Sound insulation suspension system

Abstract

A suspension system (22) configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic and vibrational energy in a device, the suspension system comprising: (i) a rigid support (24); (ii) an operating element (16) positioned within the rigid support and including a drive frequency during device operation; and (iii) an elastic element (26) engaging the rigid support and configured to generate an elastic force resisting vibration generated by the operating element in one or more degrees of freedom; wherein the natural frequency in one or more degrees of freedom (among the degrees of freedom of interest) of the suspension system is tuned by the suspension to a narrow resonance frequency range, and wherein the resonance frequency is less than the drive frequency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a suspension system configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic and vibrational energy generated by a pump or a motor to an external housing to reduce audible noise perceived by a user. Background Art

[0002] Due to moving or vibrating components, a device can be noisy and exhibit undesirable vibrations. Noise or vibrations associated with a consumer device can limit or prevent the use of the device due to the volume of the user or the user's concern for others who may be disturbed. This can cause dissatisfaction with the consumer device, inconsistent use of the device, or inability to use the device, thereby reducing or preventing all potential benefits that can be obtained by using the device.

[0003] An oral irrigator is just one example of a consumer device that generates undesirable noise and vibrations. The oral irrigator pumps a liquid from a low-pressure reservoir into a high-pressure pipeline through a pump, and the liquid is discharged through a nozzle. The main sources of noise and vibrations are the fluid path, the pump and the drive system, and the nozzle. The pump and the drive system will be the source of most of the vibrations and generate sound and vibration pulses at a fixed frequency that excite harmonics. These vibrations are transmitted to the outer surface to generate most of the sound heard by the user. These main sound and vibration sources are then transmitted to secondary sound sources, which are excited by the main frequency and / or harmonics to cause components exposed to the user and / or the external air to move, thereby radiating the sound vibrations from the main source to the user. In addition, the secondary sound sources can be amplified by resonance and intermittent contact. In fact, for a given vibration, a secondary sound source with a large surface area can generate sound more effectively.

[0004] Prior art devices use several different mechanisms or designs to attempt to reduce noise and vibrations associated with moving or vibrating components. For example, some systems attempt to modify the moving or vibrating components to reduce noise and vibrations, which can have a negative impact on the operation and / or effectiveness of the device. Other devices employ suspension systems, which can reduce vibrations, but are generally bulky, expensive, and inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] There is a continuing need for suspension systems that reduce the transmission of noise and vibration frequencies from internal components to the outer surface. Various embodiments and implementations herein relate to methods and systems configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic and vibrational 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 the drive frequency during operation of the device. The system also includes an internal suspension that includes an elastic element, such as a spring, that engages the rigid support and is configured to generate an elastic force resisting vibration generated by the operating element in one or more degrees of freedom. The system is configured such that the natural frequency in one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system is tuned by the suspension to a narrow resonance frequency range such that the resonance frequency is less than the drive frequency.

[0006] The sound loudness perceived by a user is defined by the A-weighted scale. Compared to other ranges, users can more easily perceive frequencies in the mid-frequency range, and thus frequencies in this range sound louder than lower and higher frequencies. According to only one embodiment of a possible device, the main frequency from the operating element of the device is 8 to 30 Hz, and frequencies below 20 Hz are inaudible. The lower the frequency from the operating element, the smaller the reaction force from the operating element. A suspension with a natural frequency in the 5 Hz range can isolate vibrations that are easily audible, thereby reducing the A-weighted sound power while providing a low-cost and practical suspension built into the device. Alternatively, the main frequency from the operating element of the device can be in the range of 15 Hz and the suspension can be designed to have a natural frequency in the 10 Hz range.

