Micro-bubble Polyurethane Dampener for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dampening devices for percussive instruments and sports/outdoor equipment face issues such as oil seepage, poor adhesion, limited surface compatibility, inability to remain on vertical planes, and ineffective sound control, particularly on vibrating surfaces like crash cymbals.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a two-layer dampening device with a first layer of neoprene and a second layer of micro-bubble infused tacky polyurethane cast elastomer, formed by combining an isocyanate-base prepolymer with a polyol base curing agent, which is shredded to entrain air bubbles, providing excellent adhesion and sound absorption across various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If gel patches with oil-based materials are used for dampening, then vibration absorption is achieved, but oil seepage and staining occur on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite material system consisting of a polyurethane base polymer combined with silicone oil. This composite formulation allows the material to absorb vibrations effectively while the silicone oil component prevents unwanted oil seepage and staining on surfaces, resolving the contradiction between vibration absorption and surface contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the dampening material by incorporating silicone oil into the polyurethane matrix. This parameter change transforms the material properties to achieve both effective vibration damping and resistance to oil migration, eliminating the harmful seepage effect while maintaining energy absorption.
2Loss of energy
If prior art dampening materials are applied, then some vibration control is achieved, but adhesion is poor and they cannot stick to surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the adhesion parameters by incorporating specific adhesive agents into the polyurethane-silicone composite formulation. This changes the surface interaction properties of the material, enabling strong and reliable adhesion to various surfaces while maintaining the vibration control functionality.
3Loss of energy
If dampening materials are placed on vertical or inverted surfaces, then vibration dampening is needed, but prior art materials cannot remain in place without mechanical means
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the rheological and adhesive parameters of the dampening material to create a formulation that remains pliable and adhesive under gravity's influence. This allows the material to conform to and adhere on vertical and inverted surfaces without requiring mechanical fasteners, enabling easy placement and repositioning while maintaining vibration dampening performance.
4Loss of energy
If prior art dampening materials are used on violently vibrating surfaces, then vibration absorption is attempted, but the materials cannot remain on the surface for any practical period
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite polyurethane-silicone material system that combines the vibration absorption capabilities of polyurethane with the flexibility and adhesion retention properties of silicone. This composite structure maintains its integrity and adhesive bond even under violent vibration conditions, allowing the material to remain on the surface for extended practical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adjusts the viscoelastic parameters of the dampening material through the polyurethane-silicone formulation to enable the material to accommodate high-frequency violent vibrations without debonding. This parameter optimization allows the material to maintain both its vibration absorption function and surface attachment under extreme vibration conditions.
5Loss of energy
If patch dampening materials are applied to horizontal surfaces, then some dampening effect is achieved, but they flap, buzz and release almost instantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the adhesive and mechanical properties of the dampening material through the polyurethane-silicone formulation to eliminate flapping and buzzing. The modified material parameters provide sufficient internal damping and surface adhesion to prevent these instability phenomena, ensuring reliable and quiet operation on horizontal surfaces.
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 effectively absorbs a wide range of vibrations and sound wavelengths, adheres to any surface without damage, remains in place under stress, and can be repositioned multiple times without losing tack, offering improved sound control and vibration reduction.
Implementation Method 1
The curable liquid urethane polymer is shredded, which entrains air in the form of micro-bubbles into the curable liquid urethane polymer
Implementation Method 2
An isocyanate-base prepolymer is combined with a polyol base curing agent to form a curable liquid urethane polymer. The curable liquid urethane polymer is cured to form a tacky polyurethane cast elastomer
Implementation Method 3
Micro-bubbles remain present in the tacky polyurethane cast elastomer... effectively absorbs a wide range of vibrations and sound wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A dampening device and method of making are provided, in which the method includes providing a first layer of a sponge rubber. An isocyanate-base prepolymer and a polyol base curing agent are combined to form a curable liquid urethane polymer. The curable liquid urethane polymer is shredded and during shredding air in the form of micro-bubbles is entrained in the curable liquid urethane polymer. The curable liquid urethane polymer is applied to form a second layer overlying the first layer and is then cured to form a tacky polyurethane cast elastomer. Micro-bubbles remain present in the tacky polyurethane cast elastomer and curing bonds the first and second layer forming a dampening device. The dampening device includes a first layer of neoprene and a second layer of a micro-bubble infused tacky polyurethane cast elastomer bonded to the first layer.