Active vibration control engine mount neutralizing engine vibrations.

Quiet Revolution: How New Engine Mounts are Changing the Future of Fuel-Efficient Cars

Mira Elwood in Tech & Innovation September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the innovative active vibration control technology that's making fuel-efficient engines quieter and more comfortable than ever before."

In today's world, the demand for cars that sip fuel and reduce carbon emissions is louder than ever. But there's a catch: these super-efficient engines, while great for the planet and your wallet, often bring along unwanted engine noise and vibration. It’s a classic trade-off, and car manufacturers have been working tirelessly to bridge this gap.

Traditionally, achieving better fuel economy often meant adopting technologies like Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) systems or higher compression ratios. While effective in boosting efficiency, these methods tend to create more engine vibration, particularly in the medium to high frequency ranges. This vibration translates to what's known as structure-borne noise, which is transmitted from the engine mounts to the car's body, impacting passenger comfort.

The challenge, then, is clear: how do we make our engines more fuel-efficient without sacrificing the peace and quiet we expect in our vehicles? The answer lies in innovative engine mount systems that can effectively control and minimize these vibrations. Let's dive into the fascinating world of active vibration control technology and how it's paving the way for a smoother, quieter, and more efficient driving experience.

The Science of Silence: Active Vibration Control

Active vibration control engine mount neutralizing engine vibrations.

The key to quelling engine noise lies in the engine mounts themselves. Traditional engine mounts act as passive insulators, reducing the transfer of vibration from the engine to the chassis. However, these passive systems often struggle with the specific vibration characteristics of modern, fuel-efficient engines. This is where active vibration control systems come into play.

Imagine an engine mount that not only isolates vibration but also actively counteracts it. That's the essence of active vibration control. These systems typically involve:

Sensors that detect engine vibrations in real-time.
A control unit that processes the sensor data and determines the appropriate counter-forces.
Actuators that generate these counter-forces to cancel out the engine's vibrations.

One particularly promising approach involves adding mass to the insulator within the engine mount. This creates a resonance at lower frequencies, effectively acting as a double anti-vibration system. By carefully tuning this added mass and incorporating active control, engineers can significantly reduce the transmission of noise in the troublesome 300Hz to 1000Hz range. To prevent the added mass from creating its own resonance-related issues, a control force proportional to the vibration velocity is applied. This cancels out unwanted vibrations.

Driving Towards a Quieter Future

The future of driving is shaping up to be both greener and quieter, thanks to innovations in engine mount technology. Active vibration control systems are not just about reducing noise; they're about enhancing the overall driving experience. By tackling the challenges posed by fuel-efficient engines, these advancements pave the way for vehicles that are both environmentally friendly and a pleasure to drive.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4271/2013-01-1703, Alternate LINK

Title: New Vibration Control Methodology In Engine Mount System For Low-Fuel Consumption Engines

Journal: SAE International Journal of Engines

Publisher: SAE International

Authors: Yusuke Sato, Masahiko Kondo

Published: 2013-04-08

Everything You Need To Know

Why do fuel-efficient engines often lead to increased noise and vibration in vehicles?

Fuel-efficient engines, while beneficial for reducing carbon emissions and saving money, tend to produce more engine noise and vibration, especially in the medium to high frequency ranges. This is often due to technologies like Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) systems or higher compression ratios, which, while improving efficiency, lead to increased vibration. This vibration then transmits to the car's body as structure-borne noise, diminishing passenger comfort. Overcoming this requires innovative solutions that balance fuel efficiency with a quiet and comfortable ride.

How do traditional engine mounts differ from active vibration control systems in reducing engine noise?

Traditional engine mounts act as passive insulators, designed to reduce the transfer of vibration from the engine to the chassis. However, they often fall short when dealing with the specific vibration characteristics of modern, fuel-efficient engines. This is where active vibration control systems become essential. Unlike passive mounts, active systems use sensors to detect engine vibrations in real-time, a control unit to process this data and determine appropriate counter-forces, and actuators to generate these forces, effectively canceling out the engine's vibrations.

What are the key components of active vibration control systems, and how do they work together to reduce noise?

Active vibration control systems employ a few key components working in concert. Sensors detect engine vibrations in real-time, feeding data to a control unit. This unit processes the information and calculates the necessary counter-forces to neutralize the vibrations. Actuators then generate these counter-forces, effectively canceling out the engine's vibrations and preventing them from transmitting to the vehicle's body. This complex interplay ensures a smoother, quieter ride.

What is the role of added mass in engine mounts with active vibration control, and how does it reduce noise?

One promising method involves integrating mass into the engine mount's insulator, creating a resonance at lower frequencies. This acts as a double anti-vibration system. By precisely tuning this added mass and incorporating active control, engineers can significantly reduce noise transmission, particularly in the troublesome 300Hz to 1000Hz range. To prevent the added mass from introducing its own resonance-related issues, a control force proportional to the vibration velocity is applied, effectively canceling out unwanted vibrations.

Beyond noise reduction, how do active vibration control systems enhance the overall driving experience and what are their broader implications?

Active vibration control systems enhance the driving experience by reducing noise and improving comfort. These systems tackle the challenges posed by fuel-efficient engines, paving the way for vehicles that are not only environmentally friendly but also a pleasure to drive. By minimizing structure-borne noise, these advancements contribute to a quieter cabin, allowing drivers and passengers to enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable ride. Further development could explore integration with adaptive suspension systems for a comprehensive approach to ride quality and handling.