Removable Strut Mounting for Bond-Safe Vibration Isolators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration isolation devices for aircraft require complex and damaging processes to replace struts, which can disrupt the bonding between elastomeric members and the piston spindle, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A removable strut assembly system where struts are engaged to spindles without direct engagement with support structures, allowing for replacement without breaking the bonding between elastomeric members and the piston spindle, using elastomeric members bonded with adhesives and vulcanization processes, and featuring threaded or slotted connections for easy removal and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If struts are directly engaged to support structures in existing vibration isolation devices, then structural support is provided, but replacement of struts requires breaking the bonding between elastomeric members and the piston spindle, causing damage and increased maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct components: the piston spindle remains permanently bonded to the elastomeric members, while the struts are separated into removable elements that connect through intermediate spindles. This segmentation allows the strut replacement function to be isolated from the bonding interface, enabling strut replacement without damaging the elastomeric members or piston spindle.
Solution Approach 2:
Removable spindles act as intermediary components between the struts and the piston spindle. These spindles can be detached and reattached, serving as a mediator that allows strut replacement while preserving the permanent bonding between the elastomeric members and the main piston spindle. The intermediary spindle absorbs the replacement operation, protecting the critical bonded joints.
2Reliability
If struts are permanently bonded to the piston spindle, then structural integrity is maintained, but maintenance requires damaging the bonding and results in potential damage to elastomeric members
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two distinct bonding interfaces: a permanent bonding between the elastomeric members and the piston spindle, and a removable mechanical connection through the intermediate spindles. This segmentation concentrates the structural integrity function in the permanent bond while directing the maintenance operations to the removable connections, preventing damage to the elastomeric members.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable spindles serve as intermediary components that absorb the mechanical stress and replacement operations. By placing the removable connection at the spindle level rather than directly at the elastomeric member bonding interface, the system protects the bonded joints from damage during maintenance while maintaining structural integrity through the chain of connections.
3Productivity
If struts are directly connected to the piston spindle, then fewer components are needed, but replacement disrupts the bonding and increases maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components (piston spindle, elastomeric members, removable spindles, and struts) with clearly defined interfaces. This segmentation allows the replacement operation to be performed on isolated strut-spindle assemblies without affecting the main bonding structure, significantly reducing maintenance time and improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable spindles function as intermediary components that facilitate quick connection and disconnection of struts. These spindles can be rapidly removed and replaced without requiring damage to bonded joints or complex disassembly procedures, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing maintenance time while maintaining adequate structural support.
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
Enables the replacement of struts without damaging the elastomeric bonds, reducing maintenance complexity and extending the lifespan of vibration isolation devices by allowing for individual strut replacement without affecting the overall structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
bonded with adhesives and vulcanization processes
Implementation Method 2
bonded with adhesives and vulcanization processes
Data Source
AI summary
A strut assembly for a vibration isolation device is disclosed, comprising a piston spindle; a first elastomeric member and a second elastomeric member bonded to the piston spindle and in contact with an upper housing and a lower housing, respectively; a first strut support and a second strut support attached to or integral with the upper housing and the lower housing, respectively; a first strut spindle and the second strut support configured to be placed in the first strut support and the second strut support, respectively; and one or more removable struts configured to be engaged to the first strut spindle and to the second strut spindle, wherein at least one of the first or second strut spindles is removable such that the one or more struts can be replaced without breaking a bonding of the first elastomeric member, the second elastomeric member, or both.