OFF-ROAD VEHICLE ENGINE MOUNTING

The present disclosure relates to an off-road vehicle having different features such as an engine assembly, a frame having a frame structure, and a rear mount assembly facilitating easy installation of the engine assembly, and a method of installing the engine assembly. Embodiments of the present disclosure also describe a removable frame member facilitating the installation of the engine assembly from a seating area into a rearward portion of the vehicle. The removable frame member is positioned at least partially forward of the installed engine assembly and in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The frame structure and the rear mount assembly provide more efficient assembly of the engine and transmission assembly into a tight space envelope.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to an off-road vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to engine and transmission mounting of an off-road vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles can be divided based on their applications, such as on-road riding vehicles and off-road riding vehicles. Examples of on-road riding vehicles include motorbikes; sedan, hatchback, and wagon cars; sports utility vehicle (SUV) cars, and the like. Examples of off-road riding vehicles include recreational off-highway vehicles (ROV) such as ATVs and side-by-sides (UTVs, both utility and sport), enduro and motocross motorcycles, and the like. Because of the different applications, some of designs and structures of the on-road vehicles and off-road vehicles are different. For instance, space required by a vehicle is not as much of a constraint in an on-road vehicle. Hence, a frame structure of an on-road vehicle is generally larger/bigger as compared to an off-road vehicle. Also, due to high impact and forces generated by highly variable terrain, the frame structures of off-road vehicles might need to be stronger and more resilient.

As mentioned above, different types of off-road vehicles, such as UTVs and ATVs are widely used. Such off-road vehicles are used for adventure activities, such as hunting, trail riding, racing, or for performing heavy-duty work. Work might include transporting cargo, hauling equipment, towing loads, and the like. Side-by-side vehicles include seating for a driver and passenger in a side-by-side arrangement. Due to space constraints and performance concerns of a side-by-side vehicle, this side-by-side seating often pushes the engine to a tight space between the seating area and the rear axle. Such placement of the engine assembly towards the rear end of the vehicle provides desired balance to the vehicle while driving so as to limit excessive forward pitching of the vehicle and keep the vehicle stable through rough terrain at variable speeds. Apart from the stability, it is important to control Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) of a vehicle for providing a better riding experience.

To provide better stability and better distribution of NVH of the off-road vehicles, different modifications are being made while designing frame structures and engine assemblies of off-road vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In some embodiments, the present disclosure sets forth a rear mount assembly in an off-road vehicle for securing an engine and transmission assembly to the vehicle frame. The rear mount assembly comprises a rear mount bracket defined by a rear central portion having a first side edge, a second side edge, and a supporting flange extending upwardly from each of the first side edge and the second side edge. The rear mount bracket is configured to be attached to a rear part of the engine assembly at the supporting flange thereof. The rear mount assembly also comprises a rear transverse bar defined by a first end, a second end, and a rear central part extending therebetween, the rear central part having at least a top surface. The rear transverse bar is configured to be attached to the rear central portion of the rear mount bracket at the top surface of the rear central part. Further, the rear mount assembly also comprises a pair of rear isolators configured to be attached to the rear transverse bar.

The present disclosure further includes an engine mount assembly for attaching an engine assembly to a frame, the engine assembly comprising a front part and a rear part. The frame comprises a front frame coupling and a rear frame coupling. The engine mount assembly comprises a front mount assembly for attaching the front part of the engine to the front frame coupling of the frame. The front mount assembly comprises a pair of front isolators. The engine mount assembly also comprises a rear mount assembly for attaching the rear part of the engine assembly to the rear frame coupling of the frame. The rear mount assembly comprises a rear mount bracket defined by a rear central portion having a first side edge, a second side edge, and a supporting flange extending from each of the first side edge and the second side edge. The rear mount bracket may be configured to be attached to the rear part of the engine assembly at the supporting flange thereof. The rear mount assembly further comprises a rear transverse bar defined by a first end, a second end, and a rear central part extending therebetween. The rear central part has a top surface such that the rear transverse bar is configured to be attached with the rear central portion of the rear mount bracket at the rear central part. The rear mount assembly also comprises a pair of rear isolators configured to be attached to the rear transverse bar.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure sets forth a method of installing an engine assembly in an off-road vehicle. The off-road vehicle comprises a frame extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and defining a seating area and an engine area. The frame has a front mount assembly that comprises a pair of front isolators and a rear mount assembly that comprises a rear mount bracket having a rear central portion, a pair of supporting flanges, a rear transverse bar, and a pair of rear isolators. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of attaching a rear part of the engine assembly with the pair of supporting flanges of the rear mount bracket using at least one first fastener and attaching the rear transverse bar with the pair of rear isolators. The engine mount assembly is then guided towards the attached rear transverse bar such that a lower surface of the rear central portion abuts a top surface of the rear transverse bar. The rear mount bracket is then attached with the rear transverse bar using at least a second fastener.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a frame for an off-road vehicle extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and defining a seating area and an engine area. The frame comprises a frame structure facilitating the installation of an engine assembly from the seating area to the engine area. The frame structure comprises a first side portion defining a first side, a second side portion defining a second side, and a front central portion configured to be attached between the first side portion and the second side portion. The front central portion comprises a first member, a second member, and a cross member attached therebetween.

