Thermally Conductive Pneumatic Isolator for High-Frequency Vibration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art pneumatic vibration isolators with flow resistance orifice damping elements are ineffective in providing highly effective vibration isolation at frequencies substantially higher than their resonance frequency, typically 10-500 Hz, while offering poor performance at resonant frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A vibration isolation assembly with a housing assembly and a pneumatic chamber supported by a supporting surface, featuring a thermally conductive member to absorb and transfer thermal energy, enhancing vibration isolation across a wide frequency range by using materials like aluminum, steel, or copper-tungsten, and incorporating thermal management systems for efficient heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flow resistance orifice damping elements are used in prior art pneumatic vibration isolators, then vibration isolation at resonant frequency is provided, but vibration isolation at high frequencies (10-500 Hz) is ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration isolation effectivenessVSAvoidfrequency range coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the damping mechanism from purely mechanical (flow resistance orifices) to thermodynamic by introducing thermal energy absorption. The thermally conductive members absorb kinetic energy from high-frequency vibrations and convert it to thermal energy, which is then dissipated through the pneumatic chamber walls. This parameter change enables effective damping across a broad frequency range including 10-500 Hz while maintaining resonant frequency isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical damping system (flow resistance orifices) with a thermodynamic damping system. Instead of relying solely on fluid flow resistance through orifices, the system uses thermally conductive members that convert mechanical vibration energy into thermal energy through internal friction and molecular collisions, which is then dissipated to the environment. This substitution enables effective high-frequency damping while preserving low-frequency isolation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If traditional pneumatic vibration isolators are designed for low resonant frequency (1 Hz), then high load capacity is achieved, but high frequency vibration isolation (10-500 Hz) performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload capacityVSAvoidhigh frequency vibration isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the damping function into two distinct mechanisms: (1) flow resistance orifices for low-frequency resonant damping, and (2) thermally conductive members for high-frequency vibration damping. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific frequency range, enabling the isolator to maintain both high load capacity (through the pneumatic spring) and effective high-frequency isolation (through thermal damping) simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional vibration isolation system where the pneumatic chamber serves multiple purposes: (1) providing the spring element for load support and low-frequency isolation, (2) housing flow resistance orifices for resonant frequency damping, and (3) containing thermally conductive members for high-frequency vibration damping. This universal design enables a single device to handle the full spectrum of vibration frequencies while maintaining high load capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 significantly reduces vibration transmissibility at high frequencies (e.g., 50 Hz) while maintaining acceptable performance at resonant frequencies, offering improved isolation performance compared to traditional designs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first thermally conductive member in thermal communication with the housing body is positioned within the pneumatic chamber. The first thermally conductive member is configured to transfer thermal energy from the fluid in the pneumatic chamber to the housing body and to the ambient environment.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20230332668A1Vibration Isolation Apparatus with Thermally Conductive Pneumatic Chamber, and Method of Manufacture

Publication Date: 2023.10.19 NEWPORT CORP

AI summary

The present application discloses embodiments of a vibration isolation assembly configured to reduce the communication of excitation vibration between a supporting surface and a payload, at excitation frequencies significantly higher than the resonant frequency of the isolator. In one embodiment, the vibration isolation assembly includes a housing assembly having a housing body with a pneumatic chamber formed therein, wherein the housing assembly is supported by the supporting surface. The pneumatic chamber is configured to accept at least one fluid therein. A mass engaging member configured to support at least a portion of the payload is supported by the pneumatic chamber, and at least one thermally conductive member in thermal communication with the housing body is positioned within the pneumatic chamber. The thermally conductive member is configured to transfer thermal energy from the fluid in the pneumatic chamber to the housing body and into the ambient environment.