Low Profile Three Parameter Isolator Flat Plate Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three parameter isolators are limited by their elongated form factor, which restricts their use in applications with limited space, leading to suboptimal performance and the need for redesigns that compromise vibration attenuation and load characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A low profile three parameter isolator design featuring a flat plate structure with concentric disc-shaped springs and a damper, allowing for superior damping and stiffness in six degrees of freedom, with properties that vary linearly with load and temperature, and a compact form factor suitable for multi-point mounting arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional three parameter isolators are used, then superior vibration attenuation is achieved, but the isolator length becomes too long for compact packaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration attenuationVSAvoidisolator length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional elongated strut-like form factor to a flat plate structure with concentric disc-shaped springs. This dimensional change allows the isolator to achieve the required vibration attenuation performance while reducing the axial length between mount points, enabling compact packaging without compromising the three parameter isolation characteristics.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the isolator by adopting a flat plate configuration with concentric springs instead of an elongated cylindrical form. This parameter change in the structural geometry enables the isolator to maintain its vibration attenuation capabilities while fitting within limited axial spaces, resolving the contradiction between performance and compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If viscoelastic mounts are used instead, then compact packaging is achieved, but damping and stiffness characteristics become non-linear with temperature and load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisolator lengthVSAvoiddamping and stiffness linearity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure combining metal disc-shaped springs with a central damper element. This composite design enables the isolator to maintain linear damping and stiffness characteristics across varying temperature and load conditions, unlike pure viscoelastic mounts. The metallic spring structure provides predictable mechanical properties while the integrated damper delivers consistent damping behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material and structural parameters by using metal springs with controlled geometry rather than viscoelastic materials. This parameter change ensures that the damping and stiffness characteristics remain linear and predictable with respect to temperature and load variations, enabling more reliable system design and performance prediction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of moving object

If system redesign is performed to extend mount point distance, then isolator length requirement is met, but overall system performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemount point distanceVSAvoidsystem performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the isolator's dimensional configuration from an elongated form to a compact flat plate form. This allows the mount point distance to be extended in the radial direction rather than requiring increased axial length, thereby maintaining optimal isolator performance while accommodating the required mounting geometry.

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

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 low profile design provides high fidelity damping and stiffness in six degrees of freedom, maintaining performance while accommodating limited axial distances between mount points, outperforming viscoelastic mounts in vibration attenuation and stability across a wide frequency range.

Implementation Method 1

A main spring is formed in the flat plate structure and is coupled in series with the first damper. A tuning spring is also formed in the flat plate structure such that the tuning spring is coupled in parallel with the main spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first damper, which is coupled to the base structure and to the diaphragm wall. A main spring is formed in the flat plate structure and is coupled in series with the first damper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2940345B1Low profile three parameter isolators and isolation systems employing the same
Publication Date: 2016.09.28 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP2940345B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2940345B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2940345B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments of a low profile three parameter isolator (10, 80) are provided, as are embodiments of an isolation system (110) employing one or more three parameter isolators. In one embodiment, the three parameter isolator includes a first damper (42, 94) and a flat plate structure (14, 82), which is coupled to the first damper and which extends substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (12) of the isolator. A main spring (34, 90) is formed in the flat plate structure and is coupled in parallel with the first damper, as taken along a first load path (70, 100) through the three parameter isolator. A tuning spring (36, 92) is also formed in the flat plate structure such that the tuning spring is coupled in parallel with the main spring and in series with the first damper, as taken along a second load path (72, 102) through the three parameter isolator.