Isolation Mount Adapter Plate for Switching Mount Types

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine design is hindered by the need for early selection of isolation mount type, which limits flexibility in prototyping, testing, and subsequent changes due to different mounting configurations for rubber and fluid isolation mounts, leading to delayed development and maintenance challenges.

Innovation Solution

An isolation mount assembly with a resilient member and adapter plate, including a flanged sleeve, allows for compatibility with both rubber and fluid isolation mounts, enabling pre-compression and robust bonding, facilitating adaptable mounting configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a specific isolation mount type (rubber or fluid) is selected early in the design phase, then the mounting configuration can be optimized for that type, but the flexibility to change mount types during prototyping, testing, or maintenance is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to change isolation mount typesVSAvoidmounting configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter plate is designed with multiple attachment structures that can accommodate both rubber isolation mounts and fluid isolation mounts, allowing a single mounting configuration to support multiple isolation mount types. This universal design enables designers to switch between mount types during prototyping, testing, and maintenance without redesigning the entire mounting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If different mounting configurations are used for rubber and fluid isolation mounts, then each mount type can be optimized for its specific application, but the time required for prototyping, testing, and design changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimization for specific applicationVSAvoidproduct development time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting configuration is segmented into modular components: an adapter plate with multiple attachment structures and interchangeable isolation mounts. This segmentation allows the attachment plate to remain constant while only the isolation mount portion needs to be changed during testing or prototyping, significantly reducing the time required for design iterations while maintaining application-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a mounting configuration is designed for a specific isolation mount type, then the performance can be optimized for that type, but the ease of switching to different mount types during maintenance or overhaul is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of switching mount typesVSAvoidmounting configuration design
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter plate serves as an intermediary component between the machine structure and the isolation mount. It provides standardized attachment points that work with multiple isolation mount types, making maintenance and overhaul easier by allowing quick replacement of isolation mounts without modifying the underlying mounting configuration, while the design complexity is concentrated in the single adapter plate component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables seamless switching between isolation mount types, reducing product development time and maintenance complexity by providing a versatile mounting system that can handle various loads and applications.

Implementation Method 1

resilient member defining a central aperture that defines a load axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

isolation mounts are provided with mounting interfaces that allow only a certain type of isolation mount to be used with the components of that machine. Two common types of isolation mounts that are currently being used include rubber isolation mounts, so called as the rubber provides the desired dampening of vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3478985B1Adapter for an isolation mount design
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 CATERPILLAR INC
  • EP3478985B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3478985B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3478985B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An isolation mount assembly (200, 300) comprises a resilient member (202, 302) defining a central aperture (204, 304) that defines a load axis (L) and an annular depression (213, 313) about the load axis (L), and an adapter plate (206, 306) including an outer mechanical attachment structure (208, 308) that defines a first thickness (252, 352) and an inner attachment structure (212, 312) that is closer to the load axis than the outer attachment structure (208, 308) along a direction that is perpendicular to the load axis and that defines a second thickness (250, 350). The inner attachment structure (212, 312) is disposed in the annular depression (213, 313) and the second thickness (250, 350) is at least twice the first thickness (252, 352).