VIBRATION ISOLATION SYSTEM

Abstract

A vibration isolation system includes at least one first region and at least one second region that are positioned mutually, at least one first hinge member engaged with said first region, at least one second hinge member engaged with said second region and at least one lever connected with said first hinge member and said second hinge member to be at least partially movable in the direction of at least one first axis. Accordingly, at least one lever guiding element is used to minimize vibration transmission between the first region and the second region and said lever guiding element is configured to bring an instantaneous center of rotation depending on the input vibration frequency of the first region to be aligned with the second hinge element attached to the second region which is required to be protected from vibration.

Claims

1. A vibration isolation system, comprising: at least one first region and at least one second region, wherein the at least one first region and the at least one second region are located mutually, at least one first hinge element engaged with the at least one first region, at least one second hinge element engaged with the at least one second region, at least one lever connected with the at least one first hinge member and the at least one second hinge member to be at least partially movable in a direction of at least one first axis, wherein at least one lever guiding element is positioned to minimize vibration transmission between the at least one first region and the at least one second region, and the at least one lever guiding element is configured to align an instantaneous center of rotation with the at least one second hinge element.

2. The vibration isolation system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lever guiding element includes at least one wedge to contact the at least one lever.

3. The vibration isolation system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one wedge is mutually positioned to be in alignment with the at least one second hinge element connected to the at least one second region, and the at least one second region is required to be isolated from vibration.

4. The vibration isolation system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one wedge comprises at least one first wedge and at least one second wedge.

5. The vibration isolation system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one first wedge and the at least one second wedge comprise a predetermined wedge angle between the at least one first wedge and the at least one second wedge with the at least one first axis.

6. The vibration isolation system according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined wedge angles of the at least one first wedge and the at least one second wedge are equal to each other.

7. The vibration isolation system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one first wedge and the at least one second wedge are at equal distance from an axis in a middle of the at least one second hinge element.

8. The vibration isolation system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lever guiding element comprises at least one mass and the at least one mass is positioned on the first region by an elastic element, and the elastic element comprises at least one spring.

9. The vibration isolation system according to claim 8, wherein a stiffness of the elastic element is low, the at least one mass is connected to the elastic element, the at least one mass is large, and a natural frequency of the at least one mass is below a vibration isolation frequency range.

10. The vibration isolation system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lever guiding element guides the at least one lever along the first axis in a direction when the at least one lever is disturbed externally or an input excitation frequency changes in order to bring an instantaneous center of rotation to coincide with the at least one second hinge element.

11. The vibration isolation system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lever guiding element is a mechanical system without electronic sensors, actuators or control circuits for a self-tuning operation.

12. The vibration isolation system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lever guiding element is a self-powered system powered by an input vibration coming from the at least one first region, and the at least one lever guiding element eliminates a need for electrical energy input for a self-tuning operation.

13. The vibration isolation system according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined wedge angles of the at least one first wedge and the at least one second wedge are equal to each other.

14. The vibration isolation system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one first wedge and the at least one second wedge are at equal distance from an axis in a middle of the at least one second hinge element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative view of the transmissibility graph of an ordinary single-degree-of-freedom lever-type vibration isolation system.

[0024] In FIGS. 2A-2E, self-tuning action is not considered so that the resonance frequency (f.sub.p) and antiresonance frequency (f.sub.z) remain unchanged when excitation frequency (f) is applied.

[0025] FIG. 2A shows an illustrative overlapped view of the motion created in case that a vibration below the resonance frequency (f<f.sub.p) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system.

[0026] FIG. 2B shows an illustrative overlapped view of the motion created in case that a vibration at the resonance frequency (f=f.sub.p) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system.

[0027] FIG. 2C shows an illustrative overlapped view of the motion created in case that a vibration at a frequency (f.sub.p<f<f.sub.z) between resonance and antiresonance frequency is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system.

[0028] FIG. 2D shows an illustrative overlapped view of the motion created in case that a vibration at the antiresonance frequency (f=f.sub.z) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system.

[0029] FIG. 2E shows an illustrative overlapped view of the motion created in case that a vibration above the antiresonance frequency (f>f.sub.z) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative schematic view of the inventive vibration isolation system.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative schematic view of the wedges of the inventive vibration isolation system positioned below the lever.

[0032] In the figures, the reference numbers are as follows: [0033] 10 Vibration Isolation System [0034] 20 First Region [0035] 21 First Hinge Element [0036] 30 Second Region [0037] 31 Second Hinge Element [0038] 40 Bearing [0039] 50 Lever [0040] 51 Tip Mass [0041] 60 Lever Guiding Element [0042] 61 Wedge [0043] 61a First Wedge [0044] 61b Second Wedge [0045] 62 Mass [0046] 63 Spring [0047] 70 Isolation Element [0048] (I) First Axis [0049] (II) Instantaneous Center of Rotation [0050] (III) Rotation Angle [0051] (IV) Second Axis [0052] (V) Wedge Angle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0053] In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is described by way of examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

[0054] The invention relates to at least one vibration isolation system (10) for isolating vibrations at a predetermined region. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the inventive vibration isolation system (10) is a lever (50) type isolator and does not transmit the vibration that occurs on one side (first region (20)) to the other side (second region (30)). The vibration isolation element (10) can be used in all fields such as the transportation industry including preferably automotive, marine transportation, railway and aviation, household appliances, energy sector, military industry, and machinery industry where variable frequency mechanical vibrations are required to be isolated.

