Damping device, system and method for damping a first component relative to a second component

Abstract

The present application discloses a damping device, system and method for damping a first member relative to a second member. The damping device for damping a first member relative to a second member includes a receiving member having a flange, an axial elastic member and a radial elastic member. The axial elastic member can be positioned between a surface of the first member and the flange of the receiving member, and the radial elastic member can be positioned between the first member and the receiving member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to mechanical energy damping, and more particularly to methods, systems, and apparatus for damping a first component relative to a second component. Background Art

[0002] In various industries, it may be desirable (or even necessary) to attenuate shock and / or vibration transmitted from a supporting structure to a piece of functional equipment. Shock loads are typically large magnitude, short duration forces. Shock loads may have vibration frequencies ranging from a few hertz to several kilohertz or higher, may be transient or continuous in nature, and may have axial and / or lateral directional components.

[0003] In the aerospace industry, it is necessary to prevent the large amounts of mechanical vibration and / or mechanical shock generated during the operation of an aerospace vehicle (e.g., an aircraft, spacecraft, satellite, rocket, etc.) from reaching functional devices mounted to the support structure of the vehicle. If sufficient shock loads are transmitted to the functional devices, the mechanical vibration and / or mechanical shock may damage the functional devices or cause them to malfunction. In addition, the space and weight constraints of aerospace vehicles and the need for high flexibility in strength and load attenuation requirements may limit the use of existing shock attenuation methods.

[0004] EP 1 467 121 describes an impact attenuating mounting bracket for isolating a hardware component from impacts associated with an underlying structure, the underlying structure comprising a base and a planar strap coupled together. The base is coupled to the underlying structure and the planar strap is coupled to the hardware component. The planar strap has at least two bends along its length to dissipate impacts associated with the underlying structure. The planar strap may be C-shaped with a first free end and a second free end coupled to the base and a middle portion coupled to the hardware component. Alternatively, the planar strap may have a C-shaped notch formed internally and the bracket may include a multi-sided gusset supporting the base to the planar strap. The bracket is designed to improve impact attenuation in impact sensitive designs while maintaining sufficient structural rigidity to withstand random vibration loads and a minimum natural frequency greater than 100 Hz.

[0005] Therefore, those skilled in the art continue to conduct research and development work in the field of mechanical energy damping. Summary of the invention

[0006] Apparatus, systems, and methods for damping a first component relative to a second component are disclosed.

[0007] In one example, the disclosed apparatus for damping includes: a receiving member including a flange, an axial elastic member and a radial elastic member. The axial elastic member may be positioned between a surface of a first member and the flange of the receiving member, and the radial elastic member may be positioned between the first member and the receiving member.

[0008] In another example, the disclosed device for damping includes a receiving member, a first axial elastic member, a second axial elastic member, and a radial elastic member. The first member includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first member through hole extending between the first surface and the second surface. The receiving member includes a shaft configured to extend through the first member through hole, the shaft defining an axis through hole extending along the axis of the axis through hole and a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The receiving member further includes a first flange near the first end and a second flange near the second end. The first axial elastic member can be positioned between the first surface of the first member and the first flange of the receiving member. The second axial elastic member can be positioned between the second surface of the first member and the second flange of the receiving member. The radial elastic member can be positioned in the first member through hole between the first member and the shaft of the receiving member.

[0009] In one example, the disclosed damping system includes a first member including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first member through hole extending between the first surface and the second surface. The damping system also includes a receiving member, a first axial elastic member, a second axial elastic member, a radial elastic member, and a second member. The receiving member includes a shaft configured to extend through the first member through hole, the shaft defining an axis through hole extending along the axis of the axis through hole and a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The receiving member further includes a first flange near the first end and a second flange near the second end. The first axial elastic member may be positioned between the first surface of the first member and the first flange of the receiving member. The second axial elastic member may be positioned between the second surface of the first member and the second flange of the receiving member. The radial elastic member may be positioned in the first member through hole between the first member and the shaft of the receiving member. The second member is at least partially received in the shaft through hole of the receiving member.

[0010] In one example, a method for damping a first member relative to a second member is disclosed, comprising: positioning a receiving member including a shaft through hole within the first member through hole; positioning at least one elastic member between the receiving member and the first member; and positioning the second member within the shaft through hole. The first member comprises a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a first member through hole extending between the first surface and the second surface.

[0011] Other examples of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods will become apparent from the following detailed description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a front view of an example of the disclosed damping system;

[0013] Figure 2 It is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of a device for damping a damping system as shown in FIG.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A side elevation view of the device shown in FIG.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional front elevation view of the device shown in;

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the device shown in FIG.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 An exploded front view of the device shown in;

[0018] Figure 7 is a flow chart describing an example of the disclosed method for damping a first member relative to a second member;

[0019] Figure 8 is a flow chart of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance methods; and

[0020] Fig. 9 It is a block diagram of an aircraft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which show specific examples of the present disclosure. Other examples with different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. In different drawings, similar reference numerals may refer to the same features, elements or components.

[0022] Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples are provided below, which may be, but not necessarily, claimed for protection according to the subject matter of the present disclosure. Reference to "example" herein means that one or more features, structures, elements, parts, characteristics, and / or operating steps described in conjunction with the example are included in at least one embodiment and / or implementation of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, throughout this disclosure, the phrase "example" and similar language may, but not necessarily, refer to the same example. In addition, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example.

