Elastomeric Band Joint for Radial Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional interference fits for axially aligned components, such as shafts and bearings, face challenges due to the need for tight geometric tolerances, which can lead to assembly issues like excessive assembly forces and improper seating, especially when manufacturing processes do not maintain precision dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A material compensation joint using an elastomeric band fitted into a channel on one of the components, allowing for compression against the shaft, which provides a secure fit without requiring precise tolerances, and includes inertia members and fasteners for rotational coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional interference fit is used to hold two axially aligned components, then structural integrity is achieved, but tight geometric tolerances are required which leads to excessive assembly forces and improper seating
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric band is introduced as an intermediary element between the two mating components. The band is compressed between the components, creating a material compensation joint that transmits and distributes assembly forces evenly across the interface. This intermediary allows the components to be held together with structural integrity while accommodating variations in manufacturing tolerances without requiring tight geometric precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric band undergoes compression during assembly, changing its physical state from uncompressed to compressed. This parameter change allows the band to conform to the mating surfaces and distribute contact pressure evenly, compensating for dimensional variations in the components. The compressible nature of the elastomer enables the joint to accommodate tolerance stacks while maintaining adequate holding strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If interference fit is used when manufacturing processes cannot maintain tight tolerances, then assembly becomes possible, but excessive assembly forces are encountered and components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric band serves as a force-distributing intermediary that prevents concentration of assembly forces at localized points. When the band is compressed between the mating components, it spreads the contact pressure across a larger area, reducing peak forces that would otherwise damage components with loose tolerances. This enables assembly of components manufactured with relaxed tolerance specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric band acts as a cushioning element that is pre-positioned between the mating components before final assembly. This beforehand cushioning protects the components from excessive forces during the assembly process by absorbing and distributing the impact and compression forces, preventing damage to components that cannot withstand high assembly loads.
3Strength
If traditional interference fit is used to position components axially, then structural connection is achieved, but control of final seating location is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric band as an intermediary element provides a compliant interface that allows for controlled positioning of the first component relative to the second. The compression of the band creates a defined deformation state that corresponds to a specific seating location, enabling control of the axial position while maintaining connection integrity. The material compensation joint translates force application into controlled displacement.
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 elastomeric band compression creates a hydrostatic pressure that securely holds the components together, reducing vibration transmission and enhancing the fatigue life of attached components, while allowing for assembly without the need for tight tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric band compression creates a hydrostatic pressure that securely holds the components together
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric band fitted into a channel that is cut into one of the components and this subassembly is then located with respect to its mating component
Implementation Method 3
radial vibration damper having same
Data Source
AI summary
Mating components that are mateable to another component to share the same axis of rotation, assemblies including the mating component mated to another component, and methods of mating them together are disclosed. The mating component includes a hub having an engaging portion defining an endless channel recessed therein. The endless channel has a surface that defines one or more trenches therein and an elastomeric band seated against that surface in an uncompressed state. The elastomeric band has an outermost dimension relative to the endless channel that is larger than the inner or outer dimension defined by the engaging portion of the hub and thereby defines an unchanneled portion of the elastomeric band, which has a volume that is equal to or less than the total volume of the one or more trenches.