Method and apparatus for reducing engine vibration induced vehicle cabin noise and resonance

A method of suspending an engine on a chassis comprising the steps of:

• mounting said engine to said chassis by using at least one engine mount in which an elastomeric insulating member is interposed between said engine and said chassis;
• interconnecting said engine and said chassis with a frequency responsive dynamic damper mechanism;
• utilizing said dynamic damper mechanism for increasing the effective spring modulus of said elastomeric insulating member and said dynamic damper mechanism when said engine vibrates with a frequency lower than a predetermined engine vibration frequency;
• and
• utilizing said dynamic damper mechanism for reducing the effective spring modulus of said elastomeric insulating member and said dynamic damping mechanism upon the engine vibration frequency approaching and/or exceeding said predetermined engine vibration frequency.

In a vehicle having an engine and a chassis,

• suspension means having a predetermined effective spring modulus for suspending said engine on said chassis;
• means for increasing said effective spring modulus when said engine vibrates with a frequency lower than a predetermined frequency;
• and
• means for reducing said spring modulus when said engine vibrates at a frequency equal to or greater than said predetermined frequency.

In a vehicle having an engine and a chassis,

• a suspension system for supporting said engine on said chassis and which has a predetermined effective spring modulus, comprising:
• means defining a first vibration transmission path between said engine and said chassis, said first vibration path including an engine mount having an elastomeric insulating member interposed between said engine and said chassis;
• and
• means defining a second vibration path between said engine and said chassis, said second vibration transmission path including means for inducing a phase change in the vibration transmitted therethrough at a predetermined frequency, said vibration phase change causing said effective spring modulus to reduce from a relatively high value to a relatively low value.