes a jounce shock system and a rod having a first piston and a second piston. The rod is movable within the damper tube assembly from a first position to a second position, and the second piston engages the jounce shock system as the rod approaches the second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dual path hydraulic strut mount are provided, as are embodiments of a vehicular suspension system including a dual path hydraulic strut mount. In one embodiment, the dual path hydraulic strut mount includes an outer elastomeric module and an inner hydraulic module, which is mounted in the outer elastomeric module. The inner hydraulic module is configured to operate in an active damping mode for axial displacements of the dual path hydraulic strut mount less than a threshold value and in a substantially inactive damping mode for axial displacements of the dual path hydraulic strut mount greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A cord reinforced resilient membrane (or diaphragm) having a high radial (transverse) stiffness and a relatively low axial stiffness, wherein the cord reinforced resilient membrane has adapatability for use in both hydraulic and conventional strut mounts, as well as other applications, and wherein the radial stiffness provided by the cords is directionally tunable for utilization in a particular application.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dual path hydraulic strut mount are provided, as are embodiments of a vehicular suspension system including a dual path hydraulic strut mount. In one embodiment, the dual path hydraulic strut mount includes an outer elastomeric module and an inner hydraulic module, which is mounted in the outer elastomeric module. The inner hydraulic module is configured to operate in an active damping mode for axial displacements of the dual path hydraulic strut mount less than a threshold value and in a substantially inactive damping mode for axial displacements of the dual path hydraulic strut mount greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A spare tire tuned mass damper assembly is provided for reducing vehicle vibration or beaming shake that may otherwise be perceptible at the driver interface. The assembly is attachable between a pair of underbody support beams and includes a tire carrier for a spare tire and wheel and a plurality of spring and damper assemblies positioned between the carrier and support beams. The assemblies have at least one leaf spring and bushing, and are selected to provide a predetermined level of vibration modes and modal damping for the assembly. A method is also provided for reducing road vibration in a vehicle having an underbody support structure, including supporting a spare tire carrier using a plurality of spring and damper assemblies configured to absorb and damp an oscillating mode of the support structure to a predetermined level to produce a desired post-damped road response, thereby increasing vehicle ride comfort.

Abstract: A cord reinforced resilient membrane (or diaphragm) having a high radial (transverse) stiffness and a relatively low axial stiffness, wherein the cord reinforced resilient membrane has adapatability for use in both hydraulic and conventional strut mounts, as well as other applications, and wherein the radial stiffness provided by the cords is directionally tunable for utilization in a particular application.