Elastomeric Bushing Isolator for Compact Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing isolators for attenuating shock and vibration in electronic devices are often too bulky or costly, making them unsuitable for use in confined spaces and increasing the risk of device damage, malfunction, or failure due to increased wear and mechanical compromise from repeated exposure to shock and vibrational forces.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device assembly incorporating an elastomeric bushing mounted within a mount, where the elastomeric bushing is coupled to a bobbin using a press-fit, bonding agent, or threads, allowing for effective attenuation of shock and vibration while maintaining a compact form factor, and utilizing materials like Viton to support weight and tune natural frequencies for optimal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If known isolators are used to attenuate shock and vibration, then the electronic device is protected from damage and malfunction, but the height of the electronic device increases, preventing use within confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from shock and vibrationVSAvoidheight of electronic device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The isolator is nested within the mounting structure by receiving the isolator shaft through the mounting opening, allowing the isolator to be incorporated into the existing device footprint without increasing overall height. The elastomeric bushing is further nested around the bobbin structure, maximizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator transitions from a conventional external mounting configuration to an integrated internal configuration by receiving the shaft through the mounting opening. This dimensional repositioning allows the isolator to function within the existing height constraints of the electronic device assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If known isolators are used to attenuate shock and vibration, then the electronic device is protected from damage and malfunction, but the cost of the electronic device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from shock and vibrationVSAvoidcost of electronic device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The isolator is divided into discrete components: a bobbin with first and second bobbin members, an elastomeric bushing, and mounting hardware. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of individual parts and simplified assembly, reducing overall production cost while maintaining protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator utilizes an elastomeric material for the bushing, which can be manufactured through cost-effective molding processes. The segmented bobbin design allows for optimized material usage and simplified fabrication, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to monolithic isolator designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of moving object

If the isolator is incorporated within the mount, then the height of the electronic device is reduced, but the isolator must be precisely fitted within the mounting opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight of electronic deviceVSAvoidfitting precision of isolator in mounting opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bobbin features localized geometric features including flanges with specific profiles and the elastomeric bushing has a tailored inner diameter that matches the shaft. These local quality enhancements at critical interfaces ensure precise fitting and proper function while allowing standard manufacturing tolerances for the overall components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively reduces the height of the electronic device assembly, enabling its use in confined spaces, supports a greater weight capacity, and enhances the device's durability by attenuating specific frequency ranges, thus preventing damage and malfunction from shock and vibration.

Implementation Method 1

an isolator comprising an elastomeric bushing configured to attenuate at least one of shock or vibration exerted on the electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2921039B1Isolator for an electronic device
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 TE CONNECTIVITY CORP
  • EP2921039B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2921039B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2921039B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An electronic device assembly (10) includes an electronic device (12) having a mount (18) that includes a mounting opening (26). The mounting opening is configured to receive mounting hardware (28) therein for mounting the electronic device to a structure (20). An isolator (16) is coupled to the mount. The isolator includes an elastomeric bushing (38) configured to attenuate at least one of shock or vibration exerted on the electronic device. The isolator is incorporated within the mount such that the elastomeric bushing is received into the mounting opening of the mount.