WO2000075527A1 - Low profile damped air filled vibration isolator - Google Patents

Low profile damped air filled vibration isolator Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000075527A1
WO2000075527A1 PCT/GB1999/001831 GB9901831W WO0075527A1 WO 2000075527 A1 WO2000075527 A1 WO 2000075527A1 GB 9901831 W GB9901831 W GB 9901831W WO 0075527 A1 WO0075527 A1 WO 0075527A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
isolation
isolator
damping chamber
damping
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1999/001831
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Morven Robertson
Original Assignee
Speirs Robertson And Company Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Speirs Robertson And Company Limited filed Critical Speirs Robertson And Company Limited
Priority to PCT/GB1999/001831 priority Critical patent/WO2000075527A1/en
Publication of WO2000075527A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000075527A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/50—Seat suspension devices
    • B60N2/52—Seat suspension devices using fluid means
    • B60N2/522—Seat suspension devices using fluid means characterised by dampening means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/50—Seat suspension devices
    • B60N2/52—Seat suspension devices using fluid means
    • B60N2/525—Seat suspension devices using fluid means using gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F15/00—Suppression of vibrations in systems; Means or arrangements for avoiding or reducing out-of-balance forces, e.g. due to motion
    • F16F15/02—Suppression of vibrations of non-rotating, e.g. reciprocating systems; Suppression of vibrations of rotating systems by use of members not moving with the rotating systems
    • F16F15/023—Suppression of vibrations of non-rotating, e.g. reciprocating systems; Suppression of vibrations of rotating systems by use of members not moving with the rotating systems using fluid means
    • F16F15/0232—Suppression of vibrations of non-rotating, e.g. reciprocating systems; Suppression of vibrations of rotating systems by use of members not moving with the rotating systems using fluid means with at least one gas spring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
    • F16F9/02—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum
    • F16F9/04—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum in a chamber with a flexible wall
    • F16F9/0454—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum in a chamber with a flexible wall characterised by the assembling method or by the mounting arrangement, e.g. mounting of the membrane
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
    • F16F9/02—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum
    • F16F9/04—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum in a chamber with a flexible wall
    • F16F9/0472—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum in a chamber with a flexible wall characterised by comprising a damping device

Definitions

  • the invention concerns a low profile damped air, or alternative fluid, filled vibration isolator.
  • Vibration isolators are widely used in association with many different types of article (s) to isolate the said article (s) from external vibrations which effect its performance.
  • Fluid filled isolators have proved among the most effective at isolating equipment from low frequency vibrations and disturbances, in particular those using diaphragms supported by a column of fluid such as air under pressure.
  • Isolators featuring both a damping and an isolation chamber, which are linked, offer the further benefit of reduced and damped overshoot to more extreme disturbances.
  • the isolator volume features a rolling diaphragm which is free to move supporting a piston which carries the load to be isolated.
  • the damping volume is always larger than the isolation volume.
  • the physical size and shape of isolators determines their suitability for use in many applications.
  • the present invention concerns a low profile damped air filled vibration isolator with a rolling diaphragm.
  • Isolators featuring damping chambers beneath the isolation chamber suffer from being high and isolators with damping chambers alongside have large footprints, are complex and non symmetric.
  • the invention seeks to provide a simple low compact isolator with the smallest footprint possible.
  • this object is accomplished in a damped air, or alternative fluid, filled vibration isolator by having two distinct chambers, a cylindrical isolation chamber and a larger toroidal damping chamber placed concentrically about it, with these chambers connected through a length of small bore tubing.
  • the height of the isolation chamber being the same or almost the same as that of the damping chamber.
  • the isolator diaphragm and piston are retained using a screw down cap such that the inner radius of toroidal damping chamber is almost the same as that of the isolation chamber.
  • Figure 1 is a plan view and longitudinal cross- sectional view in accordance with the invention with a bicycle valve (109) .
  • Figure 2 is a plan view and longitudinal side view illustrating a bell shaped damping base on which three isolators are assembled such as to form a kinematic base to support articles in accordance with the invention with bicycle valves (109) .
  • Figure 1 illustrates the invention in plan view and longitudinal cross sectional view. Isolation of vibration is achieved between the body 107,108 of the isolator assembly 101 and the piston 105.
  • a flexible diaphragm 110 made from rubber or similar material forms the top of the isolation chamber 102.
  • the diaphragm 110 is held in place by a cap 106 which screws into the damping chamber body 107.
  • the cap 106 also limits the travel of the piston 105.
  • the piston 105 is connected securely to the centre of the diaphragm
  • the diaphragm must provide an airtight seal to the isolation chamber.
  • the isolation chamber 102 is connected to the damping volume 103 by means of a small bore tube 104.
  • the damping chamber sealing plate 108 is attached, by means of screws or otherwise, so as to be airtight to the damping chamber body 107.
  • the use of an O ring 111 and/or sealant is preferred.
  • Air or fluid must be introduced under pressure to enable the isolator to function. This is achieved by means of a bicycle valve 109 or alternative, such as an airline connector or car tyre valve.
  • the piston must be free to float within the isolation chamber for the isolator to properly function and the diaphragm 110 to roll around the piston 105. This is achieved by varying the pressure via the valve 109 (or alternative) according to the load of the article to be isolated fro vibration.
  • the physical size of the isolator is determined according to the magnitude of the load to be isolated.
  • the load that can be supported depends directly upon the effective area of the piston and the pressure of air or fluid in the isolator, being the multiple of these two quantities.
  • Figure 2 illustrates an alternative damping chamber base plate 214 to the above plate 108.
  • the bell shape of the damping plate 214 supports three isolators such as to form a kinematic platform 213.
  • the assembly of the isolators is the same as for the single isolator 101 with the exception of the base plate 108 which is replaced by 213 and the presence of feet 215.
  • This invention has potential for use in many industries including; scientific instrumentation, transport (including automotive) , rotating machinery and also packaging and seating.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Vibration Prevention Devices (AREA)
  • Combined Devices Of Dampers And Springs (AREA)
  • Fluid-Damping Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A damped air, or alternative, filled vibration isolator (101) comprises a flexible diaphragm (110) supporting a piston (105) over a pressurised isolation chamber (102) connected by an aperture to a damping chamber (103). Providing vibration isolation between the piston (105) and the isolator body (107, 108). The isolation chamber (102) and the damping chamber (103) are concentric with the height of the damping chamber (103) the same or almost same as the isolation chamber (102). The diaphragm (110) is retained by a screw cap (106) such that the inner radius of the damping chamber (103) is close to that of the isolation chamber (102). The isolator is pressurised via either a bicycle valve (109) or alternative fluid connector. The damping chamber base plate (108) replaced by a bell shaped plate with three isolators assembled on it to form a kinematic platform.

