Isolators including main spring linear guide systems

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9618077-B2
Application number	US-201514807551-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jul 23, 2015
Priority date	Jul 23, 2015
Publication date	Apr 11, 2017
Grant date	Apr 11, 2017

Abstract

Embodiments of isolators, such as three parameter isolators, including a main spring linear guide system are provided. In one embodiment, the isolator includes first and second opposing end portions, a main spring mechanically coupled between the first and second end portions, and a linear guide system extending from the first end portion, across the main spring, and toward the second end portion. The linear guide system expands and contracts in conjunction with deflection of the main spring along the working axis, while restricting displacement and rotation of the main spring along first and second axes orthogonal to the working axis.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. An isolator having a working axis, the isolator comprising:
first end portion;
a second end portion spaced from the first end portion along the working axis;
a main spring mechanically coupled between the first and second end portions;
a linear guide system extending from the first end portion, across the main spring, and toward the second end portion, the linear guide system extending and retracting in conjunction with deflection of the main spring along the working axis, while restricting displacement and rotation of the main spring along first and second axes orthogonal to the working axis;
a damper assembly mechanically coupled between the first and second end portions in parallel with the main spring, the damper assembly at least partially nested within the linear guide system; and
a tuning spring mechanically coupled in parallel with the main spring and in series with the damper assembly, the tuning spring at least partially nested within the linear guide system.

2. The isolator of claim 1 wherein the damper assembly retains a volume of damping fluid during operation of the isolator, and wherein the linear guide system is fluidly isolated from the damping fluid.

3. The isolator of claim 1 wherein the main spring circumscribes at least a majority of the linear guide system.

4. The isolator of claim 1 wherein the linear guide system comprises a first tubular body fixedly coupled to the first end portion of the isolator and extending toward the second portion of the isolator, but separated therefrom by an axial gap.

5. The isolator of claim 4 wherein the main spring comprises first and second opposing ends, wherein the first tubular body is fixedly coupled to the first end of the main spring, and wherein relative displacement along the working axis occurs between first tubular body and the second end of the main spring as the main spring deflects along the working axis.

6. The isolator of claim 4 wherein the main spring and the first tubular body are coaxial and substantially concentric.

7. The isolator of claim 4 wherein the first tubular body is disposed radially adjacent the main spring.

8. The isolator of claim 4 further comprising a second tubular body affixed to the second end portion of the isolator and extending toward the first end portion of the isolator, but separated therefrom by a second axial gap.

9. The isolator of claim 8 wherein a portion of the first tubular body is telescopically received within the second tubular body, and wherein an annular sliding interface is formed between the first and second tubular bodies.

10. The isolator of claim 9 further comprising a first annular linear bearing disposed between the first and second tubular bodies and extending around the annular sliding interface.

11. The isolator of claim 10 further comprising a second annular linear bearing disposed between the first and second tubular bodies and extending around the annular sliding interface, the first and second annular linear bearings longitudinally spaced apart along the working axis.

12. The isolator of claim 1 wherein the linear guide system is non-sealing.

13. An isolator having a working axis, the isolator comprising:
first end portion;
a second end portion spaced from the first end portion along the working axis;
a main spring mechanically coupled between the first and second end portions;
a linear guide system extending from the first end portion, across the main spring, and toward the second end portion, the linear guide system extending and retracting in conjunction with deflection of the main spring along the working axis, while restricting displacement and rotation of the main spring along first and second axes orthogonal to the working axis;
an outer load path extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, the outer load path extending through the main spring; and
an inner load path extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, the inner load path bypassing the main spring and parallel to the outer load path;
wherein the inner load path extends through the main spring and through the linear guide system.

14. The isolator of claim 13 wherein the main spring has first end and a second opposing end, and wherein the linear guide system comprises:
a first guide member fixedly coupled to the first end of the main spring;
a second guide member fixedly coupled to the second end of the main spring; and
a sliding interface formed between the first and second guide members.

15. The isolator of claim 14 wherein the first guide member engages the second guide member at multiple points of contact along the sliding interface, the multiple points of contact spaced along the working axis.

16. The isolator of claim 14 further comprising a tubular housing piece in which the main spring is formed, the tubular housing piece circumscribing at least one of the first and second guide members.

17. The isolator of claim 13 further comprising a tuning spring mechanically coupled between the first and second end portions of the isolator, the inner load path extending through the tuning spring.

18. The isolator of claim 17 further comprising a damper assembly mechanically coupled between the first and second end portions of the isolator, the damper assembly positioned in the inner load path in series with the tuning spring.

19. An isolator having a working axis, the isolator comprising:
inner and outer load paths extending in parallel through the isolator;
a main spring positioned in the outer load path;
a damper assembly positioned in the inner load path;
a tuning spring positioned in the inner load path; and
a linear guide system coaxial with the main spring and extending beyond the main spring in both directions along the working axis;
wherein the linear guide system expands and contracts in conjunction with deflection of the main spring along the working axis, while restricting displacement and rotation of the main spring along first and second axes orthogonal to the working axis; and
wherein the inner load path extends through the linear guide system.

Assignees

• Honeywell Int Inc

Inventors

• Goold Ryan
• Buchele Paul
• Hindle Timothy
• Ruebsamen Dale Thomas

Classifications

• F16F15/022 Primary

  using dampers and springs in combination · CPC title

• F16F1/02

  made of steel or other material having low internal friction {(characterised by their special construction from fibre-reinforced plastics F16F1/366; spring units consisting of several springs F16F3/02; making springs from wire B21F35/00)}; Wound, torsion, leaf, cup, ring or the like springs, the material of the spring not being relevant · CPC title

• F16F13/007

  the damper being a fluid damper · CPC title

• F16F1/128

  with motion-limiting means, e.g. with a full-length guide element or ball joint connections; with protective outer cover (F16F1/121 takes precedence) · CPC title

• F16F2230/0052

  Physically guiding or influencing · CPC title