Integrated powertrain and chassis design for maximized passenger cabin volume of a vehicle

US9421853B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• James L. Luttinen · Brighton, US
• Julian Broadbent · Cockatoo, AU
• Alan W. Hayman · Romeo, US
• William A. Bear · Novi, US
• James B. Borgerson · Clarkston, US
• Daryl A. Wilton · Chesterfield Township, US
• Robert E. Zeweke · Shelby Charter Township, US
• Thomas A. Barth · Witzenhausen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 13, 2014
• Grant date: Aug 23, 2016
• Expiry date: Sep 10, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60G2202/132
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle includes a vehicle structure that extends along a longitudinal axis. An engine includes a crankshaft that defines a crank axis disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. A transmission includes an output shaft that defines a transmission output axis substantially parallel with the crank axis. The transmission output axis is disposed nearer the forward end of the vehicle structure than the crank axis. The crank axis is disposed vertically above the transmission output axis a distance of about 140 mm. The engine includes at least one cylinder bore that defines a bore axis disposed perpendicular to and may intersect the crank axis. The bore axis may be angled toward the forward end of the vehicle structure to define an angle between the bore axis and a vertical plane. The angle between the bore axis and the vertical plane may be about 18°.