Description

DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
Low profile damped air filled vibration isolator,
The invention concerns a low profile damped air, or alternative fluid, filled vibration isolator.
Vibration isolators are widely used in association with many different types of article (s) to isolate the said article (s) from external vibrations which effect its performance.
Fluid filled isolators have proved among the most effective at isolating equipment from low frequency vibrations and disturbances, in particular those using diaphragms supported by a column of fluid such as air under pressure.
Isolators featuring both a damping and an isolation chamber, which are linked, offer the further benefit of reduced and damped overshoot to more extreme disturbances. The isolator volume features a rolling diaphragm which is free to move supporting a piston which carries the load to be isolated. The damping volume is always larger than the isolation volume.
The physical size and shape of isolators determines their suitability for use in many applications.
Background Art
The present invention concerns a low profile damped air filled vibration isolator with a rolling diaphragm.
Advances in technology in fields such as microscopy and nanotechnology have led to increasingly more sensitive instruments which often require relatively vibration free environments to function most effectively.
The isolation of vibrations in vehicle seating requires compact isolators with low frequency response characteristics to improve passenger comfort.
Because of the limitations on use imposed by size and shape of vibration isolators, there has been the need for isolators which isolate equipment from low frequency disturbances while being low height and feature small footprints.
Isolators featuring damping chambers beneath the isolation chamber suffer from being high and isolators with damping chambers alongside have large footprints, are complex and non symmetric.
The invention seeks to provide a simple low compact isolator with the smallest footprint possible.
Disclosure of Invention
In accordance with the invention this object is accomplished in a damped air, or alternative fluid, filled vibration isolator by having two distinct chambers, a cylindrical isolation chamber and a larger toroidal damping chamber placed concentrically about it, with these chambers connected through a length of small bore tubing.
The height of the isolation chamber being the same or almost the same as that of the damping chamber. The isolator diaphragm and piston are retained using a screw down cap such that the inner radius of toroidal damping chamber is almost the same as that of the isolation chamber.
The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings
Brief Description of Drawings
Figure 1 is a plan view and longitudinal cross- sectional view in accordance with the invention with a bicycle valve (109) .
Figure 2 is a plan view and longitudinal side view illustrating a bell shaped damping base on which three isolators are assembled such as to form a kinematic base to support articles in accordance with the invention with bicycle valves (109) .
Particular figures contain features whose function is the same or basically the same and these are identified by reference numbers made up of the number of the figure to which it relates followed by the number of the feature.
Best mode for carrying out invention Figure 1 illustrates the invention in plan view and longitudinal cross sectional view. Isolation of vibration is achieved between the body 107,108 of the isolator assembly 101 and the piston 105.
A flexible diaphragm 110 made from rubber or similar material forms the top of the isolation chamber 102.
The diaphragm 110 is held in place by a cap 106 which screws into the damping chamber body 107. The cap 106 also limits the travel of the piston 105. The piston 105 is connected securely to the centre of the diaphragm
The diaphragm must provide an airtight seal to the isolation chamber.
The isolation chamber 102 is connected to the damping volume 103 by means of a small bore tube 104.
The damping chamber sealing plate 108 is attached, by means of screws or otherwise, so as to be airtight to the damping chamber body 107. The use of an O ring 111 and/or sealant is preferred.
Air or fluid must be introduced under pressure to enable the isolator to function. This is achieved by means of a bicycle valve 109 or alternative, such as an airline connector or car tyre valve.
The piston must be free to float within the isolation chamber for the isolator to properly function and the diaphragm 110 to roll around the piston 105. This is achieved by varying the pressure via the valve 109 (or alternative) according to the load of the article to be isolated fro vibration.
The physical size of the isolator is determined according to the magnitude of the load to be isolated. The load that can be supported depends directly upon the effective area of the piston and the pressure of air or fluid in the isolator, being the multiple of these two quantities.
Figure 2 illustrates an alternative damping chamber base plate 214 to the above plate 108. The bell shape of the damping plate 214 supports three isolators such as to form a kinematic platform 213. The assembly of the isolators is the same as for the single isolator 101 with the exception of the base plate 108 which is replaced by 213 and the presence of feet 215.
Industrial applicability
This invention has potential for use in many industries including; scientific instrumentation, transport (including automotive) , rotating machinery and also packaging and seating.

