Resilient Connecting Block for Vibration-Damped Component Joining

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component connection methods fail to effectively dampen vibrations between connected components, leading to the transmission of disturbing vibrations and reduced mechanical stability.

Innovation Solution

An elastic connecting block with a central abutment block and a connecting pin that provides vibration damping through a radially widened damping space and a compound locking mechanism, ensuring a reliable and stable connection between components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fastening clip made of elastic material is used to connect two components, then the connection can be established with material adjustment, but the damping ability with respect to component vibrations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial adjustment capabilityVSAvoidvibration transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is divided into two distinct parts: a fastening clip for establishing the connection and a separate damping element for vibration absorption. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the clip provides adaptability through material adjustment while the damping element specifically addresses vibration harmful factors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated damping element is introduced as an intermediary component between the fastening clip and the connected components. This mediator specifically addresses the harmful vibration transmission by absorbing and dissipating vibrational energy, while the fastening clip maintains the connection with its material adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a springing construction is used to establish connection between components, then the connection can be secured against releasing moments, but no damping properties are developed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidvibration damping
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated connecting element: the fastening function (securing against releasing moments) and the damping function (absorbing vibrations). The connecting element combines a springing construction for reliability with a damping element for vibration absorption, achieving both objectives simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a connecting sleeve with blocking pin is used to lock component openings, then the connection stability is improved, but the damping behavior is reduced due to limited radial deformability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidvibration damping
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element maintains dynamic capability through its springing construction that allows controlled deformation. Unlike rigid blocking pin solutions that completely restrict movement, this design permits limited radial deformability to absorb vibrations while still providing sufficient stability to maintain the connection between components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 dampens vibrations and ensures a secure connection by utilizing the elastic properties of the connecting block and the locking mechanism, enhancing the mechanical stability and reliability of the component coupling.

Implementation Method 1

a central abutment block (20) which is formed as one piece and has a first and a second abutment surface (22, 24)... that at least two components (B1, B2) are connectable with each other in a vibration damping manner... utilizing the elastic properties of the connecting block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a tube-shaped locking flange (10)... which extends perpendicularly with regard to the first abutment surface (22)... has a circumferential locking recess (12) in combination with a locking web (14) at a radial outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a thickened end section (62) at a second axial end of the connecting pin... that the thickened end section radially widens the widening flange (30) and forms an axial undercut and a press fit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial expansion: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12092149B2Resilient connecting block, connecting pin therefor, and a connection between two components via the resilient connecting block
Publication Date: 2024.09.17 BOLLHOFF VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
  • US12092149B2 patent drawing
  • US12092149B2 patent drawing
  • US12092149B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An elastic connecting block with which, by receiving a connecting pin, at least two components can be connected together via a respective component opening. The connecting block, which is formed as a single piece, comprises a central bearing block with two mutually opposing bearing surfaces for the components to be connected. A locking flange, which can be engaged in a component opening, is provided on the first bearing surface. On the other bearing surface, a widening flange is provided, which can be expanded by a spherical head of the connecting pin such that the widening flange is held via an axial undercut in the second component opening of the second component.