Elastomeric Spring Assembly for Aircraft Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support and mounting assemblies for aircraft and high vibration applications do not effectively accommodate relative movement between bodies, leading to inadequate vibration damping and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A flexible assembly comprising an elastomeric body and cantilevered leaf springs, where the elastomeric body is positioned between the springs, allowing for sliding contact and accommodating shifts between bodies, while a rigid frame supports the assembly without contacting the springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid support assemblies are used to maintain structural stability, then strength and rigidity are improved, but the ability to accommodate relative movement and dampen vibrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the support elements by using elastomeric material with specific durometer hardness (e.g., 60-90 Shore A) and configuring spring elements with controlled stiffness. This allows the assembly to maintain structural integrity while accommodating relative movement through elastic deformation and spring deflection, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining elastomeric material with metal spring elements and rigid frames. The elastomeric body provides vibration damping and compliance, while the metal springs provide structural support and the frame provides geometric stability. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of strength and movement accommodation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compliant support assemblies are used to accommodate vibrations and relative movement, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support assembly into distinct functional segments: rigid frames providing geometric stability, metal spring elements providing structural support and additional compliance, and elastomeric bodies providing vibration damping. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, allowing the overall assembly to maintain strength while achieving superior vibration damping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, accommodate relative movement through deflection, and contribute to vibration damping. The elastomeric bodies similarly provide both vibration isolation and positional compliance. This multi-functionality allows the assembly to achieve both adaptability and structural integrity without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed mounting assemblies are used to maintain precise positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but the ability to accommodate vibrations and movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric bodies and spring elements act as intermediary elements between the rigid frames and the mounted components. These intermediaries provide precise positioning through controlled elastic deformation while simultaneously isolating vibrations by absorbing and dissipating vibrational energy. The elastomeric material's viscoelastic properties enable it to maintain positional accuracy while dampening harmful vibrations.
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 assembly effectively limits and dampens vibrations between bodies, enabling efficient accommodation of vertical, longitudinal, and lateral shifts, thereby enhancing the stability and vibration isolation in aircraft and similar applications.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly effectively limits and dampens vibrations between bodies
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric body and a plurality of cantilevered leaf springs... enabling efficient accommodation of vertical, longitudinal, and lateral shifts
Implementation Method 3
Each of the cantilevered leaf springs is attached to the second body. The elastomeric body is disposed between the cantilevered leaf springs such that each of the cantilevered leaf springs slidably contacts the elastomeric body
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is provided that includes an assembly (26) adapted to support a first body (22) relative to a second body (24). An elastomeric body (28) is configured with a mounting aperture (50) for receiving the first body (22). The elastomeric body (28) includes a first protrusion (36A) and a second protrusion (36B). A frame (30) wraps about a perimeter of the elastomeric body (28). The frame (30) is configured with a first window (60A) and a second window (60B). The first protrusion (36A) extends through the first window (60A) to a distal end of the first protrusion (52A). The second protrusion (36B) extends through the second window (60B) to a distal end of the second protrusion (52B). Spring elements (32A, 32B) are adapted to mount to the second body (24). The elastomeric body (28) is disposed between the first and the second spring elements (32A, 32B) such that the first spring element (32A) engages the distal end of the first protrusion (52A) and the second spring element (32B) engages the distal end of the second protrusion (52B).