Elastomeric Mounting System for Waste Disposer Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food waste disposer mounting assemblies are not ideal due to their fixed connections, which can transmit significant vibration to sinks, and they can be expensive, complicated to install, and require excessive space.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system that includes a tubular structure, an enclosure structure, and an elastomeric member to couple the tubular structure and the enclosure structure, providing anti-vibration support and backup linkage members for additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed mounting connection is used between the food waste disposer and the sink, then the mounting structure is simple and reliable, but significant vibration is transmitted from the disposer to the sink
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastomeric member as an intermediary element between the tubular structure (connected to sink flange) and the enclosure structure (connected to disposer). This elastomeric member acts as a vibration-isolating mediator that allows the mounting to remain reliable while blocking vibration transmission to the sink.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric member functions as a flexible vibration-isolating element that couples the tubular and enclosure structures. Its elastic properties allow it to absorb and dampen vibrations while maintaining the structural connection, thus resolving the contradiction between mounting reliability and vibration transmission.
2Reliability
If conventional mounting assemblies with multiple components are used, then reliable mounting is achieved, but the installation becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple traditional mounting components (flange, gasket, mounting tabs, fasteners) into an integrated mounting system where the elastomeric member is coupled to both the tubular and enclosure structures. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts, simplifies installation, and lowers cost while maintaining reliable mounting through the integrated vibration-isolating connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a vibration isolator, a structural coupler between tubular and enclosure structures, and a mounting element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vibration dampers, mounting brackets, and fasteners, thereby reducing complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional mounting assemblies are used, then adequate support is provided, but excessive axial space is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric member is positioned within the axial space between the tubular structure and the enclosure structure, effectively nesting the vibration-isolating element within the existing mounting geometry. This eliminates the need for additional axial space that would be required for separate vibration isolation components, thereby maintaining adequate support while reducing overall axial space requirements.
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 proposed mounting system effectively reduces vibration transmission between the food waste disposer and the sink, is more cost-effective and easier to install, and requires less axial space, while providing reliable backup support.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric member extending between the second end and the additional end, where the elastomeric member is coupled to each of the tubular structure and the enclosure structure, and serves to couple the tubular structure and the enclosure structure
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric member extending between the second end and the additional end, where the elastomeric member is coupled to each of the tubular structure and the enclosure structure
Data Source
AI summary
Mounting systems for waste disposers such as food waste disposers, waste disposers employing such systems, and related methods are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, a mounting system includes a tubular structure extending between first and second ends, and an enclosure structure configured to be able to support, at least indirectly, the waste disposer. Further, the mounting system includes an elastomeric member coupled to each of the tubular structure, the enclosure structure, and the waste disposer. Additionally, the mounting system includes one or more backup support features that is or are configured to enable the enclosure structure and the waste disposer to be supported relative to the tubular structure when the elastomeric member is unable unilaterally to provide a desired support level of the enclosure structure and the waste disposer relative to the tubular structure.