Rolling Seal Damper Assemblies for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three parameter isolators, used in vibration isolation systems, face high manufacturing costs and lengthy lead times due to the use of edge-welded metal bellows, which are costly and time-consuming to produce, while dynamic seals like sliding O-ring seals are prone to leakage and incompatible with frictionless operations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of rolling seal damper assemblies with flexible rolling diaphragm seals, which are used in place of edge-welded metal bellows, providing frictionless damping motion with low or zero leakage, and allowing for reduced manufacturing costs and lead times, while also enabling disassembly for fluid changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If edge-welded metal bellows are used in three parameter isolators, then reliable sealing and frictionless operation are achieved, but manufacturing costs and lead times increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid metal bellows with flexible rolling diaphragm seals made of elastomeric material. These diaphragms roll during piston movement to maintain sealing contact while accommodating axial motion, providing reliable sealing without the complex welding processes required for metal bellows construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling diaphragm seals use simpler, less expensive elastomeric materials that can be manufactured through molding processes rather than expensive metal fabrication and welding. While the diaphragms may have limited service life compared to metal bellows, their low cost and replaceability make them economically advantageous.
2Ease of manufacture
If sliding O-ring seals are used instead of metal bellows, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but leakage and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system transitions from static O-ring seals to dynamic rolling diaphragms. The diaphragms actively roll during piston movement, continuously renewing the sealing contact surface and maintaining low friction. This dynamic sealing mechanism adapts to motion while preserving sealing integrity, unlike static O-rings that slide and generate friction and leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the sliding mechanical contact of O-ring seals with a rolling mechanical contact system. The rolling diaphragm mechanism substitutes the high-friction sliding action with low-friction rolling motion, reducing both friction and leakage while maintaining sealing reliability.
3Reliability
If rolling diaphragm seals are used in damper assemblies, then frictionless damping motion with low leakage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling diaphragm seal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the hydraulic chambers, guides the piston movement through rolling contact, accommodates thermal expansion, and maintains frictionless operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, actually simplifying the overall assembly despite the sophisticated sealing mechanism.
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
This solution reduces manufacturing costs and lead times, maintains low leakage and frictionless operation, and offers extended temperature range, robust vibration insensitivity, broad stroke capabilities, high pressure capabilities, and long service lifespans, making the isolators suitable for terrestrial applications beyond spaceborne use.
Implementation Method 1
The rolling seal damper assembly includes a first hydraulic chamber, a second hydraulic chamber fluidly coupled to the first hydraulic chamber, and first and second rolling diaphragm seals partially bounding or defining the first and second hydraulic chambers, respectively
Implementation Method 2
In certain implementations, the rolling seal damper assembly also contains a thermal compensator piston to which the first rolling diaphragm seal is sealingly attached
Implementation Method 3
The damper piston is exposed to the damping fluid in the opposing hydraulic chambers when the opposing hydraulic chambers are filled therewith
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of three parameter isolators including rolling seal damper assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, the three parameter isolator includes first and second isolator end portions, which are opposed along a working axis. A main spring and a tuning spring are mechanically coupled in parallel between the first and second isolator end portions. A rolling seal damper assembly is further mechanically coupled between the first and second isolator end portions in parallel with the main spring and in series with the tuning spring. The rolling seal damper assembly includes a first hydraulic chamber, a second hydraulic chamber fluidly coupled to the first hydraulic chamber, and first and second rolling diaphragm seals partially bounding the first and second hydraulic chambers, respectively. In certain implementations, the rolling seal damper assembly also contains a thermal compensator piston to which the first rolling diaphragm seal is attached.