[0023] As used herein, the phrase "a plurality of" items refers to one or more items of those items. For example, a plurality of items may include one item or a plurality of items. For simplicity, throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the use of the plural form of a referenced item refers to a plurality of items. For example, unless otherwise specified, the use of "item" refers to "a plurality of items."

[0024] refer to Figure 1 , the present disclosure provides an example of a damping system 200 for damping the motion of a first member 10 relative to a second member 20. The damping system 200 includes a first member 10, a second member 20, and a damping device 100 for damping the first member 10 relative to the second member 20. Although the first member 10 and the second member 20 are shown as a housing and a bolt, the first member 10 and the second member 20 may be any suitable combination of devices, structures, components, etc. The damping device 100 may damp the intermobility of the first member 10 relative to the second member 20, so that much less mechanical energy is transferred between the two. In this case, the damping device 100 significantly fixes their positions relative to each other.

[0025] The first member 10 and the second member 20 may be made of various materials such as aluminum, titanium, etc. The first member 10 may be a unitary structure or an assembly of smaller parts. Similarly, the second member 20 may be a unitary structure or an assembly of smaller parts.

[0026] refer to Figures 2 to 6 , discloses an example of a damping device 100 for damping a first member 10 relative to a second member 20 of a damping system 200. Here, the first member 10 includes a first surface 11, a second surface 12 opposite to the first surface 11, and a first member through hole 13 extending between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. The damping device 100 includes a receiving member 30, a first axial elastic member 60, a second axial elastic member 70, and a radial elastic member 80. The first axial elastic member 60 may be positioned between the first surface 11 of the first member 10 and the first flange 44 of the receiving member 30. The second axial elastic member 70 may be positioned between the second surface 12 of the first member 10 and the second flange 54 of the receiving member 30. The radial elastic member 80 may be positioned within the first member through hole 13 between the first member 10 and the shaft 32 of the receiving member 30.

[0027] The receiving member 30 includes a shaft 32 extending through the first member through hole 13. The shaft 32 defines a shaft through hole 34 extending along the shaft through hole axis A. The shaft 32 also includes a first end 42, a first flange 44 near the first end 42, a second end 52 axially opposite to the first end 42, and a second flange 54 near the second end 52. At least one of the first flange 44 and the second flange 54 can be connected to the shaft 32 by a suitable mechanism for connection (such as adhesion, swaging, etc.). As shown in the figure, the first flange 44 and the second flange 54 are integral with the shaft of the receiving member 30.

[0028] The receiving member 30 can at least partially receive the second member 20. By connecting the second member 20 to the receiving member 30 (such as by inserting the second member through the axial through hole of the receiving member), the mechanical load can be transmitted between the second member 20 and the receiving member 30. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the efficiency of the mechanical load transmission is related to the degree of contact between the second member 20 and the receiving member 30. The tighter the connection between the receiving member 30 and the second member 20, the more effective the mechanical load transmission between the two can be. In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a variety of other mechanisms (such as a ball joint connection) can be used to connect the second member 20 to the receiving member 30.

[0029] The receiving member 30 may be made of any suitable material, such as titanium, aluminum, etc. In addition, the receiving member 30 may be a single integral piece or an assembly of smaller components. Figures 4 to 6 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the receiving member 30 includes a first receiving member portion 40 and a second receiving member portion 50. The first receiving member portion 40 includes a first flange 44 and a portion of the receiving member shaft 32. The second receiving member portion 50 includes a second flange 54 and another portion of the receiving member shaft 32. Those skilled in the art will recognize that if the receiving member 30 is an assembly of several pieces, rather than a single integral piece, it can be easier to manipulate the receiving member 30 into and out of the first member through hole 13.

[0030] The first receiving member part 40 can be releasably connected to the second receiving member part 50. The mechanism by which the first receiving member part 40 and the second receiving member part 50 are releasably connected may include any suitable mechanism or a combination of mechanisms for connection. In one example, the first receiving member part 40 may include a first thread 46, and the second receiving member part 50 may include a second thread 56 corresponding to the first thread 46. In this example, the first receiving member part 40 may be threadedly engaged with the second receiving member part 50. In another example, in addition to threaded engagement, the first receiving member part 40 may also be adhered to the second receiving member part 50. In yet another example, the first receiving member part 40 may be mechanically deformed (e.g., swaged) around the second receiving member part 50. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other connecting mechanisms or combinations of connecting mechanisms may be adopted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] However, before the first receiving member portion 40 and the second receiving member portion 50 are releasably connected to each other, the shim 36 may be positioned between the first receiving member portion 40 and the second receiving member portion 50. More specifically, the first receiving member portion 40 may include a first inner surface 48, and the second receiving member portion 50 may include a second inner surface 58. When the first receiving member portion 40 is screwed onto the second receiving member portion 50, the first receiving member portion 40 and the second receiving member portion 50 may define a gap 38 therebetween corresponding to the space between the first inner surface 48 and the second inner surface 58. If a shim is used, the shim 36 may be positioned within the gap 38 so that the first receiving member portion 40 is spaced apart from the second receiving member portion 50 by a predetermined minimum distance D even if screwed to the maximum extent possible. 3 .

