Compliant Isolator Strap Cylinder Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting assemblies for vehicle components, such as linear bearings and bushings, are susceptible to environmental contamination and require large strains to accommodate movement, leading to durability issues and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A compliant isolator assembly featuring a strap that encircles a cylinder, allowing movement along a first axis while preventing movement along a perpendicular axis, utilizing a strap adjustment assembly and end mounting assembly to minimize strain and resist environmental contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linear bearings or bushings are used to enable movement between vehicle components, then movement in the travel direction is achieved with low resistance, but the components become susceptible to environmental contamination and require sealing mechanisms that increase cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable linear bearing or bushing from the system entirely and replaces it with a strap-based mounting assembly. The strap encircles the component and allows movement through elastic deformation rather than mechanical contact, eliminating the need for sealed bearings that are susceptible to contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bearing/bushing system with an elastic strap system. Instead of using precision mechanical components that require sealing, the invention uses the elastic properties of the strap material to enable movement while inherently resisting environmental contamination.
2Ease of operation
If linear bearings are used to enable movement, then low-friction movement is achieved, but the cost increases due to the large number of precision parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex linear bearing assembly with its multiple precision parts (raceways, rollers, cages, seals) and replaces it with a simple elastic strap that provides smooth movement through material elasticity rather than mechanical precision components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastic strap, which is essentially a flexible element, to replace the rigid precision mechanical components. The strap's flexibility and elastic properties enable smooth movement without requiring the complex precision manufacturing of traditional linear bearings.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a rubber block is used to allow movement between components, then environmental contamination resistance is improved, but large strains are required which limit displacement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional stretching (requiring large strains in the rubber block) to a two-dimensional mechanism where the strap encircles the component. This allows the strap to accommodate displacement through unwinding and elastic deformation in multiple directions, significantly increasing displacement capability without requiring large strains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic strap configuration that can unwind and rewind as the component moves, rather than relying on static elastic deformation. This dynamic mechanism allows for larger displacements while maintaining contamination resistance, as the strap material remains under minimal strain throughout the range of motion.
4Ease of manufacture
If bushings are used as a less expensive alternative to linear bearings, then cost is reduced, but durability decreases as parts slide and wear on one another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bushing component entirely from the system and replaces it with an elastic strap. This eliminates the sliding contact between parts that causes wear and durability issues, while maintaining a cost-effective solution that avoids the complexity and expense of precision linear bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical sliding contact system (bushing) with an elastic deformation system (strap). This replacement eliminates wear between parts since the strap deforms elastically rather than sliding against itself or against the component, significantly improving durability while remaining cost-effective.
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 compliant isolator assembly effectively allows movement along a desired axis with minimal strain, enhancing durability and resistance to environmental factors, reducing production costs and maintenance needs compared to traditional solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the strap allows movement of the cylinder substantially along the first axis, and such that the strap substantially prevents movement of the cylinder along a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly includes an attachment assembly and a strap attachment assembly having a cylinder moveable relative to the attachment assembly along a first axis. The mounting assembly further includes a strap at least partially encircling the cylinder, wherein the strap has first and second strap ends with at least one of the first and second strap ends secured to the attachment assembly such that the strap allows movement of the cylinder substantially along the first axis, and such that the strap substantially prevents movement of the cylinder along a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis.