Multi-Part Isolation Bushing Covers for Vehicle NVH Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolators in vehicles fail to effectively isolate components from vibrations generated by drive units, leading to inadequate noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance.
Innovation Solution
The design of an isolator with integrally formed lobes and a body, covered by clamshell covers, which includes additional material to enhance NVH performance by providing increased volume and secure fastening points, along with a metal ring for added support, to effectively constrain and isolate vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional isolator design is used, then the structure is simple, but the NVH performance is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator is divided into multiple functional lobes (first lobe, second lobe, third lobe) with distinct openings oriented in different directions. Each lobe can independently interact with vibrations from different sources, allowing the isolator to handle complex vibration patterns more effectively while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial orientation by positioning openings in different directions (first direction, second direction perpendicular to first direction, third direction). This multi-directional configuration allows the isolator to counteract vibrations coming from various angles simultaneously, enhancing NVH performance through three-dimensional vibration isolation.
2Reliability
If isolator volume is increased to enhance NVH performance, then vibration isolation improves, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamshell covers are designed to conform to and surround the lobes of the isolator, creating a nested configuration where the covers encapsulate the vibration-isolating elements. This nesting allows the isolator to achieve enhanced NVH performance with compact dimensions, as the covers provide structural support and vibration damping in a space-efficient manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator combines rubber material for the lobes and body with metal ring reinforcements and plastic clamshell covers. This composite construction provides enhanced vibration isolation performance through the damping properties of rubber while maintaining compact size through the structural support of metal and plastic components.
3Ease of operation
If multiple lobes with openings are added for fastening, then fastening capability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator features multiple distinct lobes (first, second, and third lobes) each with its own opening oriented in a specific direction. This segmentation provides multiple independent fastening points that can be used to secure the isolator to different components, improving installation flexibility and ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple monolithic structure that can be manufactured as a single piece.
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 enhanced isolator assembly significantly improves NVH performance by providing additional material to counteract vibrations and torque, minimizing the transmission of forces to connected structures, thereby reducing operational vibrations experienced by vehicle users.
Implementation Method 1
The body, the first lobe, and the second lobe may include a rubber
Implementation Method 2
The isolator may further include, a metal ring integrated with the body. The metal ring may encircle the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An isolator includes multiple lobes that increase the overall volume of the material used to form the isolator. The isolator may be enclosed by several covers used to constrain the isolator and allow for the additional material provided by the lobes. An assembly of the isolator and the covers may be secured to an object (e.g., a drive unit or subframe) using respective openings in the lobes and the covers.