[0032] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when the first axially elastic member 60 and / or the second axially elastic member 70 are positioned between their respective surfaces of the first member 10 and the flange of the receiving member 30, the predetermined minimum distance D 3 This allows the operator to control the degree of clearance between these parts. In one example, screwing the first receiving member portion 40 onto the second receiving member portion 50 can compress the first axial elastic member 60 between the first flange 44 and the first surface 11 of the first member 10, and the second axial elastic member 70 between the second flange 54 and the second surface 12 of the first member 10. Those skilled in the art will also understand that compressing an elastic material can change the physical properties of the elastic material (such as by increasing stiffness).

[0033] Positioning the shim 36 between the first receiving member portion 40 and the second receiving member portion 50 may enable an operator to control the degree to which the first axial elastic member 60 and / or the second axial elastic member 70 are compressed. Positioning the shim 36 between the first receiving member portion 40 and the second receiving member portion 50 may also enable an operator to prevent the first axial elastic member 60 and the second axial elastic member 70 from being compressed to failure.

[0034] The receiving member 30 may also include a twist feature. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the twist feature may be particularly useful in, but not limited to, examples of the damping device 100 that include a first receiving member portion 40 (such as a first receiving member portion 40) threadedly engaged with a second receiving member portion 50. Figures 1 to 6 , because the twist feature can facilitate screwing the first receiving member portion 40 onto the second receiving member portion 50.

[0035] As shown, the first flange 44 of the first receiving member portion 40 includes a first twist feature 47, and the second flange 54 of the second receiving member portion 50 includes a second twist feature 57. The first twist feature 47 allows the first receiving member portion 40 to rotate around the shaft through-hole axis A, and the second twist feature 57 allows the second receiving member portion 50 to rotate around the shaft through-hole axis A. The first twist feature 47 and the second twist feature 57 include a plurality of divots that can correspond to an appropriate wrench. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable mechanism for rotating the receiving member 30 (or any component thereof) may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] The first axially elastic member 60 can be positioned between the first flange 44 and the first surface 11 of the first member 10. When positioned, the first flange 44 can provide a degree of protection to the first axially elastic member 60 from environmental factors such as radiation and oxygen exposure. Where relevant, the first flange 44 can also act as a seal to limit or even prevent the first axially elastic member 60 from outgassing (e.g., releasing gas stored therein). However, the extent to which the first flange 44 can protect and / or seal the first axially elastic member 60 is related to the size of the first axially elastic member 60 relative to the first flange 44.

[0037] refer to Figure 3 At each angle around the shaft through hole axis A, the peripheral edge 49 of the first flange 44 is located at a first radial distance D from the shaft through hole axis A. 1 and the periphery 69 of the first axial elastic member 60 is located at a second radial distance D from the axis A of the shaft through hole. 2 As shown in the figure, the first radial distance D 1 Greater than the second radial distance D 2In one example, the second radial distance D 2 The first radial distance D 1 In another example, the second radial distance D 2 The first radial distance D 1 In yet another example, the second radial distance D 2 The first radial distance D 1 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first flange 44 may be located within the second radial distance D 2 Less than the first radial distance D 1 In the example in which the second radial distance D 2 Greater than the first radial distance D 1 In the example of FIG. 5 , greater protection is provided to the first axial elastic member 60 .

[0038] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the second flange 54 can protect and / or seal the second axially elastic member 70 in the same manner as the first flange 44 protects and / or seals the first axially elastic member 60. Similarly, the second flange 54 and the second axially elastic member 70 can also define a perimeter (not shown) that is sized relative to each other in the same manner as the first flange 44 and the first axially elastic member 60.

[0039] like Figure 5 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the first axial elastic member 60 and the second axial elastic member 70 may be generally planar and annular. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that non-planar axial elastic members having non-annular shapes (such as polygonal or irregular shapes) may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to shape, the first axial elastic member 60 and the second axial elastic member 70 may also vary in size. More specifically, the first axial elastic member 60 may have a thickness T measured parallel to the shaft through-hole axis A. 1 , and the second axial elastic member 70 may have a thickness T measured parallel to the shaft through-hole axis A 2 In one example, T 1 The thickness can be basically equal to T 2 In another example, T 1 Can be T 2 In yet another example, T 1 Can be T 2 About half the thickness of T 1 Relative to T 2 The thickness of may be determined primarily by end-use considerations and may vary widely without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the fact that the damping device 100 can accommodate such variability enables the damping device 100 to be more suitable for any particular end-use.

[0040] The radially resilient member 80 may be positioned between the first member 10 and the receiving member 30. More specifically, the shaft 32 of the first member 10 and the receiving member 30 may define an annular space 82 therebetween, and the radially resilient member 80 may be sized and shaped to substantially fill the annular space 82. Once positioned, the radially resilient member 80 may have a radial thickness T measured perpendicular to the shaft through-hole axis A. 3 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, T 3 Can vary widely.