[0055] In FIG. 3, an illustrative schematic view of the inventive vibration isolation system (10) is presented. Accordingly, the vibration isolation system (10) has at least one first region (20) and at least one second region (30). Said first region (20) is the place where there is vibration source and said second region (30) is the region which is to be protected from vibration.

[0056] There is at least one isolation element (70) positioned between the first region (20) and the second region (30). In a possible embodiment of the invention, said isolation element (70) is an elastically deformable member, and in another possible embodiment of the invention, it exhibits resilience properties. The function of the isolation element (70) is to support loads between the first region (20) and the second region (30) under static conditions and to isolate any vibrations that may occur at least partially.

[0057] At least one hinge element (21) is engaged with the first region (20) and at least one second hinge element (31) is engaged with the second region (30). At least one bearing (40) is positioned on the first hinge element (21) and the second hinge element (31) that face each other. Said bearing (40) is configured such that at least one lever (50) is positioned therein and said lever (50) is allowed to translate at least partially along at least one first axis (I). Said first axis (I) is normally the extension direction of the lever (50). The lever (50) is connected to the first hinge element (21) and the second hinge element (31) by means of the bearings (40). The lever (50) can move at least partially on the first axis (I) by sliding along the bearings (40). Moreover, the first hinge element (21) and the second hinge element (31) allow rotation of the lever with respect to the first region (20) and the second region (30). Hence, the lever (50) can rotate and translate. At least one mass (51) can be positioned on the tip of the lever (50). Said tip mass (51) is a predetermined amount, and contributes to the isolation effect of the system by lowering the resonance frequency of the assembly.

[0058] In case of vibration, the lever (50) rotates about an instantaneous center of rotation (II) with small movements by means of the bearings (40) and forms at least one rotation angle (III) on the first axis (I). The magnitude of said rotation angle (III) changes due to the amplitude of the vibration, and the position of said instantaneous center of rotation (II) depends on the vibration frequency. The object of the invention is to move the lever (50) between the first hinge element (21) and the second hinge element (31) on the first axis (I) to align the instantaneous center of rotation (II) with the second hinge element (31) which is attached to the second region (30). In that case, no vibration is transmitted to the second region (30) and perfect vibration isolation is achieved.

[0059] There is at least one lever guiding element (60) in the vibration isolation system (10) to move the lever (50) on the first axis (I). Said lever guiding element (60) aligns the instantaneous center of rotation (II) of the lever (50) with the second hinge element (31) in the second region (30) where vibration is not desired by resting on the lever (50) and providing forces along the first axis (I). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the lever guiding element (60), which is positioned against the second hinge element (31) located in the second region (30) where vibration is not desired, positions the instantaneous center of rotation (II) and the second hinge element (31) on at least one second axis (IV) by sliding the lever (50) through bearings (40). Said second axis (IV) passes through the middle of the second hinge element (31) and it is perpendicular to the second region (30).

[0060] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the lever guiding element (60) is positioned on the first region (20), which is the vibration source, along the direction of the second axis (IV), which is the direction along which vibration isolation is to be carried out. The lever guiding element (60) has at least one mass (62). At least one spring (63) is positioned on one side of the mass (62) and at least one wedge (61) is positioned on the other side of the same. Said spring (63) is in fact an elastic element and provides the engagement of the mass (62) with the first region (20). The stiffness of the spring (63) is determined such that the natural frequency of the mass (62) to which it is connected is provided to be well below the vibration isolation frequency range. The spring (63) prevents the mass (62) from being affected by vibration by means of isolating the vibrations coming from the first region (20) where the vibration source is present. In a possible embodiment of the invention, in addition to the spring (63), there is at least one damper (not shown) to operate together with the spring (63). Said damper provides the mass (62) to stay stationary by damping the vibrations coming from the base or caused by the lever hitting the wedges during the operation of the system. The mass (62) is preferably large and is provided to remain stationary without being affected by the vibrations that may occur in the first region (20). Said wedge (61) moves the lever (50) on the first axis (I) with respect to the vibration to which the lever (50) is exposed, thus provides the instantaneous center of rotation (II) to be positioned on the second axis (IV). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the wedge (61) is made of a rubber material such that it can absorb energy. The wedge (61) is configured to transmit vibration and impact forces.

