U.S. patent application number 10/334548 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-17 for elastomeric pin isolator.
Invention is credited to Farrow, Timothy Samuel, Masterson, Peter A..
Application Number | 20040113339 10/334548 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32511063 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040113339 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Masterson, Peter A. ; et
al. |
June 17, 2004 |
Elastomeric pin isolator
Abstract
An elastomeric pin isolator is provided, including an
elastomeric material, configured to engage a first support
structure or mass, and a pin member, engaged with the elastomeric
material, the pin member configured to slidably engage at least one
of a second support structure or mass and the elastomeric material,
and further wherein at least a portion of the elastomeric member is
disposed between the first and second support structures or masses
such that the first and second support structures or masses do not
directly contact.
Inventors: |
Masterson, Peter A.;
(Carmel, IN) ; Farrow, Timothy Samuel; (Apex,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP
55 GRIFFIN ROAD SOUTH
BLOOMFIELD
CT
06002
|
Family ID: |
32511063 |
Appl. No.: |
10/334548 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60434290 |
Dec 17, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
267/153 ;
G9B/33.024 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16F 15/08 20130101;
G11B 33/08 20130101; F16F 1/3732 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
267/153 |
International
Class: |
F16F 001/36 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An elastomeric pin isolator, comprising an elastomeric material
configured to engage a first support structure or mass and a pin
member engaged with the elastomeric material, the pin member
configured to slidably engage at least one of a second support
structure or mass and the elastomeric material, and further wherein
at least a portion of the elastomeric member is disposed between
the first and second support structures or masses such that the
first and second support structures or masses do not directly
contact.
2. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 1, wherein
said pin member is configured to slidably engage a second support
structure, and wherein said pin member is fixedly secured to said
elastomeric material.
3. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 2, wherein
said elastomeric material is co-molded with or bonded to said first
support structure or mass
4. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 2, wherein
said pin member comprises a pin shaft and a pin head, and wherein
said pin head is fixedly secured by said elastomeric material.
5. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 4, wherein
said pin head is co-molded with or bonded to said elastomeric
material.
6. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 4, wherein
said elastomeric material partially overlaps said pin head, thereby
mechanically securing said pin head against undesired
disassembly.
7. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 1, wherein
said elastomeric material includes a circumferential groove
configured to engage said first supporting structure or mass.
8. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 7, wherein
the elastomeric member includes radial ribs in the outer diameter
of the cylindrical segment in said circumferential groove.
9. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 1, wherein
said elastomeric member disposed between the first and second
support structures or masses includes a plurality of axial ribs on
a load bearing surface thereon.
10. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said elastomeric member disposed between the first and
second support structures or masses includes a plurality of voids
in the elastomeric material surrounding said pin member.
11. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said pin member comprises an electrically conductive
material, and wherein said material is exposed to or is otherwise
provided with connection to an electrical ground.
12. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said pin member comprises a rigid material.
13. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 12,
wherein said pin member comprises a metal material.
14. An elastomeric pin isolator, comprising an elastomeric grommet
configured to engage a first support structure or mass and a pin
member engaged with the elastomeric material, the pin member
including a pin shaft configured to slidably engage a second
support structure or mass, and further wherein at least a portion
of the elastomeric member is disposed between the first and second
support structures or masses such that the first and second support
structures or masses do not directly contact.
15. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 14,
wherein said pin member further includes a pin head secured to said
elastomeric material.
16. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 14,
wherein said pin member is bonded to or co-molded with said
elastomeric material.
17. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 16,
wherein said elastomeric material is bonded to or co-molded with
said first support structure or mass.
18. An assembly, comprising: a frame, said frame comprising at
least two opposing frame walls connected by at least one frame
rail; and at least one elastomeric pin isolator provided in
engagement with one of said at least two opposing frame walls; and
at least one elastomeric pin isolator provided in engagement with
another of said at least two opposing frame walls; wherein at least
of said elastomeric pin isolators comprise: an elastomeric material
configured to engage at least one of said at least two opposing
frame walls and a pin member engaged with the elastomeric material,
the pin member configured to slidably engage a second support
structure or mass, and further wherein at least a portion of the
elastomeric member is disposed between the at least one of said at
least two opposing frame walls and said second support structure or
mass such that at least one of said at least two opposing frame
walls and the second support structure or mass do not directly
contact.
19. The assembly in accordance with claim 18, wherein two opposing
wall surfaces engage four elastomeric pin isolators such that each
opposing wall surface engages two elastomeric pin isolators.
20. The assembly in accordance with claim 19, wherein each
elastomeric pin isolator is generally opposite another elastomeric
pin isolator.