Claims

1. A damped air , or alternative fluid, filled vibration isolator (101) with a vibration isolation chamber (102) and damping chamber (formed by a body section (107) and a base plate (108)) (103),
5 connected by an aperture (104) using a rolling diaphragm (110) to provide vibration isolation between a piston (105) and the isolator body (107,108) characterised in that the isolation chamber (102) and the damping chamber (103) are
10 concentric. With the height of the damping chamber (103) being the same or less than that of the isolation chamber (102) and with the diaphragm (110) being retained by a screw cap (106) such that the inner radius of the toroidal damping chamber (103) is
15 kept close to the radius of the cylindrical isolation chamber (102)
2. A damped air, or alternative fluid, filled vibration isolator as claimed in Claim 1
20 characterised in that three off (or more) said isolators are assembled with a bell, or otherwise, shaped base plate (214) so as to form a kinematic platform (213) .
PCT/GB1999/001831 1999-06-09 1999-06-09 Low profile damped air filled vibration isolator WO2000075527A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB1999/001831 WO2000075527A1 (en) 1999-06-09 1999-06-09 Low profile damped air filled vibration isolator

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB1999/001831 WO2000075527A1 (en) 1999-06-09 1999-06-09 Low profile damped air filled vibration isolator

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000075527A1 true WO2000075527A1 (en) 2000-12-14

Family

ID=10846615

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1999/001831 WO2000075527A1 (en) 1999-06-09 1999-06-09 Low profile damped air filled vibration isolator

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2000075527A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2388494A1 (en) * 2010-05-21 2011-11-23 M. Wilmsen Beheer B.V. Vibration damper
WO2015172004A1 (en) * 2014-05-09 2015-11-12 Firestone Industrial Products Company, Llc Gas spring end members as well as gas spring assemblies including same
EP4151880A1 (en) * 2021-09-17 2023-03-22 Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH Vibration isolator for supporting a payload

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1304020A (en) * 1961-03-28 1962-09-21 pneumatic suspension and damping element for vehicles
US3598353A (en) * 1970-03-16 1971-08-10 Lockheed Aircraft Corp Air-damped shock mount
US3627246A (en) * 1969-09-22 1971-12-14 Lansing Research Corp Isolating leg structure for tables and the like
US3749339A (en) * 1971-10-12 1973-07-31 Westinghouse Electric Corp Vibration isolator mount
US3917201A (en) * 1974-11-07 1975-11-04 Ehrenreich Photo Optical Ind Vibration isolated table with improved mounts
US4074474A (en) * 1975-10-08 1978-02-21 Cristy Nicholas G Floor support arrangement
US4477050A (en) * 1980-12-24 1984-10-16 Deere & Company Multi-directional vibration attenuator seat
DE3935499A1 (en) * 1989-10-25 1991-05-02 Gmt Gummi Metall Technik Gmbh Combined rubber gas spring with base plate - has sealed hollow cylinder fixed to it with valve, with central eyelet in top end
DE4018712A1 (en) * 1990-06-12 1991-12-19 Bosch Gmbh Robert Air spring with variable stiffness for motor vehicle - has rigid-walled auxiliary air chamber surrounding main air chamber adjusted by level of liq. filling
US5356110A (en) * 1993-06-08 1994-10-18 Newport Corporation Pneumatic isolation systems for damping vertical, horizontal and rotational vibrations