[0041] It is contemplated that additional axial and / or radial elastic members may be positioned adjacent to the first axial elastic member 60, the second elastic member 70, and the radial elastic member 80. Positioning multiple axial and / or radial elastic members may improve damping capacity. In one example, two radial elastic members may be positioned within the first member through hole 13 between the first member 10 and the shaft 32 of the receiving member 30. In another example, three axial elastic members may be positioned between the first flange 44 of the receiving member 30 and the first surface 11 of the first member 10. In yet another example, four axial elastic members may be positioned between the second flange 54 of the receiving member 30 and the second surface 12 of the first member 10. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any combination of quantity and location of axial and / or radial elastic members may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] At this point, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the first axial elastic member 60, the second axial elastic member 70, and the radial elastic member 80 (and any combination thereof) can individually or collectively damp the first member 10 relative to the second member 20. When a mechanical load is applied to the first member 10 or the second member 20 (which transfers the mechanical load to and from the receiving member), the first member 10 and the second member 20 can move toward each other. When they do so, at least one of the first axial elastic member 60, the second axial elastic member 70, and the radial elastic member 80 can be compressed in response (the first axial elastic member 60 and the second axial elastic member 70 can be compressed between their respective flanges and the surface of the first member 10, and the radial elastic member 80 can be compressed between the first member 10 and the shaft 32 of the receiving member 30), which thereby reduces the mechanical energy transfer between the first member 10 and the second member 20.

[0043] More specifically, the first axial elastic member 60 and the second axial elastic member 70 may damp the lateral movement (e.g., parallel to the shaft through-hole axis A) of the first member 10 relative to the second member 20, and the radial elastic member 80 may damp the radial movement (e.g., perpendicular to the shaft through-hole axis A) of the first member 10 relative to the second member 20. In addition, at least one of the first axial elastic member 60 and the second axial elastic member 70 may cooperate with the radial elastic member 80 to damp the diagonal movement of the first member 10 relative to the second member 20.

[0044] The first axial elastic member 60, the second axial elastic member 70, and the radial elastic member 80 may be made of any suitable elastic material and may be selected based on various end-use considerations. For example, in applications that occur in space, it may be important to select an elastic material that exhibits a high loss factor, compressive strength, and stiffness but a low outgassing total mass loss. Suitable types of materials for this application may include silicone-based elastic materials. However, it is generally contemplated that the material composition of the first axial elastic member 60, the second axial elastic member 70, and the radial elastic member 80 may vary widely without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Different elastic materials can be used for each of the first axial elastic member 60, the second axial elastic member 70, and the radial elastic member 80. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the ability to select different elastic materials for each of the first axial elastic member 60, the second axial elastic member 70, and the radial elastic member 80 enables the damping device 100 to be highly tailored to any particular application. In addition, the damping device 100 can be used in conjunction with a plurality of interchangeable elastic members (not shown). These interchangeable elastic members can be interchangeable with at least one of the first axial elastic member 60, the second axial elastic member 70, and the radial elastic member 80.

[0046] Each of the plurality of interchangeable resilient members may also differ in composition from at least one of the first axial resilient member 60, the second axial resilient member 70, and the radial resilient member 80. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the interchangeability of the first axial resilient member 60, the second axial resilient member 70, and the radial resilient member 80 further improves the adjustability of the damping device 100, as it allows the damping device 100 to be adjusted after it has been used. With interchangeable resilient members, adjusting the damping device 100 may be as simple as swapping out at least one of the first axial resilient member 60, the second axial resilient member 70, and the radial resilient member 80.

[0047] like Figure 7As shown in, an example of a method 300 for damping a first member 10 relative to a second member 20 is disclosed. The size, shape, and composition of the first member 10 and the second member 20 may vary. However, in one or more examples, the first member 10 may include a first surface 11, a second surface 12 opposite to the first surface 11, and a first member through hole 13 extending between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12.

[0048] The method 300 includes positioning the receiving member 30 including the shaft through hole 34 within the first member through hole 13 (block 310). Positioning 310 may require inserting the receiving member 30 into the first member through hole 13 or assembling the first member 10 around the receiving member 30. This step may also vary depending on the type of receiving member 30 used. In an example where the receiving member 30 includes a first receiving member portion 40 and a second receiving member portion 50, the first receiving member portion 40 and the second receiving member portion 50 may be positioned by inserting corresponding portions of their receiving member shaft 32 into the first member through hole 13.

[0049] The exemplary method 300 including using the receiving member 30 including the first receiving member portion 40 and the second receiving member portion 50 may also include positioning the shim 36 between the first receiving member portion 40 and the second receiving member portion 50 (block 320). In doing so, the first receiving member portion 40 and the second receiving member portion 50 may be spaced apart by a predetermined minimum distance D 3 , where the predetermined minimum distance D 3 , corresponding to the width of the spacer 36. The spacer 36 prevents the first receiving member part 40 and the second receiving member part 50 from being screwed to the maximum extent possible, thereby limiting the extent to which the first axial elastic member 60 and the second axial elastic member 70 can be compressed between their respective surfaces of the first member 10 and the flange of the receiving member 30 when the damping device 100 is in use.

[0050] These examples may further include connecting the first receiving member portion 40 and the second receiving member portion 50 (block 330). The first receiving member portion 40 and the second receiving member portion 50 may be connected by any suitable mechanism, such as by threads, adhesives, mechanical deformation, etc.

[0051] The method 300 may also include selecting a composition of the elastic material, such as a composition of the axial elastic member 60 and / or a composition of the radial elastic member 80 (block 340). The selection 340 may be based on end-use considerations, such as an optimal damping loss factor, an optimal outgassing, and at least one of an optimal compressive strength and an optimal stiffness required for a particular application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other considerations may be considered in selecting a composition of the elastic material without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] The method 300 further includes positioning at least one of the axial elastic member 60 and the radial elastic member 80 between the receiving member 30 and the first member 10 (block 350). The axial elastic member may be positioned between the flange 44 of the receiving member 30 and the surface 11 of the first member 10. The radial elastic member may be positioned within the first member through hole 13 between the first member 10 and the shaft 32 of the receiving member 30. However, positioning 350 may also include positioning multiple axial elastic members and / or multiple radial elastic members in those respective locations.

[0053] In one example, the positioning 310 of the receiving member may include positioning the receiving member 30 including the first flange 44, and the positioning 350 of the at least one elastic member may include positioning the elastic member between the first surface 11 of the first member 10 and the first flange 44 of the receiving member 30. In another example, the positioning 310 of the receiving member includes positioning the receiving member 30 including the second flange 54, and the positioning 350 of the at least one elastic member includes positioning the elastic member between the second surface 12 of the first member 10 and the second flange 54 of the receiving member 30.

[0054] The method 300 also includes positioning the second member 20 within the shaft through hole 34 (frame 360). When positioned, the second member 20 may extend completely through the shaft through hole 34 or partially through the shaft through hole. As shown, this step 360 may be as simple as inserting a bolt through the shaft through hole 34, but alternatively, this step may also include additional steps such as directly connecting the second member 20 to the receiving member 30 by a threaded device or an adhesive.

[0055] The method 300 may include exchanging at least one of the axial elastic member 60 and the radial elastic member 80 for an interchangeable elastic member (block 370). The interchangeable elastic member may be any axial elastic member 60 or radial elastic member 80 that is not immediately used. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that blocks 340 and 370 may be performed together to better suit the damping device 100 for a particular application.

[0056] Available in Figure 8 Aircraft manufacturing and service method 500 is shown and Fig. 9 Examples of the present disclosure are described in the context of an aircraft 502 as shown. During pre-production, aircraft manufacturing and service method 500 may include specification and design 504 of aircraft 502 and material procurement 506. During production, component / subassembly manufacturing 508 and system integration 510 of aircraft 502 occurs. Thereafter, aircraft 502 may undergo certification and delivery 512 for entry into service 514. While in service with a customer, aircraft 502 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 516, which may also include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc.

[0057] Each process of method 500 may be performed or executed by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer). For purposes of description, a system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and main system subcontractors; a third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of retailers, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, etc.

[0058] like Fig. 9 As shown, aircraft 502 produced by exemplary method 500 may include fuselage 518 having plurality of systems 520 and interior 522. Examples of plurality of systems 520 may include one or more of propulsion system 524, electrical system 526, hydraulic system 528, and environmental system 530. Any number of other systems may be included.

[0059] The disclosed apparatus, system, and method for damping a first component relative to a second component may be employed during any one or more stages of the aircraft manufacturing and service method 500. As an example, the disclosed apparatus, system, and method for damping a first component relative to a second component may be employed during material procurement 506. As another example, the disclosed apparatus, system, and method for damping a first component relative to a second component may be used to produce or manufacture components or subassemblies corresponding to component / subassembly manufacturing 508, system integration 510, and / or maintenance and repair 516. As another example, the disclosed apparatus, system, and method for damping a first component relative to a second component may be used to construct the fuselage 518 and interior 522. Furthermore, one or more apparatus examples, method examples, or a combination thereof may be utilized during component / subassembly manufacturing 508 and / or system integration 510, for example, by significantly speeding up or reducing the cost of assembly of the aircraft 502, such as the fuselage 518 and / or interior 522. Similarly, for example, without limitation, while the aircraft 502 is in service, such as, without limitation, during maintenance and service 516 , one or more of the system examples, method examples, or a combination thereof may be utilized.

[0060] The disclosed apparatus, system, and method for damping a first member relative to a second member are described in the context of an aircraft. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the disclosed apparatus, system, and method for damping a first member relative to a second member can be used in a variety of applications. For example, the disclosed apparatus, system, and method for damping a first member relative to a second member can be implemented in various types of vehicles, including, for example, helicopters, passenger ships, automobiles, etc.

[0061] In addition, this disclosure includes examples according to the following clauses:

[0062] Item 1. A damping device for damping a first member relative to a second member, the damping device comprising: a receiving member, the receiving member including a flange; an axial elastic member, the axial elastic member being positionable between a surface of the first member and the flange of the receiving member; and a radial elastic member, the radial elastic member being positionable between the first member and the receiving member.

[0063] Clause 2. The damping apparatus of clause 1, further comprising a second axially resilient member positionable between the second surface of the first member and the second flange of the receiving member.

[0064] Clause 3. The damping apparatus of clause 1 or 2, wherein the receiving member further comprises a shaft defining a shaft through-hole extending along a shaft through-hole axis.

[0065] Clause 4. A damping device according to Clause 3, wherein, at each angle around the axis of the shaft through hole: the periphery of the flange is located at a first radial distance from the axis of the shaft through hole; preferably, the periphery of the axial elastic member is located at a second radial distance from the axis of the shaft through hole; and preferably, the first radial distance is greater than the second radial distance.

[0066] Clause 5. Damping apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the receiving member comprises a first receiving member part and a second receiving member part releasably connected to the first receiving member part.

[0067] Clause 6. The damping device of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the axial elastic member and the radial elastic member comprises silicone.