21. The assembly in accordance with claim 18, wherein said
elastomeric pin isolators engage said at least one of said at least
two opposing frame walls, and wherein said elastomeric pin
isolators are concurrently disposed at least partially through an
installation aperture provided within the at least one of said at
least two opposing frame walls.
22. The assembly in accordance with claim 21, wherein the at least
one of said at least two opposing frame walls further include at
least one insertion aperture adjacent to at least one of said
installation apertures, the insertion aperture having a diameter
generally larger than that of said installation aperture to
facilitate insertion of at least a portion of the elastomeric
material of said elastomeric pin isolators therethrough.
23. The assembly in accordance with claim 18, wherein the at least
one of said at least two opposing frame walls are further connected
by a handle assembly.
24. The assembly in accordance with claim 18, wherein the assembly
includes top and bottom surfaces, wherein said at least one frame
rail comprises at least one of the top and bottom surfaces.
25. The assembly in accordance with claim 18, wherein the assembly
includes top and bottom surfaces, wherein a deflectable tab
comprises at least part of at least one of the top and bottom
surfaces.
26. The assembly in accordance with claim 18, wherein at one of
said at least two opposing frame walls is deflectable.
27. The assembly in accordance with claim 26, wherein at least one
of said at least two opposing frame walls is deflectable, and
wherein said pin member of said at least one elastomeric pin
isolator is deflectable therewith.
28. The assembly in accordance with claim 27, wherein said pin
member and said at least one of said at least two opposing frame
walls is deflectable to remove said pin member engaged with said at
least one of said at least two opposing frame walls from an
installation path of said second support structure or mass.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/434,290, filed Dec. 17, 2002,
the entire disclosure of which is specifically incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure describes an elastomeric pin isolator
used as a shock and vibration isolation device.
[0003] Elastomer isolators may generally be used to provide shock
and vibration isolation between a mass and its surrounding
structure. Characteristics of the elastomer material and the
isolator structure may be varied to tailor attenuation values. In
the case of consumer electronics, a high damped elastomer may be
used to provide additional attenuation of transient loads and
resonances. Additionally, ribs may be used on outer or internal
surfaces to allow for greater displacement capability and lower
stiffness.
[0004] Reference is made to PRIOR ART FIG. 1, which illustrates
conventional elastomeric grommets 10 secured by threaded fasteners
12. Exemplary fixturing of such grommets is illustrated by PRIOR
ART FIGS. 2-4. Conventional grommets 10 are inserted into sheet
metal or other thin, rigid material 20, e.g., a frame of a
computer, and connected to an isolated mass 16, e.g., a computer
hard drive, by a threaded fastener 12. Such grommets 10 must be
loaded by the head 18 of the threaded fastener 12 or by a washer
(not shown) on one side and by the isolated mass 16 on the other
side. With reference to Prior Art FIGS. 3 and 4, the orientation
can also be reversed, such that the thin, rigid material 20 is
isolated from a surrounding structure 14. Nuts 22 and/or washers 24
may be required to secure the fastener 12.
[0005] Installation of conventional elastomeric isolators is
generally cumbersome on a large scale, particularly where such
installation requires tools, such as screwdrivers or socket
wrenches, and hardware, including washers and nuts. There is a
demand for quality isolation products that are easier and faster to
install.
SUMMARY
[0006] The presently described elastomeric pin isolator overcomes
and alleviates the above and other problems and disadvantages of
the prior art. The present elastomeric pin isolator includes an
elastomeric material, configured to engage a first support
structure or mass, and a pin member, engaged with the elastomeric
material, the pin member configured to slidably engage at least one
of a second support structure or mass and the elastomeric material,
and further wherein at least a portion of the elastomeric member is
disposed between the first and second support structures or masses
such that the first and second support structures or masses do not
directly contact.
[0007] The above discussed and other features and advantages of the
elastomeric pin isolator will be appreciated and understood by
those skilled in the art from the following detailed description
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like elements are
numbered alike in the several FIGURES:
[0009] PRIOR ART FIG. 1 illustrates conventional grommets with
threaded fasteners;
[0010] PRIOR ART FIGS. 2-4 illustrate conventional fixturing of
grommets with threaded fasteners;
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary
elastomeric pin isolator inserted in sheet metal and loaded on a
top side;
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary
elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of the exemplary
elastomeric pin isolator of FIG. 5;
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the
exemplary elastomeric pin isolator of FIG. 7 taken along section
1-1;
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary
elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
elastomeric pin isolator including radial ribs;
[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary
elastomeric pin isolator of FIG. 10 taken along section 2-2;
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
elastomeric pin isolator including radial voids; and
[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary
elastomeric pin isolator of FIG. 12 taken along section 3-3;
[0020] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary tray application
incorporating presently described elastomeric pin isolators;
and
[0021] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary tray application with an
isolated mass.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 5, the presently described elastomeric
pin isolator, shown generally at 30, is illustrated in an installed
position, wherein elastomeric material 32 of the elastomeric pin
isolator 30 is inserted within a rigid structure 34 and loaded on a
top side 36 of the elastomeric material 32 with an isolated mass
38. The pin member 40 of the elastomeric pin isolator 30 is shown
in place between the elastomeric material 32 and the isolated mass
38 and inserted within an aperture 42 of the isolated mass 38.
[0024] With reference to FIGS. 6-9, the presently described
elastomeric pin isolator 30 is illustrated in greater detail. The
elastomeric pin isolator 30 includes an elastomeric material 32
configured to engage a first support structure 34. The illustrated
elastomeric material 32 includes a circumferential groove 44
configured to engage the edges (not shown) of a support structure
(see 34 in FIG. 5). However, any means of engaging the elastomeric
material 32 with the support structure 34 when in an installed
position is contemplated, including without limitation, various
interference fit configurations or slot and pin configurations.
Indeed, where such elastomeric pin isolators 30 are used in pairs
across an isolated mass (see 38 in FIG. 5), and wherein the
elastomeric materials 32 of such elastomeric pin isolators 30 are
loaded by the isolated mass 38, a circumferential groove 44 is not
required. Rather, the elastomeric pin isolator 30 need only be
secured against slipping across the surface of the support
structure 34 facing the isolated mass 38. A pin and slot
configuration, wherein at least one projection on either the
support structure 34 or the elastomeric material 32 engages at
least one slot on either the elastomeric material 32 or the support
structure 34, would suffice. Other equivalent means for securing
the position of the elastomeric pin isolator 30 against slippage
are contemplated. Additionally, the elastomeric material 32 may be
bonded with or co-molded to the support structure 34.
[0025] Referring still to FIGS. 5-9, the exemplary elastomeric pin
isolator 30 also includes a pin member 40 engaged with the
elastomeric material 32. The pin member 40 is configured to
slidably engage at least one of a second support structure or mass
(e.g., an isolated mass 38) and the elastomeric material 32. Where
such pin member 40 is configured to slidably engage the second
support structure or mass, the pin member 40 should include a cross
sectional diameter less than that of a corresponding aperture
(e.g., aperture 42 in FIG. 5) on the second support structure or
mass. Where such pin member 40 is configured to slidably engage the
elastomeric member 32, the pin member should have a cross sectional
diameter less a stretched diameter of an aperture 46 in the
elastomeric member 32. Additionally, where such pin member 40 is
configured to slidably engage the elastomeric member 32, either the
aperture 46 in the elastomeric member 32 should comprise a closed
channel (not shown), the closed portion of the channel preventing
the pin member 40 from falling out of the elastomeric member 32, or
the pin member 40 should include a threaded portion, the threaded
portion engaging a corresponding threaded aperture on the second
support structure or mass (e.g., the isolated mass 38 in FIG.
5).
[0026] With reference again to FIGS. 5-9, the pin member 40 may be
fixedly engaged with the elastomeric member 32. In one exemplary
embodiment, as illustrated, the pin member may comprise a pin shaft
48 and a pin head 50. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, the pin head
50 is secured or captured by the elastomeric material 32, such that
the pin member 40 will not disengage from the elastomeric material
32 when disassembly is not desired. In such case, the elastomeric
member 32 may be installed in place, the second support structure
or mass may be positioned, and the pin shaft 48 may be inserted
through apertures 52 and 46 in the elastomeric member 32 and into
the second support structure or mass. Installation is completed by
fixedly engaging the pin head 50 with the elastomeric material
32.
[0027] However, the present disclosure contemplates equivalent
configurations, e.g., where the pin member 40 is pre-assembled with
the elastomeric member 32 or where the pin member 40 does not
include a pin head 50, and wherein the pin member 40 is fixedly
secured (i.e., not in slidably engaged with) within the elastomeric
material 32, e.g., by a mechanical interference fit or by chemical
bonding. In one embodiment, the pin member 40 is insert molded into
the elastomeric material 32.
[0028] The positioning of the first support structure or mass
surrounding an isolated mass and/or the thickness of elastomeric
material 32 between the first support structure or mass and the
isolated mass may be varied to set any desired pre-load upon the
elastomeric members 32 of the elastomeric pin isolators 30
surrounding the isolated mass in an assembled state.
[0029] For example, in one embodiment, the positioning of the first
support structure or mass is adjusted relative to the size of the
isolated mass and the thickness of the elastomeric member 32, which
includes axial ribs 60, is adjusted such that the elastomeric
members 32 of each elastomeric pin isolator 30 achieves a
pre-loading of about 5 to 10 percent the height of the ribs 60 on
the elastomeric member 32. In such embodiment, the state of
compression on the ribs 60 resultant from the pre-load provides a
source of stiffness to the isolation. Only a relatively large
magnitude shock will unload the ribs on one side of the isolated
mass. However, even though the ribs are unloaded on one side, the
isolated mass does not leave indirect contact with the unloaded
elastomeric members because of the sliding nature of the pin
member, described above. While a specific pre-load and a specific
elastomeric member configuration has been specified by way of
example, it should be recognized that both the pre-load and the
configuration of the elastomeric member may take equivalent values
and conformations or may be adjusted to suit any number of given
applications.
[0030] Additionally, ribs (see axial ribs 60 in FIG. 7) may be
provided on the load surface of the elastomeric member 32 to adjust
axial stiffness of the isolator. Further, with reference to FIGS.
10 and 11, ribs 45 may optionally be placed in the outer diameter
of the cylindrical segment in groove 44 to adjust radial stiffness
of the isolator. Also, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, cores or
voids 47 around the pin 40 may optionally be included in the
elastomeric member 32 to adjust radial stiffness of the
isolator.
[0031] The elastomeric material has herein been described as
generally comprising an elastomer. Without limiting the scope, the
elastomeric material may also be a moldable thermoplastic or
thermoset elastomer, e.g., TPE, urethane or natural rubber. The
elastomer may or may not have high damping characteristics.
[0032] The pin material may be any relatively rigid material.
Without limitation, steel, aluminum and high strength plastic,
e.g., acetal or nylon, are excellent materials. Also, where a
grounding path is desired between the isolated mass and the
surrounding structure or chassis, the pin may be selected from any
number of electrically conductive materials, e.g., metallic
compositions such as steel. In such case it may be desired to
provide an exposed portion of the pin member or a conductive
attachment to the pin member for grounding to the surrounding
structure or chassis.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 14, an exemplary application utilizing
a plurality of elastomeric pin isolators 30 is illustrated as a
tray mechanism, shown generally at 110. In the illustrated
embodiment, the tray mechanism 30 utilizes two pairs of such
isolators 30, each pair generally placed in opposing configurations
within the material of the tray 110. The exemplary tray 110 also
includes a plurality of side walls 111, a plurality of rails 113
connecting such side walls 111 and top surface tabs 115 deflectable
to permit installation of an isolated mass (100 in FIG. 15).
[0034] The illustrated exemplary tray 110 also includes certain
additional features, such as installation apertures 112. Each
aperture is provided with an insertion position (or insertion
aperture) 114 as well as an installation position (or installation
aperture) 116. The insertion position 114 is generally configured
with a diameter greater that that of the installation position 116,
and is configured to permit the isolators 30 to be inserted at
least partially through the material of the tray 110. The
installation position 116 is adjacent to the insertion position 114
and is configured such that movement of the isolator 30 from the
insertion position 114 to the installation position 116 effects
positive engagement of the isolator circumferential groove 44 with
the wall material of the tray mechanism 110.
[0035] With further reference to FIG. 14, an additional feature of
the tray mechanism 110 is illustrated, including a handle 120 and
an engagement clip 122. Such handle and engagement clip features
facilitate removable installation of the tray 110 and isolated mass
(100 in FIG. 15) in such cases where the tray 110, including side
walls 111, rails 113 and top surface tabs 115, is configured to
slidably engage another structure, e.g., the bay of a computer.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 15, an exemplary isolated mass 100 is
shown partially installed within the exemplary tray mechanism 110
of FIG. 14. The isolated mass 100 includes a plurality of apertures
102 configured to slidably engage the pins of the plurality of
elastomeric pin isolators 30. In one embodiment, the tabs 115 are
deflectable to permit the isolated mass 100 to be in alignment for
complete installation. In another embodiment, the tabs 115 are
deflectable to permit the isolated mass 100 to clear the tabs 115
as well as the pin members 40 of the installed elastomeric pin
isolators 30. In such embodiment, when the pin members 40 are
properly aligned with the apertures 102 in the isolated mass 100,
the deflectable tabs are permitted to return to their original
position to complete the installation of the isolated mass 100
within the tray mechanism 100.
[0037] The presently described elastomeric pin isolator not only
advantageously provides a quick and easily installed isolation
mechanism, but also provides a space reducing solution relative to
prior art elastomeric isolators and fasteners. Such space reduction
finds particular advantage in consumer electronics, e.g., as in the
computer hard drive isolation exemplified by the embodiments of
FIGS. 14 and 15, where space is critical.
[0038] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, while
exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, various
modifications and variations can be made to the elastomeric pin
isolator and/or applications utilizing one or more elastomeric pin
isolators disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that
the various embodiments have been described by way of illustration
and not limitation.
* * * * *