Rail-Mounting Assembly with Asymmetric Elastomeric Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rail-mounting assemblies, particularly two-bolt fasteners, are not universally applicable and lack the lateral stiffness needed for vibration-sensitive locations, leading to anchor bolt failure and elastomer wear.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetrical rail-mounting assembly with beveled corners and parallel, linearly extending abutments, featuring an elastomeric body with specific angled faces and pads for enhanced lateral and vertical stiffness, requiring only two anchor bolts and providing comprehensive force buffering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional two-bolt fasteners are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the lateral stiffness is insufficient leading to anchor bolt failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the two bolts at diagonally opposite corners rather than symmetrically, and by providing beveled surfaces only at the bolt locations. This asymmetric configuration creates lateral stiffness while maintaining simplicity of the two-bolt design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing beveled surfaces and reinforcement only at the specific locations where bolts are positioned, rather than uniformly across the entire base plate. This localized approach enhances lateral stiffness at critical points while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Strength
If inclined end faces on abutments extend arcuately across the opening, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the lateral stiffness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional arcuate inclined faces with asymmetric linear abutments that extend only to the bolt locations. This asymmetric linear configuration provides superior lateral stiffness while being easier to manufacture with standard machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the abutments from arcuate curves to straight lines with specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees). This parameter change optimizes both the lateral stiffness and manufacturability by using standard machining angles and linear geometry.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetric boss configuration is used, then the manufacturing is easier, but the force distribution is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the bosses asymmetrically at diagonally opposite corners of the top plate, aligned with the bolt positions in the base plate. This asymmetric diagonal configuration optimizes force distribution through the elastomeric body while remaining manufacturable with standard forming operations.
4Reliability
If traditional rail-mounting assemblies are used, then the anchor bolt failure risk is high, but the elastomer wear is accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides beveled surfaces and reinforcement structures at the bolt locations before loads are applied. These pre-positioned features cushion and distribute forces beforehand, preventing anchor bolt failure and reducing elastomer wear during service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local reinforcement and beveled surfaces only at the critical bolt locations rather than uniformly across the elastomeric body. This localized quality enhancement protects against bolt failure and elastomer wear at the most stressed points while maintaining overall durability.
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 enhances lateral stiffness, reduces anchor bolt failure, and allows for adjustable vertical stiffness, making the rail-mounting assembly more universally applicable and durable by distributing forces effectively through the elastomeric pads and frame containment.
Implementation Method 1
a cushion of elastomer bonded to both the top plate and the base frame is provided between the juxtaposed faces of the two parts
Data Source
AI summary
A rail-mounting assembly has a generally rectangular base frame formed with a window and having a pair of diagonally opposite abutments at respective ends of the window and having downwardly and inwardly inclined faces. A top plate in the window has a lower face above a lower face of the frame, a pair of bosses projecting upward from the top plate and each juxtaposed with a respective one of the abutments and each having a downwardly and inwardly inclined face spacedly juxtaposed with the downwardly and inwardly inclined face of the respective abutment. A one-piece elastomeric body is bonded to and interposed between the inclined faces of the frame and of the top plate.