Sound insulation suspension system

Abstract

A suspension system (22) configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic and vibrational energy in a device comprises: (i) a rigid support (24); (ii) an operating element (16) positioned within the rigid support and comprising a drive frequency when the device is in operation; and (iii) an elastic element (26) engaged with the rigid support and configured to generate an elastic force to resist vibrations generated by the operating element in one or more degrees of freedom; wherein the natural frequencies of the suspension modes in one or more of the degrees of freedom are tuned by the suspension to within a narrow resonant frequency range, and wherein the resonant frequency is greater than the drive frequency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure is generally directed to a suspension system configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic and vibration energy generated by an operative element to reduce audible noise perceived by a user. Background Art

[0002] Devices may be noisy and exhibit undesirable vibrations due to moving or vibrating parts. Noise or vibration associated with consumer devices may limit or prevent use of the device due to the volume of the user or the user's concern about others who may be disturbed. This may result in dissatisfaction with the consumer device, inconsistent use of the device, or an inability to use the device, thereby reducing or preventing the full potential benefit that could be obtained through use of the device.

[0003] Oral irrigators are just one example of consumer devices that generate unwanted noise and vibration. Oral irrigators pump liquid from a low-pressure fluid reservoir into a high-pressure line through a pump, which is discharged through a nozzle. The main sources of noise and vibration are the fluid path, pump and drive train, and nozzle. The pump and drive train will be the source of most of the vibration and generate sound and vibration pulses at a fixed frequency and its harmonics. These vibrations are transmitted to the surface of the product housing to generate most of the sound heard by the user. These primary sound and vibration sources are then transmitted to secondary sound sources, which are excited by the primary frequency and / or harmonics to move parts exposed to the user and / or the outside air, radiating sound vibrations from the main force to the user. In addition, secondary sound sources can be amplified through resonance and intermittent contact. In fact, for a given vibration, secondary sound sources with large surface areas will generate sound more effectively.

[0004] Prior art devices use several different mechanisms or designs to attempt to reduce noise and vibration associated with moving or vibrating parts. For example, some systems attempt to modify the moving or vibrating parts to mitigate noise and vibration, which may have a negative impact on the operation and / or effectiveness of the device. Other devices employ suspension systems that can reduce vibration, but they are poorly designed and are typically bulky, expensive, and minimally effective. In addition, prior art devices are designed such that the suspension system includes a resonant frequency that is less than the drive frequency. Summary of the invention

[0005] There is a continuous demand for suspension systems that reduce noise and vibration transmission from internal components to external surfaces. Various embodiments and implementations herein are directed to a method and system configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic energy and vibration energy. The system includes an internal rigid support and an operating element (such as a pump assembly) positioned within the rigid support. The operating element includes a drive frequency when the device is in operation. The system also includes an internal suspension, which includes an elastic element such as a spring, which engages with the rigid support and is configured to generate an elastic force to resist the vibration generated by the operating element in one or more degrees of freedom. The system is configured so that the natural frequency in one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system is suspended and tuned to a narrow resonant frequency range, so that the resonant frequency is greater than the driving frequency. The system may also include a second elastic element engaged with the rigid support, wherein the natural frequency in one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system is suspended and tuned to a narrow resonant frequency range by the second elastic element.

[0006] The loudness of the sound perceived by the user can be defined by an A-weighted scale. Frequencies in the mid-range can be perceived more easily by the user than in other ranges, and therefore frequencies in this range are heard louder than lower and higher frequencies. According to just one embodiment of a possible device, the dominant frequencies from the operating elements of the device are between 8 and 30 Hz, with those frequencies below 20 Hz not being heard. The lower the frequencies from the pump, the smaller the reaction force from the pump. Utilizing a suspension with a natural frequency in the range of 40-60 Hz can isolate vibrations that are easily heard, reducing the A-weighted sound power while providing a low-cost, practical suspension to be built into the device.

