Elastomer Damper Edge Contours to Reduce Tearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elastomeric dampers are susceptible to tearing due to shear, compression, and tension forces, leading to premature failure and reduced longevity of the elastomer.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a dual quarter elliptical shape for the peripheral surface of the elastomer, combining a first elongated quarter ellipse and a second elongated quarter ellipse in a continuous concave arched shape, which distributes stress and reduces concentration at the exposed edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the elastomer peripheral edge is left unsupported and flat, then the elastomer can deform freely under applied forces, but the exposed edge becomes susceptible to tearing significantly reducing longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the peripheral edge of the elastomer into a rounded contour with a specified radius of curvature. This curved geometry eliminates sharp corners where stress would concentrate, allowing the elastomer to deform under load while the rounded edge distributes stresses more uniformly, preventing tear initiation and propagation at the peripheral edge.
2Reliability
If the peripheral edge contour is modified to reduce tearing, then resistance to tearing improves, but the complexity of manufacturing the elastomer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the peripheral edge contour, including a radius of curvature between 0.05 to 0.5 times the thickness of the elastomer. By defining specific quantitative parameters rather than arbitrary geometric shapes, the invention balances improved tear resistance with manufacturability, as these parameter ranges can be readily implemented in standard molding processes.
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
This design significantly reduces the likelihood of tearing, enhancing the resilience and longevity of the elastomer by distributing stress evenly and preventing concentration at the edges.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric dampers are designed to control vibration and impact to reduce noise and absorb energy
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric damper is commonly integrated along a connection provided between two components. The pliancy of the elastomer reduces a transfer of acceleration between an applied force and a transferred force
Data Source
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AI summary
An elastomer damper including an elastomeric member laminated between two rigid plates. The elastomeric member having a first elastomer mating surface, a second elastomer mating surface, and a peripheral edge extending between each of the elastomer mating surfaces. Each elastomer mating surface is coupled to a respective rigid plate. At least a section of the peripheral surface is formed comprising a concave arch formed comprising one of a quarter ellipse or a dual quarter ellipse. The concave arch extends substantially between the elastomer mating surfaces. The concave arch shape reduces tearing of the elastomer damper. The dual quarter ellipse is formed by combining a first elongated first quarter ellipse and a second elongated first quarter ellipse in a continuous concave arched shape.