Variable Stiffness Component Mount for Vibration Isolation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component mounts that incorporate compressible elements for vibration isolation often result in excessive displacement when high loads are applied, as they require a soft or low stiffness to effectively reduce vibration transmission.

Innovation Solution

A component mount with multiple compressible load paths and a coupling mechanism that can switch between a disengaged and engaged state, adjusting the stiffness by connecting the load paths in series or parallel, allowing for optimal vibration isolation at low loads and reduced displacement at high loads, controlled by an actuator and electronic controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a soft or low stiffness compressible element is used to reduce vibration transmission, then vibration isolation is improved, but component displacement becomes unacceptably large when high load is applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidcomponent displacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The component mount dynamically adjusts its stiffness by switching between two compressible load paths. The coupling mechanism allows the mount to transition from using only the first compressible load path to using both load paths in parallel, thereby adapting the stiffness level according to the applied load conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the stiffness parameter of the component mount by engaging or disengaging the coupling mechanism. When disengaged, the mount operates with lower stiffness for vibration isolation; when engaged, it operates with higher stiffness to limit displacement under high load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid bracket is used to prevent displacement, then position control is improved, but vibration isolation capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition controlVSAvoidvibration transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The component mount dynamically adjusts its stiffness by switching between two compressible load paths. The coupling mechanism allows the mount to transition from using only the first compressible load path to using both load paths in parallel, thereby adapting the stiffness level according to the applied load conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the stiffness parameter of the component mount by engaging or disengaging the coupling mechanism. When disengaged, the mount operates with lower stiffness for vibration isolation; when engaged, it operates with higher stiffness to limit displacement under high load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single stiffness level is used in the component mount, then device complexity is reduced, but the mount cannot optimize performance across different load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemount structureVSAvoidload condition adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The component mount dynamically adjusts its stiffness by switching between two compressible load paths. The coupling mechanism allows the mount to transition from using only the first compressible load path to using both load paths in parallel, thereby adapting the stiffness level according to the applied load conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The component mount performs multiple functions by incorporating a coupling mechanism that enables it to operate in two distinct stiffness modes. This multi-functionality allows the same mount structure to optimize performance for both low-load vibration isolation and high-load displacement control.

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 solution effectively minimizes component displacement during high-load conditions while maintaining vibration isolation at low loads, enabling the use of larger engines or tighter clearances without interference, and improving airflow and component compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

a first compressible member (21) arranged to transfer load between a first attachment member (3, 53) and a second attachment member (4, 62)... a second compressible member (52) arranged to transfer load between the first attachment member (3, 53) and the second attachment member (4, 62)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10328783B2Component mount

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A component mount is disclosed having two parallel compressible load paths interposed between first and second attachment members and a coupling mechanism. When a force above a predefined level is predicted to be transferred, the coupling mechanism is engaged so that both of the compressible load paths act in parallel to transfer the force between the first and second attachment members, and when the predicted level of the force to be transferred is below the predefined level, the coupling mechanism is disengaged and the force is transmitted through only the first compressible load path. Therefore the stiffness of the component mount is changed based upon whether a high or a low force has to be transmitted.