[0007] Generally, in one aspect, there is provided a suspension system configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic and vibrational energy in a device. The suspension system includes: (i) a rigid support; (ii) an operating element positioned within the rigid support and including a drive frequency during operation of the device; and (iii) an elastic element that engages the rigid support and is configured to generate an elastic force resisting vibration generated by the operating element in one or more degrees of freedom; wherein the natural frequency in one or more degrees of freedom (among the degrees of freedom of interest) of the suspension system is tuned by the suspension to a narrow resonance frequency range, and wherein the resonance frequency is less than the drive frequency.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the device is an oral irrigator and the operating element is a pump assembly.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the suspension includes one or more elastic elements configured to generate an elastic force resisting vibration generated by the operating element in all six degrees of freedom and further configured to center the operating element within the expected operating position when placed vertically for normal operation under gravity load, the operating position having no other components other than the one or more elastic elements.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the resilient element includes three or more metal springs in tension that support the operating element.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the resilient element is a non-linear resilient element that connects the operating element to a rigid support and, when vertically positioned for normal operation under a gravity load, also centers the operating element within a low force region of the non-linear resilient element and within a desired operating position that has no other components except for one or more non-linear resilient elements.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the non-linear resilient element includes one or more opposing magnets.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the non-linear resilient element includes a series of resilient elements configured such that each of the series of resilient elements engages when the operating element moves away from the desired operating position, thereby increasing the stiffness of the series of resilient elements when oriented in an undesired operating position to prevent unwanted shock to the device.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the non-linear resilient element includes one or more springs selected from the group consisting of: a conical spring, a cylindrical spring, a double pitch helical spring, and combinations thereof.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the one or more springs include a stepped arrangement of leaf spring elements connected in a plurality of different orientations to form a compact resilient element.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the resonance frequency is approximately 5 Hz.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the drive frequency is between approximately 10 Hz and 30 Hz.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the suspension system is configured to limit the movement of the operating element to less than 10 mm in any direction from the desired operating position.

[0019] According to one aspect, there is provided a device including a suspension system configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic and vibrational energy generated by the device, the suspension system including: (i) a housing; (ii) an operating assembly positioned within the housing and including a drive frequency during operation of the handheld device; (iii) a resilient element connecting the operating assembly to the housing; and wherein the natural frequency of the suspension system is tuned to a resonance frequency below 10 Hz by an elastomeric element and the resilient element, and wherein the resonance frequency is less than the drive frequency.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the device is an oral irrigator and the operating element is a pump assembly.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the device further includes 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 and the elastic element connects the lower portion of the operating assembly to the rigid support.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the resonance frequency is approximately 5 hertz.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the driving frequency is between approximately 10 hertz and 30 hertz.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the elastic element includes three or more metal springs in tension that support the operating element.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the elastic element is a non-linear elastic element that connects the operating element to the rigid support and, when vertically positioned for normal operation under a gravity load, also centers the operating element within the low-force region of the non-linear elastic element and within the following expected operating position that has no other components except the non-linear elastic element.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the non-linear elastic element includes one or more springs selected from the group consisting of: a conical spring, a cylindrical spring, a double-pitch helical spring, and combinations thereof.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the non-linear elastic element includes one or more opposing magnets.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the one or more springs include a stepped arrangement of leaf spring elements that are connected in multiple different orientations to form a compact elastic element.

[0029] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming these concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are considered to be 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 to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be understood that the terms explicitly used herein that may also appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be given the meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0030] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will become apparent from the embodiments described below and are elucidated with reference to one or more of the embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings illustrate the features and manners of implementing various embodiments and should not be construed as limiting other possible embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and generally focus on illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the forces within a device according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the operating elements of a device according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a suspension system according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a suspension system according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the natural frequency of one embodiment of a suspension system according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 is a side view schematic diagram of a rigid support member of a suspension system according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a rigid support member and an elastic element assembled in a suspension system according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 is a graph of the natural frequency of a suspension system and the natural frequency of an operating element according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a part of a magnet system acting as a non-linear spring according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a conical and / or tapered spring acting as a non-linear spring according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a double-pitch compression spring acting as a non-linear spring according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a non-linear spring including three long elastic arms according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a non-linear spring including three stepped arms according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of a non-linear spring including three stepped arms according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of a non-linear spring including three stepped arms according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of a non-linear spring according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 17 Bottom view of a device having a suspension system according to an embodiment. Detailed Description

