Intermediate Sleeve Slit Geometry for Stable Vibration Isolator Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cylindrical vibration isolators face issues with inconsistent blast treatment due to intermediate sleeves entering slits during pretreatment, leading to incomplete processing and variations in adhesive strength of the rubber elastic body.

Innovation Solution

The design features a cylindrical vibration isolator with an intermediate sleeve having a slit with axial straight parts that have a smaller direct overlap margin than the sleeve's radial thickness, preventing other sleeves from entering and ensuring stable blast treatment coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a slit is formed in the intermediate sleeve to enable diameter reduction deformation, then pre-compression can be applied to the rubber elastic body, but other intermediate sleeves may enter the slit during blast treatment, causing incomplete treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblast treatment coverageVSAvoidslit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometry of the slit from a simple linear form to one with curved end portions that extend in the circumferential direction. This dimensional modification of the slit structure prevents other intermediate sleeves from entering and becoming trapped, while still allowing the necessary diameter reduction deformation to occur. The curved configuration adds a circumferential component to the slit design, creating a more complex three-dimensional geometry that solves the problem of sleeve entrapment during blast treatment.

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

2Strength

If the intermediate sleeve has a continuous cylindrical shape, then structural integrity is maintained, but diameter reduction deformation and pre-compression application become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddiameter reduction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a slit that divides the intermediate sleeve into two portions along the circumferential direction, creating a segmented structure. This segmentation allows the sleeve to undergo diameter reduction deformation by enabling the two portions to move relative to each other, while the sleeve remains substantially intact and maintains its functional integrity. The slit creates flexibility without complete separation, achieving both deformability and structural coherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stress or pressure

If the slit width is narrowed to reduce the outer cylindrical member diameter, then pre-compression is enhanced, but the slit becomes more susceptible to entrapment of other sleeves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-compression forceVSAvoidsleeve entrapment risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature to the end portions of the slit, extending them in the circumferential direction rather than maintaining straight linear ends. This curved configuration creates a geometric feature that prevents other intermediate sleeves from entering and becoming trapped in the slit, even when the slit width is narrowed to achieve the desired pre-compression effect. The curvature acts as a mechanical barrier that eliminates the entrapment hazard while preserving the narrow width needed for effective pre-compression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 configuration prevents incomplete treatment and enhances the stability and consistency of the vibration isolator's quality by ensuring effective application of blast treatment to all intermediate sleeves, reducing variations in adhesive strength and improving durability.

Implementation Method 1

an inner shaft member (inner cylinder) and an outer cylindrical member (outer cylinder) are connected by a main body rubber elastic body (rubber-like elastic body)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

when applying blast treatment to a large number of intermediate sleeves at once (roughening the surface by spraying blast material) as a pretreatment for vulcanization-bonding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS20240328476A1Cylindrical vibration isolator and intermediate sleeve
Publication Date: 2024.10.03 SUMITOMO RIKO CO LTD
  • US20240328476A1 patent drawing
  • US20240328476A1 patent drawing
  • US20240328476A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a cylindrical vibration isolator and an intermediate sleeve. In the cylindrical vibration isolator, an inner shaft member and an outer cylindrical member are connected by a main body rubber elastic body, and a cylindrical intermediate sleeve extending in a circumferential direction between the inner shaft member and the outer cylindrical member in a radial direction is fixed to the main body rubber elastic body. A slit penetrating axially is formed in a part of the intermediate sleeve in the circumferential direction. Both end parts of the slit are straight parts extending axially. A direct overlap margin of the straight parts on both sides in axial view is smaller than a radial thickness of the intermediate sleeve.