Acoustic dampening enclosure for a mechanical device

Abstract

A two-component elastomeric enclosure surrounding a mechanical device can effectively attenuate the noise and vibration associated with the device. The outer shell of the enclosure comprises a castable polyurethane elastomer, while the inner shell of the enclosure comprises polymeric foam. The inner foam layer of the enclosure can contact both vertical and horizontal surfaces of the enclosed device in order to immobilize it within the enclosure, and to enhance the dampening effect of the enclosure on acoustic and mechanical vibrations. The enclosure can act as a vertical and horizontal supporting structure for the enclosed mechanical device. The enclosure may in turn be fastenable to a housing or frame member via relatively stiff elastomeric bushings, pads or mounts, in order to further reduce the transmission of vibrations originating from the mechanical device. The enclosure can be molded in a two-stage pour-molding process using a cavity mold and two forming dies—one for each layer of the enclosure. The second stage of the molding process allows the inner foam layer to bond to the outer shell of the enclosure during the curing process, and to have inner dimensions that can make close contact with pre-determined portions of the device for which the enclosure is being produced. Highly customized cavity molds and forming dies can be created using rapid manufacturing or prototyping techniques.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.