Anti-vibration Device with Branches and Elastomer Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-vibration devices lack the ability to achieve different stiffness levels in different directions, which is essential for optimal vibration isolation in applications like connecting vehicle motors to chassis.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a first rigid strength member with three branches and a second strength member with a transversal portion and branches, interconnected by an elastomer body with four legs, providing higher stiffness in the transversal direction compared to the longitudinal direction by varying the number of branches and thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the anti-vibration device uses a conventional single-directional structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the stiffness is uniform in all directions which is insufficient for optimal vibration isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-vibration device is segmented into multiple branches (at least three branches extending from a base) with an elastomer body positioned between them. This segmentation allows different regions of the structure to provide different stiffness characteristics, enabling directional stiffness variation while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements local quality by concentrating the elastomer body between specific branches at particular locations along the longitudinal direction. This localized placement creates regions of high stiffness (transversal direction) and regions of lower stiffness (longitudinal direction), allowing the structure to have different mechanical properties in different directions without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Strength
If the elastomer body is positioned between multiple branches, then the stiffness in transversal direction is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple branches serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, create the necessary geometries for directional stiffness, and establish the framework for elastomer body placement. The elastomer body itself serves dual purposes by both connecting branches and providing the primary stiffness enhancement in the transversal direction, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a primarily one-dimensional longitudinal structure to a multi-dimensional configuration by extending branches in the transversal direction and positioning the elastomer body to create stiffness in both longitudinal and transversal dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows the device to achieve superior transversal stiffness without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
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 configuration allows for enhanced vibration isolation by achieving higher stiffness in the transversal direction while maintaining lower stiffness in the longitudinal direction, effectively addressing the need for directional stiffness variation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer body (4) extending transversally to the first direction (X) between the external branches (7) and having at least four legs (17) extending respectively between the branches (7, 8, 16) of the first and second strength members (2, 3)
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-vibration device including first and second rigid strength members interconnected by an elastomer body, the first strength member includes a base and at least three branches extending from the base along a first direction toward the second strength member, the three branches including two external branches and one central branch. The second strength member includes a transversal portion and at least two branches extending along the first direction from the transversal portion, respectively between the external branches and the central branch of the first strength member. The elastomer body extends transversally to the first direction between the external branches of the first strength member and has four legs extending respectively between the branches of the first strength member and the branches of the second strength member.