SPRING WITH ENHANCED DAMPING CAPABILITIES

RESSORT A AMORTISSEMENT AMELIORE

English Abstract

A spring having enhanced damping capabilities, the
spring comprising a compression member having a
predetermined load rating, a predetermined length, and an
elastomeric material encasing such member.

Claims

We claim:
1. A spring having enhanced damping capabilities,
said spring comprising:
(a) a compression member having a predetermined
load rating and a predetermined length;
(b) an elastomeric material encasing said
member.
2. A spring according to claim 1 wherein said
member is helical.
3. A spring according to claim 1 wherein said
spring is at least one of tension and compression.
4. A spring according to claim 1 wherein said
elastomeric material substantially surrounds said member.
5. A spring according to claim 4 wherein said
elastomeric material is a predetermined shape.
6. A spring according to claim 5 wherein said
predetermined shape is cylindrical.
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7. A spring according to claim 6 wherein said
predetermined shape further includes an inside cylinder
and an outside cylinder.
8. A spring according to claim 7 wherein said
member is disposed intermediate said inside cylinder and
said outside cylinder of said elastomeric material.
9. A spring according to claim 1 wherein said
member is metal.
10. A spring according to claim 9 wherein said metal
is steel.
11. A spring according to claim 1 wherein said
elastomeric material further includes a predetermined
composition as a means for substantially limiting the
vibration of said spring.
12. A spring according to claim 11 wherein said
predetermined composition is selected from the group
consisting of neoprene, chloroprene, silicon rubber,
nitrile rubber, and mixtures thereof.
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13. A spring according to claim 12 wherein said
predetermined composition is neoprene.
14. A spring according to claim 1 wherein said
elastomeric material extends from a surface of an inside
cylinder to a surface of an outside cylinder.
15. A spring according to claim 14 wherein said
elastomeric material on said inside surface of said inside
cylinder forms a wall substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of said member.
16. A spring according to claim 14 wherein said
elastomeric material on said outside surface of said
outside cylinder forms a wall substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of said spring.
17. A spring according to claim 1 wherein said
member is substantially surrounded by said elastomeric
material.
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Description

CA 02343512 2001-04-09
SPRING WITH ENHANCED DAMPING CAPABILITIES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The invention taught in the present application is
closely related to the invention taught in co-pending
patent application titled "Locomotive Brake Valve", filed
concurrently herewith and having serial number
This application is assigned to the assignee of the
present application. The teachings of this co-pending
patent application are incorporated herein by reference
thereto.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to a
spring and, more particularly, this invention relates to a
spring having enhanced damping capabilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prior to the present invention, spring vibration in a
system is controlled by mechanical or fluid friction
introduced into the system. Frictional forces inherent in
a system consume mechanical energy and thus naturally
reduce vibration. Additional design parameters and
components are necessary to further control spring
vibration. The dashpot or viscous damper is a common

CA 02343512 2001-04-09
device intentionally added to a system for the purpose of
limiting or retarding vibration.
There are several disadvantages to the current
design. Precise mathematical models of the dissipative
friction forces inherent in a system are usually complex.
The complexity of the model can result in inaccuracy.
This inaccuracy can further result in the selection of a
spring that is not properly suited, or over-designed to
meet the specific requirements of the system.
The use of a dashpot or viscous damper to control
vibration introduces an additional component into the
system. This additional component must be considered and
compensated for in terms of added weight, increased
envelope dimensions, and increased costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, the present invention provides for
a spring having enhanced damping capabilities. The spring
includes a compression member having a predetermined load
rating and a predetermined length, and an elastomeric
material encasing the member.
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CA 02343512 2001-04-09
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a primary object of the present
invention to provide a spring having enhanced damping
capabilities.
It is a further object to substantially reduce the
need for additional damping elements in a mechanical
system to control spring vibration.
Still a further object of the present invention is to
increase component life of the spring by reducing spring
vibration.
Still a further object of the present invention is to
decrease the potential for damage of adjoining components
as a result of spring vibration.
In addition to the various objects of the invention
that have been described above, various other objects and
advantages will become more readily apparent to those
persons skilled in the relevant art from the following
more detailed description of the invention, particularly,
when such description is taken in conjunction with the
attached fig~_:res and the appended claims.
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CA 02343512 2001-04-09
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a presently
preferred embodiment of a spring having enhanced damping
capabilities;
Figure 2 is a front view of a spring having enhanced
damping capabilities; and
Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken
substantially along line III-III of Figure 2, illustrating
the compression member encased in an elastomeric material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY
PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Prior to proceeding to a more detailed description of
the invention, it should be noted that identical
components having identical functions have been designated
with identical reference numerals for the sake of clarity.
Now refer more particularly to Figures l, 2, and 3 of
the drawings. Illustrated therein is a spring, generally
designated 10, having enhanced damping capabilities,
comprising a member 15 having a predetermined load rating
and a predetermined length, and an elastomeric material 20
encasing the member. Preferably, the member 15 is
helical, and is at least one of a tension and compression
spring. The elastomeric material 20 substantially
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CA 02343512 2001-04-09
surrounds such member, and is of a predetermined shape.
Preferably, the shape is cylindrical, and further includes
an inside cylinder 25 and an outside cylinder 30. The
member 15 is disposed intermediate an inside cylinder 25
and such outside cylinder 30. Preferably, the material of
the member 15 is metal, and the metal is steel.
The elastomeric material 20 includes a predetermined
composition as a means for substantially limiting the
vibration of the spring. The elastomeric material 20
preferably is pre-selected from the group consisting of
neoprene, chloroprene, silicon rubber, and nitrite rubber.
Preferably, the material is neoprene. The elastomeric
material 20 further extends from the surface of the inside
cylinder 25 to the surface of the outside cylinder 30.
The elastomeric material 20 on the inside surface 35 of
the inside cylinder 25 forms a wall substantially parallel
to the longitudinal axis of such member. The elastomeric
material 20 on the outside surface 40 of the outside
cylinder 30 forms a wall substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of such member. The member 15 of the
spring 10 is substantially surrounded by the elastomeric
material 20 as a means for substantially reducing the
vibration of the spring 10.

CA 02343512 2001-04-09
Although the invention has been shown in connection
with a certain specific embodiment, it will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes
in form and arrangement of parts and method may be made to
suit requirements without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
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Representative Drawing