Segmented Vibration Isolator for One-Handed Installation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration isolators fail to effectively mitigate premature structural failures at bolted junctions due to vibration, particularly in walkways, platforms, and electronic circuit boards, as they either break down over time or require two hands to install, posing installation hazards.
Innovation Solution
A vibration isolator with a one-piece or multi-piece body featuring a larger perimeter at one end and a smaller perimeter at the other, made of thermoplastic or thermoset materials with specific mechanical properties, including elongation, tear strength, and compression characteristics, and incorporating slits for lateral deflection, allowing for enhanced vibration isolation and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one piece isolators are used, then installation is simple, but they break down over time due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator is divided into multiple pieces (first isolator piece, second isolator piece, etc.) connected by fasteners. This segmentation allows each piece to be smaller and more manageable while collectively providing enhanced vibration isolation capability that prevents breakdown over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator system combines multiple isolator pieces made of vibration-isolating material with metal fasteners. This composite construction creates a more durable system where the fasteners secure the pieces together while the isolator material provides continuous vibration isolation, preventing the isolator from breaking down.
2Reliability
If two piece isolators are used, then durability is improved, but installation requires two hands which poses safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator is divided into multiple small pieces that can be individually handled and installed. Each piece is small enough to be managed with one hand, allowing workers to safely install them even in hard-to-reach locations without requiring two hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator pieces are designed to be pre-positioned or pre-assembled in a manner that facilitates easy installation. The pieces can be independently inserted and secured, allowing one-handed installation while maintaining the durability benefits of a multi-piece construction.
3Reliability
If isolator size is increased, then vibration isolation effectiveness is improved, but installation in hard-to-reach locations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator system is divided into multiple small pieces that collectively provide the necessary vibration isolation effectiveness. Each small piece can be easily installed in hard-to-reach locations, while their combined effect achieves the required vibration isolation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple isolator pieces are arranged and connected in a nested or layered configuration, where smaller pieces are positioned within or adjacent to each other. This nesting allows the system to achieve the effectiveness of a larger isolator while maintaining the installability of small components in confined spaces.
4Strength
If traditional bolted junctions are used, then structural connection is strong, but premature failure occurs due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator pieces act as intermediary elements inserted between the supported structure and supporting structure. These intermediaries provide the necessary connection while isolating the junction from vibration, preventing the premature failure that occurs with direct bolted connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator pieces are made of flexible vibration-isolating material that can deform to absorb vibration while maintaining the structural connection. This flexibility allows the junction to remain strong while the isolator material protects against vibration-induced failure.
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 vibration isolator effectively 'floats' supported structures, reducing vibration transmission and extending the time between repairs, while being easy to install with one hand, even in hard-to-reach locations, thus preventing premature failures and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
The material has an elongation in the range of about 200% to about 800%, a tear strength in the range of about 2000 N/mm to about 20,000 N/mm, a compression property of less than 50%, and a hardness of Shore 40A to Shore 90D
Implementation Method 2
The material has an elongation in the range of about 200% to about 800%, a tear strength in the range of about 2000 N/mm to about 20,000 N/mm, a compression property of less than 50%, and a hardness of Shore 40A to Shore 90D
Implementation Method 3
enabling deflection of each of the plurality of isolator wall portions laterally from the second fastener opening
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration isolator for insertion into a support structure opening includes a first isolator body having a first body portion at a first body end and a first isolator wall extending from the first body portion toward a second body end. The first body portion has a larger perimeter than the second body end and defines a first fastener opening and the second body end defines a second fastener opening. The second fastener opening has a perimeter greater than the perimeter of the first fastener opening. The first body portion has a perimeter that is at least three times greater than the perimeter of the first fastener opening and at least two times greater than the perimeter of the support structure opening.