Visco-elastic Mount with Variable Piston Rod for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for devices like hydro-electric generators require a low static spring rate for thermal stability but struggle to effectively dampen low amplitude cyclic loads, necessitating a solution that provides both low static and high dynamic spring rates in a single integrated device.
Innovation Solution
A visco-elastic mount comprising a housing with a piston assembly and a high-pressure elastomeric fluid reservoir, featuring a piston rod with varying diameters to maintain low static spring rates while enabling increased dynamic spring rates through a charging valve assembly for enhanced damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a low static spring rate is used in the mount, then thermal stability and nominal support are improved, but the ability to dampen vibratory loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mount uses a piston rod with variable cross-sectional area that dynamically adjusts the spring rate based on operating conditions. The piston rod transitions from a first cross-sectional area under static loads to a second, larger cross-sectional area under dynamic vibratory loads, enabling the system to adapt its stiffness characteristics in real-time to meet different performance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the piston rod's cross-sectional area in response to different loading conditions. By varying the cross-sectional area of the piston rod between two defined areas, the system modifies its effective spring rate to provide low stiffness for thermal stability during normal operation and high stiffness for vibration damping when subjected to cyclic loads
2Reliability
If a high dynamic spring rate is provided to dampen vibratory loads, then damping capability is improved, but static support characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mount uses a piston rod with variable cross-sectional area that dynamically adjusts the spring rate based on operating conditions. The piston rod transitions from a first cross-sectional area under static loads to a second, larger cross-sectional area under dynamic vibratory loads, enabling the system to adapt its stiffness characteristics in real-time to meet different performance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the piston rod's cross-sectional area in response to different loading conditions. By varying the cross-sectional area of the piston rod between two defined areas, the system modifies its effective spring rate to provide low stiffness for thermal stability during normal operation and high stiffness for vibration damping when subjected to cyclic loads
3Reliability
If separate devices are used for static support and dynamic damping, then damping capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of static support and dynamic damping into a single integrated mount assembly. The piston rod with its variable cross-sectional area and the visco-elastic spring work together as one unified system that simultaneously provides both low static spring rate for thermal stability and high dynamic spring rate for vibration damping, eliminating the need for separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The mount assembly performs multiple functions through its components: the piston rod with variable cross-sectional area provides both static support and dynamic damping, while the visco-elastic spring contributes to both functions as well. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate components for static support and vibration isolation
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 visco-elastic mount achieves thermal stability with low static spring rates and significantly higher dynamic spring rates, effectively damping low amplitude cyclic loads, thereby enhancing damping and structural stiffness in a single mount assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a visco-elastic spring defined by a reservoir containing elastomeric fluid under high pressure
Implementation Method 2
visco-elastic mount comprising a housing and a piston assembly axially disposed within said housing... axially movable relative to a visco-elastic spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A visco-elastic damping assembly (100) includes a mount housing (104) having first and second ends (106, 108) and a hollow interior. A piston assembly (114) disposed within the mount housing (104) includes axially opposed first and second piston rod ends (130, 124) in which the first piston rod end (124) is defined by a first diameter and the second piston rod end (130) is defined by a second diameter substantially larger than the first diameter. A high pressure hydraulic reservoir is defined within the mount housing (104) wherein an applied load component acting on the second piston rod end (130) causes corresponding movement of the piston assembly (114) against fluid retained in the hydraulic reservoir, enabling a first static spring rate as well as a second higher dynamic spring rate.