Multi-direction tuned mass damper with unique assembly
A link assembly includes one or more mass damper assemblies. Each mass damper assemblies include an annular mass disposed around the center rod of the link and an elastomeric bushing disposed between the center rod and the annular mass. This design for the mass damper assembly provides tuned damping in multiple directions while simplifying the assembly of the mass damper assembly to the center rod.
1 . A link assembly comprising:
a center rod;
a fitting disposed at each end of the center rod;
a mass damper assembly attached to said center rod, the mass damper assembly including an annular mass disposed around the center rod and an elastomeric bushing disposed between the center rod and the annular mass, the mass damper assembly defining a first natural frequency in a first radial direction and a second natural frequency in a second radial direction, the first natural frequency being different from the second natural frequency.
2 . The link assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a first void between the center rod and the annular mass in the first radial direction.
3 . The link assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a second void between the center rod and the annular mass.
4 . The link assembly according to claim 3 , wherein the second void is disposed opposite to the first void.
5 . The link assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the annular mass defines a variable wall thickness circumferentially around the annular mass.
6 . The link assembly according to claim 5 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a first void between the center rod and the annular mass in the first radial direction.
7 . The link assembly according to claim 6 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a second void between the center rod and the annular mass.
8 . The link assembly according to claim 7 , wherein the second void is disposed opposite to the first void.
9 . The link assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the annular mass defines a first wall thickness in the first radial direction and a second wall thickness in the second radial direction, the first wall thickness being different than the second wall thickness.
10 . The link assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a first void between the center rod and the annular mass in the first radial direction.
11 . The link assembly according to claim 10 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a second void between the center rod and the annular mass.
12 . The link assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the second void is disposed opposite to the first void.
13 . A mass damper assembly comprising:
an annular mass; and
an elastomeric bushing disposed within the annular mass, the elastomeric bushing defining an aperture, the mass damper assembly defining a first natural frequency in a first radial direction and a second natural frequency in a second radial direction, the first natural frequency being different than the second natural frequency.
14 . The link assembly according to claim 13 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a first void between the aperture and the annular mass in the first radial direction.
15 . The link assembly according to claim 14 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a second void between the aperture and the annular mass.
16 . The link assembly according to claim 15 , wherein the second void is disposed opposite to the first void.
17 . The link assembly according to claim 16 , wherein the annular mass defines a variable wall thickness circumferentially around the annular mass.
18 . The link assembly according to claim 17 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a first void between the center rod and the annular mass in the first radial direction.
19 . The link assembly according to claim 18 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a second void between the center rod and the annular mass.
20 . The link assembly according to claim 19 , wherein the second void is disposed opposite to the first void.
21 . The link assembly according to claim 13 , wherein the annular mass defines a first wall thickness in the first radial direction and a second wall thickness in the second radial direction, the first wall thickness being different than the second wall thickness.
22 . The link assembly according to claim 21 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a first void between the center rod and the annular mass in the first radial direction.
23 . The link assembly according to claim 22 , wherein the elastomeric bushing defines a second void between the center rod and the annular mass.
24 . The link assembly according to claim 23 , wherein the second void is disposed opposite to the first void.