[0049] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a device configured to reduce the transmission of noise frequencies and vibration frequencies from internal components to an outer surface. More generally, the applicant has recognized and understood that it would be beneficial to provide a suspension system within the device that more accurately and economically minimizes the transmission of acoustic energy and vibrational energy. The suspension system includes a rigid support, an operating element (such as a pump assembly) positioned within the rigid support and containing a drive frequency during device operation, and a suspension including an elastic element that engages the rigid support and is configured to generate an elastic force resisting vibration in one or more degrees of freedom generated by the operating element.

[0050] The suspension system is configured such that the natural frequency in one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system is tuned to a narrow resonance frequency range, where the resonance frequency is less than the drive frequency. For example, the drive frequency can be less than about 85 Hertz (“Hz”), or less than about 65 Hz, such as in the range of about 10 to 30 Hz, but other ranges are also possible. The suspension system is configured such that the natural frequency in one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system is about 5 Hz and is thus below the drive frequency.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 , in one embodiment, is a schematic diagram of a basic sound and vibration isolation system within device 10. Device 10 can represent, for example, an oral irrigator, another handheld device, another consumer device, or any other device 11 having a housing. In this example, the system includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and the system utilizes a motor and a pump configured to move fluid from the inlet to the outlet. According to one embodiment, system 10 includes one or more elastic elements 12 configured to suspend at least a portion of the internal components, including the motor and / or the pump. A suspension system including one or more elastic elements is configured to minimize the transmission of vibration and sound from internal operating elements (such as a motor or a pump) to the housing, thereby improving the user experience. Thus, elastic element 12 can be any elastic element configured to isolate and / or dampen sound and vibration, including but not limited to springs, magnets, elastomers, and many other elastic elements.

[0052] Reference Figure 2 , in one embodiment, is a schematic view of an assembled operating element 16. In this embodiment, the operating element is a pump including an inlet 18 and an outlet 20. The device includes this operating element within the housing of the device, which pumps fluid from the inlet to the outlet. According to only one of many possible embodiments, the operating element pumps fluid from a low-pressure reservoir through the pump into a high-pressure pipeline exiting from the outlet. The operating element can operate within a wide range of different frequencies, and in this embodiment, the operating element operates at a frequency less than about 85 Hz or less than about 65 Hz, such as at about 10 to 30 Hz, but other ranges are also possible. In this device, the main sources of noise and vibration will be the fluid path as well as the pump and the drive system. The pump and the drive system will be the source of most of the vibration, and this vibration generation will also excite repetitive sound / vibration pulses at fixed frequencies that are harmonics. This vibration is transmitted to the outer surface and generates most of the sound heard by the user, and then these main sound / vibration sources are transmitted to secondary sources. These secondary sources are energized by the main frequency and / or harmonics of parts that move and are exposed to the user / external air, radiating the sound vibration from the main force to the user. The secondary sound sources can be amplified by resonance and intermittent contact. For a given vibration, a secondary sound source with a large surface area can generate sound more effectively.

[0053] The operation of the suspension system causes one or more natural frequencies to be generated at which the system can resonate, where the first six lowest frequencies are considered the main modes. For example, the main mode frequencies can be the frequencies that excite the system and cause it to vibrate or move in those modes. An embodiment of the operating element can include, for example, six main modes, which are the first three translational modes and three rotational modes. Translation is the linear movement of the center of gravity of the suspended operating element, while rotation is the rotation of the suspended operating element around a rod that coincides 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.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the operating element of the device can operate within a specific frequency range such as about 10 to 30 Hz and many other possible ranges. 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 of the operating element and the stiffness of the suspension. Since the mass of the operating element is substantially fixed, the stiffness is the main parameter that can be varied to adjust the suspension. According to one embodiment, the suspension system is configured to limit the movement of the pump assembly in any direction to less than 10 mm. The non-linear spring coefficient allows for a soft suspension in the normal orientation and a more rigid suspension in other orientations to prevent impacts that would make the device appear inoperable while allowing it to be small in size.

[0055] According to one embodiment, a suspension system for a device having an operating element can have several requirements for reducing sound and vibration, as well as other design specifications. According to one embodiment, the suspension system should be designed or configured to operate such that the first six natural frequencies of the suspension system and the operating element are close to the operating frequency of the operating element, but far enough away from the operating frequency of the operating element to avoid resonance. It may also be necessary to ensure that the suspension system is reasonably priced, fits within the provided housing, and is strong enough to withstand normal use, including drops.

[0056] High damping of the suspension system will increase the vibration transfer rate through the suspension and is not desirable in most embodiments. For example, high or critical damping means that the system rapidly loses energy and the lost energy is transferred through the suspension to the housing. A non-critical damping system can retain more of its energy for a longer period of time. Critical damping means that the system does not oscillate more than one cycle after being excited.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 , in one embodiment, is a schematic view of an assembled suspension system 22 having an operating element 16, where the operating element is suspended within the suspension system. The natural frequencies of one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system are tuned by the suspension to a narrow resonance frequency range, and the resonance frequency of the assembled suspension system 22 is less than the drive frequency of the operating element 16. Although Figure 3 depicts an embodiment of the suspension system 22 and the operating element 16, 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 such that the natural frequencies in one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system are tuned by the suspension to a narrow resonance frequency range and the resonance frequency of the assembled suspension system is less than the drive frequency of the operating element.

[0058] According to this embodiment, the suspension system 22 includes a rigid support 24. The rigid support is a connecting member between the operating element 16 and one or more elements of the suspension, where the housing or other fixed structure is 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 such that the sound and vibration of the operating element are minimized by tuning the operating element natural frequency to a narrow resonance frequency range less than the drive 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, as well as to adequately resist the forces exerted by the operating element 16 and limit excessive movement and avoid deformation over time.

[0059] Although not shown, the suspension system further includes an elastic element 26 positioned between the rigid support 24 and the operating element 16. The elastic element 26 is a connecting member 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 a bias and / or absorbs energy. For example, the elastic element can be one or more of any type of spring, magnet, polymer, or other material or structure that applies a bias and / or absorbs energy. For example, in this embodiment, the elastic element 26 is a spring that applies a bias to the rigid support and / or the operating element and absorbs energy through the operating frequency generated by the operating element. According to one embodiment, the elastic element is configured to generate elastic forces that resist vibrations generated by the operating assembly in all six degrees of freedom.

[0060] In some embodiments, the suspension system 22 may further include a second elastic element 28 positioned between the rigid support 24 and the operating element 16 and 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 resonance frequency range that is less than the driving frequency of the operating element.

[0061] While Figure 3 an embodiment depicting the second elastic element 28 is shown, this embodiment is a non-limiting example. In this example, the second elastic element 28 is a connecting member between the rigid support and the operating element. The elastic element 28 can be any component, device, or mechanism that applies a bias and / or absorbs energy. For example, the elastic element can be one or more of any type of spring, magnet, polymer, or other material or structure that applies a bias and / or absorbs energy. For example, in this embodiment, the elastic element 28 is a natural or synthetic polymer having elastic properties, such as an elastomer. For example, the elastic element can include silicone resin material and other possible materials. The second elastic element 28 further includes an opening 44 that allows a portion of the operating element 16 to extend therethrough. In other embodiments, the second elastic element 28 can be positioned above the operating element.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 , in one embodiment, is an exploded view of a portion of a device that includes a suspension system configured to tune the natural frequency of the system to a narrow resonance frequency range that is less than the driving frequency of the operating element. While Figure 4 a particular embodiment of this portion of the device is shown, this embodiment is a non-limiting example. The suspension system includes a rigid support 24, a first elastic element 26, and an optional second elastic element 28, and is configured to enclose the operating element 16.

[0063] Reference Figure 5A series of schematic diagrams depicting six natural frequencies of an embodiment of a suspension system. The illustration shows a portion of a second resilient element 28 of the suspension system relative to an operating element 16. The figure depicts the forces imposed by the natural frequencies on, for example, the second resilient element 28.

[0064] Reference Figure 6 , in one embodiment, is a rigid support 24. The rigid support includes three extensions 34 extending from a base 36, each extension terminating in a fork 38 configured to fit and lock into an interlocking fork bracket 40 of the second resilient element (as Figure 7 shown). The rigid support 24 may also include a receiving portion configured to position a first resilient element (not shown). The rigid support can be composed of any material, including metals, plastics, or any other polymers. 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 the vibrations and / or noise generated and transmitted by the operating element.

[0065] Reference Figure 7 , in one embodiment, is a schematic diagram 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, extensions 34, and forks 38, and a first resilient element receiving portion. The second resilient element 28 includes an interlocking fork bracket 40 and an opening 44 that allows a portion of the operating element to extend therethrough. In this embodiment, the rigid support and the second resilient element are assembled without the operating element. Each of the forks 38 has been extended through the interlocking fork bracket 40 and the forks now serve to keep the rigid support and the second resilient element interlocked.

[0066] Reference Figure 8 , the natural frequencies of the suspension systems described herein or otherwise contemplated are lower than the fundamental frequency of the operating element and thus significantly reduce more vibrations and noise than prior art systems. This is the ideal case because all pump frequencies are in the isolated portion of the figure (T <.1). To achieve this, the suspension systems described herein or otherwise contemplated can employ many configurations. The rigid support and the first resilient element can be structured or otherwise configured in various ways in terms of shape, material, and / or relationship to produce a final structure such that the natural frequencies in one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system are tuned to a narrow resonance frequency range through the suspension, where the resonance frequency is less than the driving frequency. In many other configurations, the dimensions and other parameters of the resilient element can be adjusted, including but not limited to the size, shape, weight, diameter, and thickness of the spring coils when the resilient element is a spring, the strength of the magnet when the resilient element is a magnet, etc.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the flexible suspension element is very small and soft to achieve a natural frequency of 5 Hz. Although a very soft flexible element can have negative impacts, these negative impacts can be addressed by additional design or configuration of the suspension system. Examples of impacts that may need to be addressed include that the operating components can have the ability to move approximately 10 mm in any direction within the suspension system. Additionally, the suspension system can be large while the flexible element can be very small, which may not be robust for normal wear.

[0068] To address these issues, the system can utilize a non-linear spring system to maintain a low frequency without giving the user a negative experience of taking up a large amount of space or having significant internal displacement during movement and handling. These non-linear springs can take the form of mechanical designs with over-stable positions, magnetic hybrid springs, conical coils, double pitches, etc. Alternatively, a hybrid design with linear springs, where in addition to possible non-linearity and rotation which is the main direction of pump vibration, resonates in the range of 40 - 60 Hz. According to one embodiment, a suspension with a natural frequency in the 5 Hz range is utilized to isolate easily audible vibrations, thereby minimizing the A-weighted sound power.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the spring coefficient of the first elastic element is non-linear in the case of an increasing spring coefficient from the nominal position. Additionally, under normal operation, as the pump is displaced, the spring coefficient may not be high enough to have a resonance frequency of 5 Hz.

[0070] The non-linear spring system can take many different forms, including but not limited to one or more magnets. Referring to Figure 9 , in one embodiment, is a schematic diagram of a part of a magnet system used as a non-linear spring. In this embodiment and its variations, there is a configuration of magnets with the same poles on the surface of the operating element 16 (not shown) and on the opposite surface of the rigid structure 14. The magnets on the surface of the operating element are directly opposite the magnets on the surface of the rigid structure, and due to their like poles facing each other, there is a repulsive force. These two poles can both be the north pole or the south pole. As discussed herein, magnetic repulsion can be replaced by non-linear mechanical springs, such as conical coils, barrel springs, double pitch coils, and other non-linear springs, as well as combinations thereof. According to one embodiment, the non-linear elastic element can include plastic and / or metal.

[0071] Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , in various embodiments, are schematic diagrams of non-linear springs that can be used in a suspension system to tune the natural frequency in one or more degrees of freedom of the suspension system to a narrow resonance frequency range via the suspension such that the resonance frequency is less than the driving frequency. The non-linear springs include Figure 10 the conical and / or tapered springs inFigure 11 Two different double-pitch compression springs in

[0072] Reference Figure 12 , in one embodiment, is a schematic diagram of a non-linear spring that can be used in a suspension system described herein or otherwise contemplated. The non-linear spring includes three long elastic arms that are configured to provide elastic forces configured to generate one or more degrees of freedom that resist vibrations generated by a pump assembly. Short vertical legs on the ends of each arm provide additional torsion that reduces the Z stiffness. Each of the elastic arms in the elastic arms is a different spring, and thus the elastic structure includes three or more metal springs in tension that support the operating element.

[0073] The non-linear spring also includes a platform on which the operating assembly can rest directly or indirectly. The non-linear spring can be composed of any material configured to provide the desired elasticity, including but not limited to metals. Figure 12 The design of the non-linear spring in has a natural frequency below 5 Hz in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0074] Reference Figures 13 to 15 , according to one embodiment, is a schematic diagram of different views of a non-linear spring that can be used in a suspension system described herein or otherwise contemplated. The non-linear spring includes three stepped arms that are configured to generate elastic forces that resist vibrations generated by a pump assembly in one or more degrees of freedom. The stepped arrangement of the leaf spring elements is connected in a plurality of different orientations to form a compact elastic element. Instead of a design that only bends in the arms, the stepped arrangement of the spring arms minimizes the size of the planar pattern. These non-linear springs can be designed to have a natural frequency below 5 Hz in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0075] Reference Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a non-linear spring that can be used in a suspension system described herein or otherwise contemplated. The non-linear spring includes three elastic arms that are configured to provide elastic forces configured to generate one or more degrees of freedom that resist vibrations generated by a pump assembly.

[0076] Reference Figure 17 , is a bottom view of the device 10 having a suspension system. The suspension system includes a non-linear spring 26 with stepped arms. In this embodiment, the spring arms are shorter and the bending angle is reduced. The shallower bending angle makes the suspension shorter and keeps the overall spring constant low.

[0077] All definitions as defined and used herein shall be understood to be controlled by dictionary definitions, definitions in incorporated documents by reference, and / or the ordinary meaning of the defined terms.

[0078] Unless expressly stated to the contrary, as used herein in the specification and claims, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" shall be understood to mean "at least one".

[0079] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "and / or" shall be understood to mean "one or both" of the elements so combined, i.e., elements that are present conjointly in some cases and separately in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" shall be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so combined. Other elements may optionally exist in addition to the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements.

[0080] As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" shall be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" shall be interpreted inclusively, i.e., including at least one, but also including more than one of the elements or items in the list, as well as (optionally) additional unlisted items. Only terms expressly stating the contrary, such as "only one" or "exactly one", or when used in a claim, "consisting of" will refer to including only one of the elements or items in a list of multiple elements. Generally, when preceded by exclusive terms such as "any", "one of", "only one", or "exactly one", the term "or" as used herein shall only be interpreted to mean an exclusive alternative (i.e., "one or the other but not both").

[0081] As used herein in the specification and claims, when referring to a list of one or more elements, the phrase "at least one" shall be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements and not excluding any combination of the elements in the list. This definition also allows elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements referred to by the phrase "at least one" to optionally exist, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements.

[0082] It should also be understood that, unless expressly stated to the contrary, in any method claimed herein that includes more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0083] In the claims and in the foregoing specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "consisting of," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are respectively closed or semi-closed transitional phrases.

[0084] Although several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision various other devices and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon one or more specific applications for which the teachings of the present invention are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that the embodiments of the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The inventive embodiments of the present disclosure relate to each and every separate feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods (if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent) is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A suspension system (22) configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic energy and vibrational energy in an oral irrigator device, the suspension system (22) comprising: Rigid support member (24); An operating element (16), positioned within the rigid support member and including a drive frequency when the oral irrigator device is operated; And One or more elastic elements (26), engaging the rigid support member and configured to generate elastic forces resisting vibration generated by the operating element in all six degrees of freedom, and further configured to center the operating element within a desired operating position when vertically positioned for normal operation under a gravity load, the desired operating position having no other components except the one or more elastic elements; Wherein the natural frequency in one or more of the degrees of freedom of the suspension system is tuned by the suspension system to a narrow resonance frequency range, and wherein the resonance frequency is less than the drive frequency.

2. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein the operating element is a pump assembly.

3. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein the elastic element comprises three or more metal springs in tension supporting the operating element.

4. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein the elastic element is a non-linear elastic element that connects the operating element to the rigid support and, when vertically positioned for normal operation under a gravity load, centers the operating element within a low force region of the non-linear elastic element and within an expected operating position that has no other components except for the one or more non-linear elastic elements.

5. The suspension system according to claim 4, wherein the non-linear elastic element comprises one or more opposing magnets.

6. The suspension system according to claim 4, wherein the non-linear elastic element comprises a series of elastic elements configured such that each of the series of elastic elements engages when the operating element moves away from the expected operating position, thereby increasing the stiffness of the series of elastic elements when oriented in an unexpected operating position to prevent an undesired shock to the device.

7. The suspension system according to claim 4, wherein the non-linear elastic element comprises one or more springs, wherein the one or more springs comprise a stepped arrangement of leaf spring elements connected in a plurality of different orientations to form a compact elastic element.

8. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein the resonance frequency is 5 Hertz.

9. The suspension system according to claim 1, wherein the drive frequency is between 10 Hertz and 30 Hertz.

10. The suspension system according to claim 3, wherein the suspension system is configured to limit movement of the operating element to less than 10 mm in any direction from the expected operating position.

11. A hand-held device (10) comprising a suspension system configured to minimize the transmission of acoustic energy and vibrational energy generated by the hand-held device, the hand-held device (10) comprising: Housing (11); An operating element (16), positioned within the housing and including a drive frequency when the handheld device is operated; One or more elastic elements (26), connecting the operating element to the housing and configured to generate elastic forces resisting vibration generated by the operating element in all six degrees of freedom, and further configured to center the operating element within a desired operating position when vertically positioned for normal operation under a gravity load, the desired operating position having no other components except the one or more elastic elements; And Wherein the natural frequency in one or more of the degrees of freedom of the suspension system is tuned by the suspension system to a resonance frequency below 10 Hz, and wherein the resonance frequency is less than the drive frequency.

12. The handheld device according to claim 11, wherein the handheld device is an oral irrigator and wherein the operating element is a pump assembly.

13. The handheld device according to claim 11, further comprising a rigid support member (24) positioned between the housing and the operating element, wherein the operating element is positioned within the rigid support member, and the one or more elastic elements connect a lower portion of the operating element to the rigid support member.

14. The handheld device according to claim 11, wherein the resonance frequency is 5 Hz.

15. The handheld device according to claim 11, wherein the driving frequency is between 10 Hz and 30 Hz.

16. The handheld device according to claim 11, wherein the elastic element includes three or more metal springs in tension that support the operating element.

17. The handheld device according to claim 13, wherein the elastic element is a non-linear elastic element that connects the operating element to the rigid support member and, when vertically positioned for normal operation under a gravity load, centers the operating element within a low force region of the non-linear elastic element and within an expected operating position that has no other components except the one or more non-linear elastic elements.

18. The handheld device according to claim 17, wherein the non-linear elastic element includes one or more springs, and the selection of the one or more springs includes a stepped arrangement of leaf spring elements that are connected in multiple different orientations to form a compact elastic element.

19. The handheld device according to claim 17, wherein the non-linear elastic element includes one or more opposing magnets.

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