Elastomer Leg Isolator Structure for Balanced Axial and Radial Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolators exhibit a soft rate when loaded in the radial direction and a significantly higher rate when mounted in the axial direction, requiring a specific orientation for proper utilization and failing to effectively minimize vibration and noise transmission.
Innovation Solution
The isolator design features an inner core and outer shell with elastomer legs arranged to provide a radial rate similar to the axial rate, allowing for mounting in various orientations by integrating legs that diverge radially and inwardly, with specific angles and configurations to balance deflection per unit load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the isolator is mounted in the axial direction, then a significantly higher rate is provided, but the isolator cannot be mounted in various orientations and vibration isolation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer features asymmetric leg configurations with different geometries - some legs diverge radially outwardly while others diverge inwardly. This asymmetric design allows the isolator to provide substantially the same radial rate regardless of mounting orientation, eliminating the need for specific orientation while maintaining consistent vibration isolation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer incorporates multiple legs extending in different directions (radially outward and radially inward) to create a multi-dimensional load distribution system. This dimensional approach ensures that the isolator provides consistent radial rate characteristics whether mounted axially, radially, or in any intermediate orientation, thereby achieving versatility across all mounting configurations.
2Force
If the isolator uses traditional elastomeric configurations, then manufacturing is simplified, but the radial rate remains significantly softer than the axial rate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer is segmented into multiple discrete legs rather than using a monolithic elastomeric body. Each leg is configured with specific geometry (radially diverging or inwardly diverging) to contribute differently to the overall radial rate. This segmentation allows precise control over the radial rate characteristics while maintaining manufacturability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the elastomer possess different local qualities - some legs have thicker cross-sections, others have different lengths or curvature radii. These localized variations in elastomer geometry are strategically designed to balance the radial rate across different mounting orientations, achieving uniform force characteristics without requiring complex overall restructuring.
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 design achieves balanced radial and axial deflection rates, enabling versatile mounting orientations while effectively reducing vibration and noise transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer positioned radially between an inner core and an outer shell. The elastomer includes a first leg and a diametrically opposed second leg as well as a third leg in a diametrically opposed fourth leg
Data Source
AI summary
An isolator comprises an inner core including a bore extending therethrough, an outer shell including a cylindrical wall and an elastomer positioned radially between the inner core and the outer shell. The elastomer includes a first leg and a diametrically opposed second leg as well as a third leg in a diametrically opposed fourth leg. The first leg and the second leg interconnect the inner core and the outer shell and originate at the inner core and diverge radially outwardly along a first longitudinal direction. The third leg and the fourth leg each interconnect the inner core and the outer shell and originate at the