The present disclosure further sets forth an off-road vehicle comprising a frame extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and defining a seating area and an engine area of the vehicle. The frame comprises a front frame structure, a first side structure, and a second side structure. In the said embodiment, the front frame structure facilitates the installation of an engine assembly from the seating area to the engine area and comprises a first side portion defining a first side thereof. The first side portion is configured to be attached to a first side member of the first side structure and a second side portion defining the second side thereof. The second side portion is configured to be attached to the second side structure. The front frame structure further comprises a front central portion configured to be removably attached to each of the first side portion and the second side portion. The front central portion comprises a first member, a second member, and a cross member attached therebetween, wherein the front central portion is positioned in a lateral direction of the vehicle and at least partially forward to the installed engine assembly.

The present disclosure includes a method for installing an engine assembly in an off-road vehicle. In the said embodiment, the off-road vehicle comprises a frame extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and defining a seating area and an engine area. The frame has a front frame structure defined by a first side portion, a second side portion, and a removable front central portion therebetween. The method comprises the steps of receiving the engine assembly within the seating area and guiding the engine assembly to the engine area from the seating area. A rear part of the engine assembly is then attached with a rear mount assembly in the engine area and the removable front central portion is attached with the first side portion and the second side portion.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes an off-road vehicle comprising a frame extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and defining a seating area and an engine area of the vehicle. The said frame further comprises a front frame structure, a first side structure, a second side structure, a front mount assembly, and a rear mount assembly. In the said embodiment, the front frame structure facilitates installation of an engine assembly from the seating area to the engine area. The said front frame structure comprises a first side portion configured to be attached to a first side member of the first side structure, a second side portion configured to be attached to the second side structure, and a front central portion configured to be removably attached to each of the first side portion and the second side portion. The frame as disclosed in the aforesaid embodiment also comprises a front mount assembly comprising a pair of front isolators and a rear mount assembly comprising a rear mount bracket, a rear transverse bar, and a pair of rear isolators, wherein the pair of rear isolators are positioned in parallel to the pair of front isolators.

The present disclosure further relates to a method of installing an engine assembly in an off-road vehicle. The off-road vehicle comprises a frame extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and defining a seating area and an engine area. As per the embodiment, the frame has a front frame structure with a removable front central portion, a front engine mount assembly comprising a pair of front isolators, and a rear mount assembly. The method comprises the steps of receiving the engine assembly within the seating area and guiding the engine assembly to the engine area from the seating area. A rear part of the engine assembly is then attached with the rear mount assembly and a front part of the engine assembly is attached with the front mount assembly. The method further includes the steps of attaching the rear transverse bar with the pair of rear isolators using at least one second fastener and attaching the removable front central portion with the first side portion and the side second portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth herein. It should be appreciated that the description herein may be adapted to be employed with alternatively configured devices having different shapes, components, attachment mechanisms, and the like and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe an off-road vehicle having different features such as an engine assembly, a frame having a frame and a rear mount assembly facilitating easy installation of the engine assembly, a suspension assembly, a plurality of wheels, and a method of installing the engine assembly. The term ‘engine assembly’ used throughout the disclosure relates to an engine and a transaxle and/or transmission assembly of an off-road vehicle. In particular, the engine assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure, comprises an engine, a transaxle and/or a transmission, and associated parts known to a person skilled in the art. Components described herein are not limited to off-road vehicles and may be utilized for different vehicles. For example, the frame structure and the rear mount assembly may be used in different models on-road or off-road vehicles for quick and easy installation of the engine assembly. In addition, the frame and the rear mount assembly provide better distribution of load on the frame so as to provide better control of the vehicle while riding.

