Nested Elastomeric Damping Mount for Weight-Limited Shock Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace industry faces challenges in preventing mechanical vibrations and shocks from reaching functional equipment due to space and weight constraints, limiting the effectiveness of existing shock attenuation methods.
Innovation Solution
A damping system comprising a receiving member with a flange, axial elastomeric members, and a radial elastomeric member, positioned between a first member and a second member to reduce mechanical energy transfer through compression and positioning within a through-bore, allowing for customizable elastomeric materials and configurations for optimal damping performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing shock attenuation methods are used, then mechanical vibrations and shocks can be reduced, but space and weight constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastomeric members (flexible elements) positioned between the first and second members to provide shock attenuation. These elastomeric members are flexible rings or shells that compress under load, providing vibration damping without requiring heavy rigid structures. The elastomeric material properties (durometer, hardness) are specifically selected to achieve the desired damping effect while maintaining light weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping apparatus applies localized damping at specific interfaces between components rather than using a comprehensive heavy-duty damping system throughout. The elastomeric members are positioned strategically at bearing surfaces and contact points where vibration transmission occurs, providing targeted shock attenuation only where needed, thus minimizing overall weight and space requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing shock attenuation methods are used, then mechanical vibrations and shocks can be reduced, but available space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric members are designed to fit within existing structural clearances and bore spaces of the aerospace vehicle components. The damping apparatus is nested within the existing mechanical assembly geometry, utilizing available void spaces between components rather than requiring additional external space. This allows vibration damping functionality to be integrated into the existing structure without increasing overall vehicle volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric members are thin-walled flexible rings or shells that provide significant damping capability relative to their small cross-sectional thickness. These flexible shells compress radially and axially under vibration loads, providing effective shock attenuation while occupying minimal volumetric space within the mechanical assembly.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid damping structures are used, then shock attenuation is effective, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides adaptability by allowing selection of elastomeric members with different durometer values (hardness), cross-sectional dimensions, and material compositions to match specific shock attenuation requirements. The elastomeric properties can be changed to optimize performance for different vibration frequencies, load magnitudes, and temperature conditions, providing versatile damping solutions for various aerospace applications without requiring rigid fixed-configuration structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric members provide dynamic, non-linear damping characteristics that adapt to varying vibration conditions. Unlike rigid dampers with fixed spring rates, the elastomeric material exhibits variable stiffness that changes with compression level, frequency, and temperature, automatically adapting to different shock and vibration scenarios encountered during aerospace vehicle operation.
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 system effectively reduces mechanical energy transfer between the first and second members, providing enhanced protection against vibrations and shocks while accommodating space and weight constraints, with the ability to tailor damping properties for specific applications.
Implementation Method 1
an axial elastomeric member and a radial elastomeric member. The axial elastomeric member is configured to be positioned between a surface of the first member and the flange of the receiving member
Implementation Method 2
positioning at least one elastomeric member between the receiving member and the first member
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An apparatus (100) for damping a first member (10) relative to a second member (20). The apparatus (100) includes a receiving member (30) that includes a flange (44), an axial elastomeric member (60), and a radial elastomeric member (80). The axial elastomeric member (60) is positionable between a surface (11) of the first member (10) and the flange (44) of the receiving member (30), and the radial elastomeric member (80) is positionable between the first member (10) and the receiving member (30).