[0068] Item 7. A damping device for damping a first member relative to a second member, the first member comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first member through hole extending between the first surface and the second surface, the damping device comprising: a receiving member comprising an axis configured to extend through the first member through hole, the axis defining an axis through hole extending along the axis of the axis through hole, the axis comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the receiving member further comprising a first flange proximate to the first end of the axis and a second flange proximate to the second end of the axis; a first axial elastic member positionable between the first surface of the first member and the first flange of the receiving member; a second axial elastic member positionable between the second surface of the first member and the second flange of the receiving member; and a radial elastic member positionable within the first member through hole between the first member and the axis of the receiving member.

[0069] Clause 8. The damping device of Clause 7, wherein each of the first axial elastic member and the second axial elastic member has an annular shape.

[0070] Clause 9. A damping apparatus according to clause 7 or 8, wherein an annular space is defined between the first member and the shaft of the receiving member.

[0071] Clause 10. The damping apparatus of Clause 9, wherein the radially resilient member is sized and shaped to substantially fill the annular space.

[0072] Clause 11. The damping device of any one of clauses 7 to 10, wherein at least one of the first axial elastic member, the second axial elastic member and the radial elastic member comprises silicone.

[0073] Clause 12. The damping device of any one of clauses 7 to 11, wherein at least one of the first flange and the second flange is integral with the shaft of the receiving member.

[0074] Clause 13. A damping device according to any one of clauses 7 to 12, wherein at every angle about the shaft through-bore axis: a peripheral edge of the first flange is located at a first radial distance from the shaft through-bore axis.

[0075] Clause 14. A damping device according to any one of clauses 7 to 13, wherein at each angle around the shaft through-bore axis: a peripheral edge of the first axially resilient member is located at a second radial distance from the shaft through-bore axis.

[0076] Clause 15. A damping device as claimed in any one of clauses 7 to 14, wherein at every angle about the shaft through-hole axis: the first radial distance is greater than the second radial distance.

[0077] Clause 16. A damping device according to any one of clauses 7 to 12, wherein at every angle about the shaft through-bore axis: a peripheral edge of the first flange is located at a first radial distance from the shaft through-bore axis.

[0078] Clause 17. A damping device according to any one of clauses 7 to 12 or 16, wherein at each angle around the shaft through-bore axis: a peripheral edge of the first axially resilient member is located at a second radial distance from the shaft through-bore axis.

[0079] Clause 18. A damping device as claimed in any one of clauses 7 to 12, 16 or 17, wherein at each angle about the shaft through-hole axis: the second radial distance is at most about 95% of the first radial distance.

[0080] Clause 19. The damping apparatus of any one of Clauses 7 to 18, wherein the receiving member comprises aluminum.

[0081] Clause 20. The damping device of any one of clauses 7 to 19, wherein the receiving member comprises a first receiving member part and a second receiving member part releasably connected to the first receiving member part.

[0082] Clause 21. The damping device of clause 20, wherein the first receiving member part is threadably engaged with the second receiving member part.

[0083] Clause 22. The damping device of clause 20 or 21, wherein the first receiving member portion and the second receiving member portion define a gap therebetween, and the damping device further comprises a shim at least partially received in the gap.

[0084] Clause 23. The damping apparatus of any one of clauses 20 to 22, wherein the first receiving member portion includes a first torsion feature for rotating the first receiving member portion about the shaft through-bore axis.

[0085] Clause 24. The damping apparatus of Clause 23, wherein the second receiving member portion includes a second torsion feature for rotating the second receiving member portion about the shaft through-bore axis.

[0086] Clause 25. A damping system comprising: a first member including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first member through hole extending between the first surface and the second surface; a damping device according to any one of clauses 7 to 24; and a second member at least partially received in the axial through hole of the receiving member.

[0087] Clause 26. A damping system comprising: a first member comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first member through hole extending between the first surface and the second surface; a receiving member comprising an axis extending through the first member through hole, the axis defining an axis through hole extending along the axis of the axis through hole, the axis comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the receiving member further comprising a first flange connected to the first end of the axis and a second flange connected to the second end of the axis; a first axial elastic member positioned between the first surface of the first member and the first flange of the receiving member; a second axial elastic member positioned between the second surface of the first member and the second flange of the receiving member; a radial elastic member positioned in the first member through hole between the first member and the axis of the receiving member; and a second member at least partially received in the axis through hole of the receiving member.

[0088] Clause 27. The damping system of Clause 25 or 26, wherein the first member comprises titanium.

[0089] Clause 28. The damping system of any one of clauses 25 to 27, further comprising a plurality of interchangeable resilient members.

[0090] Clause 29. The damping system of clause 28, wherein each interchangeable resilient member is interchangeable with at least one of the first axial resilient members.

[0091] Clause 30. The damping system of clause 28 or 29, wherein the second axial elastic member and the radial elastic member.

[0092] Clause 31. A damping system according to any one of clauses 28 to 30, wherein each interchangeable elastic member of the plurality of interchangeable elastic members is different in composition from at least one of the first axial elastic member, the second axial elastic member, and the radial elastic member.

[0093] Item 32. A method for damping a first member relative to a second member, the first member comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first member through hole extending between the first surface and the second surface, the method comprising: positioning a receiving member comprising an axial through hole within the first member through hole; positioning at least one of an axial elastic member or a radial elastic member between the receiving member and the first member; and positioning the second member within the axial through hole.

