Vibration Isolation Fastener Insert for Aircraft Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibrations in aircraft and vehicles lead to undesirable noise and discomfort for passengers, as existing vibration isolation methods require additional brackets and fasteners, which are not always effective in reducing noise and fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A vibration isolation fastener insert structure featuring a rigid cylindrical hub with an elastomeric bushing and housing components that are snugly received in a panel hole, providing a modular and adaptable solution for dampening vibrations by using an elastomeric bushing between structural parts, which can be potted or swaged into place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If external isolator mounts are used to reduce vibration and noise, then vibration isolation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional brackets, fasteners and adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the isolator and fastener into a single integrated component. The isolator body includes an integrated fastening feature (such as a threaded bore or recess) that directly receives a fastener, eliminating the need for separate brackets and adapters. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts while maintaining vibration isolation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vibration isolation through its elastomeric material while also serving as a mounting structure with integrated fastening capabilities. The isolator body can accommodate various fastener types and configurations, making it a universal solution for different mounting applications without requiring additional specialized components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional isolator mounts are used, then vibration isolation is achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases due to multiple assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the fastening feature directly into the isolator body during manufacturing (such as molding a threaded bore or recess into the elastomeric material), the patent eliminates multiple assembly steps. The isolator and fastening mechanism become a single pre-assembled unit, simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes while maintaining vibration isolation performance.
3Strength
If rigid fastening methods are used, then structural strength is improved, but vibration isolation is worsened due to direct vibration transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator body is constructed from composite or multi-material structures, combining rigid materials (such as metal or hard plastic) for structural strength and fastening capabilities with elastomeric materials for vibration isolation. This composite construction allows the same component to provide both strong mechanical fastening and effective vibration damping.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric isolator body acts as an intermediary between the rigid fastener and the mounting surface. It provides a compliant interface that maintains strong mechanical connection while absorbing and dampening vibrations, preventing direct vibration transfer that would occur with purely rigid fastening methods.
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 reduces vibrations and noise in aircraft and vehicles by providing a durable and adaptable vibration isolation system that enhances passenger comfort and satisfaction, allowing for various applications and configurations to accommodate different loads and frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric bushing snugly carried or formed around said hub
Implementation Method 2
The purpose of the elastomeric bushing is to provide a vibration dampener between the two structural parts
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration isolation fastener insert comprising: a rigid cylindrical hub having an externally extending flange and a through longitudinal opening to receive a fastener. An elastomeric bushing around the hub has a slot therein receiving the external flange. An upper housing is disposed around the side of the bushing and has a flange over the top of the bushing. A lower housing is disposed around the external side of the upper housing and has a flange extending below a lower surface of the bushing.