Elastomeric Shock Absorber With Flexible Membrane Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock absorbers in high-cycle applications, such as blow molding machines, require dynamic seals that fail prematurely, leading to increased maintenance costs and downtime due to the need for frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorbing apparatus utilizing a flexible elastomeric housing with a hydraulic fluid system that eliminates the need for dynamic seals by using a compression assembly and damping orifices to absorb and dissipate impact loads, reducing the requirement for sliding hydraulic seals and separate spring biasing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shock absorbers with dynamic seals are used in high-cycle applications, then shock absorption function is achieved, but the dynamic seals fail prematurely requiring frequent maintenance and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dynamic seal component from the shock absorber system entirely. Instead of using a piston with dynamic seals that require maintenance, the invention uses a sealed chamber with a flexible membrane that eliminates the need for sliding seals, thereby solving the premature failure and frequent maintenance problem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical piston-seal system with a flexible membrane-based system. The membrane flexes to allow volume change while maintaining fluid containment, substituting the mechanical sliding seal mechanism with a flexible barrier that has no wear points requiring maintenance
2Reliability
If dynamic seals are used in high-cycle shock absorbers, then fluid containment is achieved, but the seals require frequent replacement due to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic seal is completely extracted from the system. The patent uses a flexible membrane that forms part of the chamber structure itself, eliminating the need for separate seal components that would require removal and replacement during maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane performs multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the hydraulic fluid, accommodates volume changes during shock absorption, and maintains the sealed environment without requiring external maintenance or replacement, making the system self-sustaining
3Reliability
If conventional shock absorbers with multiple components are used, then shock absorption is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The flexible membrane serves as both the chamber boundary and the seal, while the compression assembly integrates the piston, spring, and damping elements into a compact unit that simplifies the overall assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane performs multiple functions: it contains hydraulic fluid, accommodates pressure changes, provides structural definition of the chamber, and eliminates the need for separate seal components, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity
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 solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and simpler assembly process with a longer service life, reducing downtime and maintenance costs in high-cycle environments by effectively absorbing shock loads without the need for dynamic seals.
Implementation Method 1
a viscous fluid may be exchanged between the accumulator and compression cavities via a fluid conduit, damping orifice and/or one or more valve mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
flow through at least one orifice that results in conversion of the applied kinetic energy to heat
Implementation Method 3
The housing is defined by at least one elastomeric membrane to limit forces transmitted to the surroundings of an attached structure
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorbing apparatus includes a flexible membrane defining an accumulator cavity, and a compression assembly defining a compression cavity. The compression assembly is disposed within the flexible membrane such that viscous fluid contained within the cavities may be exchanged therebetween by a damping orifice, fluid conduit and or valve mechanism. The accumulator cavity deforms in response to the application of a transmitted impact load, and is capable of storing and releasing potential energy in response to the application and cessation of the transmitted impact load.