Symmetric engine and transmission coupler
View Patent ↗Systems, vehicles, and assemblies that include an prime mover, a transmission, and a coupler. The coupler couples the prime mover and the transmission. A preferred embodiment includes a system for forming a rigid body that includes a rotational prime mover and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly transmits at least a portion of the rotational energy from the prime mover to a driven member at a frequency. The system includes a first and a second bridging member. Coupling the first bridging member to the second bridging member forms a symmetric bridge or coupler. The symmetric bridge is symmetric about a first plane of symmetry. Furthermore, coupling a first portion of the bridge to the rotational prime mover and coupling a second portion of the bridge to the transmission assembly forms the rigid body. The rigid body further includes the bridge.
1. A system for forming a rigid body that includes a rotational prime mover and a transmission assembly that transmits at least a portion of rotational energy from the prime mover to drive a member, wherein the system includes:
a first bridging member; and
a second bridging member;
wherein coupling the first bridging member to the second bridging member forms a symmetric bridge that is symmetric about a first plane of symmetry;
wherein coupling a first portion of the bridge to the rotational prime mover and coupling a second portion of the bridge to the transmission assembly forms the rigid body such that the rigid body further includes the bridge;
wherein the first bridging member includes a flange portion that is oriented substantially parallel to the first plane of symmetry and a body portion that is oriented substantially orthogonal to the flange portion; and
wherein the flange portion of the first bridging member includes a first aperture that enables coupling the first portion of the bridge to the rotational prime mover and a second aperture that enables coupling the second portion of the bridge to the transmission assembly and the body portion of the first bridging member includes a third aperture that enables coupling the first bridging member to the second bridging member.
2. A system for forming a rigid body that includes a rotational prime mover and a transmission assembly that transmits at least a portion of rotational energy from the prime mover to drive a member, wherein the system includes:
a first bridging member; and
a second bridging member;
wherein coupling the first bridging member to the second bridging member forms a symmetric bridge that is symmetric about a first plane of symmetry;
wherein coupling a first portion of the bridge to the rotational prime mover and coupling a second portion of the bridge to the transmission assembly forms the rigid body such that the rigid body further includes the bridge; and
wherein the first bridging member includes a first surface and the second bridging member includes a second surface, wherein the bridge includes a planar interface defined by the first surface abutting the second surface such that the first plane of symmetry is coincident with the planar interface.