Elastomeric Damping Mount for Compact Vibration Isolation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Aerospace industry faces challenges in preventing mechanical vibrations and shocks from reaching functional equipment due to space and weight constraints, limiting the effectiveness of existing shock attenuation methods.

Innovation Solution

The use of a damping system comprising a receiving member with axial and radial elastomeric members positioned between a first and second member to absorb and dissipate mechanical energy, reducing the transfer of vibrations and shocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing shock attenuation methods are used, then mechanical vibrations and shocks can be reduced, but space and weight constraints are violated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical vibrations and shocksVSAvoidweight of damping system
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs elastomeric members (flexible elements) as the core damping mechanism. These elastomeric members deform under shock and vibration loads, absorbing mechanical energy while maintaining a compact, lightweight structure. The flexible nature of elastomeric materials allows effective vibration isolation without requiring heavy rigid structures or large spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The damping apparatus utilizes composite construction by combining elastomeric members with metal components (first member, second member, receiving member). This composite approach leverages the vibration-absorbing properties of elastomers while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing overall weight through optimized material selection and configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If existing shock attenuation methods are used, then mechanical vibrations and shocks can be reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical vibrations and shocksVSAvoidcomplexity of damping system
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping system is segmented into distinct functional components: elastomeric members for vibration absorption, first and second members for structural support, and a receiving member for load distribution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design modular and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as vibration isolators, shock absorbers, and flexible connectors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining effective vibration and shock attenuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 damping system effectively reduces mechanical energy transfer between the first and second members, minimizing damage to equipment and enhancing flexibility and load-attenuation capabilities within space and weight constraints.

Implementation Method 1

an axial elastomeric member positionable between a surface of the first member and a flange of the receiving member, and a radial elastomeric member positionable between the first member and the receiving member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first axial elastomeric member is positionable between the first surface of the first member and the first flange of the receiving member. The second axial elastomeric member is positionable between the second surface of the first member and the second flange of the receiving member.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11274722B2Damping apparatus and associated systems and methods for damping a first member relative to a second member
Publication Date: 2022.03.15 THE BOEING CO
  • US11274722B2 patent drawing
  • US11274722B2 patent drawing
  • US11274722B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for damping a first member relative to a second member. The apparatus includes a receiving member that includes a flange, an axial elastomeric member, and a radial elastomeric member. The axial elastomeric member is positionable between a surface of the first member and the flange of the receiving member, and the radial elastomeric member is positionable between the first member and the receiving member.