Asymmetric Elastomer Ring for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulation devices in the automotive sector experience significant vibration energy transfer due to resonant modes caused by radial excitations, leading to stiffness peaks that amplify vibrations from the engine to the vehicle bodywork.
Innovation Solution
An articulation design featuring a rigid inner and outer reinforcement with a vibration-damping elastomer ring that includes asymmetrical ring portions with different axial elevations, preventing the amplification of radial excitations and reducing resonance peaks by modifying the modal behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a symmetrical elastomer ring is used to connect inner and outer reinforcements, then the articulation provides balanced support, but radial excitations at certain frequencies generate resonant modes causing stiffness peaks and vibration amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating unequal axial elevations between diametrically opposed ring portions of the elastomer. Specifically, at least one first ring portion has a different axial elevation than the corresponding second ring portion, breaking the symmetry that would otherwise allow resonant modes to develop. This asymmetric configuration prevents the formation of stiffness peaks while maintaining the articulation's vibration damping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the axial elevation of specific ring portions rather than uniformly changing the entire ring structure. The asymmetry is localized to particular first and second ring portions that are diametrically opposed, allowing targeted modification of modal behavior at critical locations while preserving the overall structural integrity and function of the articulation.
2Device complexity
If the elastomer ring has uniform axial elevation throughout, then the structure is simple and symmetric, but radial excitations cause resonant amplification of vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry into the otherwise simple elastomer ring structure by creating at least one first ring portion with a different axial elevation than the corresponding second ring portion. This minimal modification to the ring geometry breaks the symmetry that causes resonant modes, preventing vibration amplification while maintaining relative structural simplicity and avoiding complex designs.
3Reliability
If diametrically opposed ring portions have different axial elevations, then resonant modes are prevented, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves attenuation of stiffness peaks through a controlled asymmetric design where only specific diametrically opposed ring portions have different axial elevations. This targeted asymmetry can be efficiently manufactured using conventional elastomer molding techniques by incorporating the elevation variation directly into the mold cavity design, avoiding the need for complex post-processing or assembly operations.
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 articulation effectively attenuates stiffness peaks associated with resonant modes, reducing vibration transmission from the engine to the vehicle bodywork, thereby enhancing vibration damping and filtering capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a ring made of at least one vibration damping elastomer material, which ring radially extends around the axial direction between the inner reinforcement and the outer reinforcement
Implementation Method 2
vibration damping elastomer material
Implementation Method 3
when the articulation experiences a radial excitation, i.e. transverse to the axial direction surrounded by the articulation, of a certain frequency a resonant mode appears on the elastomer portion of the articulation
Implementation Method 4
the fact that the first axial elevation is lower than the second axial elevation creates a dissymmetry in the ring portions of the elastomer ring in the transverse direction, which prevents amplification of the excitations applied in this transverse direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an articulation (1) for damping vibrations between an inner mechanical element and an outer mechanical element, comprising a rigid inner reinforcement (2), a rigid outer reinforcement (3), and a ring (4) made of at least one vibration damping elastomer material, which ring radially extends around the axial direction (X) between the inner reinforcement (2) and the outer reinforcement (3). The invention is characterized in that the first side flank (41) of the ring (4) comprises a first ring portion (51, 52) defined by a first surface (411, 412) and a second ring portion (53, 54) defined by a second surface (413, 414), which are diametrically opposed in relation to the axial direction (X) and which have, in the axial direction (X), respectively a first axial elevation (X1, X2) and a second axial elevation (X3, X4), which is higher than the first axial elevation (X1, X2).