[0094] Clause 33. The method of clause 32, further comprising selecting a composition of the axial elastic member or the radial elastic member based on at least one of an optimal damping loss factor, an optimal outgassing, an optimal compressive strength, and an optimal stiffness required for a particular application.

[0095] Clause 34. The method of clause 32 or 33, wherein positioning the receiving member within the first member through-hole comprises positioning the receiving member comprising a first receiving member portion and a second receiving member portion.

[0096] Clause 35. The method of Clause 34, further comprising connecting the first receiving member portion to the second receiving member portion to form the receiving member.

[0097] Clause 36. The method of clause 34 or 35, further comprising positioning a shim between the first receiving member portion and the second receiving member portion such that the first receiving member portion and the second receiving member portion are separated by a predetermined minimum distance.

[0098] Clause 37. The method of any one of Clauses 32 to 36, wherein positioning the receiving member comprises positioning the receiving member comprising a first flange.

[0099] Clause 38. The method of clause 37, wherein positioning at least one of the axial elastic member or the radial elastic member comprises positioning at least one of the axial elastic member and the radial elastic member between the first surface of the first member and the first flange.

[0100] Clause 39. The method of clause 37 or 38, wherein positioning the receiving member comprises positioning the receiving member comprising a second flange.

[0101] Clause 40. The method of clause 39, wherein positioning at least one of the axial elastic member or the radial elastic member comprises positioning at least one of the axial elastic member and the radial elastic member between the second surface of the first member and the second flange.

[0102] Clause 41. The method of any one of clauses 32 to 40, further comprising exchanging at least one of the axial elastic member and the radial elastic member for an interchangeable elastic member.

[0103] Although various examples of the disclosed apparatus, system, and method for damping a first member relative to a second member have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A damping device (100) for damping a first component (10) relative to a second component (20), wherein: The damping device (100) comprises: a receiving member (30) comprising a shaft and a first flange (44) coupled to the shaft, wherein the receiving member is configured to be coupled to the first member such that at least a portion of the shaft of the receiving member is positioned in a first member through hole of the first member and the first flange of the receiving member is aligned with a first surface of the first member, and the receiving member is configured to be coupled to the second member; an axially elastic member separate from the receiving member, wherein the axially elastic member is positioned around the axis of the receiving member such that when the receiving member is coupled to the first member, the axially elastic member is positioned between the first surface (11) of the first member (10) and the first flange (44) of the receiving member (30); and A radial elastic member (80) is separate from the receiving member and the axial elastic member, wherein the radial elastic member is positioned around the shaft of the receiving member so that when the receiving member is coupled to the first member, the radial elastic member is positioned between the first member (10) and at least a portion of the shaft of the receiving member (30) in the first member through hole of the first member.

2. The damping device (100) of claim 1, further comprising a second axially elastic member (70) positionable between the second surface (12) of the first member (10) and the second flange (54) of the receiving member (30).

3. The damping device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The shaft defines a shaft throughbore (34) extending along a shaft throughbore axis (A).

4. The damping device (100) according to claim 3, wherein: At each angle around the shaft through-hole axis (A): The peripheral edge (49) of the first flange (44) is located at a first radial distance (D1) from the axis (A) of the shaft through hole; The peripheral edge (69) of the axial elastic member is located at a second radial distance (D2) from the axis (A) of the shaft through hole; and The first radial distance (D1) is greater than the second radial distance (D2).

5. The damping device (100) according to claim 1, wherein The receiving member (30) comprises a first receiving member portion (40) and a second receiving member portion (50) releasably connected to the first receiving member portion (40).

6. The damping device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the axial elastic member and the radial elastic member (80) comprises silicone.

7. The damping device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The first component (10) comprises the first surface (11), a second surface (12) opposite to the first surface (11), and a first component through hole (13) extending between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12), wherein: The receiving member (30) includes a shaft (32) configured to extend through the first member through hole (13), the shaft (32) defining a shaft through hole (34) extending along a shaft through hole axis (A), the shaft (32) including a first end (42) and a second end (52) opposite to the first end (42), the flange being a first flange (44) proximate to the first end (42) of the shaft (32) and a second flange (54) proximate to the second end (52) of the shaft (32); The axially elastic member is a first axially elastic member (60) positionable between the first surface (11) of the first member (10) and the first flange (44) of the receiving member (30); and The radial elastic member (80) is positionable within the first member through hole (13) between the first member (10) and the shaft (32) of the receiving member (30), The damping device further comprises a second axially elastic member (70) positionable between the second surface (12) of the first member (10) and the second flange (54) of the receiving member (30).

8. The damping device (100) according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the first axial elastic member (60) and the second axial elastic member (70) has an annular shape.

9. The damping device (100) according to claim 7, wherein: An annular space (82) is defined between the first member (10) and the shaft (32) of the receiving member (30), and wherein the radially resilient member (80) is sized and shaped to fill the annular space (82).

10. The damping device (100) according to claim 7, wherein: At least one of the first axial elastic member (60), the second axial elastic member (70), and the radial elastic member (80) comprises silicone.

11. The damping device (100) according to claim 7, wherein: At least one of the first flange (44) and the second flange (54) is integral with the shaft (32) of the receiving member (30).

