Flexible Bellows Isolators for Sealed Large-Deflection Panel Mounts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing isolators for vibration-sensitive components in mechanical assemblies, such as aviation systems, face limitations in allowing large deflections, requiring additional space, and failing to provide environmental sealing, while existing solutions like elastomer pucks and wire rope isolators do not adequately address these issues.

Innovation Solution

The development of isolators with flexible bellows that couple panels to a frame, enabling large deflections, providing a seal, and reducing the need for additional seals or reinforcement structures, thus integrating vibration damping and environmental sealing in a single component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastomer pucks are used as isolators, then vibration damping is provided, but large deflections are not allowed and additional space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration dampingVSAvoiddeflection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible bellows structures made from elastomeric materials that can accommodate large deflections while maintaining vibration damping capabilities. The bellows geometry allows axial compression and expansion movements significantly greater than traditional elastomer pucks, directly resolving the contradiction between deflection capability and vibration damping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator design incorporates dynamic flexibility through the bellows structure, which can adapt its stiffness characteristics based on the operating conditions and deflection magnitude. This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide effective vibration damping at small amplitudes while accommodating large deflections when needed, resolving the static limitation of traditional elastomer pucks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If wire rope isolators are used, then large deflections are allowed, but environmental sealing is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflection capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental sealing

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The isolator combines elastomeric materials with sealing properties with the flexible bellows structure, creating a composite solution that simultaneously provides large deflection capability and environmental sealing. The elastomeric material forms both the structural bellows and the sealing interface, eliminating the need for separate sealing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible bellows structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mechanical isolation and large deflection capability like wire rope isolators, while also forming an environmental seal like dedicated sealing components. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single component fulfill both roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional isolators are used, then vibration damping is provided, but additional seals and reinforcement structures are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration dampingVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the vibration damping function, large deflection capability, and environmental sealing function into a single integrated flexible bellows isolator component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate elastomer pucks, wire rope isolators, sealing rings, and reinforcement structures that would otherwise be required, directly reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible bellows isolator is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: vibration damping, large deflection accommodation, and environmental sealing. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 isolators enable large deflections, reduce system weight, and provide a tight seal, effectively damping vibrations and reducing the need for additional seals, thereby enhancing the protection of sensitive components and optimizing system integration.

Implementation Method 1

Elastomers, bushings, and other systems are used in such systems to damp vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a flexible bellows positioned between the first flange and the second flange

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250257786A1Isolators for panel assemblies and other structures

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Example isolators for panel assemblies and other structures are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclose herein includes a panel, a frame, and an isolator coupling the panel and the frame, the isolator including a first flange including a first side coupled to the panel, and a second side opposite the first side, a second flange including a third side coupled to the frame, and a fourth side opposite the first side, and a flexible bellows positioned between the first flange and the second flange, the flexible bellows including a first end coupled to the second side, and a second end coupled to the fourth side.