[0007] In general, in one aspect, a suspension system is provided, the suspension system being configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic and vibrational energy in a device. The suspension system comprises: (i) a rigid support; (ii) an operating element positioned within the rigid support and comprising a drive frequency when the device is in operation; and (iii) an elastic element engaged with the rigid support and configured to generate an elastic force to resist vibrations generated by the operating element in one or more degrees of freedom; wherein the natural frequencies of the suspension modes in the one or more degrees of freedom are tuned by the suspension to within a narrow resonant frequency range, and wherein the resonant frequency is greater than the drive frequency.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the suspension system further comprises a second elastic element engaging the rigid support, wherein natural frequencies in one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system are partially tuned by the second elastic element to a narrow resonant frequency range. According to an embodiment, the second elastic element comprises a silicone material.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the elastic element is configured to generate elastic forces to resist all six vibration degrees of freedom generated by the operating element.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the resonant frequency of the suspension system is 10 Hz or more higher than the driving frequency. According to an embodiment, the resonant frequency of the suspension system is less than 85 Hz.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the driving frequency is less than 60 Hz.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the driving frequency is between approximately 10 and 30 Hz.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the elastic element is a spring.

[0014] According to another aspect, a device is provided that includes a suspension system configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic and vibrational energy generated by the device. The device includes: (i) a housing; (ii) an operating assembly that is positioned within the housing and includes a drive frequency when the device is in operation; and (iii) an elastic element that is configured to generate an elastic force to resist vibrations generated by the operating element in one or more degrees of freedom; wherein the natural frequencies of the suspension modes in the one or more degrees of freedom are tuned by the suspension to a narrow resonant frequency range, and wherein the resonant frequency is greater than the drive frequency.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the device further comprises a second elastic element engaged with the rigid support, wherein natural frequencies in one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system are partially tuned by the second elastic element to a narrow resonant frequency range. According to an embodiment, the second elastic element is an elastomer.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the device further comprises a rigid support positioned between the housing and the operating assembly, wherein the operating assembly is positioned within the rigid support, and wherein the elastic element connects the operating assembly to the rigid support.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the operating assembly is a pump assembly.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the elastic element is a spring.

[0019] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming these concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are considered part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are considered part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be understood that terms explicitly adopted herein may also appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference, and they should be given the meaning most consistent with the specific concepts disclosed herein.

[0020] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The accompanying drawings illustrate features and modes of implementing various embodiments and should not be interpreted as limiting other possible embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but emphasis is generally placed on illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of force paths within a device according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of operating elements of a device according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a suspension system according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a suspension system according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a rigid support member of a suspension system according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a rigid support and two elastic elements of a suspension system according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a rigid support and an elastic element assembled in a suspension system according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 is a graph of transmissibility (the inverse of isolation) relative to the ratio of the suspension natural frequency and the fundamental (main) vibration frequency according to an embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 9 is an A-weighted graph showing the loudness of sound of a device as perceived by a user versus frequency at a fixed energy level according to an embodiment.

[0031] Fig.10 is a graph showing spherical radiation efficiency according to an embodiment.

[0032] Fig.11 is a graph showing the transmission rate and the radiation efficiency according to the embodiment.

[0033] Fig.12 is a graph of user perceived loudness versus frequency through a 50 Hz suspension system, under an embodiment.

[0034] Fig.13is an A-weighted graph of user perceived loudness produced by vibrations of fixed energy relative to frequency, according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a device that is configured to reduce the transmission of noise and vibration frequencies from internal components to external surfaces. More generally, the applicant has recognized and appreciated that it would be beneficial to provide a suspension system within the device that more accurately and affordably minimizes the transmission of acoustic and vibration energy. The suspension system includes: a rigid support, an operating element positioned within the rigid support and including a drive frequency when the device is in operation, and a suspension including an elastic element that engages the rigid support and is configured to generate an elastic force to resist vibrations generated by the operating element in one or more degrees of freedom. The suspension system may also include a second elastic element so that the natural frequency is partially tuned by the second elastic element to a narrow resonant frequency range. Additional elastic elements are also possible.

