Two-Dimensional Vibration Isolator Using Parallel Annular Spring and Bellows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration damping and isolation systems, such as the D-STRUT™ isolation strut, are not suitable for applications requiring damping in more than one dimension due to size and weight restrictions, and they lack a compact, lightweight, and inexpensive design.
Innovation Solution
An annular spring portion with a resilient member and an annular bellows portion, each with diametrically opposed bellows, are used in a parallel configuration with a rigid connection member and a cylindrical coupling member to provide effective damping and isolation in two dimensions, allowing for a compact and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple vibration isolators are implemented to dampen vibrations in two or more dimensions, then vibration damping capability is improved, but size and weight increase making it infeasible for aircraft applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple damping functions into a single integrated isolator unit. The annular spring portion and annular bellows portion work together in parallel to provide damping in multiple dimensions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate isolators for each dimension while achieving the same vibration control效果
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator is designed to perform multiple damping functions within a single component. The annular spring provides damping in radial directions while the annular bellows provides damping in axial directions, making the single device universal for multi-dimensional vibration isolation applications
2Reliability
If multiple vibration isolators are implemented to dampen vibrations in two or more dimensions, then vibration damping capability is improved, but the device size increases beyond acceptable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple isolator functions into one compact unit. The annular spring portion and annular bellows portion are integrated in parallel configuration, providing multi-dimensional damping capability within a single footprint rather than requiring multiple separate isolators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear/directional damping to multi-dimensional damping by using annular geometry. The annular spring provides radial damping in all circumferential directions while the annular bellows provides axial damping, effectively adding dimensional coverage without increasing linear footprint
3Device complexity
If conventional isolation struts are used, then simple configuration is maintained, but they cannot provide damping in more than one dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator is designed with multi-functionality to provide damping in multiple dimensions. The parallel combination of annular spring (radial damping) and annular bellows (axial damping) enables the single device to adapt to multi-dimensional vibration isolation requirements while maintaining relatively simple configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator is segmented into distinct functional portions: the annular spring portion for radial damping and the annular bellows portion for axial damping. These segmented portions work in parallel, allowing each to specialize in specific directional damping while contributing to overall multi-dimensional capability
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 enables efficient vibration damping and isolation in multiple dimensions while maintaining a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective design, suitable for applications like aircraft systems.
Implementation Method 1
an annular spring portion including a resilient member that is substantially equally resilient in two dimensions
Implementation Method 2
Each of the bellows has a chamber that is filled with fluid. Thus, when the piston moves axially through the shaft, fluid flows from one of the bellows chambers to the other.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for vibration damping and isolation. The apparatus includes an annular spring portion including a resilient member that is substantially equally resilient in two dimensions, an annular bellows portion including at least two pairs of diametrically opposed bellows providing damping in the two dimensions, and a rigid connection member coupling the annular spring portion and the annular bellow portion in parallel to one another.