Compliant Isolator Strap Mounting for Vehicle Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle component mounting assemblies, such as linear bearings and bushings, are susceptible to environmental contamination and require large material strains, leading to durability issues and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A compliant isolator mounting assembly using a strap system with a cylinder and strap ends secured to a Y-shaped bracket assembly, allowing movement along one axis while preventing movement along a perpendicular axis, utilizing a durable material like rubber 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 along the travel direction is achieved with low resistance, but the assembly becomes susceptible to environmental contamination and requires sealing mechanisms that increase cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linear bearing or bushing system with an elastomeric isolator that uses elastic deformation to enable movement. The isolator allows travel in the primary direction through elastic compression while inherently resisting contamination without requiring mechanical seals or protective housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using an elastomeric material with specific durometer hardness and viscoelastic properties. This allows the isolator to provide both movement capability and contamination resistance through material selection rather than mechanical design.
2Ease of operation
If linear bearings are used to provide precise movement, then movement along the travel direction is achieved with low resistance, but the assembly becomes inherently expensive due to a large number of precision parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical bearing system with a single elastomeric isolator component. The isolator uses elastic deformation and viscoelastic damping to provide movement and isolation functions that would otherwise require multiple precision mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (movement enablement, vibration isolation, contamination protection) into a single elastomeric isolator component, eliminating the need for separate bearings, seals, and protective housings.
3Ease 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 replaces the sliding contact mechanism of bushings with elastic deformation of an elastomeric material. The isolator accommodates movement through compression and rebound rather than sliding contact, eliminating wear and extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses elastomeric materials with specific durometer hardness and viscoelastic properties to achieve both cost-effectiveness and durability. The material selection provides wear resistance and contamination resistance without requiring expensive precision machining.
4Strength
If a rubber block is made longer in one direction to increase stiffness, then resistance to movement in that direction increases, but movement in the perpendicular direction requires large strains with limited displacement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using an elastomeric material with specific durometer hardness and viscoelastic properties. This allows the isolator to provide both movement capability and contamination resistance through material selection rather than mechanical design.
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 reduces strain and resistance to motion, is more durable and cost-effective, and is not affected by environmental contaminants, providing improved performance and longevity compared to traditional solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the utilization of a soft, elastic material such as natural rubber to mount the vehicle components together. Because the elastic material is soft, it allows some movement between the parts.
Implementation Method 2
the cab is typically moveably mounted to the chassis to accommodate and isolate vibrations, rocking, tilt, etc., therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly that includes a strap adjustment assembly having a curved cylindrical portion, a strap end mounting assembly, and a strap assembly. The strap assembly includes first and second straps, each of the first and second straps having first and second ends, wherein the first ends of the first and second straps are secured to the strap adjustment assembly and wherein the second ends of the first and second straps are secured to the strap end mounting assembly, and wherein each of the first and second straps extends at least partially along the curved cylindrical portion.