Resilient Membrane Support Structure for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support structures for resonating and vibration-sensitive devices often dampen or restrict natural resonance and movement, transmit counterproductive vibrations, and fail to prevent undesirable displacement, limiting the optimal performance and stability of instruments like drums, cymbals, and microphones.
Innovation Solution
A support structure featuring a resilient membrane suspended by a rigid frame, with a receptacle and compliant membrane design that isolates and decouples the instrument from its supporting surface, minimizing damping and allowing omnidirectional micro-movement while securing the instrument, thereby optimizing resonance and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional support structure is used, then the device is supported and positioned, but the natural resonance and mechanical energy of the device are dampened and restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure consisting of a resilient membrane and compliant material layer between the resonating device and the supporting surface. This intermediary layer decouples the device from direct contact with rigid surfaces, allowing resonance to occur while still providing support and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a resilient membrane and flexible compliant material layer as thin film structures that can deform elastically under the weight of the device while maintaining flexibility. These flexible films allow vibrational energy to pass through without significant damping, unlike rigid support structures.
2Reliability
If a conventional support structure is used, then the device is held in position, but counterproductive vibrations are transmitted into the device
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient membrane and compliant material act as a vibration-isolating intermediary that filters out counterproductive vibrations from the supporting surface while allowing the device's own resonant vibrations to occur. The compliant material absorbs and dampens external vibrations before they can reach the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the support structure by using materials with specific resilience and compliance properties. The resilient membrane has optimized tension and elasticity parameters that allow it to block low-frequency vibrations while transmitting high-frequency resonant vibrations.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional support structure is used, then the device is secured, but gross movement and displacement are not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the resilient membrane and compliant material can adapt their stiffness based on the applied load. Under normal conditions, the structure provides stability, but when sufficient force is applied, the device can be removed and repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes friction parameters between the support structure and the supporting surface to prevent gross movement. The compliant material creates sufficient friction to hold the device in position during normal operation, but allows for intentional removal and relocation when needed.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a resilient membrane and rigid frame structure is used, then resonance is optimized, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a resilient membrane as a thin film structure that provides the necessary compliance and resonance optimization without requiring complex mechanical components. The membrane's simplicity contrasts with traditional rigid support structures while achieving superior acoustic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure combines different materials with complementary properties: a resilient membrane for vibration isolation, a rigid frame for structural support, and compliant material for additional damping. This composite approach achieves optimal resonance characteristics while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
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 support structure effectively isolates and decouples resonating devices from their supporting surfaces, minimizing damping and vibration transmission, allowing full expression and stability, and enabling easy relocation without separation from the support.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient membrane (24) circumferentially suspended by a rigid frame (20) and containing in its center area a receptacle (22) as means of resilient support to and suspension of the instrument or equipment
Implementation Method 2
a loop of resilient material (46) engaged between a bottom support means (40) of the rigid frame (20) and a base plate (42) as means of frictional retention
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for resonating and/or vibration-sensitive devices provides a portable, stationary, attachable, floating-framed or framed, suspended receptacle and surface wherein, upon or about which a stand, foot or other support means of a resonating and/or vibration-sensitive instrument or piece of equipment is placed or engaged and, in many use-cases, retained. The support structure allows independent, omnidirectional resilient micro-movement—essentially flexibly decoupling while yet securing the decouplement of the instrument or equipment, its stand, feet or other support means from/to its supporting surface or structure—thereby enabling fullest expression, performance and stability of the instrument or equipment.