[0036] The suspension system is configured such that a natural frequency in one or more of the degrees of freedom of the suspension system is tuned to a narrow resonant frequency range, wherein the resonant frequency is greater than the drive frequency. For example, the drive frequency may be less than about 85 Hertz ("Hz"), or less than about 65 Hz, such as about 10 to 30 Hz, but other ranges are possible. The suspension system is configured such that a natural frequency in one or more of the degrees of freedom of the suspension system is about 10 Hz or more higher than the drive frequency.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 , in one embodiment, is a schematic diagram of a basic sound and vibration isolation system 10, wherein arrows indicate forces within the system. System 10 may represent and / or be incorporated in, for example, an oral irrigator, another handheld device, another consumer device, or any other device having a housing 11. In this example, the system includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, which utilizes a motor and a pump configured to move the fluid from the inlet to the outlet. According to an embodiment, system 10 includes one or more elastic elements 14, which are configured as at least a portion of the internal components of the suspension system, including a motor and / or a pump. The suspension system including one or more elastic elements is configured to minimize the transmission of vibrations and sound from internal operating elements (such as a motor or pump) to the housing, thereby improving the user experience. Therefore, elastic element 14 can be any elastic element configured to isolate and / or suppress sound and vibration, including but not limited to springs, magnets, elastomers, and many other elastic elements.

[0038] refer to Figure 2, in one embodiment, is a schematic diagram of an assembled operating element 16. In this embodiment, the operating element is a pump including an inlet 20 and an outlet 18. The device includes this operating element in the housing of the device, which pumps the fluid from the inlet to the outlet. According to only one embodiment of many possible embodiments, the operating element pumps the fluid from the low-pressure fluid reservoir to the high-pressure pipeline leaving the outlet through the pump. The operating element can operate at a wide range of different frequencies, and in this embodiment, the operating element operates at a frequency less than about 85Hz or less than about 65Hz, such as about 10 to 30Hz, but other ranges are also possible. In this device, the main sources of noise and vibration will be the fluid path and the pump and drive train. The pump and drive train will be the source of most of the vibration, generating repeatable sound / vibration pulses of fixed frequency that will also excite harmonics. This vibration transmission to the outer surface will generate most of the sound heard by the user, and then these main sound / vibration sources are transmitted to the secondary source. These secondary sources are excited by the primary frequency and / or harmonics which move parts exposed to the user / external air, radiating sound vibrations from the primary source to the user.

[0039] Operation of the suspension system results in the generation of one or more natural frequencies at which the system can resonate, wherein the first six lowest frequencies are considered to be primary modes. For example, primary mode frequencies may be frequencies that excite the system and cause it to vibrate or move in those modes. Embodiments of the operating element may include, for example, six primary modes, which are the first three translational modes and three rotational modes. Translation is the movement of the center of gravity of the suspended operating element along a straight line, while rotation is the rotation of the suspended operating element around a rod that is in communication with the center of gravity of the suspended operating element. Depending on the embodiment of the device and / or the operating element, one or more modes may not exist.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the operating element of the device can operate in a specific frequency range such as about 10 to 30 Hz, as well as many other possible ranges. In order to avoid resonance effects, the natural frequency of the suspension system needs to be below or above this range. The natural frequency is determined by the mass and stiffness properties of the operating element and the suspension. Since the mass properties of the operating element are more or less fixed, the stiffness is the main parameter that can be changed to adjust the suspension. For a narrow band of drive frequencies, it is effective to make the suspension natural frequency higher than the drive frequency while still reducing the perceived volume. In this narrow band of drive frequencies, it is sometimes beneficial to make the suspension frequency higher than the drive frequency, because suspension frequencies below the drive frequency involve larger, more complex and therefore expensive elastic elements to achieve low suspension frequencies. Suspensions below 10 Hz belong to the field of optical tables, which are very large and expensive, usually with active air suspension. Low stiffness suspensions also require more room to move.

[0041] Depending on the embodiment, a suspension system for a device having an operating element may have several requirements for reducing sound and vibration and other design specifications. According to the embodiment, the suspension system should be designed or configured to operate so that the first six natural frequencies of the operating element and the suspension system are close to the operating element operating frequency, but far enough away from the operating element operating frequency to avoid resonance. It may also be desirable to ensure that the suspension system is affordable, fits within the provided housing, and is strong enough to withstand normal use including being dropped.

