Partitioned Fluid Mount Structure for Cavitation-Resistant Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid mounts for vibration reduction in dynamic environments, such as those used in aviation, face issues with gas bubble formation and cavitation, which affect the ability of the fluid to maintain pressure and viscosity, leading to reduced effectiveness in isolating vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber fluid mount design with a diaphragm-like separation between gas and fluid chambers, featuring a flexible member with a castellated terminal end that enhances gas re-dissolution into the fluid and maintains pressure differentials, and a castellated locking feature that connects inner and outer members, reducing bubble rise and free-end peel strains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-chamber fluid mount design is used, then the structure is simple, but gas bubbles form and cavitation occurs reducing vibration isolation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid mount is divided into multiple chambers separated by partitions, with each chamber containing fluid and gas bubbles. This segmentation prevents complete cavitation by isolating bubble formation to specific zones while maintaining functional fluid in other chambers, thereby preserving vibration isolation effectiveness without requiring completely complex redesign
2Adaptability or versatility
If gas bubbles are allowed to form in the fluid, then the fluid can accommodate pressure changes, but the bubbles reduce fluidity and increase viscosity affecting vibration attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the fluid mount are designed with different qualities - some chambers allow gas bubble formation for pressure accommodation while maintaining fluid integrity in connected chambers. The partitions create localized zones with specific functions, allowing the system to accommodate pressure changes while preserving overall fluidity for vibration attenuation
3Device complexity
If the fluid chamber and gas chamber are not separated, then the structure is simpler, but pressure control and gas re-dissolution are less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The compensator is segmented into distinct fluid and gas chambers separated by partitions, allowing independent pressure control in each zone. This segmentation enables more effective pressure management and gas re-dissolution processes while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
4Ease of manufacture
If a smooth surface design is used, then manufacturing is easier, but water trapping occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The external surface of the fluid mount incorporates asymmetric features such as sloped surfaces and drainage pathways that prevent water accumulation. This asymmetric design, while slightly more complex to manufacture, significantly improves reliability by preventing water trapping that could compromise system performance
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 reduces cavitation and maintains fluid properties, improving vibration isolation by increasing the surface area for gas bubble re-dissolution and reducing the likelihood of water trapping, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of vibration reduction.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of gas bubbles in the fluid limits and otherwise affects the ability of the fluid in one chamber from moving to another chamber based on changes of viscosity and fluidity including the relative density of the fluid when gas bubbles are formed and slowly re-dissolved in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
retaining the fluid properties of the moving fluid in the chamber... oscillating pressure in the fluid chamber... oscillating pressure differential between the gas chamber and fluid chamber
Implementation Method 3
improves the ability of the vibration isolation unit to dissolve gasses trapped in the fluid portion of the assembly back into the fluid... increasing the surface area for gas bubble re-dissolution
Implementation Method 4
the elastomeric layers interspersed with shims to connect the inner and outer members of the LIVE unit... reduces the free-end peel strains in the elastomeric layers
Implementation Method 5
Mountings for engine vibration reduction typically include fluid that serves as an active mass based upon inputs in the form of vibration or movement from a motion source... use a fluid as tuned-fluid'inertia' effects
Implementation Method 6
a diaphragm-like separation between a gas chamber and a fluid chamber... maintains pressure differentials... oscillating pressure differential between the gas chamber and fluid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration attenuating fluid mount with a partitioned compensator includes an inner member, an outer member, a flexible member having a castellated transition between a fluid passageway and at least one operating chamber. A membrane may be disposed in a volume compensator in fluid communication with one or more operating chambers. The inner member and outer member may be connected via a castellated connection, a swaged lock ring, or a split-lock ring.