Elastomeric bushing having embedded structures for improved thermal conductivity and damping capacity

A bushing for use between two or more components, the bushing comprising:

• an outer metal tube having a central area;
• an inner metal tube positioned in said central area of said outer tube;
• an elastomeric material formed between said tubes;
• and
• at least one bundle of metal wires positioned within said material and at least partially against at least one of said tubes, whereby slidable contact of the surfaces of each of said wires relative to one another and metal-to-metal contact with at least one of said tubes improves thermal conductivity and dampens resonant vibration of the bushing, said at least one bundle of metal wires having a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end being fully embedded within said elastomeric material.

A method of forming a bushing for use between two or more components, the method comprising:

• forming at least one bundle of metal wires, said at least one bundle of metal wires being aligned linearly or helically, said at least one bundle of metal wires having an intermediate portion;
• forming an outer tube having an inner wall;
• forming an inner tube having an inner wall;
• positioning said intermediate portion of said at least one bundle of metal wires against one of said inner walls;
• and
• injecting an elastomeric material between said tubes.