Engine block mount
US5076389A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 1990 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K5/12
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a vehicle engine block mount whereby an engine is mounted on a set of rails having springs biased in outward and inward directions for separating the inertial load of the engine from the automobile frame in the event of a substantial frontal impact. The set of rails are longitudinally mounted within the vehicle to direct the engine inward and downward into the ground by virtue of creating a path-of-least-resistance which, upon an impact of substantial magnitude, will prevent the engine block from invading the passenger compartment. The engine block is mounted to the rails by bearings which provide dampening of engine vibration and permit forward and backward movement against the springs during impact. In another embodiment of the invention, pivots are located towards the front of the engine block and bearings are located in the back of the block and guided by tracks which direct the engine towards the ground in the event of collision. The invention therefore provides an apparatus which absorbs a significant amount of impact force and which redirects it towards the ground.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.