Multi-Axis Vibration Isolator With Hydraulic-Elastomer Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration isolators provide relatively low levels of vibration isolation due to limited travel and material properties, often attenuating vibrations in only one primary direction, which is insufficient for sensitive components like sensor chassis in drill pipes or electronics suites in missiles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis isolator configuration using radial and axial elastomer domes with fluid communication between chambers, providing both elastomeric damping and hydraulic damping to isolate payloads from unwanted vibrations and shocks in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical snubbers or solid elastomer mounts are used, then the isolator structure is simple, but the vibration isolation level is low due to limited travel and material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines elastomeric damping elements with hydraulic damping elements into a single integrated isolator assembly. The elastomer dome provides initial compliance and damping, while the hydraulic fluid system provides additional damping force, creating a multi-mechanism vibration isolation system that overcomes the limitations of single-mechanism traditional isolators
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic damping mechanism is nested within the elastomer dome structure. The piston and fluid chambers are contained within the elastomer dome, allowing the hydraulic system to be integrated into the existing elastomeric structure rather than adding separate external components
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional isolators are used, then the device complexity is low, but the isolator can only attenuate vibrations in one primary direction
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator assembly is designed to provide vibration isolation in multiple directions simultaneously. The elastomer dome provides compliance in radial directions, while the axial piston-hydraulic system provides isolation in the axial direction, creating a multi-directional isolation capability from a single integrated device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-direction (axial only) isolation to multi-directional isolation by adding radial compliance through the elastomer dome while maintaining axial isolation through the hydraulic piston system, effectively adding dimensional capability to the isolation function
3Reliability
If isolators with larger travel are used to improve isolation, then the vibration isolation level increases, but the isolator length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the damping mechanism from purely mechanical elastomeric deformation to a combination of elastomeric deformation and hydraulic fluid compression. This parameter change allows for increased damping force and isolation performance without requiring proportionally larger displacement travel, as the hydraulic fluid provides additional compliance
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 multi-axis isolator effectively decouples payloads from vibrations and shocks, offering enhanced isolation capabilities across various directions, including radial, axial, and rotational directions, thereby protecting sensitive equipment from damage and ensuring proper performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each radial isolator includes a radially-oriented elastomer dome... Each axial isolator includes an axially-oriented elastomer dome
Implementation Method 2
a fluid in the chamber. The pair of radial isolators also includes a fluid track placing the chamber of the first radial isolator in fluid communication with the chamber of the second radial isolator
Implementation Method 3
The axial isolator includes an elastomer dome, a backpressure membrane, a primary chamber at least partially defined by the elastomer dome, a backpressure chamber at least partially defined by the backpressure membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axis isolator configured to isolate a payload from unwanted vibrations and shocks includes a housing, at least one pair of radial isolators in the housing, and an axial isolator in the housing. Each radial isolator includes an elastomer dome, a chamber at least partially defined by the elastomer dome, and a fluid in the chamber. The multi-axis isolator also includes a fluid track placing the chambers of the radial isolators in fluid communication with each other. The axial isolator includes an elastomer dome, a backpressure membrane, a primary chamber, a backpressure chamber, a fluid in the primary and backpressure chambers, a conduit placing the primary chamber in fluid communication with the backpressure chamber. The multi-axis isolator also includes a shaft configured to be connected to the payload. The pair of radial isolators and the axial isolator are coupled to the shaft.