Vibration Isolation Fastener Insert for Aircraft Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibrations in aircraft structures 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 flanges, which is snugly received in a panel hole, providing a modular and adaptable solution for damping vibrations by using an elastomeric bushing between structural parts, allowing for various configurations and materials like honeycomb or composite panels.
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 requiring additional brackets, fasteners and adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vibration isolation function with the fastening function into a single integrated insert device. The elastomeric bushing is embedded within the fastener insert structure, merging the isolator and fastener into one component that performs both vibration damping and structural fastening without requiring separate brackets or adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener insert is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides vibration isolation, structural fastening, and noise reduction. The single device replaces multiple separate components (isolators, brackets, fasteners) by integrating their functions into one universal fastening solution.
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 and components
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration isolation element (elastomeric bushing) is integrated into the fastener insert as a single molded or pre-assembled unit, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps involving multiple isolators, brackets, and fasteners. This merging of components directly improves ease of manufacture.
3Strength
If rigid floor panels are used to support aircraft structure, then structural strength is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to vibration transmission and noise creation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric bushing acts as an intermediary element between the rigid floor panel and the supporting structure. This intermediate component absorbs and dampens vibrations while allowing the rigid panel to maintain its structural strength, thereby reducing noise transmission without compromising load-bearing capacity.
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 structural vibrations, enhancing passenger comfort by isolating noise and improving the overall flying experience through the use of elastomeric bushings that can be customized for different frequencies and applications, eliminating the need for additional brackets and fasteners.
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
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
A vibration isolation fastener insert (10) structure adapted to be partially or wholly snugly received in a hole (12) in a panel (14) comprising: a rigid cylindrical hub (26) having an externally extending flange and a through longitudinal opening adapted to receive a fastener element (30,28); an elastomeric bushing (24) snugly carried or formed around said hub and having a slot therein receiving said external flange; an upper housing (20); a lower housing (22); the upper housing being disposed around the side of said bushing and having a flange (119) over the top of said bushing and the lower housing disposed around the external side of said upper housing and having a flange (118) extending below a lower surface of said bushing.