Reference is now made toFIGS.1-2, which represent an off-road vehicle1according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle1generally comprises a frame20and an engine assembly10. The frame20is configured to provide support to the engine assembly10and other components of the vehicle1. The frame20is configured to be divided into two parts. A front part of the frame20defines a seating area22. The seating area22of the vehicle1comprises a steering assembly of the vehicle1, corresponding components, and one or more seats for providing seating arrangement to one or more riders. In some embodiments, the front part of the frame20may include one or more suspension assemblies for front wheels of the vehicle1. A rear part of the frame20defines an engine area24. The engine area24is configured to receive the engine assembly10of the vehicle1. In some embodiments, the rear part of the frame20may include one or more suspension assemblies for rear wheels of the vehicle1.FIG.3illustrates an exemplary frame20in accordance with the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the vehicle1extends in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. A longitudinal direction of the vehicle1is defined by a direction extending between a front of a seating area22to a back of the engine area24and is indicated by X. A lateral direction of the vehicle1is defined by a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal direction X and is indicated by Y.

The engine assembly10, preferably including an engine and transmission, may comprise a front part E1and a rear part E2(seen e.g., inFIG.4). The front part E1of the engine assembly10may be configured to be attached to the frame20using a front mount assembly30. The rear part E2of the engine assembly10may be configured to be attached to the frame20using a rear mount assembly100.

In some embodiments, the front mount assembly30may comprise a front horizontal bar26, a pair of front isolators32, and one or more front brackets34. The front horizontal bar26may be configured to be attached to the front part E1of the engine assembly10using the one or more front brackets34. The pair of front isolators32may be configured to be attached to sides of the front horizontal bar26for attachment of the front part E1of the engine assembly10with the frame20. Such attachment of the front part E1of the engine assembly10provides secure attachment of the engine assembly10to the frame20such that a movement of the front part E1of the engine assembly10in the longitudinal and lateral direction Y is completely restricted, other than by some flex of the frame members and slight movement within the isolators.

The rear mount assembly100may comprise a rear mount bracket102(seen e.g., inFIGS.5-6). The rear mount bracket102may be configured to be connected to the rear part E2of the engine assembly10. In an embodiment, a shape of the rear mount bracket102is designed so as to receive the rear part E2of the engine assembly10therewithin. The rear mount bracket102may be defined by a rear central portion104having a first side edge116, a second side edge118, and a supporting flange120extending upwardly from each of the first side edge116and the second side edge118. Accordingly, the rear mount bracket102may comprise a first supporting flange at the first side edge116and a second supporting flange at the second side edge118, and the rear central portion104collectively comprises a pair of supporting flanges. In some embodiments, an angle of the supporting flange120with respect to the rear central portion104may be a right angle. In other embodiments, the angle may be an acute angle or an obtuse angle with respect to the rear central portion104. In other words, the supporting flanges120may be angled corresponding to a shape of the rear part E2of the engine assembly10. In an embodiment, the rear central portion104may have a rectangular shape. In another embodiment, the rear central portion104may be of a square shape.

For accommodating/receiving the rear part E2of the engine assembly10, the supporting flange120may comprise at least one first hole (not seen) to receive at least one first fastener124(seen e.g., inFIG.5). In some embodiments, the rear part E2of the engine assembly10may comprise corresponding one or more holes to receive the one or more first fasteners for attachment with the rear mount bracket102. Accordingly, the first fastener may be configured to attach the rear mount bracket102from the first supporting flange120to the second supporting flange120using the one or more first fasteners. In a preferred embodiment, each supporting flange120comprises two first holes to receive two first fasteners. The one or more first fasteners may be positioned in the lateral direction Y of the vehicle1when the rear mount bracket102is attached to engine assembly10.