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1304020A (en) * 1961-03-28 1962-09-21 pneumatic suspension and damping element for vehicles
US3627246A (en) * 1969-09-22 1971-12-14 Lansing Research Corp Isolating leg structure for tables and the like
US3598353A (en) * 1970-03-16 1971-08-10 Lockheed Aircraft Corp Air-damped shock mount
US3749339A (en) * 1971-10-12 1973-07-31 Westinghouse Electric Corp Vibration isolator mount
US3917201A (en) * 1974-11-07 1975-11-04 Ehrenreich Photo Optical Ind Vibration isolated table with improved mounts
US4074474A (en) * 1975-10-08 1978-02-21 Cristy Nicholas G Floor support arrangement
US4477050A (en) * 1980-12-24 1984-10-16 Deere & Company Multi-directional vibration attenuator seat
DE3935499A1 (en) * 1989-10-25 1991-05-02 Gmt Gummi Metall Technik Gmbh Combined rubber gas spring with base plate - has sealed hollow cylinder fixed to it with valve, with central eyelet in top end
DE4018712A1 (en) * 1990-06-12 1991-12-19 Bosch Gmbh Robert Air spring with variable stiffness for motor vehicle - has rigid-walled auxiliary air chamber surrounding main air chamber adjusted by level of liq. filling
US5356110A (en) * 1993-06-08 1994-10-18 Newport Corporation Pneumatic isolation systems for damping vertical, horizontal and rotational vibrations

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2388494A1 (en) * 2010-05-21 2011-11-23 M. Wilmsen Beheer B.V. Vibration damper
WO2015172004A1 (en) * 2014-05-09 2015-11-12 Firestone Industrial Products Company, Llc Gas spring end members as well as gas spring assemblies including same
US9527358B2 (en) 2014-05-09 2016-12-27 Firestone Industrial Products Company, Llc Gas spring end members as well as gas spring assemblies including same
EP4151880A1 (en) * 2021-09-17 2023-03-22 Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH Vibration isolator for supporting a payload

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR100476184B1 (en) Damper with high dissipating power
US5246212A (en) Fluid-filled elastic mount having vacuum-receiving chamber and auxiliary air chamber for accommodating volumetric change of equilibrium chamber
US4896752A (en) Vehicle strut
KR920006885B1 (en) Dual chamber air spring
US5167403A (en) Fluid-filled elastic mount having two orifice passages one of which is selectively opened and closed by means of vacuum pressure
US3625321A (en) Shock absorber and fluid-compensating means
US5180148A (en) Fluid-filled elastic mount having two orifices passages one of which is selectively opened and closed by means of vacuum pressure
US4856626A (en) Bellows type shock absorber
US4974820A (en) Bellows type shock absorber
US5040775A (en) Upper support for shock absorber in suspension system
US5170998A (en) Fluid-filled elastic mount having means for controlling elastic deformation of flexible diaphragm(s) defining equilibrium chamber(s)
US5642873A (en) Fluid-filled elastic mount having pushing member for controlling fluid communication through orifice passage
JPS63265715A (en) Fluid-contained suspension and its operation control device
US5632472A (en) Fluid-filled elastic mount including resonance member disposed in fluid chamber and having fluid passages between spaced-apart inner and outer portions
EP2150723A2 (en) Magneto-rheological dampers for semi-active suspension systems
US4613116A (en) Air suspension
US5263815A (en) Engine mounting for motor vehicles
US5678810A (en) Pneumatic suspension system
US4639013A (en) Vehicle suspension arrangements
US6511085B2 (en) Vehicle suspension apparatus
WO2000075527A1 (en) Low profile damped air filled vibration isolator
US6206351B1 (en) Pneumatically operated active vibration damping device having pressure regulating device
US5114124A (en) Fluid-filled elastic mount having means for controlling pressure in air chamber in resonance member in pressure-receiving chamber
US4651977A (en) Coupling construction of shock absorber
US20060151929A1 (en) Elastomeric/hydraulic vibration isolator with adjustable damping

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): CA DE GB US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase