Anisotropic Flexible Coupling for Hydrofoil Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weight-shift controlled watercrafts face challenges in reducing noise and vibration transmission due to the use of rigid couplings between structural components, which amplify noise and vibrations generated by the hydrofoil and propulsion system.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an anisotropically flexible coupling mechanism using a plurality of vibrationally isolated mounts with elastomeric bushings, which are configured to provide a non-linear restoring force response and reduce vibration transfer between the propulsion pod and the support platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid couplings are used between structural components, then structural strength and stability are improved, but noise and vibration transmission are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibration isolating mounts with elastomeric bushings as intermediary elements between the propulsion pod and support platform. These elastomeric materials serve as mediators that decouple the rigid connection, allowing structural loads to be transmitted while blocking vibration and noise propagation paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining rigid structural components (aluminum extrusions, steel fasteners) with elastomeric vibration isolating materials. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve structural strength from rigid materials and vibration isolation from elastomeric materials.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid couplings are used between the propulsion pod and support platform, then structural stability is improved, but the transmission of vibrations from the propulsion system to the rider is amplified
Solution Approach 1:
Vibration isolating mounts with elastomeric bushings are positioned between the propulsion pod mounting brackets and the support platform. These intermediaries maintain the structural connection for stability while preventing vibration transmission to the rider through the elastomeric material's damping properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the coupling system by replacing rigid connections with elastomeric connections that have different stiffness and damping characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to filter out vibration frequencies while maintaining structural integrity.
3Weight of moving object
If the board comprises buoyant internal material, then flotation capability is improved, but the board amplifies noises and vibrations generated by operation
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration isolating mounts serve as intermediaries that prevent direct transmission of vibrations from the propulsion system through the board structure to the rider. This decoupling protects the buoyant board structure from becoming a vibration amplifier while preserving its flotation function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively reduces noise and vibration transmission, particularly in the frequency range of 300 Hz to 3 kHz, enhancing the operating experience by minimizing noise and vibration felt by the rider.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric bushing radially outward of the axially extending member, the elastomeric bushing configured to retain the axially extending member
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of vibration isolating mounts may include a first elastomeric bushing disposed at least partially on a first side of the strut; and a second elastomeric bushing disposed at least partially on a second side of the strut opposite the first side of the strut
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible coupling mechanism may be used to suspend a structural component, such as a propulsion pod, from a support member, such as a strut of a hydrofoil watercraft. The flexible coupling mechanism may include multiple vibration isolating mounts configured to extend through the support member to suspend the structural component. The vibration isolating mounts may include a plurality of elastomeric bushings configured to prevent direct contact between a component rigidly coupled to the support member and a component rigidly coupled to the structural component. The elastomeric bushings may include a tapered outer profile configured to provide a nonlinear force feedback profile in response to rotation of the support member relative to the structural component.