The rear central portion104may further include an upper surface106and a lower surface108(seen e.g., inFIG.5). The upper surface106may be gusseted with an elevated triangular section114extending from therefrom towards each supporting flange120. In other words, the upper surface106may comprise two elevated triangular sections extending therefrom, one extending towards the first supporting flange120and another extending towards the second supporting flange120. The elevated triangular sections may be configured to provide a lateral strength to the rear bracket mount to receive the rear part E2of the engine assembly10therewithin. In some embodiments, the elevated triangular sections114may be stamped on the rear bracket mount102at the time of manufacturing. In such embodiments, a corresponding portion of the lower surface108may form a corresponding cavity C (seen e.g., inFIG.16). The rear central portion104may further comprise at least one second hole110extending from the upper surface106to the lower surface108. The at least one second hole110may be configured to receive corresponding at least one second fastener112.

The rear mount assembly100may further comprise a rear transverse bar126(seen e.g., inFIGS.5-6). The rear transverse bar126may be defined by a first end128, a second end130, and a rear central part132therebetween. The rear central part132may be defined by a top surface134. The rear transverse bar126may comprise one or more holes corresponding to the at least one second hole110of the rear central part132of the rear mount bracket102. The one or more holes of the rear central part132may be configured to receive the at least one second fastener112when the rear mount bracket102is attached to the rear transverse bar126. In an embodiment, when attached, the top surface134of the rear central part132of the rear transverse bar126is configured to abut the lower surface108of the rear central portion104of the rear mount bracket102. The rear transverse bar126may be configured to be oriented in the lateral direction Y of vehicle1when attached. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear transverse bar126may have a rectangular cross-section.

The rear mount assembly100may further comprise a pair of rear isolators138(seen e.g., inFIGS.5-6). The pair of rear isolators138may be configured to be attached to the rear transverse bar126. In an embodiment, a first rear isolator140may be attached to the first end128of the rear transverse bar126and a second rear isolator142may be attached to the second end130of the rear transverse bar126. The pair of rear isolators138may be attached to the rear transverse bar126using one or more rear fasteners. The attachment of the rear part E2of the engine assembly10(seen e.g., inFIG.4) with the rear mount assembly100(seen e.g., inFIG.5) ensures secure connection of the rear part E2of the engine so as to restrict movement of the engine assembly10while the vehicle is in use. Such secure attachment reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) in the vehicle1, thereby providing a smooth riding experience.

The rear isolators138, when attached, are positioned so as to be in parallel with each other and with the pair of front isolators32. In other words, each of the pair of rear isolators138and the pair of front isolators32is positioned in a same configuration. Particularly, a front central axis A1passing through centres of the pair of front isolators32is parallel to a rear central axis A2passing through centres of the pair of rear isolators138(seen e.g., inFIG.4). More particularly, as the pair of rear isolators138are positioned parallel to each other, the centres of the pair of rear isolators138lie on a same central axis, defining the rear central axis A2. Such positioning of the pair of rear isolators138results in a less space required at the rear part E2of the engine assembly10for attachment, thereby reducing an overall space envelop required when the engine assembly10is installed in the engine area24. Further, the reduced space envelop may facilitate more space for other parts of the vehicle1, for instance, a larger engine assembly10or a better suspension assembly.

The present disclosure further sets forth a frame structure F of a frame20of an off-road vehicle1(seen e.g., inFIG.7). The frame structure may be defined by a front frame structure200, a first side structure S1, and a second side structure S2. In some embodiments, the front frame structure200may be configured to facilitate installation of the engine assembly10within the engine area24. The front frame structure200may comprise a first side portion202defining a first side the frame and a second side portion206defining a second side of the frame. The first side portion202and the second side portion206may be configured to be attached to any one of the first side structure S1and the second side structure S2. For instance, in an exemplary embodiment, the first side portion202may be attached to the first side structure and the second side portion206may be attached to the second side structure. The first side portion202and the second side portion206may be attached with the first side structure and. the second side structure, respectively, using one or more fastening mechanism or may be welded together for attachment.

