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 rigid couplings between components, which amplify noise and vibrations, affecting the riding experience.
Innovation Solution
An anisotropically flexible coupling mechanism using vibration isolating mounts with elastomeric bushings and rigid internal members is employed to decouple the propulsion pod from the strut, providing non-linear restoring forces and minimizing vibration transfer, while a motor controller adjusts speeds to avoid resonant frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid coupling is used between propulsion pod and strut, then structural strength and stability are improved, but noise and vibration transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibration isolating mounts as intermediary elements between the propulsion pod and strut. These mounts include elastomeric bushings that act as mediators to decouple the rigid connection, allowing structural strength to be maintained while blocking the transmission path of noise and vibrations to the board.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastomeric bushings and flexible coupling mechanisms that utilize elastic deformation to isolate vibrations. The flexible material absorbs and dampens vibrational energy while maintaining the structural connection, thereby reducing noise and vibration transmission without compromising structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid coupling is used between components, then structural stability is improved, but riding comfort deteriorates due to amplified vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
Vibration isolating mounts serve as intermediary elements that maintain structural stability while protecting the rider from vibrations. The elastomeric materials in these mounts absorb vibrational energy before it can reach the board and rider, thereby improving riding comfort without sacrificing structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the coupling system by introducing elements with specific damping characteristics. The elastomeric bushings are selected and designed to have optimal damping properties that reduce vibration transmission to acceptable levels while maintaining the necessary structural stability for safe operation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If vibration isolating mounts are introduced, then noise and vibration transmission is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into discrete vibration isolating mounts that can be independently designed, installed, and maintained. Each mount is a separate component with standardized elastomeric bushings, which simplifies the overall assembly process and makes the system easier to service while effectively reducing noise and vibration transmission.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If anisotropically flexible coupling is used, then vibration isolation is improved in specific directions, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anisotropically flexible coupling utilizes elastomeric bushings with different stiffness characteristics in different directions. These flexible elements are designed to provide superior vibration isolation in the vertical direction where it is most needed, while maintaining adequate coupling in horizontal directions for steering responsiveness. The flexible nature of the elastomeric materials compensates for minor manufacturing tolerances and alignment variations.
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
The solution effectively reduces noise and vibration transmission, particularly in the 300 Hz to 3 kHz range, enhancing the riding experience by minimizing audible noise and vibration, allowing for smoother operation and reduced disturbance.
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
Implementation Method 3
The outer portion of each of the plurality of elastomeric bushings may be shaped to provide a non-linear restoring force response as the strut is rotated relative to the propulsion assembly about a roll axis of the propulsion hub
Implementation Method 4
The anisotropically flexible coupling mechanism may be configured to provide less resistance to rotation of the strut relative to the propulsion assembly about a roll axis of the propulsion assembly than to rotation of the strut relative to the propulsion assembly about a pitch axis of the propulsion hub
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.