Spherical Elastomeric Bearing for Vibration Isolation Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vibration isolation systems for aircraft, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,888,079, 9,279,741, 9,669,922, and 9,777,788, face challenges in effectively isolating vibrations across various frequencies and orientations, particularly in rotorcraft applications, where efficient control of main rotor vertical shear, pitch moment, and roll moment vibrations is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A vibration isolation device mounting system featuring a support structure with a concave recess and a thin elastomeric component, coupled with a spherical elastomeric bearing having beveled portions, allows for angular misalignment and secure attachment via a cylindrical wedge and compression screws, enabling effective vibration isolation by allowing the lower housing of the vibration isolation device to be inserted and secured within the spherical elastomeric bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid mounting system is used to securely attach the vibration isolation device, then attachment strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate angular misalignment and orientation variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric bearing as a flexible mounting component that can deform elastically to accommodate angular misalignment between the vibration isolation device and the aircraft structure. The elastomeric material provides both structural support and flexibility, allowing the device to be securely attached while adapting to orientation variations during installation and operation.
2Reliability
If a complex attachment mechanism is used to secure the vibration isolation device, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a spherical elastomeric bearing that combines a curved elastomeric element with an internal spherical raceway. This spherical geometry provides multi-directional load support and angular accommodation in a single integrated component, eliminating the need for complex multi-component attachment mechanisms while maintaining high attachment reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the vibration isolation device is tightly constrained to prevent movement, then positional stability is improved, but the ability to isolate vibrations across various frequencies and orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mounting system using an elastomeric bearing that allows controlled movement and deformation in response to vibrational forces. The elastomeric material's viscoelastic properties enable it to dampen vibrations across multiple frequencies while maintaining positional stability through its inherent restoring forces, adapting its rigidity based on the applied load and vibration characteristics.
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 configuration enhances the ability to isolate vibrations by allowing for precise engagement and secure attachment of the vibration isolation device, effectively managing vibrations across different orientations and frequencies, thereby improving the overall vibration suppression in rotorcraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
a thin elastomeric component attached to a surface of the concave recess
Implementation Method 2
a spherical elastomeric bearing disposed in the opening and attached to the thin elastomeric component... enabling effective vibration isolation by allowing the lower housing of the vibration isolation device to be inserted and secured within the spherical elastomeric bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for a vibration isolation device comprises a support structure having an opening disposed therein, the opening having a concave recess; a thin elastomeric component attached to a surface of the concave recess; and a spherical elastomeric bearing disposed in the opening and attached to the thin elastomeric component, the spherical elastomeric bearing having a beveled upper portion, a middle portion and a beveled lower portion configured to engage the vibration isolation devices.