In some embodiments, the front frame structure200may further comprise a front central portion210(seen e.g., inFIGS.8,10-11). The front central portion210may be removably attached to the first side portion202and the second side portion206. In an embodiment, the first side portion202, the cross member216, and the second side portion206may be attached in a sequential manner. Particularly, the front central portion210comprises a proximal end222configured to be attached to the first side portion202and a distal end224configured to be attached to the second side portion206(seen e.g., inFIG.10). More particularly, the proximal end222of the front central portion210may be received within a first bracket204of the first side portion202and the distal end224of the front central portion210may be received within a second bracket208of the second side portion206(seen e.g., inFIGS.9-10). The front central portion210may be attached to the first side portion202and the second side portion206using at least one third. fastener226. Such arrangement makes the front central portion210easily removable from the frame20, which facilitates easy installation of the engine assembly10in the engine area24. Further, the front central portion210may be easily attached to the me20after installation of the engine assembly10. Thereby, making the attachment of the front central portion210quick and easy.

The front central portion210may comprise a first member212, a second member214, and a cross member216attached therebetween (seen e.g., inFIG.8). The first member212may be attached to the first side portion202and the second member214may be attached to the second side portion206. Particularly, the first member212may be received within the first bracket204of the first side portion202and the second member214may be received within the second bracket208of the second side portion206.

In some embodiments, the cross member216may be defined by a first member end218configured to be attached to the first member212and a second member end220configured to be attached to the second member214(seen e.g., inFIG.8). In some embodiments, the cross member216may be attached to the first member212and the second member214by welding. In other embodiments, the cross member216may be attached to the first member212and the second member214by other fastening mechanism, such as by one or more. fasteners, a snap fit mechanism, or the like.

In an embodiment, the front frame structure200may be attached to the first side portion202and the second side portion206after installation of the engine assembly10in the engine area24. In a preferred embodiment, the front frame structure200may be positioned at least partially forward of the installed engine assembly10(seen e.g., inFIG.6). The front frame structure200may further be positioned in the lateral direction Y of the vehicle1when attached in the first side portion202and the second side portion206. Such arrangement ensures an additional space at a top part of the engine assembly10, thereby providing simple arrangement/placement of the engine assembly10with respect to the frame20. In an embodiment, the front frame structure200may be made of a metal, specifically steel, and may have a rectangular cross-section.

The front central portion210may comprise a front surface and a back surface (seen e.g., inFIGS.10-11). In an embodiment, the front surface may be configured to attach a seat frame230therewith. The front surface may be attached with the seat frame230using one or more fourth fasteners232. In a preferred embodiment, the seat frame230may be attached with the front surface using four fourth fasteners.

The present disclosure further relates to a method of installing an engine assembly10in an off-road riding vehicle1. It is to be noted that the term ‘engine assembly10’ relates to an engine and a transaxle and/or transmission assembly of an off-road vehicle1. The engine assembly10may comprise a front part E1and a rear part E2. In a preferred embodiment, a front part of an engine constitutes the front part E1of the engine assembly10and a rear part of a transaxle constitutes the rear part E2of the engine assembly10. The engine assembly10may be configured to be attached to a vehicle1using a front mount assembly30at the front part E1and a rear mount assembly100at the rear part E2. The front mount assembly30may comprise a front horizontal bar and a pair of front isolators32.

The rear mount assembly100may comprise a rear mount bracket102, a rear transverse bar126, and a pair of rear isolators138. The rear mount bracket102may comprise a rear mount bracket102having a first side edge116, a second side edge118, a supporting flange120extending upwardly from each of the first side edge116, and the second side edge118, an upper surface106, a lower surface108, and at least one first hole configured to receive at least one first fastener124. The rear transverse bar126may comprise a top surface134, at least one second hole110configured to receive at least one second fastener112.

In an embodiment, the pair of front isolators32and the pair of rear isolators138may be positioned in parallel to each other. In other words, each isolator of the pair of front isolators32and the pair of rear isolators138may be configured to be positioned in a same orientation such that a centre of each isolator may lie on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle1.

The vehicle1may be configured to extend in a longitudinal direction X. It is further to be noted that the off-road vehicle1may be a side-by-side vehicle1as described hereinabove, and all the features of the vehicle1as described hereinabove are included in the method of installing the engine assembly10. Accordingly, the vehicle1comprises a frame20defining a seating area22and an engine area24, and may comprise a front frame structure200, a first side structure, and a second side structure. The front frame structure200may comprise a first side portion202, a second side portion206, and a removable front central portion210configured to be attached therebetween. According to a preferred embodiment, the frame20facilitates the installation of the engine assembly10either from the seating area22to the engine area24or directly to the engine area24.

