Vibration reducing grommet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor HVAC units generate significant vibrations and noise due to operational components like compressors, which are not effectively isolated from the housing, leading to structural damage and noise transmission during operation.
Innovation Solution
A grommet assembly with a tapering bolt opening, radial ribs, and axial gaps is used to create a radial gap between the grommet and bolt assembly, reducing vibration transfer by engaging the compressor base with support and overhang surfaces, and incorporating a sleeve and cap portion to further dampen vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the compressor is rigidly mounted to the housing, then structural stability is improved, but vibration and noise transmission increase
Solution Approach 1:
A grommet assembly serves as an intermediary element between the compressor and housing, providing both mechanical support and vibration isolation. The grommet includes a body portion with bolt openings that accept bolt assemblies, creating a flexible connection that maintains structural stability while reducing vibration and noise transmission to the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet body is constructed as a flexible element that can deform under vibration loads, absorbing mechanical energy and isolating the compressor from the housing. This flexibility allows the grommet to maintain structural stability while reducing the transmission of harmful vibrations and noise.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If vibration isolation is enhanced by increasing gaps, then noise reduction is improved, but structural strength and alignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet assembly incorporates radial ribs that extend into the bolt openings, creating localized reinforcement zones. These ribs provide structural strength and precise alignment at critical locations while maintaining overall flexibility and gap formation for vibration isolation. The selective placement of ribs ensures that strength is enhanced only where needed without compromising the noise reduction benefits of the gaps.
3Manufacturing precision
If the grommet is tightly fitted to the bolt assembly, then alignment precision is improved, but vibration damping capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet body is designed with inherent flexibility that allows it to maintain precise alignment through its tapered bolt openings while simultaneously providing vibration damping. The flexible material deforms to accommodate vibrations and noise, reducing their transmission, while the tapered geometry ensures accurate alignment of the bolt assemblies during installation and operation.
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 vibration and noise transmission from the compressor to the housing, preventing damage and leaks during operation and transit, while maintaining alignment and secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a grommet or isolator for a machine, such as a motor or a compressor, to dampen vibrations
Implementation Method 2
Many machines, particularly those that are capable of generating vibrations, are mounted to a housing with rubber pads or feet
Data Source
AI summary
A grommet assembly includes a bolt assembly that has a head portion. A grommet includes a tapering bolt opening for accepting the bolt assembly. A projecting portion extends from a body portion and has an overhang adjacent a distal end. The bolt opening at least partially defines a radial gap between the grommet and the bolt assembly. The head portion of the bolt assembly is spaced from the distal end of the projecting portion by an axial gap.