Vibration and shock insulation - Technological and industrial solutions

Let's recall the various functions required in conjunction with a machine suspension:

• support the weight of the suspended assembly, with a permanent static deflection;

• connect components such as drive shafts (flexible couplings), fluid lines (flexible sleeves, exhaust hoses...), etc. ;

• compensate for the effects of vibrations, correct misalignments, take up play ;

• absorb transient forces, jolts and shocks, by spreading out energy restitution;

• dampen vibratory energy by degrading it into heat due to the molecular structure of the chosen elastomer;

• decouple the machine from its environment to minimize vibration propagation and noise generation by surrounding structures, unless it is the opposite case, where protection is required from a neighboring machine generating strong vibrations, or from an environment likely to generate shocks (earthquakes), etc. 3 .

To ensure that all these functions are carried out reliably and over the long term, it's best to use suspension components that have already been industrialized.

The first impression that can be gained from consulting the catalogs of the main manufacturers of decoupling elements [Doc. B 5 142] is the great diversity of concepts and shapes. The inventiveness of manufacturers is based on advances in elastomer mastery and processing (in particular, the adhesion of elastomers to metal bases), on a policy of industrial protection and patents –, and therefore also on the circumvention of patents –, as well as on the use of subtle improvements in geometry or damping concepts to enhance performance.

Without claiming to be exhaustive, the 1