The method of installing the engine assembly10in the engine area24comprises the step of attaching the rear part E2of the engine assembly10, more specifically the rear part of the transaxle, with the rear mount bracket102and the rear transverse bar126with the pair of rear isolators138. It is to be noted that the step of attaching of the rear part E2of the engine and the rear transverse bar126may be performed together or sequentially in any order without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The engine assembly10is then received in the engine area24. In an embodiment, the engine assembly10may be directly received in the engine area24(seen e.g., inFIG.12A). In such embodiment, the engine assembly10may be attached to the rear mount assembly100and the front mount assembly30after receiving the engine assembly10in the engine area24. In another embodiment, the engine assembly10may be received in the seating area22and may be guided to the engine area24(seen e.g., inFIG.12B). In such embodiment, the method further includes the step of guiding the engine assembly10, attached with the rear mount bracket102, towards the rear transverse bar126, attached to the pair of rear isolators138. In an embodiment, the engine assembly10, with the rear mount bracket102attached to the rear part E2thereof, may be moved towards the rear transverse bar126at least at an angle. As the rear mount bracket102and the rear transverse bar126are already attached with the rear part E2of the engine assembly10and the pair of rear isolators138, respectively, the installation of the engine assembly10requires the step of fastening of the at least one second fastener for securement between the rear mount bracket102and the horizontal bar126. The rear mount bracket102is attached with the rear transverse bar126using the at least second fastener, such that the lower surface108of the rear central portion104of the rear mount bracket102abuts the top surface134of the rear transverse bar126, thereby making installation of the engine assembly10easy and quick. Once the rear mount bracket102is attached with the rear transverse bar126, the removable front central portion210is attached to the first side portion202and the second side portion206.FIG.13illustrates the engine assembly10installed in the engine area24in accordance with any of the embodiments discussed above. The removable front central portion210is configured to be positioned in a lateral direction Y of the vehicle1, transverse to the longitudinal direction X. In such position, the removable front central portion210is at least partially forward of the installed engine assembly10.

After installation of the engine assembly10in the engine area24and the attachment of the removable front central portion210to the front frame structure200, a seat frame230is attached to the removable front central portion210. In an embodiment, the seat frame230is attached to a front surface of the front central portion210. The seat frame230may be attached to the removable front central portion210using at least one fourth fastener232.FIGS.14-16illustrate different views of the installed engine assembly10in the engine area24, More specifically,FIGS.14A-14Billustrate exemplary views of an installed engine assembly within a frame of an off-road vehicle from a first side view thereof. The first side may be considered as a rear passenger side view.FIGS.15A-15Billustrate exemplary views of an installed engine assembly within a frame of an off-road vehicle from a second side view thereof. The second side may be considered as a rear driver side view.FIGS.16A-16Billustrate an exemplary top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the installed engine assembly10with the frame20.

In an exemplary embodiment, the removable front central portion210may be configured to separate the engine area24with the seating area22after installation of the engine assembly10.

In some embodiments, the vehicle1may include a different frame structure. In such embodiments, a frame transverse bar250in a rear frame structure may be elevated (seen e.g., inFIG.12A) as compared to a frame transverse bar250′ (seen e.g., inFIG.12B). Such elevated frame transverse bar250provides better space envelope to the engine assembly10in the engine area24.

The fasteners used throughout the present disclosure may be nut and bolt fasteners used in automobile industry. In some embodiments, the bolt in such fasteners may have a hex-head, followed by a hex-headed cap screw and a stud.

It is to be noted that different values and parameters mentioned in the description are exemplary in nature and are not intended to bound the specification in any manner.

Finally, while the present invention has been described above with reference to various exemplary embodiments, many changes, combinations, and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the various components may be implemented in alternative ways. These alternatives can be suitably selected depending upon the particular application or in consideration of any number of factors associated with the operation of the device. In addition, the techniques described herein may be extended or modified for use with other types of devices. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.