Elastomeric Compression Spring Geometry for Tunable Load Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing elastomeric compression springs to achieve specific load-displacement performance is challenging due to the lack of efficient methods, leading to excessive trial-and-error iterations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates grooves or ribs on the outer surface of the elastomeric compression spring tube, which alter the thickness and stiffness, allowing for customizable load-displacement performance by adjusting the depth, length, and circumferential distance of these features to achieve desired localized changes in load-displacement rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional elastomeric compression spring manufacturing methods are used, then the basic vibration isolation function is achieved, but excessive trial-and-error iterations are required to achieve specific load-displacement performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces grooves or ribs at specific locations on the elastomeric compression spring to create localized variations in thickness and stiffness. This local quality modification allows precise control over the load-displacement curve at specific displacement ranges without redesigning the entire spring, thereby reducing trial-and-error iterations and achieving desired performance more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the load-displacement performance by changing physical parameters such as groove depth, rib height, groove/rib length, and circumferential spacing. These parameter changes directly influence the stiffness characteristics at different compression stages, enabling predictable tuning of the load-displacement curve and reducing the need for multiple design iterations.
2Manufacturing precision
If grooves or ribs are added to tune load-displacement performance, then precise control over stiffness is achieved, but the structural complexity of the elastomeric compression spring increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the entire spring structure, the patent applies local features (grooves or ribs) at specific circumferential locations. This approach achieves the desired load-displacement tuning while maintaining simplicity in the overall spring design, as only localized regions are modified rather than the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the spring's structural modification into discrete, independent features (individual grooves or ribs) that can be independently designed and adjusted. This segmentation allows for systematic tuning of the load-displacement curve by modifying individual features without affecting the entire spring structure, thereby managing complexity effectively.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple grooves or ribs are used to achieve desired load-displacement curve, then the tuning precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the load-displacement rate by systematically varying parameters such as groove depth, rib height, length, and circumferential spacing. These parameter changes can be directly incorporated into the manufacturing process (such as molding or machining), allowing for precise tuning without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as the features can be created in a single production step.
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
This approach enables precise tuning of the load-displacement behavior, reducing design and manufacturing iterations, increasing efficiency, and promoting cost savings by allowing for predictable achievement of desired vibration isolation characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one groove creates a localized reduction in a thickness of the tube and a stiffness of the elastomeric compression spring at the at least one groove
Implementation Method 2
Elastomeric compression springs are used to isolate vibrations in some applications
Implementation Method 3
The tube is configured to compress in the direction
Data Source
AI summary
An elastomeric compression spring for isolating vibrations between a first part and a second part. The first part is movable in a direction relative to the second part. The elastomeric compression spring comprises a tube elongated along a central axis of the tube. The central axis of the tube is perpendicular to the direction. The tube is configured to compress in the direction. The tube comprises an outer surface comprising an initial contact line configured to initially receive contact from the first part. The tube further comprises at least one load tuning feature in the outer surface, parallel to the central axis, and circumferentially spaced apart from the initial contact line. The at least one load tuning feature creates a localized change in a thickness of the tube and a stiffness of the elastomeric compression spring at the at least one load tuning feature.