Conical Disc Spring Isolator for Low-Frequency Seat Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for isolating vehicle seats from low-frequency vibrations (0-10 Hz) are complex and expensive, failing to effectively attenuate vibration forces transmitted from the chassis to the seats.

Innovation Solution

A vibration isolator mechanism using conical disc spring members and spacers, which provide a quasi-zero/negative stiffness response to applied forces, allowing for significant deflection and attenuation of vibrations by inverting under load, thereby reducing the transmission of vibrations from the chassis to the seats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current methods are used to isolate vehicle seats from low-frequency vibrations, then vibration isolation is attempted, but the methods are complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration isolation effectivenessVSAvoidisolation method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration isolator is divided into multiple conical disc spring members (first, second, third, and fourth spring members) arranged in series between the chassis and seat. Each spring member independently contributes to vibration attenuation, allowing the system to achieve effective isolation through modular segmentation rather than a single complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conical disc spring members are designed to invert under load, reversing their conventional deformation behavior. This inversion capability enables the springs to absorb low-frequency vibration energy more effectively by undergoing larger deformations, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and isolation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If current methods are used to isolate vehicle seats from low-frequency vibrations, then vibration isolation is attempted, but the methods are expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration isolation effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration isolator uses multiple identical or similar conical disc spring members arranged in series, copying the same simple structural design four times rather than using a single complex expensive mechanism. This approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving vibration isolation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The conical disc spring members are simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Using multiple cheap spring members in series provides an economical alternative to expensive complex isolation systems, resolving the cost-effectiveness contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conical disc spring members are used with inversion capability, then significant deflection and vibration attenuation are achieved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidspring member arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration isolation function is segmented across multiple simple conical disc spring members rather than requiring a single complex spring design. Each spring member maintains a simple conical geometry with inversion capability, and the series arrangement distributes the vibration attenuation function across all members, reducing overall structural complexity while maximizing vibration attenuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 mechanism effectively attenuates low-frequency vibrations, providing a cost-effective solution for reducing vibration transmission, enhancing passenger comfort without the complexity and high costs of existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

conical disc spring members and spacers, which provide a quasi-zero/negative stiffness response to applied forces, allowing for significant deflection and attenuation of vibrations by inverting under load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11137045B2Vibration isolator with series and/or parallel conical disc spring member arrangements

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

An energy-absorbing structure for a vibration isolator includes a conical disc spring member having a first end including a central opening and a second end opposite the first end. The structure also includes at least one spacer having a base portion with a first side. The base portion first side defines a cavity structured to receive therein a second end of the spring member. The cavity has a floor, and a second end of the spring member is positioned in contact with the floor. The floor includes an opening formed therein and positioned so as to reside opposite the first end of the spring member when the second end of the spring member is positioned in contact with the cavity floor. The opening is structured to receive at least a portion of the first end of the spring member therein during an inversion of the spring member.