[0061] In FIG. 4, an illustrative schematic view of the wedge (61) positioned in the inventive vibration isolation system (10) is presented. Accordingly, the wedge (61) comprises at least one first wedge (61a) and at least one second wedge (61b). Said first wedge (61a) and said second wedge (61b) are substantially configured to move the lever (50) in opposite directions on the first axis (I) by hitting the lever (50) during the oscillations of the lever (50). Thus, the first wedge (61a) and the second wedge (61b) are positioned to form at least one wedge angle (V) between them and the second axis (IV). Said wedge angle (V) allows the lever to move on the first axis (I) by hitting the first wedge (61a) or the second wedge (61b) as a consequence of vibration. In a possible embodiment of the invention, wedge angles (V) for the first wedge (61a) and the second wedge (61b) are equal to each other. The lever moves upon the vibration of the first region (20). The lever (50) impacts the first wedge (61a) and the second wedge (61b) simultaneously during its movement. Since the first wedge (61a) and the second wedge (61b) make a wedge angle (V) at the movement of impact, two opposite forces that are parallel to the first axis (I) in proportion to the impact speeds are applied by the wedges to the lever (61).

[0062] Among these two opposite forces, the force where the lever (50) impacts with higher speed will be greater, so a net force that pushes the lever (50) in that direction occurs. Consequently, the lever (50) moves in the direction of the net force. When the instantaneous center of rotation (II) is aligned with the second axis (IV), the movement of the lever (50) in the first axis (I) is fixed because the speeds on the two wedges (61) are the same. Therefore, the second hinge element (31) aligns with the instantaneous center of rotation (II) and prevents the transmission of vibration to the second region (30).

[0063] In FIG. 1, an illustrative view of the transmissibility graph of a representative lever-type vibration isolation system (10) is presented. There is one resonance frequency (f.sub.p) and one antiresonance frequency (f.sub.z). Transmissibility is the ratio of output to input vibration amplitude. At resonance, transmissibility is very large and at antiresonance transmissibility is very low. Here, there is no self-tuning action. Hence, the resonance frequency (f.sub.p) and the antiresonance frequency (f.sub.z) remain constant as the excitation frequency (f) changes.

[0064] In FIGS. 2A-2E, the lever guiding element (60) is not considered and hence the position of the instantaneous center of rotation remains fixed for a fixed excitation frequency (f). Hence, in FIGS. 2A-2E, self-tuning action is not considered.

[0065] In FIG. 2A, an illustrative overlapped view of the motion created in case that a vibration below the resonance frequency (f<f.sub.p) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system (10) is presented. In case that a vibration below the resonance frequency (f<f.sub.p) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system (10) from the first region (20), the instantaneous center of rotation (II) is positioned outside the first hinge element (21) and the second hinge element (31).

[0066] In FIG. 2B, an illustrative overlapped view of the motion created in case that a vibration at the resonance frequency (f=f.sub.p) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system (10) is presented. Accordingly, in case that a vibration at the resonance frequency (f=f.sub.p) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system (10) from the first region (20), the instantaneous center of rotation (II) coincides with the first hinge element (21).

[0067] In FIG. 2C, an illustrative overlapped view of the motion created in case that a vibration at a frequency (f.sub.p<f<f.sub.z) between resonance and antiresonance frequency is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system (10) is presented. Accordingly, in case that a vibration at a frequency (f.sub.p<f<f.sub.z) between resonance and antiresonance frequency is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system (10) from the first region (20), the instantaneous center of rotation (II) is positioned between the first hinge element (21) and the second hinge element (31).

[0068] In FIG. 2D, an illustrative overlapped view of the motion created in case that a vibration at the antiresonance frequency (f=f.sub.z) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system (10) is presented. Accordingly, in case that a vibration at an antiresonance frequency (f=f.sub.z) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system (10) from the first region (20), the instantaneous center of rotation (II) is aligned with the second hinge element (31) on the second axis (IV). Since the instantaneous center of rotation (II) is stationary, the second region (30) is prevented from vibrating.

[0069] In FIG. 2E, an illustrative overlapped view of the motion created in case that a vibration above the antiresonance frequency (f>f.sub.z) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system (10) is presented. In case that a vibration above the antiresonance frequency (f>f.sub.z) is applied to the lever-type vibration isolation system (10) from the first region (20), the instantaneous center of rotation (II) is positioned outside the first hinge element (21) and the second hinge element (31).

[0070] When the lever guiding element (60) is used in the system, the resonance frequency (f.sub.p) and the antiresonance frequency (f.sub.z) change as a function of the lever position. The antiresonance frequency (f.sub.t) of the system is brought to the excitation frequency (f) by moving the lever (50) in the direction of axis (I) with the forces created by the wedges regardless of the position of the instantaneous center of rotation (II), by means of mutual wedges (61a and 61b) operating oppositely. In this case, the instantaneous center of rotation comes under the second hinge (31) and the vibration transmitted to the second region (30) is minimized. In essence, the antiresonance frequency (f.sub.t) of the vibration isolation system (10) tracks the input vibration frequency (f) and the vibration isolation system (10) always moves to the antiresonance condition even if the input excitation frequency (f) changes.

[0071] With this entire configuration, the vibrations are provided to be fully isolated (insulated) mechanically, by using energy of the mechanical vibrations (without external electrical energy input, power supply or battery, etc.) that shakes the vibration isolation system (10) as passive adaptive (not including electronic control equipment such as sensor, actuator, control circuit, PLC or computer etc.). Moreover, the vibration isolation system (10) provides a cheap and safe solution.

[0072] The protection scope of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to the description made for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. Likewise, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can present similar embodiments in the light of the above descriptions without departing from the main theme of the invention.