[0042] High damping of the suspension system will increase the transmissibility of vibrations through the suspension and is undesirable in most embodiments. For example, high damping or critical damping means that the system loses energy quickly and this lost energy is transmitted through the suspension to the housing. A non-critically damped system can sustain more energy for a longer period of time. Critical damping means that the system will not oscillate for more than one cycle after being excited.

[0043] refer to Figure 3 , in one embodiment, is a schematic diagram of an assembled suspension system 22 having an operating element 16, wherein the operating element is suspended within the suspension system. The natural frequencies in one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system are tuned by the suspension to a narrow resonant frequency range, and the resonant frequency of the assembled suspension system 22 is greater than the drive frequency of the operating element 16. Although Figure 3 An embodiment of a suspension system 22 and an operating element 16 is depicted, but this embodiment is a non-limiting example. The operating element 16 can be any other operating element 16, and the suspension system can be constructed or configured in other ways so that the natural frequencies in one or more of the degrees of freedom of the suspension system are tuned by the suspension to a narrow resonant frequency range, and the resonant frequency of the assembled suspension system is greater than the drive frequency of the operating element.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the suspension system 22 includes a rigid support 24. The rigid support and one or more elements of the suspension are interfaces between the operating element 16 and a housing or other fixed structure within the device. For example, the rigid support 24 supports the operating element 16 and one or more elements of the suspension, and facilitates the positioning of the operating element 16 and other elements of the suspension so as to minimize the sound and vibration of the operating element by tuning its natural frequency to a narrow resonant frequency range greater than the driving frequency of the operating element. The rigid support 24 can be made of any material that is sufficient to support at least the weight of the operating element 16, and fully resists the force applied by the operating element 16 and limits excessive movement and avoids deformation over time.

[0045] Although not shown, the suspension system also includes an elastic element 26 positioned between the rigid support 24 and the operating element 16. The elastic element 26 is an interface between the rigid support and the operating element, and supports the weight of the operating element. The elastic element 26 can be any component, device or mechanism that applies bias and / or absorbs energy. For example, the elastic element can be one or more of any type of spring, magnet, polymer or other materials or structures that apply bias and / or absorb energy. It is important that the elastic element will not creep under the weight of the operating element. For example, in this embodiment, the elastic element 26 is a metal spring that applies bias to the rigid support and / or the operating element, and absorbs energy from the operating frequency generated by the operating element. According to an embodiment, the elastic element is configured to generate elastic force to resist the vibration generated by the operating assembly in all six degrees of freedom, but other embodiments are possible.

[0046] In some embodiments, the suspension system 22 further includes a second elastic element 28, which is positioned between the rigid support 24 and the operating element 16 and is configured to further minimize and / or absorb energy from the operating frequency generated by the operating element. Thus, the first and second elastic elements minimize the sound and vibration of the operating element to tune the natural frequency to a narrow resonant frequency range that is greater than the drive frequency of the operating element.

[0047] Although Figure 3 Describe the embodiment of the second elastic element 28, this embodiment is a non-limiting example.In this example, the second elastic element 28 is the interface between the rigid support and the operating element.Elastic element 28 can be any parts, equipment or mechanism that applies bias and / or absorbs energy.For example, elastic element can be one or more in spring, magnet, polymer or other materials or structure of any type that applies bias and / or absorbs energy.For example, in this embodiment, elastic element 28 is natural or synthetic polymer with elastic properties, such as elastomer.For example, elastic element can comprise silicone material and other possible materials.

[0048] The second resilient member 28 also includes an opening 44 that allows a portion of the operating member 16 to extend therethrough. In other embodiments, the second resilient member 28 may be positioned above the operating member.

[0049] refer to Figure 4 , in one embodiment, is an exploded view of a portion of an apparatus including a suspension system configured to tune the natural frequency of the system to a narrow resonant frequency range greater than the drive frequency of the operative element. Figure 4A specific embodiment of this portion of the device is depicted, but the embodiment is a non-limiting example. The device includes a housing base 30 that is configured to contain the operating element 16 and at least a portion of the suspension system. The suspension system includes a rigid support 24, a first elastic element 26, and a second elastic element 28. The device also includes a frame 32 that is configured to interact or interlock with the rigid support to further position the rigid support and the suspension system and secure them in place.

[0050] refer to Figure 5 , in one embodiment, is a rigid support 24. The rigid support includes three extensions 34 extending from a base 36, each terminating in a prong 38, which is configured to fit and lock into an interlocking prong retaining portion 40 of a second elastic element (e.g., Figure 6 ). The rigid support 24 also includes a receiving portion 42 configured to position a first elastic element (not shown). The rigid support can be composed of any material, including metal, plastic, or any other polymer. The stiffness of the rigid support is another configurable component of the suspension system. In other words, the stiffness of the rigid support can be selected to further minimize vibration and / or noise generated and transmitted by the operating element.

[0051] refer to Figure 6 , in one embodiment, is an exploded view of the suspension system 22. The suspension system includes a rigid support 24 having a base 36, an extension 34 and prongs 38, and a receiving portion 42 having a central extension. The system also includes a first elastic element 26, which is configured to be located within the receiving portion 42 and assembled on the central extension so that the elastic element is firmly fixed within the receiving portion 42 and thus fixed within the rigid support. When the system is assembled, the weight of the operating element will further fix the elastic element in place.

[0052] The suspension system also includes a second resilient element 28 that is configured to interlock with the rigid support. Thus, the second resilient element includes three interlocking tine retaining portions 40, each of which defines a path through which the tines 38 of the rigid support extension 34 can be assembled when assembled. Once the tines have passed through the entire interlocking tine retaining portions, the heads of the tines secure the tines in place, thereby securely securing the rigid support and the second resilient element. The second resilient element 28 also includes an opening 44 that allows a portion of the operating element to extend through, further securing the operating element and further absorbing energy.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the second elastic element 28 includes one or more motor mounting slots 46. Each motor slot is configured to receive a corresponding motor tab 48 ( Figure 2One or more motor mounting slots 46 and corresponding motor tabs 48 further increase the stability and functionality of the suspension and the overall system.

[0054] refer to Figure 7 , in one embodiment, is a schematic diagram of a portion of a suspension system 22 having a rigid support 24 and a second resilient element 28 without a first resilient element 26. The rigid support 24 includes a base 36, an extension 34 and tines 38, and a first resilient element receiving portion 42. The second resilient element 28 includes an interlocking tine retaining portion 40 and an opening 44 that allows a portion of an operating element to extend through. In this embodiment, the rigid support and the second resilient element are assembled without the operating element. Each tine 38 has extended through the interlocking tine retaining portion 40, and the tine now serves to keep the rigid support and the second resilient element interlocked.

[0055] refer to Figure 8 , the natural frequency of the suspension system described herein or otherwise contemplated is higher than the fundamental frequency of the operating element, and as designed, significantly reduces more vibration and noise than the system of the prior art within this driving frequency range. The high damping of the suspension system will increase the transmission rate of the vibration through the suspension, which is undesirable. To achieve this, the suspension system described herein or otherwise contemplated can take many configurations. The rigid support and the first elastic element can be structured or otherwise configured in shape, material and / or relationship in a variety of ways to produce a final structure so that the natural frequency in one or more of the degrees of freedom of the suspension system is tuned by the suspension to a narrow resonant frequency range, wherein the resonant frequency is greater than the driving frequency. Among many other configurations, the size and other parameters of the elastic element can be adjusted, including but not limited to the size, shape, weight, diameter and thickness of the spring coil (when it is a spring) and the strength of the magnet (when it is a magnet), etc.

[0056] The suspension systems described herein or otherwise contemplated significantly reduce the transmission of vibration and noise from the operating components. Fig. 9 , for example, is an A-weighted graph illustrating the loudness of a sound perceived by a user. The user may perceive mid-range frequencies more easily and therefore louder than low and high frequencies. The higher the sensitivity, the less energy is heard in this frequency. According to an embodiment, the dominant frequency from the operating element may be approximately 10 to 30 Hz, with frequencies below 20 Hz not being heard. Reference Fig.10 , Fig.10 is a graph showing that low frequencies are not easily radiated by the body because significantly more power is required for a given acoustic energy. Fig.11 , Fig.11 It is a graph of the transmission of vibration and the radiation of sound energy from the suspension system. Fig.12 is a graph of the transmission of vibration through the suspension system versus frequency, and Fig.13 is an A-weighted graph of the vibrations transmitted from the housing due to transmission through the suspension system.

[0057] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0058] Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used herein in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "at least one".

[0059] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so combined, i.e., elements that are present in combination in some cases and separately in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be interpreted in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so combined. In addition to the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, other elements may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements.

[0060] As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating the items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as having inclusiveness, that is, including at least one, but also including more than one element of a plurality of elements or element lists and (optional) other unlisted items. Only terms that clearly indicate the opposite (such as "only one of" or "exactly one of" or "consisting of..." used in the claims) will refer to including exactly one element in a plurality of elements or element lists. In general, when there is an exclusive term (such as "any one of", "one of", "any one of" or "exactly one of") in front of the term "or" used in this article, the term "or" should only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both").

[0061] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" when referring to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one element of each element specifically listed in the list of elements, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than the elements specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements.

[0062] It should also be understood that in any method claimed herein that includes more than one step or action, the order of the steps or actions of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or actions of the method are described unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0063] In the claims and the above description, all transitional phrases, such as "includes", "comprising", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "composed of", etc., shall be understood as open-ended, i.e., meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0064] Although several creative embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will easily conceive of various other devices and / or structures for performing functions and / or obtaining results and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each of these variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be exemplary, and that actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on one or more specific applications for which the present invention is taught. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalents of the specific inventive embodiments described herein using only routine experiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented only by way of example, and within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described and claimed. The inventive embodiments of the present disclosure relate to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually contradictory, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included in the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A suspension system (22) configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic and vibrational energy in a device, comprising: A rigid support member (24); an operating element (16) positioned within the rigid support and comprising a drive frequency when the device is in operation; and a first elastic element (26) engaged with the rigid support and configured to generate an elastic force to resist vibrations generated by the operative element in one or more degrees of freedom, wherein natural frequencies of suspension modes in the one or more degrees of freedom are tuned by the suspension system to a narrow resonant frequency range, and wherein the resonant frequency is greater than the drive frequency; as well as A second elastic element (28) is engaged with the rigid support, wherein the second elastic element includes an opening that allows a portion of the operating element to extend therethrough, and wherein the natural frequencies in the one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system are partially tuned by the second elastic element to a narrow resonant frequency range.

2. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the second elastic element comprises a silicone material. 3 . The suspension system of claim 1 , wherein the first elastic element is configured to generate an elastic force to resist all six degrees of freedom vibrations generated by the operating element.

4. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the resonant frequency of the suspension system is 10 Hz or more higher than the driving frequency.

5. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the resonant frequency of the suspension system is less than 85 Hz.

6. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the drive frequency is less than 60 Hz.

7. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the drive frequency is between 10 and 30 Hz.

8. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the first elastic element comprises a spring.

9. A device comprising a suspension system (22), the suspension system (22) being configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic and vibrational energy generated by the device, comprising: Housing (11); an operating assembly (16) positioned within the housing and comprising a drive frequency when the device is in operation; a rigid support (24) positioned between the housing and the operating assembly; a first elastic element (26) configured to generate an elastic force that resists vibrations generated by the operating element in one or more degrees of freedom, wherein natural frequencies of suspension modes in the one or more degrees of freedom are tuned by the suspension system to a narrow resonant frequency range, and wherein the resonant frequency is greater than the drive frequency; as well as A second elastic element (28) is engaged with the rigid support, wherein the second elastic element includes an opening that allows a portion of the operating element to extend therethrough, and wherein the natural frequencies in the one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system are partially tuned by the second elastic element to a narrow resonant frequency range.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second elastic element comprises an elastomer.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the operative assembly is positioned within the rigid support, and wherein the first resilient element connects the operative assembly to the rigid support.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the operative assembly is a pump assembly.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the resonant frequency of the suspension system is 10 Hz or more higher than the drive frequency.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the resonant frequency of the suspension system is less than 85 Hz.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the drive frequency is less than 60 Hz.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the drive frequency is between 10 and 30 Hz.

17. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first elastic element comprises a spring.

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