Shield Fastener Structure Using Multi-Rate Springs for Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fasteners fail to provide sufficient buffering against vibrations transmitted from structures like exhaust manifolds to shield members, such as heat insulators, leading to potential damage and noise deterioration.

Innovation Solution

A fastener design featuring a support component with a cylindrical part, flange parts, and springs with different load-deflection characteristics, including a wire mesh and wave washers, interposed between the flange parts and the shield member, to absorb and suppress vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single type of spring is used in the fastener, then the structure is simple, but the buffering effect against vibrations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuffering effectVSAvoidspring configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring system is segmented into multiple independent springs (first spring, second spring, third spring) with different load-deflection characteristics. Each spring is positioned at different locations around the fastening opening, allowing the system to handle vibrations from multiple directions and frequencies simultaneously, thereby improving the overall buffering effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different springs are selected with specific load-deflection characteristics suited for their local requirements. The first spring (wire mesh) provides initial buffering, while the second and third springs (wave springs) provide additional support with different mechanical properties, creating localized optimization at each spring position to address specific vibration patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If springs with different load-deflection characteristics are used, then the buffering effect is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration suppressionVSAvoidspring assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct steps for each spring type. The first spring is installed first, followed by the second and third springs in sequence. This segmentation allows each spring type to be manufactured and installed using optimized processes specific to that spring type, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite using multiple spring varieties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support component is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of springs with different load-deflection characteristics. The support component's geometry and mounting features are standardized to work with various spring types, allowing the same support component design to be used across different applications requiring different vibration suppression characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 fastener effectively suppresses vibration transmission to the shield member, preventing damage and noise, with improved durability and enhanced buffering efficiency across a wider frequency range.

Implementation Method 1

the spring parts have a first spring and a second spring with different load-deflection characteristic... to absorb and suppress vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

spring parts which are interposed between each of the two flange parts and both sides of the shield member... to obtain a sufficient buffering effect by suppressing the transmission of vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4129731B1Fastener and shield unit
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ELRINGKLINGER MARUSAN CORP
  • EP4129731B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4129731B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4129731B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention obtains an adequate shock absorption effect. The present invention is provided with a support part 5 that supports a shield member 2 and a securing part 50 that secures the shield member 2 to a structure 4 through the support part 5. The support part 5 includes a tube part 61, two flange parts 60 and 62, and spring parts 7 and 8. The spring parts 7 and 8 include a first spring 7 and a second spring 8 having different load-deflection characteristics. The first spring 7 and the second spring 8 are each interposed between the two flange parts 60, 62 and both sides of the shield member 2. As a result, the present invention obtains an adequate shock absorption effect.