12. The damping device (100) according to claim 7, wherein: At each angle around the shaft through-hole axis (A): The peripheral edge (49) of the first flange (44) is located at a first radial distance (D1) from the axis (A) of the shaft through hole; The peripheral edge (69) of the first axial elastic member (60) is located at a second radial distance (D2) from the axis (A) of the shaft through hole; and The first radial distance (D1) is greater than the second radial distance (D2).

13. The damping device (100) according to claim 7, wherein: At each angle around the shaft through-hole axis (A): The peripheral edge (49) of the first flange (44) is located at a first radial distance (D1) from the axis (A) of the shaft through hole; The peripheral edge (69) of the first axial elastic member (60) is located at a second radial distance (D2) from the axis (A) of the shaft through hole; and The second radial distance (D2) is at most 95% of the first radial distance (D1).

14. The damping device (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The receiving member (30) comprises aluminum.

15. The damping device (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The receiving member (30) comprises a first receiving member portion (40) and a second receiving member portion (50) releasably connected to the first receiving member portion (40).

16. The damping device (100) according to claim 15, wherein The first receiving member part (40) is threadably engaged with the second receiving member part (50).

17. The damping device (100) according to claim 15, wherein: The first receiving member portion (40) and the second receiving member portion (50) of the receiving member (30) define a gap (38) between the first receiving member portion and the second receiving member portion, and the damping device further includes a shim (36) at least partially received in the gap (38).

18. The damping device (100) according to claim 15, wherein The first receiving member portion (40) of the receiving member (30) includes a first twisting feature (47) for rotating the first receiving member portion (40) about the shaft through-bore axis (A).

19. The damping device (100) according to claim 18, wherein The second receiving member portion (50) of the receiving member (30) includes a second twisting feature (57) for rotating the second receiving member portion (50) about the shaft through-bore axis (A).

20. A damping system (200), wherein: The damping system comprises: A first component (10), the first component comprising a first surface (11), a second surface (12) opposite to the first surface (11), and a first component through hole (13) extending between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12); The damping device (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 19; and A second member (20) is at least partially received in the shaft through hole (34) of the receiving member (30).

21. The damping system (200) according to claim 20, wherein: The first component (10) comprises titanium.

22. The damping system (200) of claim 20, further comprising a plurality of interchangeable elastic members, wherein: Each interchangeable elastic member is interchangeable with at least one of the first axial elastic member (60), the second axial elastic member (70), and the radial elastic member (80).

23. The damping system (200) of claim 22, each of the plurality of interchangeable resilient members being different in composition from at least one of the first axial resilient member (60), the second axial resilient member (70), and the radial resilient member (80).

24. A method (300) for damping a first component (10) relative to a second component (20), the first component (10) comprising a first surface (11), a second surface (12) opposite to the first surface (11), and a first component through hole (13) extending between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12), the method (300) comprising: coupling a receiving member to the first member so that at least a portion of a shaft of the receiving member is positioned in the first member through hole of the first member, a first flange of the receiving member coupled to the shaft is aligned with the first surface of the first member, and a second flange of the receiving member coupled to the shaft and opposite to the first flange is aligned with the second surface of the first member, positioning a first axially elastic member between the first surface of the first member and the first flange of the receiving member, the first axially elastic member being separate from the receiving member and positioned around the axis of the receiving member, positioning a second axial elastic member between the second surface of the first member and the second flange of the receiving member, the second axial elastic member being separate from the receiving member and the first axial elastic member and positioned around the axis of the receiving member and opposite the first axial elastic member, positioning a radial elastic member between the first member and at least a portion of the shaft of the receiving member in the first member through-hole of the first member, the radial elastic member being separate from the receiving member, the first axial elastic member and the second axial elastic member and positioned around the shaft of the receiving member, and The receiving member is coupled to the second member such that a portion of the second member (20) is received in the shaft through hole (34) of the shaft of the receiving member.

25. The method (300) of claim 24, further comprising: The composition of the axial elastic member or the radial elastic member (80) is selected based on at least one of the damping loss factor, outgassing degree, compressive strength and stiffness required for the application.

26. The method (300) of claim 24, wherein: The step of positioning the receiving member (30) within the first member through hole (13) comprises positioning the receiving member (30) comprising a first receiving member portion (40) and a second receiving member portion (50), the method (300) further comprising connecting the first receiving member portion (40) to the second receiving member portion (50) to form the receiving member (30).

27. The method (300) of claim 26, further comprising: A shim (36) is positioned between the first receiving member portion (40) and the second receiving member portion (50) such that the first receiving member portion (40) and the second receiving member portion (50) are spaced apart by a predetermined minimum distance (D3).

28. The method (300) of claim 24, wherein: The step of positioning the receiving member (30) includes: positioning the receiving member (30) including a first flange (44); and The step of positioning at least one of the axial elastic member and the radial elastic member (80) includes positioning at least one of the axial elastic member and the radial elastic member (80) between the first surface (11) of the first member (10) and the first flange (44).

29. The method (300) of claim 28, wherein: The step of positioning the receiving member (30) includes: positioning the receiving member (30) including a second flange (54); and The step of positioning at least one of the axial elastic member and the radial elastic member (80) includes positioning at least one of the axial elastic member and the radial elastic member (80) between the second surface (12) of the first member (10) and the second flange (54).

30. The method (300) of claim 24, further comprising: At least one of the axial elastic member and the radial elastic member (80) is exchanged for an interchangeable elastic member.

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